DIR EN GREY Popular Song Ranking [2026]

DRAIN AWAYDIR EN GREY21rank/position

DIR EN GREY – DRAIN AWAY [PV] [SUB] [HD]

This is a song from 2003, back when their visual kei influence was still strong.

The singing style is completely different from now, too.

Even back then, though, it seems their irises looked small.

It’s interesting that this track also includes a slight touch of nu-metal/mixture elements.

There’s also a wobbly, squelchy synth in there.

Acro HillDIR EN GREY22rank/position

Dir en grey – Akuro no Oka / Akuro no Oka [CLIP VIDEO DVD GAUZE-62045-] HD

DIR EN GREY is a visual kei band formed in 1997, primarily known for songs in genres like metal and hardcore.

Akuro no Oka is a single released in 1999—a long-form ballad that begins with acoustic guitar.

As a rock ballad, it’s easy to listen to even for those new to DIR EN GREY.

Because each lyrical phrase in the song is relatively long, the words are easy to catch, and the content of the song sinks in smoothly.

After you’ve hyped things up at karaoke and it’s time for ballads, definitely give this one a try!

CLEVER SLEAZOIDDIR EN GREY23rank/position

DIR EN GREY – CLEVER SLEAZOID [PV] [SINGLE] [SUB] [HD]

Released in 2007.

Among fans, it’s common knowledge that dir’s style has changed significantly from their early days to the present, but this song somehow gives the impression of being right in the middle.

The vocal style is close to Kyo’s current approach, though it still feels like it was in the midst of changing.

Also, the music video features insects, so please be careful if you’re sensitive to that.

UnravelingDIR EN GREY24rank/position

DIR EN GREY – Unraveling [PV] [SUB] [HD]

As the name “Unraveling” suggests, it’s a song with an impressive PV featuring piles of yarn balls, cat’s cradle imagery, and a house collapsing.

Kyo’s scream and movements around 1:50 are a must-hear.

This is just my personal opinion, but I like Kyo’s hairstyle in this the most.

reasonDIR EN GREY25rank/position

Reason – Dir en grey

A mid-tempo track included on DIR EN GREY’s second album, MACABRE, released in 2000.

At the beginning of the song, the protagonist jumps from the top floor of a building and reflects on their life.

It’s a striking piece in which they end their own life with their own hands, unable to let go of their lingering feelings for a loved one.

Footsteps in an empty valleyDIR EN GREY26rank/position

DIR EN GREY – The Sound of Footsteps in an Empty Valley

A song created around the same time as “Uroko.” Even among DIR EN GREY’s works, which often revolve around the theme of pain, this track feels relatively straightforward, featuring imagery that evokes war.

However, the title “Kūkoku no Kyōon” (literally “Footsteps in a Empty Valley”) is an old idiom meaning “an unexpected visit or happy news that comes to someone living in lonely seclusion.”

poem stompingDIR EN GREY27rank/position

DIR EN GREY – Poem-Treading (Promotion Edit Ver.) (CLIP)

As of April 2017, this is their newest single.

The sense of speed, the heavy sound, and Kyo’s out-of-the-ordinary vocal style remain as solid as ever even after more than 15 years since their formation.

The promotional video—shot on a unique set that blends a Christian religious worldview with steampunk—features the same unflinching, visceral content as always.

contourDIR EN GREY28rank/position

DIR EN GREY – Rinkaku (Contour) (Promotion Edit Ver.)

Released in December 2012, this work reconstructs songs from the band’s indie era.

It delivers a rich, dramatic production that highlights beautiful, delicate melodies, transforming the pieces from medium-tempo numbers into heavier tracks.

While incorporating growls and shouts, 7-string guitars, and blast beats, it retains parts of the original lyrics and guitar lines, resulting in a track that showcases DIR EN GREY’s evolving musicality.

The lyrics—depicting a fantastical world and inner turmoil—are also compelling.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor a weighty sound coupled with finely nuanced emotional expression.

heartbeatDIR EN GREY29rank/position

DIR EN GREY Kodo [PV] HQ

When it comes to Dir’s vocalist Kyo, I personally think his strengths are his diverse vocal techniques and those seductive high notes.

This song, in particular, feels like it brings out Kyo’s allure in a very concentrated way.

As a result, elements like shouts and growls are more restrained, but it still turns out plenty cool.

And the shout near the end that comes in as if suddenly remembered is absolutely overwhelming!

JealousDIR EN GREY30rank/position

Dir en grey – Jealous (PV)

Released in 1998, this is their first single, put out independently.

Their consistently erotic-grotesque aesthetic was already budding, but as an early work the sound lacks heaviness, and the vocals are entirely clean with no shouts or the like.

The band holds the record for performing at the Budokan in less than two years after forming, suggesting they were already extremely popular during their indie days.