Hit and popular songs by WANDS
We’d like to introduce songs by WANDS, the rock band that achieved million-seller hits with multiple tracks such as “Toki no Tobira” and “Sekai ga Owaru made wa…”.
WANDS is known for songs that epitomize the ’90s and was one of the flagship artists of their then-label, Being.
They shifted to the alternative sound that was mainstream overseas at the time with their 10th single “SAME SIDE,” but it wasn’t well received domestically back then, and sales did not grow.
However, in recent years “SAME SIDE” has been reevaluated, and vocalist Uesugi, who composed it, has reflected that “it has become the origin of my current music.”
It still sounds incredibly cool today, and the husky vocals are wonderful.
Please enjoy WANDS’s many classic tracks in this playlist.
WANDS’ classic and popular songs (1–10)
Until the World Ends…WANDS
Released on June 8, 1994 as the eighth single, this song was used as the ending theme for the anime adaptation of a basketball manga.
The lyrics depict a scene of someone alone, immersed in memories of the night they pledged eternity with their lover.
It is a rock ballad about heartbreak.
Under a sky without starsWANDS
A track included on their second album, “Toki no Tobira,” released on April 17, 1993.
The lyrics reflect on a friend with whom the singer spent a sensitive, formative time.
It’s an up-tempo rock ’n’ roll number with standout synth-driven elements.
If only I had held you tighterWANDS
Released on July 1, 1992 as the third single.
It was used as a life insurance commercial song.
It’s a pop track conveying that if we hold each other tightly, we can keep walking together through the changing seasons without losing our way.
The Door of TimeWANDS
Released on February 26, 1993 as the fourth single.
It was used as the theme song for a late-night drama slot.
The song is an uplifting track about deciding to keep walking on alone with a bright laugh, even on nights when a wristwatch given by an ex-girlfriend brings back sad memories.
Little BitWANDS
Of course, their usual guitar-heavy rock is great, but ballads like this song are wonderful too.
It’s enchanting.
Even listening now, it still feels so fresh—there’s no other way to describe it than a true classic.
It sinks into the heart and gives me goosebumps all over.
SAME SIDEWANDS
Released on December 4, 1995 as the 10th single.
It was used as the ending theme for a sports program.
The piece shifts from a calm opening sung against a sunset backdrop to a raspy-voiced, intense rock performance, like a dramatic play.
It portrays feelings of deep contemplation that grow through the night.
A modest affectionWANDS
I think this is a masterpiece that only WANDS could possibly sing.
There aren’t many artists these days who can deliver a ballad like this.
It’s really cool—the guitar and vocals match perfectly.
I wish it would be used in a current drama.
Even if you break tomorrowWANDS
Released on June 10, 1998 as the 14th single.
It was used as the ending theme for a TV anime centered on a card game.
This grand rock ballad sings of the resolve to keep loving despite the fear of loss.
PIECE OF MY SOULWANDS
The title track included on their fourth album, PIECE OF MY SOUL, released on April 24, 1995.
The song reflects on loneliness in the city and the fleeting nature of life.
It’s a melancholic, slow rock number.
Jumpin’ Jack BoyWANDS
Released on November 17, 1993 as the seventh single.
It was used as a commercial song for ski wear.
The track sings of a burning longing for a cool woman.
It starts with a sense of speed and builds into a soaring, exhilarating rock ’n’ roll number.