![The Checkers Popular Song Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/VJyuFjfdeSA/maxresdefault.webp)
The Checkers Popular Song Ranking [2026]
We’ve compiled a ranking of popular songs by the legendary idol group The Checkers.
From their early singles rooted in oldies to their later singles that incorporate a variety of styles—doo-wop, mood kayō (Japanese mood music), UK rock, jazz, and fusion—every track is a standout classic that’s a pleasure to listen to.
The Checkers’ Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu1rank/position
The Checkers, with Fumiya Fujii on vocals, were hugely popular as an idol-style band in the 1980s.
I love the intro to this song, and it modulates at the end so the pitch goes up! It’s just too cool.
The same melodic line repeats several times, and the overall range sits comfortably for male voices, so it seems perfect for singing along and having fun.
By the way, did you know the very last phrase after the key change in the final chorus goes even higher? When you sing it at karaoke, focus on that part and nail the pitch—you’ll land it in style! In general, if you keep your energy up while singing, your vocal cords will resonate better and the high notes will come out more easily, so go for it with confidence!
A Tearful RequestChekkāzu2rank/position
The Checkers were an idol group that enjoyed immense popularity among women.
Because they were aimed at a slightly younger audience, they might not be a perfect fit for women in their 60s; still, many will have heard their songs often.
Among their tracks, Namida no Request is a particularly crowd-pleasing piece.
Although it’s categorized as a ballad, it isn’t subdued; rather, it features an upbeat melody.
The vocal range is somewhat broad at mid1 F# to high D#, but since the midrange is the focus, it’s exceptionally easy to sing.
Breath of DawnChekkāzu3rank/position
This is the 23rd single by The Checkers, released in June 1990.
It was used as the campaign song for the film “Tasmania Story” and reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The gentle vocals resonate as if slowly soaking into a wounded heart.
You can picture a lone seagull separated from its flock gazing at the dawn sea, and the image of taking a new step forward from loneliness is deeply moving.
Listening to it at a major turning point in life, while thinking of gratitude for someone important, can leave you feeling purified.
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu4rank/position
The Checkers’ fifth single sets a bittersweet love story to a beautiful melody.
Released in November 1984, it vividly portrays the protagonist’s sense of loss and the faint memories of two people who met in the city.
The song reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and also topped the 1985 year-end ranking.
It was featured in the 2019 drama “Your Turn to Kill,” resonating across generations.
It’s a recommended track for soothing the pain of heartbreak or reminiscing about precious moments with a loved one.
I Love you, SAYONARAChekkāzu5rank/position
A gem of a ballad released in March 1987, accompanied by a wistful saxophone melody.
It was also used as a CM song for SEIKO’s “Avenue” series and became a classic that reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
The song expresses feelings that can’t be conveyed precisely because the two care for each other, carried by a beautiful intro and memorable phrases.
Naoyuki Fujii’s saxophone playing leaves a deep afterglow in the listener’s heart, blending perfectly with the moody melody.
Still shining without fading, this piece embraces those whose hearts waver in the face of heartbreak or resolve for the future—why not rediscover the allure of the saxophone through this timeless track?
Stardust StageChekkāzu6rank/position
Among Showa-era idol band songs, this is a standout classic where “the bittersweetness of youth × the drive of rock” shines at its best.
“Hoshikuzu no Stage” was the theme song for the first season of the TBS drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte…” and, remarkably, was The Checkers’ first-ever drama tie-in track.
Unlike their other songs, it has a relaxed tempo, making it easier to sing calmly.
You can take your time and sing carefully while looking at the lyrics, but the key suddenly changes in the final chorus and the pitch goes up, so after the modulation, try raising your energy level by one notch when you sing!
The Legend of Jim & JaneChekkāzu7rank/position
This is a refreshing yet bittersweet song that looks back on memories and promises with someone important who has gone their own way.
Released as a single in 1988, it was later included on the album “SCREW.” The lyrics—said to be influenced by the manga Hot Road—are a notable highlight, vividly evoking youthful scenes centered around motorcycles.
The sound even incorporates motorcycle engine noises, emphasizing a sense of power and the exhilarating rush of youth.
While it conjures images of clear, breezy landscapes, its gentle rhythm makes it a song you can sing in a relaxed manner, focusing on pitch and nuance.
