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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)

Freesia BoyTHE YELLOW MONKEY

A song that recounts the time when vocalist Kazuya Yoshii was still in Shizuoka Prefecture.

It includes the lyric “My melody violated at seventeen,” and it describes the period when Yoshii had just joined the band before THE YELLOW MONKEY.

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Rose Courtesan ReinaTHE YELLOW MONKEY

Though the title is shocking, the song portrays the relationship between Jaguar, a soldier featured in the concept of the third album, and a prostitute named Reina.

The guitar in the interlude has a Latin feel, and when combined with the violin, it creates an even more seductive finish.

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SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY’s songs embody a drive to explore new possibilities and directions in life.

This track, released in July 1996, is a pivotal piece that became their first to break into the top three.

The lyrics are striking in the way they suggest that sudden events and coincidences can change one’s life.

In 2017, a newly recorded version was featured in a commercial starring Keisuke Honda and was included on the album THE YELLOW MONKEY IS HERE.

NEW BEST the same year.

Kazuya Yoshii in a white rider’s jacket and rubber-soled shoes also makes a cool, eye-catching impression.

It’s a great pick for when you want to liven up a karaoke session or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life!

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The Yellow Monkey’s classic and popular songs (11–20)

SO YOUNGTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – SO YOUNG
SO YOUNGTHE YELLOW MONKEY

This song was produced around the time the band was approaching a hiatus.

The music video—mixing monochrome and color, quietly evoking a sense of an ending—is beautiful.

It’s said to be about the things surrounding the band.

It’s a song that suddenly comes to mind during times of parting.

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SUCK OF LIFETHE YELLOW MONKEY

This is a song that portrays a male homosexual.

During live performances, there’s a member introduction in the middle of the song.

There’s also interaction between guitarist Hideaki Kikuchi and vocalist Kazuya Yoshii.

It’s a song often played live and very popular with fans.

It’s one I’m excited to see after their comeback.

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SHOCK HEARTSTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – SHOCK HEARTS
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!

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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.

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LOVERS ON BACKSTREETHE YELLOW MONKEY