A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs
ZARD achieved nationwide popularity in the 1990s with iconic songs like “Makenaide” and “Yureru Omoi.” Beyond the straightforward, resonant lyrics, the real charm lies in Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear, transparent voice.
Although Sakai passed away in 2007 to much sorrow, ZARD’s wonderful music has transcended time and continues to be embraced.
NHK’s Close-up Gendai aired a special feature, describing their work as “songs that encouraged an era.” That phrase truly seems to encapsulate it all.
Here, we’ll highlight the timeless appeal of ZARD.
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- A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs
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- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
ZARD’s Timeless and Touching Masterpieces & Popular Songs Special (51–60)
Spread your wingsZARD
The 44th single Wings to Fly, released as a double A-side with In the Dark of Love, was used as the theme song for the animated film Detective Conan: Full Score of Fear and is also known as a cover of a song originally provided to DEEN.
Its tempo is relaxed, making it easy to sing, but the melody features many subtle rises and falls, so it’s easy to go off pitch and requires care.
The overall vocal range isn’t very wide, so be sure to grasp the melodic movement thoroughly before singing it at karaoke.
You’re overflowing in me to the point it hurts.ZARD
This was ZARD’s 30th single, released in 1999, and it was used as the song for the Nescafé Moment commercial.
The track’s rap-like style is somewhat unusual for ZARD.
Its refreshing vocals make it a perfect commercial song for waking up in the morning.
Your refreshing feelingsZARD
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.”
My Baby Grand ~Wanting Warmth~ZARD
The campaign song for NTT Docomo’s 1997 winter commercials.
Released in December 1997 as ZARD’s 23rd single.
It peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart and sold a total of 332,000 copies.
Although ZARD is strongly associated with summer, this is a winter song with a refreshing vibe.
Timeless ZARD Masterpieces and Fan Favorites (61–70)
Blues for YouZARD
“A Blues for You” is ZARD’s 42nd single, released in 2006 by B-Gram RECORDS.
It was included as the B-side to “Light My Heart on Fire.” The song opens with a blues harp and vocals processed with effects.
Vocalist Izumi Sakai composed the music for the first time in 11 years.
Don’t forget that smile.ZARD
This song is included on ZARD’s third original album.
It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama series “Friday Entertainment: Rolling Up the Sleeves Nurses.” It is extremely popular among fans and is a hit that frequently ranks high in many fan polls.
Swaying FeelingsZARD
Speaking of summer festivals, I always had the image that somewhere, a romance was beginning.
It wasn’t about people who met all the time; precisely because it was summer vacation, many chose that moment to confess their feelings.
Maybe because it was at night, it was easier to confess, so my image of summer festivals is tied to confessions.
This song brings back memories of those faint, gentle scenes.