A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs

It’s like I’ve gone back to being a girl.ZARD

It's like I've gone back to being a girl.

A ZARD classic that deeply resonates in the heart, along with memories of the ’90s.

Released in September 1998, it was also used as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: The Fourteenth Target.

Izumi Sakai’s clear, translucent voice beautifully conveys a sense of wistful emotion.

Many listeners likely related to the lyrics that look back on one’s past self while quietly holding feelings for someone precious.

Filled with the pain of heartbreak and the nostalgia of youth, this work offers a different kind of richness when listened to now as an adult.

New Door ~Winter Sunflower~ZARD

[Cover] “A New Door ~Winter Sunflower~” / ZARD

This is a song by the music unit ZARD, known for signature tracks like “Makenaide.” It was released in 1998 as their 26th single.

Chosen as a theme song for a Sapporo Beer commercial, it drew a lot of attention.

Although it’s a poignant song expressing feelings for a precious person one can no longer meet, it also conveys a determination and positivity to move forward beyond that sadness.

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Araki Jakkan

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Even if I grow tired of swimming in this loveZARD

ZARD “Even If I Grow Tired of Swimming in This Love” (1994) (Vocal Version) / Lyrics: Izumi Sakai / Music: Tetsurō Oda

The 11th single, “Even If I’m Tired of Swimming in This Love,” was released as a double A-side with “Boy.” Used as the opening theme for the TV drama “Suspense of Love and Suspicion,” the song’s sentimental lyrics and hook-driven structure make a strong impact.

Overall, the vocal range is narrow and easy to sing, but from the second verse the tempo accelerates and the key rises by a semitone, so it’s important not to get left behind.

Also, while the key isn’t very high, be mindful of the characteristic ZARD leaps in pitch that appear in the chorus.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Your refreshing feelingsZARD

Your refreshing feelings

Released in 2002 as ZARD’s 34th single.

The song was used in a Kao “8×4” commercial, with lyrics written by Izumi Sakai.

Coming about a year and a half after the previous release, this single was tagged with the catchphrase “The start of ZARD Chapter 2.”

canaryZARD

canary

The song “Canary,” included as a coupling track on the 9th single “A Little More, Just a Little More…,” pairs a gentle vocal with a piano-only ensemble.

It dovetails with the sentimental lyrics about heartbreak, evoking a poignant mood.

Its melody, carried by a restrained vocal line within a narrow range, is easy to sing, and the relaxed tempo makes it a great choice for karaoke.

It’s a ballad number that even those not confident in their singing can easily try—one you’ll want to perform with heartfelt emotion.

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Hoshino Takashi

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O brilliance of the starsZARD

ZARD - Oh, Shining Stars (Hoshi no Kagayaki yo)

Released as a double A-side with “Like a Sail Waiting for Summer,” this song was created with the aim of becoming a tune that people of all ages could remember—much like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” You’ve probably heard its bright, catchy melody! Additionally, “Like a Sail Waiting for Summer” also serves as the theme song for the film “The Plot on the Horizon.”

The pale snow meltsZARD

ZARD – As the Pale Snow Melts

The B-side track to the 2004 single “Kyou wa Yukkuri Hanasou.” Used in the commercial for Gekkeikan “Tsuki.” A music unit centered around Izumi Sakai, who made her debut in ’92.

Over a slow-flowing rhythm and a quiet, lyrical melody line, her halting vocals evoke the image of silently falling snow.

It’s quite poignant.