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Hello! I’m on vacation, so I thought it might be fun to talk about something I love that’s not at all related to work: music from anime OPs. Thread incoming …
I am *obsessed* with the music that plays over the opening credits of anime. Like many Americans, this probably started with what's arguably the most recognizable anime OP of all time, which I still adore:
That theme came from the ‘90s English adaptation, part of an era when loads of anime were getting their OPs redone for U.S. audiences (sorry, “One Piece” fans). But you can enjoy all kinds of original Japanese OPs, and holy heck, there are some absolute bangers out there.
I can’t stress enough that you don’t have to be an anime fan to enjoy this music. Sure, I have some favs I enjoy in part because of the show-related feelings they evoke. One of the tops for me is “Re:Re:” by Asian Kung Fu Generation from “Erased”:
Also see “Again” by Yui from “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” and “Resonance” by T.M. Revolution from “Soul Eater”:
But I listen to several songs on repeat from shows I thought were fun but just OK – looking at you, “Kyōran Hey Kids!!” by The Oral Cigarettes from “Noragami Aragoto” …
In addition, I *love* some OPs for shows that are, well, bad. “Tokyo Ghoul” may be among the biggest wastes of potential I’ve yet seen on TV, but try and not get chills from “Unravel” by TK:
I actively dislike “Neon Genesis Evangelion” (I know, unpopular opinion), but dang if I don’t get “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi stuck in my brain all the dang time:
I have not even seen “Code Geass”, but I do bop along to “Colors” by Flow on the regular:
Ftr, I don’t speak Japanese, but music transcends language, and I adore many songs without knowing what the lyrics mean. Sometimes, OPs get even better when I hear an English cover, a la this @LeeandLie take on “Monochrome Kiss” from “Black Butler”:
My taste leans alternative, but there are SO MANY styles used in OPs: I <3 the big band romp of “Death Parade”, the hip-hop vibe of “Samurai Champloo”, and the samba beat of “Fairy Tail” OP6:
If you want to truly nerd out over OPs, @G0ffThew has a really fun series that deconstructs how well an OP works based on the mesh of music and visuals and story. Spoilers are in effect for some of these:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiA-wx1wjaKpFbymrAHhdgzqmWADswVyC
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiA-wx1wjaKpFbymrAHhdgzqmWADswVyC
If not, I’d still argue that music from anime OPs is often underappreciated, and it’s very much worth giving some of these bands a try regardless of your interest in anime. If you have a fav to recommend, or a band you love beyond their OP work, let me know! Kthxbai.
