RAG MusicBand
A wonderful Japanese music band

Masterpieces by Spitz: A list of recommended popular songs and signature tracks

Let me introduce songs by Spitz, one of Japan’s most iconic national rock bands.

Spitz is a four-member band that has been active since 1987, and they’ve continued with the original lineup since their formation.

The band originally grew out of a group that Masamune Kusano, the vocalist and guitarist, played in during his student days.

Interestingly, that earlier band was a punk rock band, quite different from what they’re known for now.

They also have roots in heavier genres like metal.

Given their strong association with gentle, ballad-like songs such as “Robinson” and “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky”), that might come as a bit of a surprise.

With that, please enjoy Spitz’s music—where the quiet leaves a strong impression precisely because of the intensity they keep beneath the surface.

Spitz’s classic songs: List of recommended popular and signature tracks (21–30)

blue carsupittsu

It’s their ninth single, released on July 20, 1994.

Masamune Kusano, the songwriter, originally intended a relaxed tempo, but while he was late to rehearsal, the other members changed it to a mid-tempo arrangement.

The band themselves say that this is the song that made Spitz what they are today!

silkysupittsu

This is the 38th single, released on May 15, 2013.

It was their first single in about two and a half years since the previous release, “Shirokuma / Beginner.” During that interval, they overcame challenges such as the postponement of the DVD “Soratobideo COMPLETE 1991–2011” due to the major earthquake, as well as Masamune Kusano’s health issues.

Spitz’s classic songs: List of recommended popular and signature tracks (31–40)

Scarletsupittsu

This is the 15th single, released on January 29, 1997.

They were asked to provide the theme song for the TBS drama “Melody.” Although they proposed “Hatsukoi Crazy,” the producers insisted on a new song, so this track was written specifically for it.

Please give it a listen—it’s said to be “a kind of milestone.”

Wakabasupittsu

Released on November 5, 2008, this 34th single was chosen as the theme song for the film “The Cherry Orchard (Sakura no Sono).” It’s a track that features inventive sound design, such as using an electric guitar to express parts that would normally be handled by strings, and incorporating a mandolin influenced by Travis.

Song of Springsupittsu

It was originally planned to be the first track on the album “Souvenir,” but after it was selected for a Coca-Cola “Aquarius” commercial, it was released as their 30th single.

With a driving, exhilarating performance and Kusanagi Masamune’s quintessential vocals, it’s a song sung with heartrending emotion.

8823supittsu

Many of Spitz’s famous songs have a somewhat pop feel, but this one takes a sharp turn into a strong rock vibe.

From the intro, it kicks off crisply with drummer Sakiyama’s tasteful tom work, and it’s the kind of track that makes you feel like you can keep running even while holding onto a hazy, restless mood.

Incidentally, this song was also included on ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s NANOMUGEN COMPILATION 2009.

Indigo Horizonsupittsu

When it comes to Spitz’s songs, it’s all about Masamune Kusano’s wide vocal range and the beauty of his high notes.

This track, included on the album “Indigo Chiheisen” released in October 1996, features a diverse array of songs—from punk numbers to insert songs—showcasing the breadth of Spitz’s musicality.

In stark contrast to its dreamy worldview, the lyrics that turn their gaze toward reality are equally striking.

They depict someone keeping their feet on the ground while gazing out at a vast horizon.

The catchy melody, which makes you want to hum along to the rhythm, is another key attraction.