Lovely hit song

A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

The visual kei rock scene is buzzing with many up-and-coming bands, but there’s no doubt its peak boom was in the 1990s.

It’s true that X (X JAPAN) laid the groundwork, LUNA SEA presented one vision of completion, and many subsequent bands followed.

At the same time, distinctive acts also thrived—such as BUCK-TICK, rooted in gothic rock, and the uniquely evolved “Nagoya-kei.”

Let’s take a look at some classic songs from 1990s visual kei rock!

We’ve also included early masterpieces from bands that are still popular today.

Hit Songs & Masterpieces That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (61–70)

Darlin’D’ERLANGER

D’ERLANGER – Darlin’ PV (album’s audio version)

Darlin'D'ERLANGER

If we’re talking about a cool, gritty band that even young people should listen to, it’s got to be D’ERLANGER! Influenced by powerful vocals and songs like “Darlin’,” quite a few bands are still active today.

Have you ever heard a love song with such a strong, intense vibe? It’s not overly dark, and it has that unmistakable visual kei feel.

The repeatedly echoed lyrics will definitely stick in your head.

No doubt it’s a shocking, unforgettable track.

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In conclusion

Even when we simply say “’90s visual kei rock,” there were all kinds of bands—from metal/hard rock-leaning groups like X at the forefront, to the boom-era darlings who debuted in the mid-’90s, and the bands that debuted in the late ’90s, survived the visual kei winter, and are still active today.

I bet even younger listeners who like today’s visual kei found some tracks they think are cool.

It’s also fun to dig up the classic songs from back then that became the roots for younger bands!