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Hit and popular songs by The Checkers

Let me introduce some songs by The Checkers, a pop band that represented the 80s and 90s.

They’re also well-known for having Fumiya Fujii, who is now active as a solo musician, as their lead vocalist.

Dressed in matching check-patterned outfits and blessed with good looks, they enjoyed idol-level popularity.

However, the origin of their band name didn’t come from the check pattern.

It’s said they chose it because many bands active overseas at the time had names that started with C and ended with S, and the check-patterned outfits were added afterward.

Fumiya Fujii’s vocals are refreshing and wonderful, and the saxophone played by his younger brother, Naoyuki Fujii, is also striking, adding a distinctive accent to their songs.

The Checkers’ Famous and Popular Songs (31–40)

Stardust StageChekkāzu

The Checkers LIVE 1985 “Stardust Stage”
Stardust StageChekkāzu

A slow-tempo track with a tearful melody that exudes melancholy.

The bass subtly thumps in the background, adding a sense of tension.

The distribution of the backing vocals is also exceptionally tasteful, making it thoroughly satisfying to listen to.

This song reminds me of the TV drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte” from back in the day.

Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu

The Checkers - “Lullaby of a Zigzag Heart”
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu

As expected, when it comes to The Checkers, this song is their signature.

The first song I heard by them was also “Gizagiza Heart no Komoriuta.” The tune has that ’80s idol vibe, and the lyrics are the kind of cliché that was common back then, giving me a pleasantly nostalgic yet slightly embarrassing feeling when I listen now.

A Tearful RequestChekkāzu

It’s a well-known classic by The Checkers.

The melody is pop and easy to remember, but without being too cheesy in that old-school kayōkyoku way—in a good sense—and it weaves in a kind of oldies vibe, so I think it also works as disco music.

Also, the saxophone lines are unexpectedly difficult.

Dangerous Love MotionChekkāzu

The Checkers - Dangerous Love Motion - Live
Dangerous Love MotionChekkāzu

Back then, it wasn’t released as a single—it was just a B-side track—but it’s a masterpiece.

Among the Checkers’ numbers, it leans pretty heavily toward rock ’n’ roll, maybe even reminiscent of the Hakata Mentai beat.

The snappy eight-beat, the pulsing bass, and the wailing sax are irresistible for rock lovers.

Moonlight Review 50SChekkāzu

THE CHECKERS Moonlight Review 50’s
Moonlight Review 50SChekkāzu

To be honest, when I first heard this song, I was surprised and thought, “Is this really The Checkers?” For a young idol group to sing a cappella at this level is a feat that takes exceptional skill.

In terms of vibe, it feels like a love song that would fit well around Christmas.

The Checkers’ classic and popular songs (41–50)

NANAChekkāzu

Around this time, the Checkers also began writing and composing their own songs.

If I recall correctly, NANA was composed by Mr.

Naoyuki Fujii.

With a discotheque-style dance beat and a jazzy vibe, it’s crafted into a mature track that would have been unimaginable in their early days.

A Scandal with That GirlChekkāzu

The Checkers LIVE 1985 "That Girl and a Scandal"
A Scandal with That GirlChekkāzu

Despite its mid-tempo, this is a highly groovy and comfortable track.

The overall vibe feels very summery—it evokes images of beaches and pools.

The offbeat drumming in the pre-chorus is so tasteful that you can’t help but tap your foot to the rhythm.