Vianime

Not in any particular order.

D. Gray Man OP 4: “Gekidou” (UVERworld)

- The music is gritty and intense, uplifting, tender, and mysterious all at the same time. An amazing, original opening that keeps the listener totally spellbound throughout the entirety of its 5:36 length. I was actually a little disappointed when I finally saw the D. Gray Man opening after hearing this song. It’s not nearly as intense and powerful as I would’ve expected.

Eureka 7: “Days” (Flow)

- An old favourite, though I’ve never seriously watched Eureka 7 (Renton annoys me, so sue me! =P) Flow tends to make really good openings. They’re just so energetic and uplifting, you feel like you’re gonna be swept away just by listening. I really like their lyrics, too, and because they have a number of different voices you never really get bored of hearing them sing.

Bleach: “Asterisk” (Orange Range)

- Mm, I consider this like the “perfect” prototypical anime opening, at least for a shounen anime like Bleach. It’s perfect. The vocals are unique, the bass is strong, the instrumental section is intense, it flows well, it modulates. I prefer the “OST Version.”

Code Geass: “Colors” (Flow)

- An absolute favourite of mine. Definitely among my top 5 OPs. Funnily enough, I didin’t really like it when I first heard it on Code Geass. Sounded too “cliche,” like I’d heard it from somewhere before. But hey, Code Geass isn’t exactly THE most unique anime ever, so it fits in a way! Anyway, I just feel like this song has such a powerful driving force… it makes you feel like you’re unstoppable.

Inu Yasha: “Change the World” (V6)

- Similarly, “Change the World” is like one of those “I’m invincible, let’s go fly around the world” kind of songs. I love all the various different sections in it, some intense, others more playful or tender. I’ve only watched a few episodes of Inu Yasha, but it feels like this song is just meant for that anime.

Gundam SEED Destiny: “Pride” (High and Mighty Color)

- As you can see, I have a weakness for these “powerful, uplifting” type themes. I love how this one starts out slow then suddenly ramps up. This OP isn’t as polished as some of the other ones (the same can be said for the anime it came from…), but I still love it.

Check out my Downloads page for more anime-related music downloads.

This page will contain lists of what I consider to be the best anime OPs and EDs (openings and endings), as well as anime Inserts (songs played during the episodes themselves). I don’t have very specific criteria for selection, but generally I’ve chosen songs which 1. stick in my memory 2. have unique aspects (don’t sound like soulless clones) 3. are of a high musical quality 4. have great, original lyrics and 5. suit the atmosphere of the anime well.

I’ve divided my favourite OPs into “full version” and “TV size”. Why? If it’s under “full vers” it means I consider the song to be exceedingly good on its own, requiring no images at all to make it come to life. Also, it means that the song is much better in its entirety than when it’s clipped short. This is usually because the development/introduction of the song is actually original, compelling, and reaches a satisfying conclusion.

Songs listed under “TV size” are somewhat better in their compact version and also match the images in the opening extremely well. Generally, the later/earlier sections of the song that didn’t make it to the “TV size” version are not QUITE up to the same standard. This does not in any way mean that I value these songs any less. In fact, most of my TOP favourites are in this category.

(Note: Why are they called “TV size”? Because this is the version used in the TV anime series. Generally they’re a little bit less than 1:30. That’s just how they call them. Some kind of case of Engrish, I suppose. Don’t ask me.)

Remember, everything is my opinion only, and should not be taken very seriously. The songs are not listed in any particular order.

Click the links below to view more detailed descriptions and Youtube videos of each song in the category.

Best OPs (full version)

Best OPs (TV size)

Best EDs

Best Inserts

Best OPs (full version):

D. Gray Man: “Gekidou” (UVERworld)

Eureka 7: “Days” (Flow)

Bleach: “Asterisk” (Orange Range)

Code Geass: “Colors” (Flow)

Inu Yasha: “Change the World” (V6)

Gundam SEED Destiny: “Pride” (High and Mighty Color)

Best OPs (TV Size):

.hack//SIGN: “Obsession” (See-Saw)

Fullmetal Alchemist: “Ready, Steady, Go!” (L’arc en Ciel)

Soul Eater: “Resonance” (T.M.Revolution)

Gundam SEED Destiny: “Ignited” (T.M.Revolution)

Loveless: “Tsuki no Curse” (Okina Reika)

Ouran High School Host Club: “Sakura Kiss” (Chieko Kawabe)

Mushishi: “The Sore Feet Song” (Ally Kerr)

Pandora Hearts: “Parallel Hearts” (FictionJunction)

Fullmetal Alchemist 2: “Again” (YUI)

Best EDs:

Nabari no Ou: “Hikari” (Elisa)

Nabari no Ou: “Aru ga Mama” (Anamu & Maki)

Code Geass R2: “Shiawase Neiro”

.hack//SIGN: “Yasashii Yoake” (See-Saw)

Death Note: “Alumina” (Nightmare)

Fullmetal Alchemist 2: “Uso” (SID)

Best Inserts:

07-GHOST: “Raggs no Chinkonka” (Noria)

Trinity Blood: “Requiem ~ Inori” (lisa)

Gundam SEED: “Akatsuki no Kurama” (FictionJunction)

Gundam SEED: “Shizuka no Yoru ni” (Rie Tanaka)