Yellow Magic Orchestra Popular Song Ranking [2026]

SimounYellow Magic Orchestra36rank/position

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Simoon (1978)

Simoon is a hot wind that whips up sandstorms in places like the Arabian Desert.

Listening to this track, you’re overtaken by a curious, faint languor—as if being blown by that hot wind.

The piano tone is beautiful! A track from the 1978 release “Yellow Magic Orchestra.”

JamYellow Magic Orchestra37rank/position

Pure Jam – YMO

With a sound that evokes the beginning of something, it’s a track truly worthy of opening the album Technodelic.

The occasional “Jam desho” voice heard in the song is by Peter Barakan, and it was reportedly recorded using a walkie-talkie.

The End of AsiaYellow Magic Orchestra38rank/position

[Complete Version] YMO - THE END OF ASIA 1979 LIVE at The Venue, 24th Oct — Full Version

This piece by Ryuichi Sakamoto was composed with images of The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō and Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e in mind.

The steady, unhurried rhythm evokes the feeling of marching along an Edo-period highway.

Be prepared—the track is cut abruptly in places, so don’t be startled!

Nice AgeYellow Magic Orchestra39rank/position

Nice Age – YMO

At the time this track was recorded, Paul McCartney was scheduled to join the session.

Following his arrest and detention then, the number of the detention facility where he was held is recited in the song, making it quite a provocative piece.

Imagining the background while listening is part of the fun.

Behind the MaskYellow Magic Orchestra40rank/position

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Behind the Mask (1979)

Compared to typical techno, this track has a slower tempo and is characterized by a relaxed rhythm.

Although they often used complex chord progressions, this song features a simple progression and a singable melody, which has helped make it particularly popular overseas.

Be a SupermanYellow Magic Orchestra41rank/position

YMO – Be A Superman

It’s a classic track that expresses the modern person’s ambivalent feelings—admiring Superman-like strength yet wanting to do nothing—through a minimal beat.

Released as a single in August 1993, it was included on the album TECHNODON, which reunited the group ten years after their “disbandment.” Due to rights issues at the time, they operated under a name marked with overlapping Xs, but their production style remained intact: Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi on the track with Haruomi Hosono adding bass.

Their signature playfulness is also on full display, including a sampled “gomen” (“sorry”) that came from a mistake during recording.

firecrackerYellow Magic Orchestra42rank/position

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Firecracker (1978)

The original song is a track included on Martin Denny’s album Quiet Village.

At first listen it may feel like it unfolds mechanically and matter‑of‑factly, but the subtle human fluctuations in the sound that you catch here and there make it an exceptionally pleasant piece.

Also, be sure to listen for Haruomi Hosono’s marimba.