ORIGINAL LOVE started activities in 1986 and made their major debut in 1991.
They began as a band, but in 1995 it became Takao Tajima’s solo project.
Many people may have discovered them through drama theme songs or music programs.
Their pleasant grooves, rooted in rock numbers with shades of jazz and blues, will wrap your ears in happiness.
Of course, their signature song Kiss (Setsun) is a standout, but there are also funk tracks and a unique coolness and stylish atmosphere that only Tajima’s sound can create—it’s just the best!
Romantic-leaning songs like Let’s Meet on the Dark Side of the Moon are also wonderful.
When he feels stuck, it seems that running brings him new ideas for composing…!
Please enjoy the many timeless, cool classics of ORIGINAL LOVE forever!
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ORIGINAL LOVE’s classic songs. Popular tracks that shine with a cool vibe (1–10)
Let’s meet on the far side of the moon.ORIGINAL LOVE
It’s the song that served as the theme for the drama “Banana Chips Love,” starring Yasuko Matsuyuki.
The single and album versions start differently.
The sound leans toward acid jazz, but the singing isn’t exactly soulful; it has a melodic quality that doesn’t wear out its welcome.
Not just in its musical style, but also in the way he sharply sports a suit while singing, it still feels stylish even now, long after its release.
Meteor CityORIGINAL LOVE
A mid-tempo track from their fifth album, RAINBOW RACE, released in 1995.
Wrapped in a relaxed, gentle mood and soft tones, it fills you with a feeling of true happiness.
Although the lyrics depict urban scenes, there’s a romantic touch that exudes a hint of the extraordinary, and that’s just perfect.
Having a lover or family waiting for you at home is such a warm thing.
It matches especially well with situations like the Shuto Expressway or other highways, a magical song that makes the journey home feel thrilling.
The road where the morning sun shinesORIGINAL LOVE
This is one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature songs, and it was used in a shampoo commercial at the time.
The light blue leather jacket worn in the music video is quite striking and cool.
As the B-side to Golden Time, there’s an alternate arrangement of this track included, and that arrangement is also nicely done.
PrimalORIGINAL LOVE
This was the first single after ORIGINAL LOVE became Takao Tajima’s solo project, and it stands alongside “Kiss” as one of the band’s signature songs.
It was used as the theme song for the drama Stalker starring Atsuro Watabe.
The lyrics tenderly portray a man’s heart—what we’d now call a herbivore-type guy—falling in love.
It’s a song that lets you enjoy the wide range of Tajima’s vocals.
Sunshine RomanceORIGINAL LOVE
This song is included on the 3rd album “EYES,” and it was also released as a single.
The horn section in the intro gets your body moving—it’s an upbeat, summery track! It was performed live again in 2014 after a long time, turning into a massive sing-along with the whole venue and creating an incredible atmosphere.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want as the soundtrack for a summer drive.
kissORIGINAL LOVE
It’s such a major, signature song of ORIGINAL LOVE that probably about half the country knows it.
The album and single versions have different intros, making it a drool-worthy track for fans.
Tajima’s vocals on this song have gotten more idiosyncratic year by year; at Koyabu Sonic he even did a bit with the comedy duo Chidori joking that his “singing is so quirky!” The melody and lyrics are the kind that make men want to sing it at karaoke to show off their manliness, so when a guy you know belts this one out, I hope the women can look on with a warm smile.
Blow the night awayORIGINAL LOVE
A staple song that always closes out ORIGINAL LOVE’s live shows! It was included on their first album and usually makes it onto their best-of compilations too—that’s how much of a standard it is.
The bold key changes are really satisfying to listen to.
It’s also on a Pizzicato Five album, but I feel Tajima’s voice sounds more vibrant in the ORIGINAL LOVE version.
It’s fun to compare it with the Pizzicato Five-era recording.