Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Tunnel HeavenThe Dynamites

Tunnel Heaven

Released by Victor Records in November 1967, this song stands as a quintessential youth rock anthem of the 1960s Group Sounds era.

Hiroshi Segawa’s energetic shouts and Fujio Yamaguchi’s striking guitar work captivated the hearts of young listeners at the time.

Featured on the album “This Is Young Sound R&B!,” it blends lyrical verses about setting off from a rural town in pursuit of freedom with a powerfully rock-oriented sound.

It reached No.

73 on the Oricon chart and later gained further recognition through a cover by the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band, earning enduring support among music fans as a classic with strong R&B leanings.

It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to feel liberated—like summer trips or drives with friends.

Please, God!The Tempters

God, please.

A youthful prayer, staking sweet feelings on God, resounds alongside a heartfelt longing for love.

The Tempters’ passionate message is vividly colored by Kenichi Hagiwara’s husky voice and the band’s unified performance.

Released in March 1968, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and was also used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.

Its sound, infused with blues and R&B elements, continues to shine as a symbol of the golden age of Group Sounds.

This classic, which gently embraces the hearts of youth troubled by love, is perfect for moments when you want to be honest with your pure feelings or reaffirm your thoughts for someone special.

What you wantThe Happenings Four

You Want It / The Happenings Four

This single, released in November 1967, carries a classic of the Group Sounds era into the present.

With a distinctive lineup that puts keyboards front and center, its experimental sound fuses a wide range of musical styles—from Baroque to Latin and jazz.

The earnest lyrics, expressing deep feelings for a loved one, resonated strongly with young people at the time.

The Happenings Four set themselves apart from other GS bands with innovative arrangements incorporating elements of classical music.

The jacket design by Tadanori Yokoo is particularly striking.

Highly recommended for those who want to bask in the sweet memories of youth or are interested in the experimental music of the 1960s.

A world without youThe Beavers

A world without you

A masterpiece woven from a psychedelic rock sound and a wistful melody, this is The Beavers’ second single, released in November 1967.

Its heartrending tune vividly portrays the pain of a broken heart.

Showcasing beautifully balanced twin vocals and the twin-guitar virtuosity of Hideki Ishima and Masayuki Hirai, the track reached No.

57 on the Oricon chart.

The band also appeared on the TV program “Young 720” that same year.

It’s a song to play on nights when you want to soothe a love-broken heart, or on a quiet afternoon when you’re nostalgic for your youth.

Blind BirdThe Mops

Blind Bird

This is the debut work released in November 1967 by The Mops, known as pioneers of the psychedelic movement during the tumultuous 1960s.

Its innovative arrangement—melding heavy guitar riffs with a dreamlike sound—shocked Japan’s music scene at the time.

Drawing attention for performances featuring outlandish costumes and light shows, this piece was also included on the album “Psychedelic Sound in Japan,” spawning numerous legends.

With the April 2014 release of the complete edition “Psychedelic Sound in Japan +2,” it became available on CD, prompting a renewed appreciation of its innovation.

It’s a must-listen for those who want to explore new musical possibilities or who are interested in the history of Japanese rock.

Ha-ha-haThe Lind & Lindas

Ha Ha Ha – The Lind & Linders (’68.8.25)

A lively pop tune by The Linds & Linders, released in August 1968, carried by a snappy rhythm and bright melody.

As one of the Kansai region’s representative Group Sounds acts, the song was featured in a popular TV commercial for Nobel Confectionery’s “Amand Kiss,” boosting its recognition even in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

As a signature number from a leading Kansai GS group, the single’s B-side includes the lyrical ballad “Four Days’ Love.” This track was later included in the January 2000 album “The Linds & Linders Meets The Youngers: Complete Singles,” winning over a new generation of fans.

Recommended for those who want to feel the spirit of the Group Sounds heyday or bask in the nostalgia of their youth.

With the setting sunThe Wild Ones

With the setting sun

A refreshing melody that captures scenes shining against the blue sky makes this song especially memorable.

Drummer Yoshiaki Ueda takes the lead vocal, captivating listeners with his distinctive style of singing while playing.

Released in May 1967 as The Wild Ones’ third single, it’s also known for having lyrics written by all the members.

The bright, open sound of the 12-string electric guitar remains unfaded, a classic that symbolizes the golden age of Group Sounds.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on an evening drive or while spending time with friends.