B'Z

The Japanese pop band B'z comprises vocalist/keyboard player Kohshi Inaba and guitarist Tak Matsumoto. The duo released their first self-titled album in 1988, and followed in the next ten years with more than one popular album per year: Off the Lock (1989), Bad Communication (1989), Break Through (1990), Wicked Beat (1990), Risky (1990), Mars (1991), In the Life (1991) and Run (1992). In 1992, the band reached the stratosphere with the monster hit "Friends," from the similarly titled album. During 1994-95, B'z released The 7th Blues and Loose before following up Friends with Friends Ii. The second volume -- with an acoustic version of the title track -- also proved a hit. In 1996, Inaba released the solo project Magma. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide