Hit and popular songs by Kenji Sawada
Let me introduce the songs of Kenji Sawada, a male singer who represents the Showa era.
Even if you didn’t listen to them in real time, you’ve probably heard several of his songs at least once, such as “Katte ni Shiyagare” and “TOKIO.”
Kenji Sawada began his career in the 1960s, during the heyday of Group Sounds, debuting as the lead vocalist of The Tigers, a central band in the Group Sounds scene.
His nickname is “Julie,” which is said to come from the fact that he was a fan of the actress Julie Andrews.
Now, please enjoy these masterpieces that dominated the Showa-era pop scene.
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Kenji Sawada’s famous and popular songs (41–50)
Lonely Wolfsawada kenji
The 28th single.
With lyrics by Tadashi Kitajō—renowned for “Kandagawa” and a string of Candies works—and arrangement by Tsugutoshi Gotō, former bassist of Sadistics, this piece aimed to break new ground.
Stripping away showy performance elements, it’s a ballad featuring a rich, heavy low-end.
Although, aside from the English-lyric song “MEMORIES,” it became the first to sell under 100,000 copies, it won the Broadcast Music Award at the 10th Japan Music Awards.
My love for yousawada kenji
This is his fifth solo single released in 1973.
It’s a warm love ballad with a Western-style sound, featuring slide guitar and a horn section.
Julie’s vocals, which still retain a boyish charm, are absolutely heart-fluttering.
I don’t care if I die.sawada kenji
This is Julie’s fourth solo single, following the breakup of The Tigers in 1970 and the short-lived PYG, a new band launched in 1971, which quickly fell apart, leading him to go solo.
It was released in 1972.
It’s a passionate kayō rock ballad with a tear-jerking melody.
White Roomsawada kenji
This is the artist’s 15th solo single, released in 1975.
The backing band is the Kenny Wood Orchestra.
It opens with a trumpet solo intro, with the trumpet featured throughout.
Strings and other elements are also used, giving it a dramatic finish.
Only you are enough.sawada kenji
This was his third solo single, released in 1972, featuring a striking cover with a close-up of Julie holding a rose.
The performance is by the Takayuki Inoue Band and the Kenny Wood Orchestra.
With trumpet prominently featured, the sound has a classical finish.
I’ll make up my mind tonight.sawada kenji
Released as a single in 1983, this track features lyrics written by Julie himself.
Its bright, bubbly synthesizers and techno-infused rock sound capture the exuberant mood of early-1980s Japan.
Forbidden lovesawada kenji
The second single after going solo.
It felt like a partial return to a Group Sounds–style direction and left a strong impression with its energetic vocals.
It became a milestone release that led to several achievements, including entering the weekly Oricon Top 10, the 14th Japan Record Awards, and a first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Unusually for the time, it was recorded at a London studio, establishing them as a “kayōkyoku singer with a commitment to sound.”