A collection of Stray Tenor’s gem-like songs that resonate deep in the heart. Melodic masterpieces.
Since their formation in 1998, STRAIGHTENER has continued to lead Japan’s rock scene.
Beginning with early alternative rock and evolving by incorporating elements of pop and electronica, their music has changed with the times while consistently pursuing melodic beauty.
Atsushi Horie’s poetic, soul-soothing lyrics, woven together with sophisticated sound arrangements, have kept listeners enthralled.
Here, we present a selection of timeless masterpieces born from their remarkable career.
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A collection of Stray Tenner’s soul-stirring gem-like songs. Melodic masterpieces (21–30)
BIRTHDAYsutoreitenaa
Beginning with a tense scene of a stormy night, where lightning seems to tear through the darkness, this piece portrays the moment of “rebirth” that lies beyond suffering and inner conflict.
It’s like the instant you steel yourself at a crossroads in life.
Its dramatic sound—woven from stillness and flashes of light—resonates deeply in the heart.
Released in March 2007, the song is known as a track that colors the band’s mid-period.
If you listen to it while standing at a turning point in life, searching for light amid uncertainty, it may stir a quiet courage within you.
It’s a song that gently stays close to a lonely heart and gives you the strength to take a step forward—perhaps like a protective charm.
The Novemberistsutoreitenaa
It’s a masterpiece whose aching guitar riff and faintly melancholy sound resonate deep in your heart.
The world of lyrics penned in English seems to capture the seasonal shift from deepening autumn toward winter and the bittersweet feelings it brings, doesn’t it? You can almost see a quiet scene unfold before you—someone lost in thought as time gently slips by.
This track opens the album “Dear Deadman,” released in March 2006.
Rather than focusing only on the meaning of the words, it might be nice to simply surrender yourself to the atmosphere woven by Atsushi Horie’s vocals and the refined performance.
It’s a perfect piece for a night when you want to be alone with your thoughts.
A collection of Straightener’s gem-like songs that resonate deep in the heart. Melodic masterpieces (31–40)
Silver Liningsutoreitenaa
Here’s a song by Straightener that was released digitally in September.
The title, “silver lining,” in English refers to a single ray of light shining through a break in the clouds.
The melody spans a wide range, but it’s still fairly easy to remember.
The C section that comes in later has slightly tricky tonality and may be hard to pitch accurately, so it’s a good idea to practice just that part thoroughly.
The rhythm is also at a tempo that’s easy to groove to.
BRAND NEW EVERYTHINGsutoreitenaa
A song included on Straightener’s 2012 single “From Noon Till Dawn.” It sings about the idea that, unless we pay attention, we might miss the small freedoms hidden in our everyday lives.
It’s a striking track that makes you realize the happiness and freedom that we often take for granted.
NO ~The Flower That Bloomed in the Wake of Life~sutoreitenaa
A song imbued with a strong anti-war message.
Released in July 2015, it was created to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.
Its powerful lyrics, which speak to overcoming past losses and renewing hope and determination for the future, resonate deeply.
Also included on the album “COLD DISC,” it reached No.
19 on the Oricon charts.
It drew attention for Atsushi Horie, who is from Nagasaki, performing it in chorus with students from his alma mater.
When you want to reflect on war and peace, why not listen to this song? Its crystal-clear vocals and delicate melodies sink deeply into the listener’s heart.
The Future Is Nowsutoreitenaa
This is a single released by Straightener on April 11, 2018.
It was also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Digimon ReArise, and the track captures a dynamic feel inspired by the anime’s world.
The “piko-piko” sound you hear in the intro and chorus isn’t a programmed sequence—it’s actually guitarist Jun Oyama producing that tone with effects on his guitar, which is pretty surprising.
AGAINST THE WALLsutoreitenaa
This track appears on their second full-length album released in 2005.
It has a somewhat nostalgic vibe, and the beautiful choral work in the chorus is one of its key charms.
The simple, straight-ahead arrangement further brings out the song’s emotional impact, making it one of the standout pieces that adorn their masterpiece-packed second album.