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A wonderful Japanese music band

RIZE’s classic and popular songs

RIZE is a rock band that has led Japan’s mixture rock scene since their formation in 1997.

Many people are still captivated by their one-of-a-kind mixture sensibility, each member’s exceptional expressive power, and their charismatic presence—including their looks.

Their die-hard fans are known as “Rizers.”

What makes them so compelling are, above all, their straightforward sound, a wealth of memorable guitar riffs, and their overwhelming live performances.

Calling them cool might sound cliché, but it’s the word that suits them best.

This time, we’re going to dive into the world of RIZE!

We researched their past hits and classic tracks and carefully curated a selection.

RIZE’s classic and popular songs (11–20)

GodRIZE

Included on the 2007 fifth album ALTERNA, this was the industry’s first digital single, released together with the fifth track, heiwa.

Centered on the theme of humans who repeatedly destroy nature, it delivers scathing lyrics over an energetic, uplifting beat.

It’s often used as the opening number at live shows, instantly sending the floor into a frenzy.

ONE SHOTRIZE

This song features lyrics by vocalist JESSE and composition by Nobuaki Kaneko.

Since the two have loved basketball since childhood, the track is themed around the sport.

You’ll find plenty of basketball terms in the lyrics.

Musically, it’s quintessentially RIZE—an aggressive RIZE sound that also includes beautiful, sing-along sections, making it a richly satisfying track you can enjoy all the way through!

Dream CatcherRIZE

Dream CatcherRIZE

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This is the sixth single, released in 2001, and is also included on the album “FOREPLAY.” It’s a song that takes as its theme the dreamcatcher, a tradition passed down among Native American tribes, in its literal sense.

It powerfully sings about the feeling everyone has when they’re young—“chasing your dreams”—set to a poignant melody.

02RIZE

02RIZE

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This is a track from their third album, Natural Vibes, released in 2002.

It’s a song that seems to embody the words unruly and bad kid exactly as they are.

Anti-establishment and defiant toward adults, it perfectly fits the mischievous, youthful RIZE.

It overflows with the explosive energy of youth.

GHOSTRIZE

RIZE 「GHOST」TOUR2007 ALTERNA
GHOSTRIZE

It’s a track from their fifth album, ALTERNA, released in 2007.

With a jazzy style and a sense of sorrow and melancholy, it revealed a new side of RIZE at the time.

KenKen’s upright bass is particularly striking.

At first glance it may seem like a deeply sad song, but it’s actually a gentle piece filled with JESSE’s love for someone who has passed away.

American HeroRIZE

RIZE 「American Hero」 TOUR 2008 T.K.O.
American HeroRIZE

This is a track from their fifth album, ALTERNA, released in 2007.

It’s a staple of their live shows—an uptempo, ultra-energetic song.

The rhythm is exhilarating and the lyrics are provocative, making it irresistible for RIZER fans.

JESSE’s a cappella part at the beginning of the track is especially striking.

RIZE’s classic and popular songs (21–30)

missing youRIZE

It’s a rare, mellow ballad for RIZE.

The lyrics are filled with JESSE’s kindness and affection, which is very appealing.

For fans, the contrast is irresistible when a band known for such intense songs plays something this tender.