A playlist of timeless gems with piercing lyrics that will move your heart

AkariMy Hair is Bad

Akari

It’s a heartwarming song that portrays the feeling of trying to move forward despite everyday fatigue and inner conflicts.

It’s one of the tracks on My Hair is Bad’s album “ghosts,” released in July 2024, a noteworthy work that also includes the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary.” With an alternative rock sound and a husky vocal timbre, it expresses the fragility and anxiety deep within the heart, along with the strong will to keep going anyway.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel worn out by work or relationships, or when you’re on the verge of breaking.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you strength for tomorrow.

Become a childMy Hair is Bad

Kodomoni Narou

This song candidly portrays the conflicts and honest feelings we experience while living as adults.

In their CD single “life,” released in December 2020, My Hair is Bad carefully expresses the gap between the selves we perform in everyday life and our true selves.

We want recognition from others yet struggle to depend on them; we fulfill our duties as adults while still wanting to remain childlike without lying to ourselves.

These inner sentiments are powerfully delivered through the band’s distinctive, dynamic rock sound.

This track is dedicated to everyone who feels the need to reexamine their social role and their true self.

It will help you recognize the feelings you’ve kept hidden deep inside throughout your life.

Be yourselfSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Be yourself” - Lyric Video from ARENA TOUR DOCUMENT - (from 6th Mini Album “Sunny Bottle”)

This is a gem of a message song that sings about the importance of living true to yourself.

Included on Saucy Dog’s July 2022 album “Sunny Bottle,” the track centers on self-affirmation and a forward-looking way of life, wrapping the universal struggles and anxieties we all face in a warm, comforting sound.

Through the portrayal of a protagonist grappling with the gap between ideals and reality, it conveys the beauty of not demanding perfection.

Chosen as the ending theme for San-in Broadcasting’s “Teleport San-in,” this song is perfect for those unsure how to face themselves or seeking music that gently stays by their side.

Its gentle key of G major and relaxed tempo are sure to soothe the heart.

antinomyamazarashi

amazarashi 'Antinomy' Music Video 1.1a Edition | NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Ending Theme

The two-piece rock band amazarashi, known for their impactful, message-driven worldview themed around “How many songs are there now that you want to listen to while reading the lyrics?”, has been gaining attention.

Their 8th single Antinomy, written as the ending theme for the TV anime NieR:Automata Ver1.1a, features an ensemble with depth and a floating quality that truly stirs the heart.

The lyrics, which depict a reality that doesn’t go the way we hope, resonate with the anime while likely striking a chord with many listeners.

It’s an emotional, lyrical rock tune characterized by a wistful vocal delivery and melody.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Live!kocchi no kento

Don't die! / MV by Kocchino Kento

For those whose spirits are broken and who are feeling down, I recommend “Don’t Die!” This is a work by Kentsu, the singer and younger brother of Masaki Suda.

The lyrics are crafted to encourage people who are on the verge of losing the will to live, using powerful words.

At the same time, the sound has a jazzy, pop vibe, which keeps it from feeling too heavy—that’s part of its charm.

Pay attention to the words thrown at you at the end as you listen.

It’s sure to help you feel more positive.

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yamamoto

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plateauSakanakushon

Sakanaction / Plateau -Music Live Video-

Does anyone remember the Sante FX commercial titled “Yes, those eyes.

Accompaniment,” where Ichiro Yamaguchi, the vocalist of Sakanaction, performed a solo rendition? Compared to other commercials, it was incredibly sensational and left a deep impression on many people.

The song featured in that commercial is Plateau.

In its band arrangement, the track feels completely different from the stripped-down image of the commercial’s solo performance.

The word “plateau” in the title refers to a state of stagnation.

With that in mind, when you read the lyrics, you can see someone struggling to break through their current situation amid various conflicts.

For those in a similar place, this song may become a source of emotional support.

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Hane Keisuke

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Go for it!Nakajima Miyuki

Go for it!

This is a bold and ambitious work by Miyuki Nakajima that portrays people who keep moving forward even as they face the unreasonable realities of society.

It delivers a powerful message to those confronting challenges such as educational discrimination, violence, indifference, and sexism.

It was included on the album “Yokan” released in March 1983, and was re-released as a single in May 1994.

Since then, it has been featured in commercials such as Sumitomo Life’s “Winning Life,” and in 2020 as UNIQLO’s “HEATTECH” CM song, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

However, the lyrics immediately before the first chorus in this work depict a chillingly realistic portrayal of human cruelty.