Hi-STANDARD Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Starry NightHi-STANDARD22rank/position

Hi-Standrad STARRY NIGHT

The 4th album “Making The Road” can be considered the completed form of Hi-Standard’s music and of melodic hardcore, and one example of that is “Starry Night.” Compared to the tracks on their previous albums, even though it’s fast-paced, the sound feels extremely well-organized.

You could say this harmony became a model for later melodic hardcore, and conversely, because everyone imitated Hi-Standard, it may have led to a situation where you think, “All these bands sound the same.”

Stop The TimeHi-STANDARD23rank/position

Hi-STANDARD – STOP THE TIME

I think Hi-Standard’s name really started to become widely known after the release of their 3rd album, Angry Fist.

Back then, Hi-Standard mainly toured live houses, but they gradually built up popularity in the underground scene, and when Angry Fist reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts, it put their name on the map.

Riding that momentum, they launched their self-produced rock festival, Air Jam, for the first time.

One of the standout tracks from this breakthrough album, Angry Fist, is Stop The Time.

Its guitar riff was copied by countless young guitarists and helped popularize the idea of “poppy guitar riffs” in the later J-Punk scene.

THE GIFTHi-STANDARD24rank/position

Hi-STANDARD -The Gift(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

This is the title track from the album “THE GIFT,” which was suddenly released in 2017 as their first album since they went on hiatus in 2000.

Many fans must have rejoiced at the news of Hi-Standard’s return at the time.

Although all the lyrics are in English, the song addresses people who envy others and feel discontent, telling them, “If you accept yourself and take a fresh look at who you are, you’ll realize you have a gift that only you possess.” When you’re lacking confidence, listening to this song might help you discover your own unique talents and charm.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Saturday NightHi-STANDARD25rank/position

Hi Standard – Growing Up (Full Album – 1995)

This is a cover of a classic song by Hi-Standard whose brass sound will sweep you off your feet.

The tempo is fast and the beat tends to push forward, so it might not be ideal for choreographed routines, but for freestyle dancing some people might be able to nail it with a rough, loose style! If you like band-driven sounds, using this track could really set the mood.

Big Ol’ ClockHi-STANDARD26rank/position

Big Ol’ Clock

It is included on THE GIFT, their first album in 18 years, released in October 2017 and a chart-topping hit.

This song is a lyrical mid-tempo number that reins in the band’s signature sense of speed.

Its beautiful choral work and heartfelt ensemble gently embrace the sense of loss symbolized by a gaping hole in the heart and a stopped clock.

On a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear, it may stay close to your heart.

It has also been introduced at live shows as “a song we sang for the people of Fukushima,” and you can truly feel the earnest wish for someone reaching you straight on.

California DreaminHi-STANDARD27rank/position

Hi-STANDARD – California Dreamin’

Hi-Standard began doing punk-style covers of famous songs around the time of Growing Up.

The album includes three covers, and the most popular among them is California Dreamin’.

They brilliantly rearranged the pop original into a tense punk rock track, and the sudden tempo drop in the interlude leading into a metal-like guitar solo is especially breathtaking.

Guitarist Ken Yokoyama is one of Japan’s most famous guitarists, and this is one of the songs where his appeal shines the most.

ChangesHi-STANDARD28rank/position

Changes

This song is a reconstruction of the legendary ballad created by the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath.

While preserving the melancholic yet beautiful melody of the original, the addition of distorted guitars and an urgent beat imbues it with a palpable strength amid the sadness.

Released in June 1999, it is included on the landmark album MAKING THE ROAD, which sold over 650,000 copies.

The song portrays the deep sorrow of a man whose beloved woman has left him, alongside his helpless attempt to accept the change in their relationship—its raw emotional expression is truly heart-wrenching.

It’s a track that gently stays by your side on nights weighed down by an overwhelming sense of loss.