This◊ is your brain on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack. Let's point out that's supposed to be John Williams. It's THAT GOOD.
Examples of awesome music in anime.
It should be noted that a lot of songs in anime are regular J-Pop songs that just appear in anime and are not exclusive to it. Still awesome, though.
Which is turned into a leitmotif with the addition of "Ghost City" (which plays during the montage halfway through the film) and "Reincarnation" (during the ending credits).
From the second film, Ghost in the Shell: Innocence, comes "The Ballade of Puppets: The Ghost Awaits in the World Beyond", a work of genius that contrasts the ass-kicking finale so perfectly it elevates the climax to what can only be described as a spiritual experience.
Kawai's interpretation of "Follow Me" is also exquisite.
Sachi Tainaka may as well get a section just for these songs. This Symphonic Arrangement of the anime's two opening themes from her CD deserves some consideration, too. Another version called disillusion -2010- is arranged for the Fate/Stay Night TV Reproduction OVAs.
From the Unlimited Blade Works movie: Imitation, which perfectly captures Shirou's defense of his ideals against Archer, his future self.
Also from Unlimited Blade Works, the thunderous Binding Realms.
This Troper found pretty much all of Moribito's soundtrack to be so spectacular that she went and ordered the CDs immediately after finishing the show. Omoi Haruka makes her feel happy to be alive.
Pretty much the entirety of the score from Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Notable tracks of awesomeness can be found here.
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni: the anime OSTs were made by him, featuring some of the scariest tracks I've ever heard. "Senkou" still gives me a chill EVERY TIME.
And "Oshin". If there's a more terrifying theme that could be used in that scene...
Then for pure musical awesome: "Ran" and "Main Theme".
Also Battle Drums though you have to listen to it entirely.
Spirited Away is already an amazing movie, but what also made it so breathtakingly beautiful is the soundtrack. Dragon Boy is just perfect in setting up the movie's setting, and the ending credits (though he actually didn't write it) Always With Me simply cannot be described in words of its beauty.
As with anything fan-produced, Sturgeon's Law applies to fandubs. However, on occasion you stumble upon that elusive 10% that's absolutely worth it. Here you may learn what your favorite anime songs sound like translated to English.
GeekyFanDubs: In addition to having a good singing voice, she reimagines the lyrics of the song so that they flow as naturally as possible, while keeping the song's original meaning.
Most of the music for the AIR game was considered good enough to be used directly the anime release as well - and with very good reason. Especially noteworthy is the track "Aozora" (blue sky) sung by Lia, whose mournful vocals set the perfect mood for the already very sad ending. The instrumental version is used all through the series to maximum effect as well.
The anime and game opening Tori no Utadefinitely deserves a mention.
Farewell Song, which is a very epic piece of music. This troper always imagines it being performed on stage with lots of pyrotechnics and lasers.
Note that there are two versions of the song used in the anime — the original, with Iwasawa singing is more rock oriented, while the revised version features Yui against a piano. The soundtrack CDs included not only both versions, but vocal-free versions of each, which has allowed fans to remix it to hell and back — Yui with rock guitars, Iwasawa with piano, and the most awesome of all, a remix incorporating vocals and music from all versions.
The ending, ''Brave Song'', and the insert/last ending ''Ichiban no Takaramono'' are Crowning Music of Heartwarming, especially Ichiban no Takaramono when it's in the context of it's associated CMoH(s).
Aside from copious amounts of excellent Scenery Porn, ARIA has an impressive soundtrack, consisting of slightly classically tinted, soft pieces that fit the mood of the series perfectly. Most of the tracks are produced by Choro Club, who also did excellent work on the second OVA release of Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou.
Tenki Ame Is probably one of the best instrumental songs in the series. Forgot where it played exactly though...
Tenki Ame just has that warm, fuzzy, Crowning Moment Of Heart Warming feel to it. They played it when they found Maa. I think they also played it that one time when they went back in time to witness water crashing into the stream while they were Terraforming Aqua.
Lumis Eterne, Loomis Etlune a very nice song played in a very impotant/touching Aria the Origination, by Alice Caroll's voice actor. * sniffle*
Still the most beautiful piece is probably the OP of the AriettaOVA, performed by SONOROUS, with its slow and immensely melancholic melody. It is a strong departure from the more lighthearted tunes of the other OPs and sets the mood for the rest of the episode extremely well.
And while we're at it Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou deserves its own, proper entry. In this troper's opinion, it's when Nai takes Alpha up in his airplane, but there are other moments that qualify too. Not to mention pretty much everything that applies to ARIA in this trope carries over to Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou as well.
It's a fanwork about a fanwork, but the music in this video definitely qualifies. It weaves together different Vocaloid pieces together in a way which is smooth and beautiful, and the "Veneziano" measures are amazing! Which isn't mentioning the video itself and how cute and yet sad that it is.
Russia's character song and the song that plays in the anime (episode 89) when Russia first encounters Lithuania.
It may not be official, but this fusion of Osoreirimasu Sumimasen/Excuse Me, I'm Sorry and Ni Hao Chuugoku/Hello, China titled Sumimasen Chuugoku/I'm Sorry, China needs to be mentioned.
Speaking of which, the Kuricorder Quartet, who did the background music for the series, has an epically cute rendition of the Imperial March. Yes, that Imperial March.
The Maya songs are just awesome for what they represent and when they're used.
The account associated with that video was terminated. Can you tell us what scene you were referring to?
Look, have you heard the soundtrack? It's pure cute, quirky, sometimes sad awesome - in short, it's Azumanga Daioh.
For example, Shingakki (sometimes referred as "Osaka's theme" or "Sakaki's theme") in its many variations. The perfect slice-of-life anime background music piece.
The six main characters' image songs are no slouch either!
Kagura (this one gets extra points for being punkish)
Okay, so it's actually a Real Song Theme Tune rather than one made for the anime itself but Guns & Roses, the OP for Baccano, is still friggin' glorious.
Seconded. As awesome as Tank! is, it might have to move over for this OP. The saxophone. My god THE SAXOPHONE.
There's also a reoccurring track called Baccano! no Theme that, much like the above mentioned "Ayato kill theme," seems to pop up during moments of total pwnage.
The second opening to Basquash! is one hell of a song. The first opening was dreadfully boring, which made the new opening even more exciting in comparison.
"Running On" from episode 9. That music makes for the most epic game of basketball ever, even if Rouge does get hit by a ball halfway through the song. Especially because the length of the game is defined by the song.
Along with this is the ending theme of the last episode of the second season. In this troper's opinion, this should have been the end theme for the whole series.
This troper thought The World of Midnight as it was sung over the end credits of the Hansel and Gretel story was just beautiful. Especially considering how the end credits had gone over the previous 14 episodes.
One could argue that most all of the music from Bubblegum Crisis is a CMOA.
"Konya Wa Hurricane" from the first episode is quite possibly one of the best opening songs and opening sequences ever. In this tropers opinion, BGC set the standard for anime music, and set it very high.
The german opening of Captain Future. No singing. No exposition. Just a really sweet instrumental peace.
Cardcaptor Sakura... where to begin? Sakura's Theme II definitely belongs here, as not only is it an awesome song, it also plays during almost every action scene in the first two seasons. Then, during season 3, it gets replaced with the equally cool Card wo Tsugumono (yes, it deserves a spoiler). The third season opening theme, Purachina, is also worthy of mention, along with the awesome orchestral arrangement in Hontou no Ichiban.
Special recognition goes to the song "Suki" tte nandarou, literally translating to "What is love?"
Chrono Crusade's ending theme Sayonara Solitaire also provides an amazing mood for the series.
The ending theme of Claymore, Danzai No Hana is just all kinds of awesome. The singer has such a powerful voice and the music mixes classical and rock seamlessly.
What about the opening Raison D'etre? Beautiful lyrics, awesome riff, and that voice... so deep and melancholy it fits way too well.
The Cutey Honeyopening, in all its incarnations, is a damn good song . . . provided you can ignore what the lyrics actually mean.
"Senshi Yo Tachiagare" from Cybaster/Cybuster. The lyrics are already awesome (seriously, hear it and read the translation). Now hearing it live, there are no words that can tell about it. Now hearing it in an acoustic version is simply death...
The ending Tsukiakari by Rie fu is calm and very soothing.
The rest of the soundtrack is by Yoko Kanno, which pretty much clinches it. "GO Dark" and "Deadly Work" in particular tend to punctuate something insanely cool.
How did someone NOT post anything about the opening and ending of Ryuusei no Gemini; Stereopony did a great job with the opening and abingdon boys school did the ending.
For Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z- While "Rise of Him" seems to be a repetitive techno song like the rest of the soundtrack at first... Cue the organ and the strings. If it doesn't seem like CMOA at first, try listening to the rest of the soundtrack and coming back. Also, Touch Me!, the instrumental of which plays either when the girls transform as a group or when the villains are going to get their butts kicked. When the version with lyrics starts playing, the villains really should take that as a cue to run for their lives.
The fanmade version picked up by Vic Mignogna might be a little more epic. As mentioned on the Earworm trope, he's a repeat offender of this as well (Towards The Light, Shissou, and two songs that are mentioned in FMA's section...).
The ending song of episode 24 Caged Bird is heartbreakingly beautiful as well.
The entire Dragon Crisis! soundtrack counts as this, but special mention must go to its kickass opening theme.
Fans were clamoring for the "episode preview" track from Durarara!!!!, "Ikebukuro West Exit Five-way Intersection", for its delicious sax licks long before the OST came out and the full version could be enjoyed in its glory.
Goddamn this soundtrack needs more love. It is one of the very few soundtracks that has ever truly touched this troper. Particularly Ryokushoku No Kioku/Green Memories, which is first heard with beautiful scenery as our protagonist has a lovely dream of "being whole again." It plays again later on, when said protagonist is riding on her motorcycle thinking about the man who loves her. She tosses her arms into the air and says (paraphrased) : "If there is someone that can find redemption in me, then why can't I find redemption in them?" It is to this day one of the top five most beautiful scenes that this troper has ever witnessed in her entire life, and the lovely piece only amplifies it.
Dennou Boukenki Webdiver is a not well-known sci-fi series from 2001. Nonetheless, both the opening Diver 2100 and the ending Together deserve a special mention.
Detective Conan has had a lot of theme songs, many of them very good, or even great. For example, the very first one (the english translation).
E - J
ef- a tale of memories has the ending theme for episode 2, Euphoric Field, which turns out to be the opening for the rest of the series and also what comes out when you take the first letter of each episode's title. The song itself is mostly correct, if mispronounced, engrish, and was performed by Tenmon, of 5 Centimeters per Second fame. Tenmon also composed the rest of the series' incredibly touching soundtrack. In this troper's opinion, the most awesome part was the opening to episode 12, which was exactly the same as the other openings, except the song was in Japanese and the visual symbolism was completely changed. When you think about how this must have affected the primary audience, who now understand the lyrics, it becomes doubly awesome. Tenmon makes a return in the sequel, Ef- A Tale of Melodies, with the opening Ebullient Future (yes, ebullient is a real word).
Elfen Lied's opening theme "Lilium" is one of the most hauntingly beautiful themes you will ever hear.
Escaflowne (yes, the movie) has Maaya Sakamoto's Yubiwa (Ring). It alone can still move this troper to tears, and the lyrics make it all the sweeter (see also Gravity under Wolf's Rain).
And speaking of euphoric, how could you forget the beautiful and simultaneously happy-and-sad Himitsu Kichi (Secret Base)? Or the blood-pumping Taiyou no Mannaka e (To The Center of The Sun)? The latter is probably solely responsible for keeping this troper awake on the last day of a vacation that had scheduled everything but time to sleep.
It's not just those songs; the soundtrack, composed by Naoki Sato, is a delicious mix of music that not only fits the different moods of the series, but has also moved this troper to tears with its pure awesomeness.
The soundtrack. Seriously, this is probably one of the finest orchestral scores in an OST I've heard. This is probably the only anime I've seen tbat actually credits the orchestra that recorded it, in this case, the Warsaw Philliharmonic. It has a certain rich sound to it, and is an enjoyable listen on its own. My personal favorite is Blue Sky of Sorrow, the french horn duet at the beginning is just beatiful, and sets the mood for the piece. There are many other awesome pieces in the score includingOpening of Nightmare's Gate, Fafner in the Azure, Battle (m9), False Paradise (which is simply beautiful), A Girl's Wish (An interesting theme and variations), and Epilougue:Prologue (Which opens the show).
There's also Beautiful Morning with You, a brief track that's still great at conveying a sense of menace.
What, no love for Blues Drive Monster? This troper went as far as naming a race in Spore after that song (with the creature based on that robot, of course).
This Troper thought that the part in Episode 6 where they play Last Dinosaur was perfection. Right as the final confrontation is about to start, Haruko yells "It's the climax!" and the song starts to play in all its glory. The fact that up until this point they had only played a portion of the song during the next episode preview really made it feel like the final, climactic moment in the series.
FLCL's sometimes jokingly called a series-length Animated Music Video of The Pillows. That's definitely not a bad thing.
"Tada Nakitakunaru no" from Fruits Basket is both adorable and heartwrenching at the same time.
And lo, I looked upon episode 25 of Heartcatch Pretty Cure, and in the second ED, they didst make a gospel song! And lo, it was called Song of Tomorrow, and it was awesome! Hallelujah!
Heart Goes On, which is Heartcatch's version of Shining Star and just as awesome!
Only one anime opening theme (besides Baccano's Guns & Roses) has even challenged Tank's position as the best jazz opening of all time- 'Boomerang Boogie' from Gad Guard. It's more swing than bebop, but when it swings, it SWINGS!
Gantz, despite being absolutely gruesome and pointless in This Troper's eyes, has the annoyingly catchy, Engrish-laden Super Shooter to add to the repotoire.
The GaoGaiGartheme song, "Yuusha-Oh Tanjou" is one of the catchiest pieces of music ever, successfully emulating the classic Super Robot style without feeling dated for its time, or even ten years after its time. It also makes it easier to remember for those who call it a tongue-twister.
Also. Yuuki Aru Tatakai, the track reserved for battles such as the one with EI-01, the Primevals, and Mamoru.
The themes for Soldat J and King J-der are also pretty awesome. In fact, ANY music, used as the motif for ANY main character/ robot, 99.99% of the time, it's a Crowning Music of Awesome. However, the themes for the Goldion Hammer and the Goldion Crusher in the OVA are probably the most epic ones there are.
While not even remotely "hell yeah!" awesome, kudos have to be given to the track on the other end of the spectrum...Guy's Theme. It makes you want to cry, give him a hug, and salute him all at once.
the saddest song on the soundtrack, though, is the one for the other protagonist. Mamoru's Theme is such a beautiful, sad song, and the show knew just WHEN exactly to use it. Mamoru's Character Development after The Reveal, the exposition about the fate of Mamoru and his replicant at the beginning of Episode 8 of FINAL, it justs works so well with what's going on.
How soon we all forget the epic remix of the Final Fusion music used for The Birth of Genesic GaoGaiGar. (Begins 1:00 in)
Genshiken's first ending theme "Biidama". It isn't bombastic rock or an insanely catchy bubblegum J-pop hit — it simply captures the bittersweetness of going to university and making friends,then having to leave both of them behind. It's even more heartbreaking with the translated lyrics. Saori Atsumi, take a bow.
Genshiken's opening track My Pace Daiou it just works. It's also pretty awesome live.
Ghost Hound has a fantastic OP called Poltergeist. It's an awesome jazzy piece. Such a shame the series is little known. The ending, Call my Name is sad and slow - quite a contrast to the OP, but very welcoming.
Giant Robo - the score was composed by Academy Award nominated composer Masamichi Amano, and played by a real orchestra and choir. Is it awesome? You bet.
History's Greatest Decisive Battle is one of this troper's favourites. The video is abridged (the full song is 13 minutes long), but it's one of the best segments.
Ginga Densetsu Weed: The opening theme is excellent for getting yourself pumped up, as well as a great excuse to go "YAH!" at the top of your lungs.
"Shura", the fifth ending theme for Gintama, used to punctuate one of the more badass arcs of the series.
And later, the 5th OP Donten with probably the best Bait and Switch fight scenes for added awesomeness.
While not badass like the other examples, the Yorozuya Blues that played while Gintoki and Otae pass each other in the rain as he goes off to fight Benizakura against her orders is pretty awesome (this is a slightly different version than the one from the show). It's laid back and melancholy and perfect.
It's a shame that there are no full versions of the really awesome OP for the original Glass Mask series, Garasu no Kamen by Mariko Ashibe. Still, the TV version gives a glimpse of what a lovely song this is.
Tema V is this troper's favorite, but the entire OST is amazing.
The Delgados' The Light Before We Land, used as the opening theme in season 1, is a mesmerizingly melancholy song that perfectly sets the mood of the show. From the same album, Woke From Dreaming, used as an insert song in episode 7, is also a beautiful keeper.
Other soundtrack highlights include the serene Ti Amo, the mournful Chiesa, and the furious Tema IV.
The second season doesn't get the love it deserves. Personally, this troper found the main theme of the season playing during the final fight against Pinocchio particularly moving.
The image album has some really good character songs. And leads of with ''Ragazza Col Fucile''.
It's awesome having an excuse to yell "PLAY FREEBIRD!!" at cons.
Inner Light, the 2nd opening to Hajime No Ippo. If any song were to represent all of Shōnen, this would be it. An instrumental version has a tendency to appear during many fights throughout the first season, and during the Kimura vs. Mashiba match.
The entire soundtrack for the first season is really great, but the most notable are the Rocky-esque Stand Proud, the training montage theme Irradiation and the emotional Yuuzora no Kamihikouki
Love Tropicana from Haré+Guu is a crazy upbeat dancing song.
Something must be said for the funktastic ending song of Haré+Guu Deluxe, Fun Fun and Shout by Sister Mayo.
Hayate The Combat Butler/Hayate No Gotoku has "Cruel Angel Thesis"
Hellsing has one of the best soundtracks for any anime ever!
Heroman has demonstrated this, the soundtrack hasn't been released, but if you don't believe me, give "Roulette" a listen. The Skrugg's theme is also pretty good.
The opening ("Falling Down" by Oasis) for Higashi No Eden certainly qualifies as Crowning Music of Awesome. Add it to the wicked-fun opening and you've got one of the best openings for the best new series of 2009.
The music that plays in the final episode when Akira intercepts the missiles also counts.
Technically from the game than from the anime, but "Dear You", the ending theme of the Meakishi-hen arc of Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni is incredibly poignant and beautiful, espescially if you've seen Meakishi-hen. An epic version of it can be heard here. (Warning: Actual video contains Meakishi-hen spoilers)
The anime itself has both the OPs, which are not only awesome in and of themselves, but are perfectly indicitave of the changing tone of the series; First, the suspenseful and moody Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni and secondly the defiant and hopeful Naraku no Hana.
This devoutly Anglican troper knows a vicar who is a fan of When They Cry (no, really, I do). Said vicar has said that part of him genuinely believes that after the end of this universe, Dear you--bond is the song that will be sung in the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Where can I meet this vicar?
Honey and Clover. Submitted for your approval in the following clip: first, a poignant piano rendition of the opening theme, and then Suneohair shows us why God gave us ending themes. (Watch in high quality. It makes a difference.)
Bonbon Bereppa is so awesomely quirky and unique, not to mention oddly relaxing. Made even better by the fact that it usually is played whenever Morita is in Cloudcuckoolander mode, making it practically his Leitmotif.
One does not go into a yaoi OVA expecting good music. That is why the main theme of Hyakujitsu No Bara may blow the minds of those unprepared...especially when it's playing over tank battles.
IGPX, apart from the opening theme by GRANRODEO, has some excellent music provided by the British indie label NINJA TUNE. One of the coolest tracks in the entire series is "Everything Is Under Control (dj KENTARO Remix) by COLDCUT, played in a few of the Toonami-edition episodes, as well as the Season 1 recap music video. There are also some epic orchestrated tracks scattered throughout the uncut version that are, sadly unavailable on CD.
The fourth opening, Grip! by Every Little Thing, always makes me shake my head.
Opening song #6, Angelus, makes me feel so freaking happy.
The second ending theme, Fukai Mori, is one of this tropers favorite ending songs of all time.
The third ending theme, Dearest. Has several remixes in the series, the most memorable being the beautiful strings instrumental version, which made Kikyo's death even more heart-wrenching.
And don't forget Jigoku Nagashi. Whenever you hear this song in the first few episodes, you know shit just got real for some Asshole Victim.
K - R
Kaijis OST is one of those very simple ones that still manage to be incredibly awesome. No singing, just great instrumentals. Kaiji Theme, Predicament, Line Of Light and Beginning are the pinnacles.
Don't forget "Wish". Holy shit, when that guitar starts...!
Also worth mentioning is the ending theme, Makeinu-tachi no Requiem sung by Hakuryuu. It gets even more awesome when you realise that it's Tonegawa's voice actor.
"Last Regrets", the gorgeous, sweeping opening theme of the Kanon PC game (and the later anime series), is almost entirely responsible for getting this troper interested in visual novels. All previous conceptions of Kanon being 'just some porn game' were blown away by the Full Chorus version of this song - how could it be with music THIS good.
Both K-On!'s opening theme and especially its closing theme. There is a reason why the closer and the opener respectively once held the #1 and #2 spots on the Oricon charts on the same week.
On the more peaceful side, there's Kumori Nochi Hare. Many of the songs in the soundtrack are Crowning Music material actually.
The 2nd opening theme to Kurokami: The Animation, tRANCE by GRANRODEO, is 100% pure awesome, with metal-esque riff, some awesome soloing, a hooky chorus, and liberal Engrish ("Death Through Trance" indeed). After the cheesy synth-pop 1st Opening Theme this is downright refreshing, just like "WHAT'S UP PEOPLE" was to Death Note.
This troper loves the anime's first opening, Sympathizer even more.
Lacrimosa, the series' second ending theme, by Kalafina. It's beautifully atmospheric and much more fitting for the series than the first ending.
No love for The Slightly Chipped Moon, from the second season? it's Alois's leitmotiff, and it's more haunting than any other song in the soundtrack.
"Systematic People", the OP for Kurozuka. A fast-paced, intense piece of electronica by Wagdug Futuristic Unity, with a cameo by the lead singer of Maximum The Hormone. The lyrics are done in English, although between the loud music and the singer's Japanese accent, it's hard to tell. Love It or Hate It, you won't forget it.
The Opening (Motekke! Sailor Fuku!) Especially the tear-jerking version used for background music in the end of episode 24 (About 2:35 in - if anyone just has the song itself - that would just be awesome)
One of the best Image Songs from Lucky Star is "Kenka Yohou no Jikan dayo" by the local Tsundere Kagami Hiiragi. The first seconds will grab your attention because of it's fast-paced rock/techno beat.
The other Ascended Meme of the series, Kumikyoku LuckyStar Douga is a fitting musical sendoff for the series (as well as being a massive 15 minute Earworm). The live concert appropriately used it for the encore.
This troper is also very fond of LadyBat's Ankoku no Tsubasa. It has a catchy tune (in a good way) and a really cool guitar solo. And Lady Bat's voice is cool.
As for the heroes, Kizuna and Kodou are pretty impressive battle songs. As Lazy and or cheap the Italian dubbers were towards the production of their dub for this anime they did create one or 2 ear worms! Primarily the group songs Dolce Melodia and Battito D'amore and the solo Stella Preziosa.
At the climax of Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis, Rock, of all people, ends up saving the day from revolting robots by hitting the ziggurat's self-destruct button. Cue Ray Charles' "I Can't Stop Loving You" playing over the ensuing images of destruction.
The soundtrack to metropolis, by Toshiyuki Honda, is just a pile of win. If you like some nice retro jazz, take a listen.
The opening and ending themes of Minami-ke may be pretty ordinary, if catchy—but the soundtrack itself contains some marvelous pieces. A lot of it is fairly minimalistic, yet full of atmosphere. Yasuhiro Misawa, the composer, obviously listened a lot to Philip Glass. Not bad for a comedy show.
Nodame Cantabile takes places at a music college, so naturally has awesome music all over—if you're into classical, that is. Of special note is the rendition of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue", with many parts played on melodicas. It works very well and actually manages to surpass many other performances in the show in its originality.
Some mention must go to the openings and endings, too. This troper's favorites are Tokyo et Paris, a lovely mix of violin and female vocals sung in French, and Allegro Cantabile, which captures the utter joy of mastering and performing music.
Now and Then, Here and There, a moody series with some very moody music. The music (and images for that matter) in the closing credits is hauntingly beautiful. However, if you base the series on those credits alone, you are in for a rough surprise. — This entry is based on the US dub, just in case there is a difference in music between Japan and the US..
This troper is surprised that Ojamajo Doremi hasn't been listed. Seriously, the show has several to choose from.
Might I add the serene ending themes to the show. Hiro no Tsuki and Tsuki no Ie (the latter being one of the best ending themes ever) adds a calming factor from all the action that happens in the show.
This troper uses the song Hiro no Tsuki as a cure for insomnia to this day.
Parade, the song about insanity. It fully conveys this.
More Crowning Music of Creepy than Awesome really, though it manages to do both, but Perfect BlueBaachiya Mima. If this song does not make you want to crawl under the bed and hide, nothing will.
Princess Tutu deserves a mention for making classical ballet music sound badass especially scenes like this and very much this Careful the last one has spoilers.
Being an anime with a musical theme, RahXephon's music is all pretty good. However, the crowning song of the series has to be what's generally called "Ayato's kill theme." The actual song is called The Chariot, and if this song starts playing, someone is going to die. Very. VERY. Painfully. Generally any time The Chariot starts up, Ayato has completely forgotten any kindness or compassion for anything at all, and is seriously just going to tear your mech in half with his bare hands now.
Solitudes perfectly captures the loneliness and melancholy of the series.
Another Taku Iwasaki classic: the soundtrack to Read or Die. From the opening theme, which is a total homage to 60's spy film music, to the battle remix, to the British Library theme, it's all good. Special mention goes to "The I-Jin Suite" - creepy stalkerish percussion, butt-kicking electronica, and heartbreakingly sad piano and strings, all in one.
The soundtrack from Read or Die (both the OVA and the TV series) shouldn't be overlooked. There's the opening theme, the glorious, imperialistically bombastic Bring All the Wisdom to Great Britain, and last but not least, the edge-of-your-seat action theme Wings of the Gale.
The opening of the TV series is reminiscent of old-school spy and adventure serials in a completely awesome way.
Fantasia Of The Wind, the utterly beautiful ending credits song to Record of the Lodoss War. Here it is.
Both OP songs are just as awesome. Adesso e Fortuna, from the OAV, is a soothing and gentle love song, while Kiseki no Umi from the TV series is pure epic.* Revolutionary Girl Utena has a highly awesome soundtrack, mostly in the songs used during the duels but perhaps the most awesome tracks have to be bothversions of Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku/Absolute Destiny: Apocalypse.
While the anime has limited appeal, Rosario + Vampire happens to have some of the most awesome opening and ending songs that it makes you feel that they're wasted on mediocre anime.
This troper admits coming to tears on listening to Reflection's track "Eclipse" for the first time.
Two songs that deserve to be here: The Warrior's Suite, a staple of the Kyoto Arc's CMoAs, and Kimi wa Dare wo Mamotte Iru, which show in the series first CMoA, and sets up a tone for the rest of the story.
The Last Wolf Suite, which could really be said to be the Kyoto Arc theme. It's suitably menacing and builds up the tension into awesomeness. That it's used for some of the best battles is icing on the cake.
S - W
Even if the synth brings the piece down a bit, Kizuna & Sadame is still the best single to come out of all the Saint Beast OP/ED tracks, and the way the seiyuus voices blend together is downright hypnotic.
The song that plays while Mugen is drowning and flashing back to growing up with Kohza and Mukuro is a Crowning Moment of Heartbreak - doubly so when you understand the hopeful, wistful lyrics.
Every time this song is used, it is a crowning moment of awesome, ESPECIALLY the first time it is used in episode 14 when Kohza realizes that her plan has totally utterly failed because Mugen is still alive
Meh, Hito Toshite Jiku Ga Bureteiru is way better, especiallythis version (although Kuusou Rumba does fit the tone of the series better). Actually, pretty much any SZS opening or ending theme belongs here.
Actually, no. You know what the real Ultimate Crowning Song Of Awesome is for Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei? It's not one of the openings, it's not one of the endings, it's not the rap versions of the openings, it's not that weird song about fishing or something, it's this, the song that shares the series' title, and deserves it.
The ending of School Days is an excelent example of how music can greatly enhance an entire scene. When Makoto recieves his "Goodbye" message on his cell phone, all sound and action stops for three seconds. Then Kanashimi no Mukou e sets in and almost drowns out the sound of the scene of his violent murder, and it keeps playing throughout the following scenes in which both his LoveInterests try to kill each other.
While extremely powerful, not exactly a Music of Awsome. But at this point he might really have deserved it.
The anime of Shiki has Kuchizuke by a band called BUCK-TICK.
The entire Shokojo Sera soundtrack qualifies, but the theme tune, Hana No Sasayaki, outstrips the rest of it by far. Listen and believe.
In Slayers, the epic instrumental music that plays for the Lord of Nightmares at the end of NEXT (and is later used for Dark Star in TRY and Zanaffar in Revolution). It can be heard here.
This troper has an mp3 of the piece. I believe it's called The Lord of Nightmares.
Also the piece here, starting at 5:40. No idea what it's called, but boy is it awesome.
That little BGM that usually played when Lina powers up her high-end spells, namely, the infamous Dragon Slave.
Live and Learn being played over the finale of the Sonic X episode Maria's Request Everyone's Request is just as awesome in the anime as it is in the videogame. Unless you're watching the dub4KidsMacekre. Then it's gone.
Considering it's done by the same guy who did the Gurren Lagann soundtrack (Iwasaki Taku), the Soul Eater original soundtrack rocks.
Both the opening resonance by T.M.Revolution and the first ending I Wanna Be by STANCE PUNKS are very energy-enducing and epic.
Can't forget STRENGTH. either. Basically anything abingdon boys school touches turns to gold. PAPERMOON is absolutely fantastic too. The lyrics sum up the series quite well.
Neither can you forget some of the background music, such as thishindi chanting which only plays during the fights between Shinigami and Asura.
The entire OST kicks serious ass, to say the least, inclusive of all of its background music. Here is a superb example.
Psychedelic Souljam is an extremely awesome song that plays during the first Soul Resonance, by Maka and Soul of course.
Feast and Ceremony of Immorality stands out for its eerie Ear Worm qualities as well as being one of the rare tracks in anime to use horns instead of electric guitars or piano.
The opening, Tabi no Tochuu, is just as awesome, because even though it sounds sad, the tune is good enough to make you want to play it on an instrument, or sing it yourself.
The soundtrack for the second season has several tracks that repeat the same melody with different instruments. "Matsuri wa Owari, Tabi wa Tsuzuki" is the most triumphant and weightiest of them.
Hashiru set the mood for a lot of intense chase scenes. Go figure, it means "run".
Starship Operators tops off an already superb soundtrack when the full, 5-minute version of the ending theme is played over the end of the last episode, and fits perfectly.
When Sky Clad no Kansokusha starts playing in the one-to-last episode of Steins;Gate, you already know that the ending is going to be awesome.
Tegami Bachi Reverse gives us the beautiful opening theme Yakusoku, by Suga Shikao.
Pretty much all of Tenchi Muyo!'s music, but especially the 1st, 2nd and 3rd OVA's opening themes.
Tenchi Universe's opening theme already kicks major ass in Japanese, but the English version is just as awesome, if not better. Probably helps that the same artist sings both versions.
Tenchi Muyo and Tenchi Universe share quite a bitofthesameawesomemusic composed by Seikou Nagaoka.
Of course, Universe also has some of its own, such as thesetwo.
Getsumei Fuuei, closing credits song from The Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokki), though it gets part of its affect from the lyrics and the context of the show.
The mighty sounding mashup of eastern and western instruments in the entirely instrumental opening song of the series is enough to inspire this troper to walk over coals into a frozen lake.
It might be becoming almost as repetitive as the stop-watch theme 'Melodie' is in Noir, but in Tiger & Bunny the theme associated with the murder of Barnaby's parents is a very nice, very eerie piece. And then there's all of the OPs and EDs which are gloriously pop-y.
The second season has some downright brutal battle theme songs: this, this and Accelerator's new theme song. Who says anime fights and trance music can't go well together?!
Orange from Toradora can become heartwarming just from the sheer atmosphere of the song. Even more if you juxtapose the show's grand finale with it
Orange citrus mix gets special mention for taking that song and giving it a slightly more rock-y and much more awesome feel.
This personal troper really like the Holy Night song that was played in Episode 19. Not only a really happy cute song but also a very heartwarming moment in the show
Also, Lost My Pieces; is one of the purest musical definitions of bittersweet.
The anime keeps up this standard, with another opening by Akiko Shikata, singer of the above, which uses most of the same elements to similar, yet somehow even more awesome effect. And then there's the anime ending, a dramatic male vocal on the JAM Project level backed by a dramatic chorus that sounds like an unused duel song from Utena. Even better than it sounds.
OPENING THEMES? You're talking about Umineko and not taking it past OPENING THEMES?! Anyone who has played the original visual novel knows that pretty much the entire soundtrack is nothing but Crowning Music of Awesome.
It's all in the Video Games section. And there is a lot of it.
To bring up one that isn't covered here or there, Beato's Image Song, "Chain" is just sublime
Then there's the two closing tracks provided by Kanon Wakeshima, particularly the first, still doll. Her girlish voice makes them almost delightfully evil.
There's 2 reasons Filipinos love Voltes V. The opening with its strong vocals and martial feel, and the closing which is melancholic yet oozes machismo.
Wandering Son's ending theme, "For You" by Rie Fu, is a mostly quiet song with Surprisingly Good English (not so surprising when you consider the singer was raised in Maryland and went to college in the UK). It's rather heart-warming, is quite relaxing and fits the Slice of Life feel of the series.
Witch Hunter Robin: Taku Iwasaki again pulling out more awesome, with both the vocal and guitar versions of "Shell". Also, Kyrie and Flame, both extremely badass.
X-Z
X1999 (the anime version) has some wonderful music. Try listening to Sadame/Destiny without getting a lump in your throat. Managed it? Take a look at the manga/anime series/movie, then listen again.
The earlier anime movie, while sucky, still managed some awesome in the arguably emo X-Japan song Forever Love.
Ex Dream, the OP fo the TV series, is no slouch either.
Xam'd: Lost Memories gives us the original opening, SHUT UP AND EXPLODE and the TV opening, BACK ON MY FEET, both performed by the wonderfully named BOOM BOOM SATELLITES.
Yami No Matsuei/Descendants of Darkness' first opening here.
Witchblade — %2BOST pick any. Especially the main battle theme (Witchblade OST). "XTC" is at its best with video part of the opening, but is good even on its own.
Wedding Peach has the second opening, Wedding Wars. The full version was played in the final episode.
--Side Birdy--, and its derivative work wonder woman, both deserve a mention, as the theme song for whenever Birdy is about to perform a Crowning Moment of Awesome, such as punching her way into a spaceship's bridge. From outside the hull.
From xxxHolic, we have the catchy while still somewhat creepy 19sai, a song whose sound fits perfectly with the show it starts off.
Space Battleship Yamato — so awesome the Japanese Naval Self Defense Force band regularly plays it at concerts to this day!
On the surface Zoids Chaotic Century doesn't look like the kind of anime that would have a good soundtrack, but it does. In fact, it's got a great soundtrack. Just listen to the main theme, this, and this. You can thank Robert Etoll for such awesome music.
Zero No Tsukaima 's Gandaaruvu is ridiculously awesome. It's quite saddening that throughout the whole first season it's only used twice, and once during a totally irrelevant moment.
◊ is your brain on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack. Let's point out that's supposed to be John Williams. It's THAT GOOD.
