BOØWY - The BOØWY Drastic and Dramatic (5 September 2007)
BOØWY, pronounced ‘boo-ee’, was a famous 1980’s Japanese rock group. They played a fusion of pop rock and punk which had an important influence on early 90’s groups, especially after BOØWY disbanded in 1988. That was the same year that B’z made their debut, influenced in part by BOØWY, as they went on to destroy all sales records and become the juggernaut they are today. BOØWY was so popular for a time that they are considered responsible for the boom of late 80’s to early 90’s rock bands, e.g. the Blue Hearts (whose albums I will upload this week).
This two-disc ‘Best Of’ collection came out in 2007 but contains all of their major hits from 1981 to 1988. Fans of Japanese rock owe it to themselves to listen through these classics, if only to see the formative roots of Japanese rock as we know it today.