Judy and Mary -- Over Drive

Ahhhh....one of the nostalgia songs for me. Judy and Mary's "Over Drive" was another song that seemed to take up permanent residence on "Countdown TV". And for me, it was the first song by the band that I really paid attention to since it was just a happy and sunny tune to be sung by the chipper YUKI. The official music video is also another good memory in my noggin' with the gang shuffling about in their overalls.

Released in June 1995, "Over Drive" was Judy and Mary's 7th single. It was written by YUKI and composed by JAM guitarist TAKUYA and managed to get as high as No. 4 on Oricon and later finished the year as the 50th-ranked song. It was also included on the band's 3rd album, "Miracle Diving" which came out in December 1995 and peaked at No. 2. It would finish 1996 ranked at No. 23.

The song also was a fair favourite on TV. It was not only used on a Toyota commercial (above) but it was also the campaign tune for a soup brand in 2006 and was even utilized as the ending theme song for a 2001 high school quiz special. Just a happy, happy tune.