Rouge was a ‘70s glam band that are barely known outside of their home country of Japan. This colorful group was inspired by the likes of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, but Rouge were most obviously under the sway of the gender-bending glam rock outfit, the New York Dolls. Part of Rouge’s appeal is due to the proto-punk vocals—a blend of Jagger-like snarl and the fierceness of Iggy. Rouge deserves wider recognition, so DM’s sharing with you the highlights of their limited repertoire.
In 1975, the Japanese label, Doughnut Records, issued The Best of Rouge—a bold title, as it was the group’s debut release.
The album’s opener, the snotty “New York Baby,” is clearly influenced by the NY Dolls, down to the quoting of the Dolls number, “Looking for a Kiss.”
“Love in Flora” is a punky, Chuck Berry/Dolls hybrid. Like “New York Baby,” it’s so overflowing with attitude that I’d be willing to wager that you’ll connect with it, even if you don’t speak a lick of Japanese.
The Best of Rouge would prove to be the group’s only album; they disbanded in 1977. But there have been a couple of archival releases. The first to see the light of day, The Strikes Back is a collection of live recordings that came out in 1990.
The rocker “Baby Mama” is the go-to track here.
“Magic Lady” is another good one, with Rouge sounding like the Stones on a coke bender.
Live 1976, recorded at a Tokyo gig in April of that year, followed in 1998.
As with The Strikes Back, Live 1976 includes renditions of solid songs that are otherwise unavailable. One such tune, “No! (Born to be Schools Out),” possesses some killer lead guitar work, and punk-like vocals that are to die for.
The set’s closer number, the storming rocker, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Yaon (Yeah! On! Ah! Baleyozeh!)” is the perfect Rouge track to go out on.
We’ll leave you with more Rouge images.
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
GIRLS: Runaways-inspired Japanese band cover ‘Cherry Bomb,’ Blondie, Ramones, KISS and more, 1977
The west coast’s answer to the New York Dolls: The Hollywood Stars (with a DM premiere)
Baby Grande: Superb ‘70s glam/punk band with future members of the Church—a DM premiere