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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)

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.

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.

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.

Lonely NatalieChekkāzu

The Checkers “Zettai Checkers!!” (1984)
Lonely NatalieChekkāzu

This song was also included as a B-side, but it’s a relatively well-known early number by The Checkers.

I seem to remember it being used in a commercial—maybe for chocolate or something.

As expected, The Checkers’ lyrics are free of snark and really pleasant to listen to.

I can see why they have so many female fans.

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

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.

Teenage DreamerChekkāzu

This song was the theme for the drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte 2” at the time, so I think it’s one of the better-known Checkers numbers.

It’s a simple, down-to-earth ballad that’s very soothing and comforting.

The lyrics, as expected, are tastefully written too.