Aria van Weye 
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the world lost a true legend on the 19th of October, 2023, when Atsushi Sakurai, the iconic lead singer of the Japanese Visual Kei band Buck-Tick, succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage. His unique vocal prowess, innovative approach to music, and impactful lyrics have left an indelible mark on the world of visual kei. He was renown for his legendary Suit game and dark fashion, its not Atsushi if he wasn’t wearing a stylish suit of some description. As we remember and honor this music pioneer, let’s take a moment to celebrate his top 6 singles that showcase his exceptional talents.
1. “Miss-Take”: A haunting melody combined with Sakurai’s enigmatic voice, “Miss-Take” was a striking example of his lyrical genius. The song delves into inner turmoil, resonating with listeners, and cementing its status as one of Buck-Tick’s classics.
2. “Kuchizuke”: “Kuchizuke” exemplifies Sakurai’s ability to convey raw emotions through his singing. With a passionate and soulful delivery, the song’s evocative lyrics make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to move hearts. The video M/V was one of the most detailed and intense clips Buck-Tick ever released.
3. “Just One More Kiss”: In this touching ballad, Atsushi Sakurai showcases his softer side. The song’s emotional depth and heartfelt lyrics reveal his versatility as an artist, endearing him to a broad audience. We see Atsushi during his younger years with his amazing mohawke. Even back then, he was a fashionista of all things goth and punk
4. “Romance”: “Romance” is an anthem of love and longing, where Sakurai’s unique vocal style brings out the song’s ethereal quality. His ability to convey complex emotions through his voice is unparalleled. Romance is one of my absolute favourites, and you can see exactly why Atsushi was known as the Vampire King. The levels of emotion in the vocals is why we will never see another singer like Atsushi.
5. “Babel”: As one of Buck-Tick’s most iconic songs, “Babel” features a mesmerizing vocal performance by Sakurai. The song’s lyrics and atmosphere create a sonic landscape that draws listeners into a world of intricate storytelling. Once again, the M/V shows just how hauntingly gothic Buck-Tick and Atsushi was.
6. “Kagerou”: “Kagerou” showcases Atsushi Sakurai’s poetic lyricism and his ability to infuse depth into a song. His vocals in this track are both haunting and passionate, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s soul.
Each of these songs not only reflects Atsushi Sakurai’s incredible vocal talent but also his gift for crafting profound and thought-provoking lyrics. His music transcended boundaries and reached the hearts of people from all walks of life. As we mourn the loss of a true musical icon, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of Atsushi Sakurai through these visionary hits. His artistry will continue to inspire and touch the lives of countless individuals, keeping his memory alive for generations to come.
