[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!
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[90s Music] Shibuya-kei Classics: Recommended Popular Songs (11–20)
BABY MAYBYICE
ICE’s “BABY MAYBE,” a unit featuring guitarist Kazuyuki Miyauchi and vocalist Mayumi Kunioka, is their sixth single, released in 1996.
The album that includes “BABY MAYBE,” titled “We’re in the Mood,” reached No.
8 on the Oricon album chart.
It’s a track driven by a solid, groovy bass line, with wah-drenched guitar that really keeps the momentum going.
Highly recommended for fans of ORIGINAL LOVE!
Tonight is Boogie Back (nice vocal)Ozawa Kenji feat. Suchadarapaa
“Tonight is Boogie Back” is a song born from a collaboration between Kenji Ozawa, formerly of Flipper’s Guitar, and the rap unit Scha Dara Parr.
In 1994, two versions were released—one with Ozawa as the main artist and one with Scha Dara Parr as the main artist—and together they sold over 500,000 copies.
Around this time, Ozawa came to be known as the “Prince of Shibuya-kei” and grew in popularity.
It’s a classic that’s essential to any discussion of Shibuya-kei, so be sure to give it a listen!
The Sweet LifeTei Towa
Sweet Life is a track born from the collaboration between music producer and DJ Towa Tei and Maki Nomiya, the third vocalist of Pizzicato Five.
It appears on Towa Tei’s debut album Future Listening!, released in 1994, and is a mid-tempo song with a touch of Latin flavor.
The two also collaborated in 2011 on Nomiya’s track Watashi no Shiranai Watashi, so be sure to check that out as well!
Sugar WaterChibo Matto
“Sugar Water” is a song by the New York–based group Cibo Matto, included on their 1996 album Viva! La Woman.
Cibo Matto was formed by Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori, and they’re a very cool unit whose club-influenced sound gained popularity in late-1990s New York.
The music video also drew attention as a work by French film director Michel Gondry, so be sure to check it out!
Tumbling Down of Love -TUMBLING DOWN-L⇔R
“Love’s Tumbling Down -TUMBLING DOWN-” is a song by the band L⇔R, known for their hit “KNOCKIN’ ON YOUR DOOR,” and it was released in 1993 as their third single.
L⇔R debuted in 1991 under the production of Daiji Okai, the drummer of the progressive rock band Yonin Bayashi.
“Love’s Tumbling Down -TUMBLING DOWN-” is a refreshing track that was also used in an Asahi Beer commercial, so be sure to give it a listen!
Fantastic CatMinegawa Takako
Takako Minekawa, who was a member of L⇔R for a period, released a single in the U.S.
in 1997 titled “Fantastic Cat.” She began her career in 1990 by participating in a compilation album supervised by Flipper’s Guitar.
She actively collaborates with overseas artists and is popular in North America and China, known for her distinctive sound that isn’t confined by the boundaries of Japan.
If you haven’t listened yet, experience Minekawa’s unique world!
[90s Music] Shibuya-kei Classics: Recommended Popular Songs (21–30)
20TH CENTURY FLIGHTSpiral Life
“20TH CENTURY FLIGHT” is a song by Spiral Life, the duo of Koji Kurumatani and Koyoshi Ishida, and it was their third single, released in 1994.
It was also included on the album “Spiral Move TELEGENIC2,” released the same year, which reached No.
10 on the Oricon album chart.
However, the two members reportedly disliked having Spiral Life labeled as part of the Shibuya-kei scene at the time.
“20TH CENTURY FLIGHT” features a refreshing guitar sound and tight drum beats that are really cool—definitely give it a listen!