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[90s Music] Shibuya-kei Classics: Recommended Popular Songs
In recent years, the music genre and movement known as “Shibuya-kei,” now being rediscovered by young music fans, has become a key term for understanding music and culture from the early to mid-1990s.
There are various theories about what sparked the birth of Shibuya-kei, and it’s hard to sum up in a short sentence.
Still, the sounds crafted by musicians who carried the atmosphere of Shibuya—a Tokyo district that led the era in both music and culture—captivated sharp-eared music fans.
This time, we’re highlighting a wide variety of classic tracks that were labeled “Shibuya-kei.”
For those who experienced the era, it will feel nostalgic; for those who see it as music from before they were born, it offers a fresh lineup!
[90s Music] Shibuya-kei Classics: Recommended Popular Songs (1–10)
Young, Alive, in Love / Love and a Machine GunFurippāzu Gitā
“Young, Alive, in Love/Koi to Machine Gun” is the second single by Flipper’s Guitar, released in 1990.
Flipper’s Guitar was the band that featured Kenji Ozawa and Keigo Oyamada, who later became leading artists of the Shibuya-kei scene.
The single sold over 100,000 copies and was used as the theme song for the TBS drama ‘Yobikō Boogie.’ It’s a classic of Shibuya-kei that has been covered by artists like bird and Charan-Po-Rantan, so be sure to give it a listen!
La Boum ~Because MY BOOM IS ME~Kajihadeki
“La Boum ~Because MY BOOM IS ME~” is Hideki Kaji’s debut single, released in 1997.
Kaji, who originally formed a gothic rock band, started the Shibuya-kei flagship band Bridge after seeing a Flipper’s Guitar live show.
After Bridge disbanded, the album “MINI SKIRT,” which includes “La Boum ~Because MY BOOM IS ME~,” became a big hit, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon album chart.
“La Boum ~Because MY BOOM IS ME~” is a rock tune with a breezy rhythm and catchy, poppy sound—definitely give it a listen!
Midnight ParadeLOVE TAMBOURINES
Among Shibuya-kei acts, LOVE TAMBOURINES stand out as an especially soulful and groovy band, and their song “Midnight Parade” is a track that oozes funkiness.
ELLIE’s powerful vocals, steeped in the influence of Black music, are undeniably cool.
Upon its 1994 release, the single sold over 100,000 copies—an exceptional feat for an indie act.
Although their activity spanned only four years, they’re indispensable when discussing Shibuya-kei, so definitely give “Midnight Parade” a listen!
Tokyo at 7 p.m.Pizzicato Five
When it comes to bands representing the Shibuya-kei scene that featured Maki Nomiya and ORIGINAL LOVE’s Takao Tajima, Pizzicato Five is the one that comes to mind.
The song that dramatically boosted their popularity was their fifth single, “Tokyo wa Yoru no Shichiji,” released in 1993.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s children’s variety show Ugo Ugo Rūga 2-gō, it helped them join the ranks of well-known artists.
In 2018, Nomiya, who sang the vocals on “Tokyo wa Yoru no Shichiji,” released a self-cover version, so if you’d like, try comparing the two!
Cold SummerBuffalo Daughter
“Cold Summer” is a track by Buffalo Daughter, included on their first album, “Captain Vapour Athletes,” released in 1996.
They have close ties with Keigo Oyamada, formerly of Flipper’s Guitar, and Cornelius—Oyamada’s solo project—has covered songs by Buffalo Daughter.
“Cold Summer” features a distinctive sound built around analog synthesizers, making it an irresistible track for fans of synths.