RC Succession Popular Song Rankings [2026]

The third most important thingRC sakuseshon21rank/position

RC Succession “The Third Most Important Thing” (album version)

It’s a song about a high school girl’s feelings that says a lover is the third most important thing.

She might be different from high school girls today, but I felt something similar toward someone I had a crush on—even though I never said it out loud—so the song really resonates with me.

NEW YORK SNOW: I Want to Hold YouRC sakuseshon22rank/position

NEW YORK SNOW by RC SUCCESSION

A sweet love song included on RC Succession’s 1984 album “FEEL SO BAD.” The lyrics depict lovers walking through a cold city after buying champagne, wine, and fried chicken.

As the song progresses, the vocals become increasingly sensual—making it a tempting choice to cover.

RC SuccessionRC sakuseshon23rank/position

Transistor Radio / RC Succession / Kiyoshiro Imawano

A quintessential masterpiece by RC Succession, known without needing to be said.

As a force so powerful that no one else could rival it, it reigned over Japan’s rock scene, and even after Kiyoshiro Imawano’s passing, perhaps it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s still listened to like a legend.

The pleasant rhythm of rock, tinged with nostalgia, turns your mindset forward, stimulates the brain, and boosts concentration.

Not everything is good.RC sakuseshon24rank/position

RC Succession - There Ain’t No Such Thing as Only Good Things

I’m a man in my 60s who lived through the era when folk music was mainstream, but I think there were just as many rock fans, too.

Many people were probably captivated by how cool RC Succession were, right? That’s why I’d like to recommend their song “Ii Koto Bakari wa Arya Shinai” (“There Aren’t Only Good Things”).

While many of their tracks can be challenging, this one keeps the vocal line understated throughout.

The range is narrow and the tempo is relaxed, making it a very easy song to sing.

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Ryo

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AngelRC sakuseshon25rank/position

Angel RC Succession 1989-12-25

Among RC Succession’s many bittersweet songs, this one is a guaranteed tearjerker! Kiyoshiro Imawano delivers a soulful, heartrending vocal about parting from his own “angel.” The key is that this angel is by no means a pure, innocent character—that’s exactly what makes it all the more moving.

A masterpiece ballad dedicated to every man who’s ever had his heart broken.

Sans toi, mamieRC sakuseshon26rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano - Sans Toi Mamie

This is a cover of Adamo included on the album “COVERS,” which I released in 1988.

I really want you to listen to this album—it’s full of masterpieces.

Fubuki Koshiji had covered this song, but her lyrics were from a woman’s perspective, so I rewrote them from a man’s point of view.

The boss is lame.RC sakuseshon27rank/position

RC Succession - Boss, you're such a drag

Give me a raise, cut down my hours—my youth is being ruined here.

For many people, this is the definitive song that speaks for part-time workers.

It’s basically just a string of complaints, but when it’s Kiyoshiro singing, you strangely even feel a kind of affection for the boss.

That girl and IRC sakuseshon28rank/position

Me and That Girl - RC Succession

This is a song by RC Succession that portrays the story of two young people alienated from society.

The lyrics, which sing of the pure love between a delinquent girl and an orphan, are delivered through Kiyoshiro Imawano’s distinctive vocals.

Featured on the album HEART ACE, released in November 1985, the piece depicts the strength of the two who refuse to be defeated by prejudice and discrimination.

The striking phrase “truly warming each other” speaks to the depth of their bond.

Conveying the importance of understanding one another beyond the confines of social frameworks, the lyrics continue to resonate with many today.

It’s a song that stands beside and encourages those suffering from prejudice and loneliness—one well worth a listen.

My favorite teacherRC sakuseshon29rank/position

RC Succession - My Favorite Teacher

You probably have a teacher you’ll never forget, too.

This is a work that makes you think, “I’d love to see that person again.” It’s a song by the legendary rock band RC Succession, led by singer-songwriter Kiyoshiro Imawano, released in 1972 as their third single.

The model for the song is Kiyoshiro’s homeroom teacher from his school days.

Set to a pop melody, it sings about what he liked about his teacher, and listening to it gives you a warm, cozy feeling.

At the same time, it brings a slight pang of nostalgia as you think back on your own homeroom teacher.

Maybe it’s time to reach out to that teacher you haven’t seen since graduation.

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Araki Jakkan

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The sky grows dark again.RC sakuseshon30rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano · The Sky Grows Dark Again

The lyrics are simple, but it’s a song whose gentle words make you feel as if Kiyoshiro Imawano is right there by your side, encouraging you—that’s its charm.

When you’re feeling down or something bad has happened, this is a track I hope you’ll blast at full volume to lift your spirits.