X Japan discography
X Japan in Hong Kong, 2009
Studio albums5
Live albums6
Compilation albums11
Video albums22
Singles23
Soundtrack albums1
Remix1
Various artists compilations3
Demos4

The discography of the Japanese heavy metal band X Japan consists of five studio albums, six live albums, one remix album, eleven compilations, one soundtrack album, 23 singles, and around 22 live video recordings.

Founded in 1982 by vocalist Toshi and drummer Yoshiki, X Japan started out as a power/speed metal band and later gravitated towards a progressive sound with an emphasis on ballads. With the member line-up including bassist Taiji and guitarists hide and Pata since 1987, X released their debut studio album Vanishing Vision on Yoshiki's own record label Extasy Records the following year. They then achieved breakthrough success with their second album and major label debut, Blue Blood, in 1989. It was followed by the million-selling Jealousy (1991), which is the band's most diverse album in terms of songwriting credits. In 1992, the band changed their name to X Japan and bassist Taiji left the group, being replaced by Heath. The mini-album Art of Life was released in 1993, composed solely of the 29-minute title track. Their last album Dahlia was released in 1996, and the following year the band decided to break up. However, after ten years, X Japan reunited in 2007 and recorded the new song "I.V.". They officially recruited lead guitarist Sugizo to fill-in for the deceased hide two years later and in 2011 had their first worldwide release, the digital single "Jade". Shortly after reuniting, work began on their sixth studio album. During its ten years of production, several release dates were announced, but it remains unreleased despite being completed in September 2018.

Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label,[1] the band is widely credited as one of the pioneers of visual kei,[2][3] a movement among Japanese musicians comparable to Western glam. X Japan have sold millions of records in Japan, claiming un-certified sales of over 30 million.[4][5][6]

Albums

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
JPN
Weekly
[7][8]
Yearly
Vanishing Vision
  • Main: 19[9]
  • Indie: 1
78 (CD, 1990)
  • JPN: 171,030 or 800,000[1]
Blue Blood
  • Released: April 21, 1989
  • Label: CBS/Sony
  • Formats: CD, cassette, LP, digital download
6 63 (1989)
28 (1990)
Jealousy
  • Released: June 1, 1991
  • Label: Sony
  • Formats: CD, cassette, LP, digital download
1 12 (1991)
62 (1992)
Art of Life
  • Released: August 25, 1993
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download
1 28
Dahlia
  • Released: November 4, 1996
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: CD, cassette, LP, digital download
1 50
  • JPN: 648,080+

Live albums

Title Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
JPN
Weekly
[7][8]
Yearly
On the Verge of Destruction 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live
  • Released: January 1, 1995
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download
3 69
  • JPN: 335,590
Live Live Live Tokyo Dome 1993-1996
  • Released: October 15, 1997
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: CD
3 90
  • JPN: 283,970
Live Live Live Extra 13
  • JPN: 32,310
Live in Hokkaido 1995.12.4 Bootleg 20
  • JPN: 38,940
Art of Life Live
  • Released: March 18, 1998
  • Label: Polydor
  • Formats: CD, digital download
20
  • JPN: 41,170
The Last Live
  • Released: May 30, 2001
  • Label: Polydor
  • Formats: CD, digital download
7
  • JPN: 92,780

Compilation albums

Title Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
JPN
Weekly
[7][8]
Yearly
X Singles
  • Released: November 21, 1993
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: CD, cassette, LP, digital download
2 36 (1994)
  • JPN: 1,000,000+
B.O.X ~Best of X~
  • Released: March 21, 1996
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download
5
  • JPN: 134,510
Ballad Collection
  • Released: December 19, 1997
  • Label: Polydor
  • Formats: CD, cassette
3 47 (1998)
  • JPN: 566,160
X Japan Singles ~Atlantic Years~
  • Released: December 25, 1997
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: CD
14
  • JPN: 102,450
Special Box
  • Released: December 25, 1997
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: CD
96
  • JPN: 2,800
Single Box
  • Released: December 25, 1997
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: CD
  • JPN: 4,650
Star Box
  • Released: January 30, 1999
  • Label: Sony Music
  • Formats: CD, cassette
4
  • JPN: 122,330
Perfect Best
  • Released: February 24, 1999
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: CD
4 94
  • JPN: 256,440
Best: Fan's Selection
  • Released: December 19, 2001
  • Label: Polydor
  • Formats: CD, cassette
13
  • JPN: 88,600
Complete II
  • Released: October 1, 2005
  • Label: Columbia
  • Format: CD
92
  • JPN: 3,593
The World: X Japan Hatsu no Zensekai Best
(The World~X Japan 初の全世界ベスト~)
  • Released: June 17, 2014
  • Label: Warner Music Japan
  • Format: CD
2 82[15]
  • JPN: 61,030
  • KOR: 329[16]

Remix albums

Title Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
JPN
Weekly
[7][8]
Yearly
Trance X
  • Released: December 4, 2002
  • Label: Polydor
  • Format: CD
27
  • JPN: 27,195+

Soundtrack albums

Title Album details Peak positions Sales Certifications
JPN
[8]
KOR
[17]
UK
[18]
We Are X: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
  • Released: March 3, 2017
  • Label: Sony Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download, LP
3 65 27

Singles

Title Year Peak positions Sales Certifications Album
JPN
Oricon[22][23] Billboard
"I'll Kill You" 1985 Non-album singles
"Orgasm"
(オルガスム)
1986
"Kurenai"
(紅)
1989 5 20[24]
  • JPN: 312,580 (CD)
  • JPN: 350,000 (DL)
Blue Blood
"Endless Rain" 3
  • JPN: 364,450
"Week End" 1990 2
  • JPN: 298,060
"Silent Jealousy" 1991 3
  • JPN: 284,200 (CD)
  • JPN: 100,000 (DL)
Jealousy
"Standing Sex" 4
  • JPN: 261,340
Non-album single
"Say Anything" 3
  • JPN: 537,790
Jealousy
"Tears" 1993 2
  • JPN: 836,940
  • RIAJ: 2×Platinum[11]
Dahlia
"Rusty Nail" 1994 1
  • JPN: 751,920
"Longing ~Togireta Melody~"
(Longing ~跡切れたMelody~)
1995 1
  • JPN: 476,170
"Longing ~Setsubou no Yoru~"
(Longing ~切望の夜~)
5
  • JPN: 171,550
Non-album single
"Dahlia" 1996 1
  • JPN: 412,810
Dahlia
"Forever Love" 1
  • JPN: 509,920
"Crucify My Love" 2
  • JPN: 290,220
"Scars" 15
  • JPN: 100,350
"Forever Love (Last Mix)" 1997 13
  • JPN: 163,050
Non-album singles
"The Last Song" 1998 8
  • JPN: 91,880
"Forever Love" (re-release) 18
  • JPN: 42,960
Dahlia
"Scars" (re-release) 15
  • JPN: 55,440
"Forever Love" (re-release) 2001 19
  • JPN: 23,500
"I.V." 2008 Non-album singles
"Scarlet Love Song -Buddha Mix-" 2011 33[25]
"Jade" 19[26]
"Born to Be Free" 2015 21[27]
"Angel" 2023

Notes

1.^ The numbers are purely based on RIAJ certifications

Various artists compilations

Title Song Release date Label
Heavy Metal Force III "Break the Darkness" November 7, 1985[28] Explosion
Skull Thrash Zone Volume I "Stab Me in the Back", "No Connexion" March 7, 1987[29] Victor
Global Metal Soundtrack "X (Live)" July 24, 2008 Universal

VHS / LD / DVD / Blu-ray

Title Details Peak positions
JPN[30]
Xclamation
  • Released: August 1987, 1988
  • Label: Unknown
  • Format: VHS
Thanx
  • Released: March 16, 1989
  • Label: CBS/Sony
  • Format: VHS
Blue Blood Tour Bakuhatsu Sunzen Gig
  • Released:
    • June 1, 1989 (VHS)
    • June 1, 1989 (LD)
    • September 5, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
Shigeki! Visual Shock Vol. 2
  • Released:
    • December 31, 1989 (VHS)
    • December 31, 1989 (LD)
    • September 5, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
Celebration Visual Shock Vol. 2.5
  • Released:
    • September 1, 1990 (VHS)
    • September 1, 1990 (LD)
    • September 5, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
Shigeki 2 ~Yume no Nakadakeni Ikite~ Visual Shock Vol. 3
  • Released:
    • September 30, 1991 (VHS)
    • September 30, 1991 (LD)
    • September 5, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
Say Anything ~X Ballad Collection~ Visual Shock Vol. 3.5
  • Released:
    • December 21, 1991 (VHS)
    • December 21, 1991 (LD)
    • September 5, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
On the Verge of Destruction 1992.1.7 Tokyo Dome Live Visual Shock Vol. 4
  • Released:
    • November 1, 1992 (VHS)
    • November 1, 1992 (LD)
    • September 5, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
X Clips
  • Released:
    • January 1, 1995 (VHS)
    • January 1, 1995 (LD)
    • July 5, 2000 (DVD)
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
36
Dahlia the Video Visual Shock #5 Part I
  • Released: January 1, 1997
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: VHS
Dahlia the Video Visual Shock #5 Part II
  • Released: March 5, 1997
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: VHS
Dahlia Tour Final 1996
  • Released:
    • October 29, 1997 (VHS)
    • December 4, 2002 (DVD)
    • September 25, 2013 (Blu-ray)
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: VHS, DVD, Blu-ray
58
X Japan Clips II
  • Released:
    • October 24, 2001 (VHS)
    • October 24, 2001 (DVD)
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: VHS, DVD
12
The Last Live Video
  • Released:
    • March 29, 2002 (VHS)
    • March 29, 2002 (DVD)
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: VHS, DVD
7
Dahlia the Video Visual Shock #5 Part I & Part II
  • Released: December 4, 2002
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Format: DVD
82
Art of Life 1993.12.31 Tokyo Dome
  • Released:
    • September 24, 2003 (VHS)
    • September 24, 2003 (DVD)
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Formats: VHS, DVD
9
Aoi Yoru
  • Released:
    • July 25, 2007 (DVD)
    • September 25, 2013 (Blu-ray)
  • Label: Geneon
  • Formats: DVD, Blu-ray
50
Shiroi Yoru
  • Released:
    • July 25, 2007 (DVD)
    • September 25, 2013 (Blu-ray)
  • Label: Geneon
  • Formats: DVD, Blu-ray
49
Aoi Yoru Shiroi Yoru Complete Edition
  • Released: July 25, 2007
  • Label: Geneon
  • Format: DVD
14
X Japan Returns 1993.12.30
  • Released:
    • February 29, 2008 (DVD)
    • September 25, 2013 (Blu-ray)
  • Label: Geneon
  • Formats: DVD, Blu-ray
30
X Japan Returns 1993.12.31
  • Released:
    • February 29, 2008 (DVD)
    • September 25, 2013 (Blu-ray)
  • Label: Geneon
  • Formats: DVD, Blu-ray
43
X Japan Returns Complete Edition
  • Released: February 29, 2008
  • Label: Geneon
  • Format: DVD
8
X Visual Shock DVD Box 1989-1992
  • Released: July 23, 2008
  • Label: Ki/oon
  • Format: DVD
33
X Japan Showcase in L.A. Premium Prototype
  • Released: September 6, 2010
  • Label: Japan Music Agency
  • Format: DVD
The Last Live Complete Edition
  • Released:
    • October 26, 2011 (DVD)
    • September 25, 2013 (Blu-ray)
  • Label: Geneon
  • Formats: DVD, Blu-ray
3
X Japan Blu-ray Box
  • Released: September 25, 2013
  • Label: Warner Music Japan
  • Format: Blu-ray
X Visual Shock Blu-ray Box: 1989-1992
  • Released: January 18, 2017
  • Label: Sony Music Direct (Japan) Inc.
  • Format: Blu-ray

Demos

Title Release date Note
"I'll Kill You" 1984 Songs: "Ill Kill You", "We Are X" and "Stop Bloody Rain"
"Live" June 1985 Songs: "Kurenai", "Endless Dream", "Lady in Tears" and "Stop Bloody Rain"
"Endless Dream" June 1985 Same material as "Live" but different track order.
"Longing ~Togireta Melody~" December 30/31, 1994
July 25, 2007 (reissue)
Songs: "Longing ~Togireta Melody~" and band rehearsal. Originally distributed on cassette at both the Aoi Yoru and Shiroi Yoru concerts. Released on CD in the Aoi Yoru Shiroi Yoru Complete Edition DVD boxset.

Unreleased songs

  • "Feel Me Tonight"
Lyrics by Yoshiki, music by Hally.
  • "Install"
Also known as "Feels Damage".
  • "Kill the Violence"
  • "Kiss the Sky"
Planned to be included on the band's unreleased album.
  • "L'arme"
Left-over from the Jealousy album. Part of the song was performed in 2015.
  • "Only Way"
Lyrics by Jun and Toshi, music by Jun.
  • "Right Now"
Written by Jun.
  • "Rockstar"
Planned to be included on the band's unreleased album.
  • "Steal Your Heart"
  • "Tuneup Baby"
Written by Jun.
  • "White Poem II"
Sequel to "White Poem I" from the Dahlia album.

Other

  • Gekitotsu!!Color, January 1988
X appear as guests.
X makes a brief cameo appearance.[31]
A flexi disc included in an issue of Rockin' f magazine. Contrary to the title the lyrics are mostly in English. This version does not appear anywhere else.
  • Bosutsu! VOS No.9, November 5, 1988
VHS that came with a magazine. Live clips of X from September 4, 1988 are shown and Yoshiki is interviewed.
  • Symphonic Blue Blood, August 21, 1991
Symphonic album, performed by the Tokyo Academic Chamber Orchestra.
  • Unrivaled is Extasy ~ Extasy Summit '91 at Nippon Budokan, February 21, 1992, Extasy
Live recordings of a 1991 Extasy Summit, held by Extasy Records. Also features Tokyo Yankees, Virus, Luna Sea and several others.
  • Symphonic Silent Jealousy, August 26, 1992
Symphonic album, performed by the Tokyo Academic Chamber Orchestra.
  • Orchestra Selection - Blue Blood & Jealousy, November 21,1992
Symphonic album, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Minna ga Mumei-Datta, Dakedo... Muteki-Datta ~ Extasy Summit 1992, May 10, 1993, Extasy
Live recordings of the October 31, 1992 Extasy Summit, held by Extasy Records. X does not perform together, but the members do perform with other acts. Also features Luna Sea, Deep, Media Youth, The Zolge, Tokyo Yankees, Screaming Mad George and Psychosis, Gilles de Rais, Zi:Kill and several others.
  • X Japan Virtual Shock 001, October 20, 1995, Sega
Video game for the Sega Saturn home console. The player takes the role of a fan disguised as a photographer backstage at X Japan's December 31, 1994 concert at the Tokyo Dome (Shiroi Yoru). After collecting several items to gain access and photograph the band members, the player edits a live video of "Rusty Nail" and the game ends with footage from the concert.[32][33]
  • X Japan on Piano, May 25, 1998
Symphonic album, performed by an ensemble of several recognized classical musicians.
  • Rose & Blood -Indies of X-, May 2, 2001
Unofficial compilation album featuring demos from the Jealousy album sessions. The band is credited as "iX".
Various live clips of X are shown and Yoshiki is interviewed.
Documentary about X Japan and Yoshiki.

References

  1. 1 2 Yang, Jeff; Can, Dina; Hong, Terry (1997). Eastern Standard Time. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. p. 264. ISBN 0-395-76341-X.
  2. Minnie, Chi. "X Japan Best review". Asia Pacific Arts Online Magazine. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-10.
  3. Strauss, Neil (18 June 1998). "The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  4. "X Japan Take Home 'Best International Band' Award at Golden Gods=". Loudwire. 12 April 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
  5. "X Japan Embark on Their First American Tour". Revolver. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  6. "X Japan: They're huge (really), and they're (finally) coming to the U.S." Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "X JAPANのアルバム売り上げランキング" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 2012-12-05. Retrieved 2011-09-12.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "X JAPANのアルバム売上ランキング" [X Japan album sales ranking]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Indies eXplosion: The Early History of X JAPAN". JRock Revolution. 2007-10-29. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  10. 1 2 "X、初期のリマスター再発商品2作が好調!". Oricon (in Japanese). 2007-02-14. Retrieved July 23, 2009.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 "Japanese album certifications" (Enter X Japan into the アーティスト then select 検索) (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 2018-07-26.
  12. 1 2 "RIAJ CERTIFIED MILLION SELLER ALBUMS". ocn.ne.jp. Archived from the original on 2012-08-05. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
  13. "[Interview]YOSHIKI: "You Have to Force Your Way Through." (Part One)". barks.jp. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
  14. "RIAK 2001.07월 - POP 음반 판매량". Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on 2004-08-09. Retrieved 2017-02-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  15. "Oricon Top 100 2014: Albums". jame-world.com. Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  16. "Gaon chart". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  17. "2017년 21주차 Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. 2017-05-21. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  18. "X Japan | Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2018-07-28.
  19. Physical sales:
  20. Digital sales:
  21. "2017년 06월 Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  22. "X JAPANのシングル売り上げランキング" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 2012-12-05. Retrieved 2011-09-12.
  23. "X JAPANのシングル売上ランキング" [X Japan single sales ranking] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2018-07-28.
  24. "Billboard Japan Hot 100│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard (in Japanese). Retrieved 2017-01-28.
  25. "Billboard Japan Hot 100│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  26. "Billboard Japan Hot 100│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  27. "Billboard Japan Hot 100│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard (in Japanese). Retrieved 2015-11-16.
  28. "HEAVY METAL FORCE III". amazon.co.jp. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  29. "SKULL TRASH ZONE I". japan-discoveries.com. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  30. "X JapanのDVD売上ランキング" [X Japan DVD sales ranking]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  31. "Tokyo Pop (1988)". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
  32. "X Japan Virtual Shock 001 information". GameFAQs.
  33. "FAQ for X-Japan Virtual Shock 001 (Sega Saturn)". GameFAQs.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.