YOSHIKI's famous and popular songs
YOSHIKI, the leader of the legendary band X JAPAN that reshaped Japan’s rock scene, is also a songwriter who has created many timeless tracks.
From hard-hitting songs to beautiful instrumentals, we’ve put together a playlist packed with his wide-ranging musicality and richly talented songwriting.
YOSHIKI’s Famous and Popular Songs (1–10)
AnniversaryYOSHIKI
This work is a concerto for piano and orchestra composed by YOSHIKI specifically for a national celebratory ceremony.
It was performed by the composer himself as a congratulatory piece at a ceremony held in November 1999 at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace.
It was included on the 2013 album “YOSHIKI CLASSICAL.” In figure skating, it is known for being used by Daisuke Murakami for his free skating program in the 2015 season.
Beginning with a quiet piano and building as the majestic orchestra layers in, the progression aligned perfectly with the performance on the ice.
AMETHYSTYOSHIKI
He finally released it.
It’s a purely classical piece composed by YOSHIKI.
I always thought he might do it someday, but he really did.
Just listening to the piece, you’d never think it was written by the person who composes X JAPAN’s songs.
It’s completely classical.
I think effort doesn’t have to be shown to someone or seen by anyone; what matters is whether you’re making the effort or not.YOSHIKI
It’s a quote that really makes you reflect on what true effort is, isn’t it? When people are working hard, we tend to want others to notice and praise us.
But originally, effort is something we undertake voluntarily toward our own dreams and goals, and it shouldn’t matter what others think of it.
Even if no one recognizes you, it’s precisely because you press forward on the path you believe in that YOSHIKI—and X JAPAN—have achieved their current glory, isn’t it? This is a quote I hope will be engraved in the hearts of those who are striving right now.
Art of LifeX JAPAN
It’s said to be the culmination of YOSHIKI’s life, running over 30 minutes.
Since it’s in English, I don’t understand the lyrics.
Before or since, I don’t know any other artist with a song this long (maybe it’s just me).
The piece shows many different facets within a single track.
WEEK ENDX JAPAN
This is a masterpiece that can truly be called X JAPAN’s signature song.
You can recognize it instantly from the opening guitar.
Its simple, catchy chorus lyrics and melody stick in your head, sparking massive sing-alongs at live shows.
The arrangement differs slightly between the album and single versions.
(This is the single version.)
ROSE OF PAINX JAPAN
It’s an epic piece running over 10 minutes.
At first you might think it’s a ballad, but midway it modulates into a hard, quintessential X JAPAN sound.
Since it’s included on a major-label album, many listeners may have been newly surprised to realize that X JAPAN can do this kind of song as well.
BoneX JAPAN
Lately, I feel like X JAPAN has been putting out more subdued songs.
This track is plenty cool, but I haven’t heard the kind of relentless, sharp-edged songs like before recently.
That said, the compositions are more polished now, and this song falls into that category.
Rusty NailX JAPAN
It’s a mid-tempo rock number—though “mid-tempo” comes with the caveat that it’s mid-tempo for X JAPAN.
YOSHIKI’s compositions are said to be tough on vocalists.
He doesn’t write with singers in mind: the pitch range swings widely, and the keys are high.
Even so, TOSHI pulls it off impressively.
Let’s stop worrying about what we can’t change. Instead, let’s change what we can for the better.YOSHIKI
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoPUI3rPo65/It’s a message that makes us think about how to use our limited abilities and time right now, and what we can do to break through the status quo.
If we try to change things that simply can’t be changed—and even if by some miracle we manage it—the effort required will be enormous.
Rather than that, focusing our energy on what we can change immediately ourselves will likely bring us closer to our goals.
It’s a quote that teaches us not to be stubborn, and that identifying what’s necessary at the moment is the shortest path to our objectives.
If it weren’t for hide, I wouldn’t be who I am today.YOSHIKI
A famous quote about hide, the guitarist of X JAPAN who passed away at a young age in 1998.
As close comrades who led X JAPAN to success together, it’s said that during his lifetime hide remarked about YOSHIKI—who kept him on the path of music—“If it weren’t for YOSHIKI, I wouldn’t be who I am now,” which really shows the depth of their bond.
This quote powerfully conveys that they were not only connected musically, but were best friends who supported each other emotionally.