Iconic and Popular Songs by THE YELLOW MONKEY (Iemon)
Here’s an introduction to songs by THE YELLOW MONKEY, the legendary band that created a huge buzz with their 2016 reunion announcement.
Their music is straightforward, cool rock that has captivated countless fans, with total CD sales surpassing 10 million copies.
Many fans must have rejoiced and felt their hearts race at the news of their reunion.
Interestingly, the band name THE YELLOW MONKEY is a term that Westerners have used derogatorily toward people from Eastern Europe, but the band chose it to express their commitment to making distinctly Japanese rock.
Now, in celebration of their return to activity, please enjoy this playlist of Yemon’s songs.
The Yellow Monkey’s classic and popular songs (1–10)
tropical nightTHE YELLOW MONKEY
It became the ending theme for the TBS program “Tokoro-san no Waa Waa Boo Boo,” marking the band’s first tie-in song.
It’s said that Yoshii wrote a pop track aiming for a hit.
The music video was filmed on a strip show stage.
ParadiseTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Kazuya Yoshii’s whites-of-the-eyes look in the PV is fantastic (lol).
You can also spot that he still has his snaggletooth at this point in some of the shots.
I’ve heard they made a few tweaks because the lyrics gave off a drug-related vibe.
It’s a song that blends the sense of liberation of setting out to sea with an underlying heaviness.
The Pearl-Colored Age of RevolutionTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Fans’ hearts race with heat as intensity and beauty intersect in this song.
Long cherished as a signature work by THE YELLOW MONKEY, it was included on their 1992 debut album, “the night snails and plastic boogie,” and showcases the band’s musical breadth.
In live performances, it has at times been played with a full orchestra, captivating audiences with its grand arrangement.
The lyrics woven by Kazuya Yoshii seem to symbolize individual emotions in a chaotic era and a yearning for social change.
It is a song that resonates with people living through turbulent times, offering solace and stirring empathy.
BURNTHE YELLOW MONKEY
According to Kazuya Yoshii, who wrote and composed the song, it has an image like a mix of Tohoku and Latin.
It was also tied in with a TV drama, so it’s a well-known track.
The music video, in which he sings in front of an old Japanese house, together with the song creates a mysterious, alluring atmosphere.
SHOCK HEARTSTHE YELLOW MONKEY
It’s a song with a striking PV that features snippets of old American films.
Kazuya Yoshii’s bluish-purple eyeshadow gives off a bewitching vibe that you can’t take your eyes off.
The bassline on this track is incredibly cool—classic Heese style!
Days in rosy huesTHE YELLOW MONKEY
It’s a classic song by The Yellow Monkey that Kazuya Yoshii also performs at his solo shows.
In the music video, filmed with a majestic building as the backdrop, Yoshii—sporting what he himself called a “disastrous perm”—sings in a white suit.
The theme park in Obihiro, Hokkaido, where it was filmed, is now closed.
TV singerTHE YELLOW MONKEY
The lyrics could easily be taken as criticism of musicians who appear on TV and the like, which makes me really nervous, but apparently it’s actually a song that strings together irony directed at themselves.
It’s a cautionary song to keep them from getting big-headed after becoming successful.
JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY
A captivating track with lyrics that strike deep and a rich, heavy sound.
It delves into the absurdity of the world and the meaning of human existence.
As one of THE YELLOW MONKEY’s signature songs, it has been loved by many fans.
Released in 1996, it’s said to be among the most popular in the band’s discography.
The boy and girl who appear in the music video are memorable, and the same characters also show up in Kazuya Yoshii’s solo song “Bakka.” Perfect for those who question life and society.
Listening to this piece might prompt you to face yourself.
ROCK STARTHE YELLOW MONKEY
This is a track from their third album, “jaguar hard pain.” It depicts Yoshii’s desire to become a rock star.
A live version was later included on the best live album “SO ALIVE.” It’s one of their live staples, with lyrics that sing of Yoshii’s dreams and hopes, such as wanting to be “a rock star whose death makes the newspaper.”
Psychic No. 9THE YELLOW MONKEY
This is a song where the bass is just insanely cool! When I heard HEESEY play it solo right in front of me, the way it resonated was completely different from any other bassist! The deep low tones hit you in the gut—it’s one of my favorite rock numbers! Among The Yellow Monkey’s later-period songs, this is one I absolutely love!