GLAY Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

HOWEVERGLAY1rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

GLAY, known for their legendary concert that drew 200,000 people in 1999, released their 12th single in August 1997—a gem of a ballad that became the band’s first million seller.

Written and composed by TAKURO, the song sets a grand melody to lyrics about the preciousness of meeting a loved one and the resolve to move forward beyond past wounds.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a social phenomenon, selling a cumulative total of about 1.34 million copies.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TBS drama “Ryodatsuei: Abunai Onna” (Stolen Love: Dangerous Woman), it captured even more listeners’ hearts.

TERU’s emotionally rich vocals blend beautifully with the band’s dramatic sound, making this a masterpiece that feels like it gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

TemptationGLAY2rank/position

GLAY / Temptation (Re-recorded)

From the very first bars, the searing guitar riff and breakneck rhythm grab listeners and never let go.

This work is GLAY’s 13th single, released in April 1998, and it became a household favorite as the theme song for TDK’s “MiniDisc XA Series” commercial.

The simultaneous release alongside another single sparked buzz at the time, and the result was a megahit that topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Included on the classic album “pure soul,” it holds an important place as a symbol of the band’s rock edge.

It’s like an ignition switch that instantly heats up a live venue, stirring an irresistible urge to thrust your fist in the air.

Sing it at karaoke and it has the power to transform the atmosphere—perfect for turning things up with friends.

Winter,againGLAY3rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

It’s a quintessential winter song of the Heisei era that conjures up a frozen silver world and TERU passionately singing! Created by TAKURO while envisioning the landscapes of his Hokkaido hometown, this piece is amazing for the way emotions burst forth all at once from the quiet opening into the soaring final chorus.

Released in February 1999, it still hasn’t lost its charm.

It was used as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKI SKI,” and was later included on the classic album HEAVY GAUGE.

It’s GLAY’s biggest hit, which won the 41st Japan Record Award, and it will also brighten a 2026 commercial for Car Sensor.

Perfect for when you want to dive headfirst into a nostalgic mood at karaoke! How about belting it out while tracing your memories from back then?

BELOVEDGLAY4rank/position

GLAY / BELOVED

A medium-tempo ballad marked by a guitar intro that feels somehow nostalgic and a warm, embracing melody.

TAKURO’s lyrics, which sing of deep love for one’s dearest and a bond that remains unchanged even as the times shift, are filled with a gentle kindness that seems to stay close to the listener’s heart.

Released in August 1996 as GLAY’s ninth single, the song also became widely known as the theme for the TV drama “A Summer Proposal.” Reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, it can be considered a pivotal work that cemented the band’s rise.

When you feel overwhelmed by busy days and on the verge of losing yourself, give it a listen.

A person who loves springGLAY5rank/position

A person who loves spring

A heartwarming mid-tempo number that sings of the preciousness of living and loving as the seasons change.

Its gentle yet powerful message—like enduring the harsh cold of winter while awaiting spring—will resonate deeply.

After being included on the album “BELOVED,” released in November 1996, the song received overwhelming support from fans and was also featured as the B-side of the May 1997 single “Kuchibiru.” In addition, it was used in a commercial for Mitsubishi Motors’ Pajero Jr., making it a beloved track for many.

It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to when welcoming a new season or thinking of someone dear who is far away.

At life’s turning points, why not feel the gentle encouragement it offers?

Together forever…GLAY6rank/position

Together forever…

When asked, “What’s a good wedding song?” I bet many people would mention this one.

GLAY themselves have said they wrote it for weddings—a quintessential classic! It’s a gentle ballad.

In the middle of the ceremony—when sharing the couple’s memories or reading letters—it adds even more sparkle to a moving wedding.

gloriousGLAY7rank/position

GLAY / Glorious

GLAY is a rock band that has left a brilliant mark on J-POP history and continues to be beloved across generations.

This song, whose lyrics capture the yearning for the faint romances of youth alongside the realities and hopes felt in adulthood, resonates deeply, and its catchy melody and exhilarating, classic band sound make it an irresistible number.

Released in January 1996 as their eighth single, it was featured in the commercial for Victoria (’96 Victoria) and became their breakout hit, earning the band their first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

It was also included on the acclaimed album BEAT out!, and remains a staple of their live shows, cherished by fans to this day.

Why not give it a listen when you want to reminisce about those days or lift your spirits?

The strength to keep livingGLAY8rank/position

GLAY / The Strength to Keep Living

It’s one of GLAY’s signature songs, celebrating the strength to overcome the hardships we face in life.

Set to a simple melody, the lyrics resonate as they convey the importance of moving forward through the power of love.

Released in February 1996, the song has become a live staple and a fan favorite.

After the 2004 Niigata Chūetsu Earthquake, it was performed in Niigata to encourage those affected, and it has continued to inspire courage in many people.

Give it a listen when you feel worn out by daily life or when you’ve experienced setbacks—you’ll surely find the strength to face forward.

SOUL LOVEGLAY9rank/position

GLAY / SOUL LOVE

A refreshing love song that portrays the anticipation of a new romance beginning with the arrival of spring.

The protagonist experiences a sudden, fateful encounter, and as their interactions deepen, the song carefully depicts the evolving emotions of discovering ways to live—like how to spend sleepless nights and the importance of human connection.

Released in April 1998, the track was also used as the campaign song for Kanebo Bronze Love ’98 Summer and was included on the album “pure soul,” released in July of the same year.

Its gently enveloping melody and hope-filled lyrics evoke the fluttering excitement of the start of love that everyone has felt.

It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to make a fresh start and embark on a new romance.

COLORSGLAY10rank/position

GLAY / COLORS

GLAY is a four-member rock band that set numerous milestones in the J-POP scene during the 1990s and continues to be highly active today.

COLORS, which was selected as the theme song for the film Final Fantasy XIV: Daddy of Light, is memorable for its lyrical string arrangements.

The song’s lyrics, depicting the relationship and emotional distance between father and child, may resonate as a feeling of gratitude you come to understand in adulthood.

It’s an emotional medium-tempo ballad perfect for June, when Father’s Day falls—one that invites you to reflect on your own life.

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Hoshino Takashi

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