Hi-Standard are a Japanese punk rock group who formed in 1991. Since then, … Read Full Bio ↴Hi-Standard are a Japanese punk rock group who formed in 1991. Since then, they have become a popular and influential part of Japanese underground music. The release of their hugely popular "Making the Road" sparked sold-out Japan shows and US/European tours with punk bands such as NOFX, WIZO, and No Use for a Name. Although Hi-Standard were Japanese born, all of their major releases were sung in English. Live footage of the band shows them talking to the crowd in their native Japanese and then immediately changing to English for the songs.

Style
Although classed as a 'punk rock' band, lyrically they were not angry or politically charged like many other punk bands. Many songs were about meeting a new girl, lost love, or the transition from teenage years to adulthood. The song "Teenagers are all assholes" from their final LP "Making the road" talks about how there is no justification for violence, with lyrics such as "Don't torment your friends and neighbors/Someday you'll see you are small/There is no good reason to assault somebody/If you wanna beat someone/Beat yourself". Musically they were very similar to many other popular punk-rock bands that were big in the 90's, such as NOFX, Millencolin and The Vandals; most of their songs were very fast and catchy, with a few slower songs scattered here and there. "Making the road" was probably their most musically diverse release, featuring some very fast, hard songs (Just Rock, Crows) mixed in with slower songs (Endless Trip, Dear my Friends) and even a gentle piccolo-driven instrumental (Tinkerbell Hates Goatees). The band was considered to be very talented musically, with the fast, tight, powerful drumming and creative guitar work often standing out.

Hiatus
After recording five albums, the band entered a hiatus in August of 2000, shortly after playing "Air Jam 2000". Ken Yokoyama began working on other projects, including BBQ Chickens and Ken Band, which is now simply known as Ken Yokoyama. Yokoyama revisited the bands original label Pizza of Death Records, which has since signed many punk and alternative rock bands. Akihiro Nanba's newest project is Ultra Brain. According to CDJapan, Nanba proclaims their debut album, Neo Punk, to be the birth of neo-punk [1]. Akira Tsuneoka now provides the drums for the group, Cubismo Grafico. Although the band has never officially called it quits, as time goes on it is looking more and more unlikely that they will play together again, especially now that each member has gone on to different projects. However, fans still hope to one day see a reunion show.

Discography
Growing Up (1996) Fat Wreck Chords
Angry Fist (1997) Fat Wreck Chords
Making the Road (1999) Fat Wreck Chords
Love Is a Battlefield (EP) (2001) Fat Wreck Chords
Last of Sunny Day (2000) Japan.
The full-length Last of Sunny Day contains songs from their prior releases and original songs. The band have an additional single "The Kids are Alright" available only in Japan
Hi-Standard perform punk covers of American songs "California Dreamin'", "Green Acres", Have you ever seen the rain?" and "Fools Rush In"

Just Rock
Hi-Standard Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

oh realize
what's in front of you
don't believe
everything you hear
oh is it true you heard a rumor
T.V. and 'zines
have made an ass of you
just rock

just rock your fucking self
just rock
know who the fuck you are
what's your style
whose clothes do you wear
don't you know
fake charisman must die
oh what's the fuck
if I wore tight pants
you wouldn't be
listening to this song
don't care
what the T.V.is saying
just rock
just rock your fucking self
don't care
what the T.V.is saying
I'd rather rock
that's right that's right
don't care
what the people are wearing
I'd rather rock
that's right that's right
just rock
just rock your fucking self

just rock
rock your fucking self

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Hi-Standard's song "Just Rock" are a call to listeners to be true to themselves and not conform to societal pressures or trends. The song encourages individuals to ignore rumors, media influence, and fake charisma, and instead focus on understanding their own personal style and identity. The repeated "just rock" is a mantra urging listeners to be confident in their own skin and to not worry about what others think.

The lyrics address the influence of the media and the power it has in shaping people's opinions and beliefs. The reference to T.V. and 'zines implies that these mediums are often shallow and superficial, and by following their lead, individuals risk becoming an "ass." The song also touches on the idea of authenticity and how it's easy to spot those who are not genuine. The line, "fake charisma must die," implies that individuals who are fake or insincere will eventually be exposed and rejected.

Overall, "Just Rock" is a positive and empowering message. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, individuality, and confidence, encouraging listeners to be fearless in expressing their true selves.

Line by Line Meaning

oh realize
Take a moment to become aware

what's in front of you
Consider your surroundings and the situation at hand

don't believe
Don't trust blindly

everything you hear
Question the information you receive

oh is it true you heard a rumor
Do not accept rumors without verifying their legitimacy

T.V. and 'zines
Television and magazines

have made an ass of you
The media can manipulate and mislead you

just rock
Stay true to yourself

just rock your fucking self
Be authentic and true to your identity

know who the fuck you are
Be self-aware and confident in your identity

what's your style
Discover and embrace your personal style