B'z (pronounced "biizu") is among the most successful and productive Japanese rock groups of all time. Every single they've released since 1990 has been #1 on the charts. That's 21 number one singles in a row! It is a record that no artist in Japan has come close to matching. After their 10th anniversary they released two albums featuring their greatest hits which became the highest selling CDs of all time. Another well deserved record for B'z. One record of many. So you know that when I say they're popular, I'm not kidding. B'z is fronted by two members, vocalist Kohshi Inaba and guitarist Tak Matsumoto. Matsumoto is the one who writes all of the music while Inaba writes the lyrics. In the 80's Matsumoto was a supporting guitarist for the then popular group TM Network. He wanted to form his own band when he came across Inaba's (who was a math teacher) demo tape by coincidence. Matsumoto was very impressed with Inaba's singing ability and quickly recruited him. Thus B'z was formed. Apart from Inaba and Matsumoto, B'z has various supporting members. Masao Akashi is usually on bass with Takanobu Masuda on keyboards. Ikko Tanaka and Denny Fongheiser have both played drums for the band at seperate times. For some songs there are even other supporting members who provide saxophone, trumpets and flute accompanyment. But for the most part Inaba gets by far most of the attention, not only because he's the vocalist, but for his good looks as well.
Since the emergence of alternative rock, they're are aren't many rock bands making this kind of music anymore. But after 10 years and over 160 songs to their credit, B'z is still going and are stronger than ever. B'z has stood the test of time simply because they make great music. This group has so many memorable songs that I just can't help but sing along with. Notes - Not long ago B'z slowed down their usually overproductive schedule and took time off from the group as Inaba and Matsumoto worked on their own individual solo projects which were quite successful as well. Recently they came back with a new single and a new album that is sure to be another record setter.
|
The band
has gained such popularity thanks to consistently creating catchy and
memorable rock tunes with a sound that blends blues, pop and rock in a way
that appeals to a wide audience. Undoubtedly much of their popularity is
based in their sound having a somewhat American flavor. The composition
and arrangement of their songs as well as some of the vocal stylings bring
to mind established American rock groups such as Aerosmith and Van Halen.
In the late 80's and early 90's when the band was starting out, their
songs had a very pop-friendly feel to them. It was still very much rock
music, but somewhat more danceable and poppish with heavy use of synthesizers. Very much like the music
of Matsumoto's old band TM Network. But soon the music of B'z gained a
stronger foundation in blues and has become noticeably harder and more acoustic over the
years. But it's all good. Every song they've released from their early
work to their most current is excellent. With B'z don't expect to hear
much eclectic styles or unusual musical experimentation. But you can
always expect good solid rock music and melodies that capture your
imagination. And when I mean "always", I really mean it. Never before have I seen a rock group (counting American and British rock) that has made such a large volume of music, with such consistent excellence.
Although they're one of my
favorite bands, I also have to admit that their sound could be considered
a bit dated. It's very much like classic 80's rock n' roll (not that
there's anything wrong with that). Inaba's wailing yet soulful vocal style
is similar to some other rock singers such as Steven Tyler, Robert Plant or Sammy Hagar,
only with more range. Actually recently his singing has taken on a quality similar to ex-Soungarden frontman Chris Cornell as well. As for Matsumoto's guitar style, it is very much pre-grunge showing
influences from blues, spanish guitar and metal and many of the legendary guitar greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Joe Satriani. Now he's become somewhat of a guitar legend in his own right. He's actually one of only five guitarists in history to ever to have their own Gibson guitar model made. Something that usually only Brit or American guitarists would be offered so it's a very significant and rare honor for a Japanese guitarist.
