Let's just stop here and agree that the entire musical oeuvre of Yoko Kanno is a Crowning Music Of Awesome. Sort of like how every chapter of the Summa Theologica is a miracle. On a 1 to 10 scale of musical badassness, she is a 11. This era's Mozart or Beethowen. God of Music. You get the picture.

• Macross Plus has a lot of awesome music, but ''Information High'' is one of the best, especially when seen in context.
  • "Voices" can make a person cry with its sheer Awesomeness.
  • "National Anthem of Macross". Listen and feel patriotic fervor for a country that doesn't even exist!
• Macross7's OVA sequel Dynamite 7 has Angel Voice, even Basara haters have to admit that this song is pretty awesome.
  • Think about it, Angel Voice is basically JAM Project and Yoko Kanno together in one song! You can't get anymore awesome then that.
• Macross Frontier has a the ''Nyan Nyan Service Medley'', which combines multiple songs from the series, all possible examples of this trope in their own right, into one medley made of sheer awesome,.
• Vision of Escaflowne's "Dance of Curse." Repetitive, but awesome.
  • Also, "Epistle" and "Chain" from the same series.
  • The amazingly beautiful Story of Escaflowne that's played during the finale. If the ending doesn't make you misty eyed, this will.
• Cowboy Bebop. "Tank!", quite possibly the Best. Theme Song. EVER. Also the extended version of "The Real Folk Blues" in the last episode.
  • Submitted for your consideration.
  • Agreed, and "Bad dog, no biscuits" is so awesome it made this troper shed a tear.
    • Angriest. Trombone solo. Ever.
  • The most AWESOME ending in the history of anime segues seamlessly into the beautiful 'Blue'.
  • As if that's not enough, "Space Lion", "Rain" and the ED "Real Folk Blues" are truly and simply beautiful. Quite possibly the best OST ever.
  • ''No Reply'' is an astoundingly beautiful, passionate song.
  • This Troper has heard "What Planet is This" described (and quite accurately so) as the soundtrack to a chase scene where James Brown has stolen the Blues Brothers' car, and is being pursued by the CHiPs and Spike in his ship.
  • This Troper even heard TANK! at a Major League Baseball game once.
  • Along with "Blue", this troper would like to submit "Green Bird".
• One absolutely magnificent piece is Grace Omega from Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, which ushers in the end credits in the most spine-tingling way imaginable.
• The Wolfs Rain soundtrack. "Stray", the theme song, definitely deserves a mention. The song is reminiscent of all the most epic 80s power ballads, with Steve Conte's voice making it even better. And then there's the frankly brilliant moment where the guitar makes a howling sound, just as a wolf is shown howling...
  • "Gravity" is just such a wonderfully, beautifully melancholy song, that it deserves to be included here.
  • "Heaven's Not Enough", also sung by Steve Conte, for more power ballad goodness.
  • This troper would like to add "Tell Me What The Rain Knows", for its sheer beauty and goosebumps-inducing factor. Although it does fall under 'collabs with Maaya Sakamoto' category, this troper found it special enough to get a separate mention.
  • The final track, "Go To Rakuen", is just so beautiful this troper cried first time they heard it. It's really indescribable. Also the heartbreaking melody "Shiro, Long tails" that played during some of the most emotional battles.
  • Face On. Ho-ly shit... Makes this one cry it's so epic.
• The opening song for Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex: 2nd Gig. Just...wow.
  • As amazing as the second opening Rise was, one can never forget the jaw-droppingly amazing first opening, Inner Universe. Which is not only one of the best-sounding openings in anime history; it's also visually breathtaking. There's a reason it's often considered one of the best works from Yoko Kanno, and THAT is saying something.
    • Not to mention the opening theme for the terrestrial broadcast of the first season Get9 Hip-hopadelic delight, indeed....
  • It would be easy to go, "The whole soundtrack is made from PURE AWESOME" without really lying.
    • Especially for making a piece of music played primarily on the kazoo into the most malevolent piece of music in anime history.
  • Torukia could also easily be the best track in the OST.
    • It's also kickass in acapella gregorian-like slow choir-only version in episode "Poker Face", when there's a sniper duel on church's roof.
  • No love for "Date of Rebirth"? I mean, holy crap.
  • Also,Ride From Technology.Sounds like a lost masterpiece from Cowboy Bebop,definately great.And not to forget,Fish/Silent Cruise.Such a dramatic song with such a power,purely awesome. And what about the great Jam Rock masterpiece which is called Yakitori?Ok,I admit,this soundtrack is simply awesome and so is Yoko Kanno.
• "Moon" from Turn A Gundam.
  • Especially the live version.
• The OP from Please Save My Earth ova. And the rest...
• I'm going with the entire Darker Than Black soundtrack. GO Dark and Highheel Runway in particular. When those songs start, you know some crazy shit is about to go down.
  • Presenting, Deadly Work.
• Her collaborations with Maaya Sakamoto. Unsurprisingly, there isn't a bad song on any of her Kanno-produced albums, and many AWESOME ones. For a sample, there's "Sea Of Miracles", "Hemisphere", "Triangler", the above-mentioned "Gravity" and, the one that started it all, "Yakusoku wa Iranai"

Composer Yuki Kajiura is responsible for many memorable anime themes and background music. Also, she sometimes collaborates with a singer to form FictionJunction.

• Most of Noir's soundtrack is composed by Yuki Kajiura and pretty amazing absolutely brilliant.
  • Canta Per Me from Noir. You've got a somewhat melancholy romance song, sung by a Japanese woman in Italian, mostly used to score either awesome shootouts or the buildup to awesome shootouts, and somehow it just works.
  • "Salva Nos" is great, too. Both versions.
• Four Names: Madlax, Hitomi no kakera, nowhere, Yanmaani!
• Mai-Hime and Mai-Otome have three (Mezame, Materialize and Sei Otome No Inori) of these between them, and all the rest of the soundtrack is just as good. And none of them even have any (comprehensible) lyrics.
  • This Troper protests Chiisana Hoshi ga Oriru Toki from Mai-Hime belongs on the list.
    • This Troper agrees with the previous troper. Chiisana is way too damn awesome not to appear in this list.
  • Kirei na Yume no Sono Hate ni, Natsuki's Image Song, is also pretty amazing, both music and lyrics. This Troper finds the chorus (In the end of the pretty dreams/for your sake, I want to [forgive/destroy] this world where sadness dances/to meet you again with another life) so incredibly romantic that he seriously, without a hint of irony, wants this Magical Girl Image Song played at his wedding.
    • Natsuki has another Image Song, Flower by the Pond, which is actually used during the series. To explain: Hey! You got your Defrosting in my Ice Queen!
• Tsubasa Chronicles' a song of storm and fire, which was also used (possibly without her permission) in the Beijing Olympics.
  • Also run for your life.
  • How can you talk about Tsubasa music without mentioning Ship of Fools?
• So you're watching Kara no Kyoukai. Hear any strings? Is it the main theme? Or an instrumental rendering of any given ending song? Prepare for asskicking of barely comprehensible proportions.
• For the ultimate Tear Jerker song we have Where The Lights Are from Fist Of The North Star Raoh Gaiden, the song that plays when Shuu dies.
  • And I challenge any man here, Brother Martial Artists and Warriors in particular, to not shed Manly Tears at 1:01 of ''"Lightseekers" as the thunderous chorus of Kenshiro's theme fills his heart with courage and his soul with hope.
• The .hack//SIGN OST has some particularly awesome pieces. Three standouts: the OP, Obsession, Key of the Twilight, and Fake Wings.
  • All four openings for .hack//LIMINALITY also qualify.
  • "The World" gives this troper shivers every time.
  • And how in the name of all that is good have Yasashii Yoake/Gentle Dawn and Tasogare no Umi/Twilight Sea not been mentioned yet?
• The Elemental Gelade sound track is also quite enjoyable. Special props for the OP "Forever" by savagegenius even thought it is not by Yuki Kajiura.
• Gundam SEED's "Akatsuki no Kuruma" and "Honoo no Tobira" in the sequel. Incredible stuff, moreso when paired with their respective scenes in the anime.
• The entire soundtrack of Le Portrait de Petite Cossette amounts to this, but the Main Theme is probably the best example, if only for its use at the end of the series when Eiri uses his own blood to paint a portrait of Cossette in order to defeat the spirit of the grudge contained in the portrait that Cossette's murderer painted of her, which was why he killed her.
• Why why why has nobody here mentioned Pandora Hearts? "Every time you kissed me" sung by Emily Bindiger in the last episode is the most fantastic rendition of a Yuki Kajiura song you could ask for.
  • Oh, hell yes Pandora Hearts! This troper loves "Limit," "Pandora Hearts (expanded)," "Will," "Contractor" and "Lacie." That last video is awesome since it's a fan-made music box.
    • The original posting troper is partial to Ghost Blood, Cradle, Another Dimension, Revolve, and Misgiving, in addition to the already-mentioned Will and Contractor. But still, nothing beats Every Time &c.
  • This Troper loves the whole two Original Soundtracks, but he thinks that absolutely nothing can beat "Everytime you kissed me" or "Bloody Rabbit"

Japan Animation song Makers Project. As their name suggests, they often make songs for various anime and even video games, especially those featuring Humongous Mecha. Some of the most Hot Blooded musicians on the continent in the UNIVERSE solo, let alone together.

• Hagane no Messiah (Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden)
• SKILL (2nd Super Robot Wars Alpha)
• GONG (Super Robot Wars Alpha 3)
• ROCKS (Super Robot Wars OG: Original Generations)
• VICTORY (Super Robot Wars MX)
• BREAK OUT (Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars)
• Asu he no Houkou (The Scream Towards Tomorrow) (Muvluv Alternative)
  • for the AA Version, they outdid themselves with NAME
• Fire Wars, Majin Kenzan, which even Calls the attacks, and The Gate of Hell (Mazinkaiser).
• Nageki no Rosario (Gravion) and Kurenai no Kiba (Gravion Zwei). Also the Combining Sequence song Gasshin! God Gravion (Not by the whole team, but just by its member Masaaki Endoh)
• Dragon (New Getter Robo) (very cool Acoustic version they did in concert)
• JAM ga Mottetta! Sailor Fuku No, really!, They did a rendition of Lucky Star's Opening.
• SOULTAKER
• Although it's a live action Toku series, Garo's opening Savior in the Dark is worth mentioning here. The English subtitles of the song in question are every bit as Hot Blooded as you can expect.
  • Speaking of their toku work, the opening for Tomica Hero Rescue Fire, "Rescue Fire, simply has to be mentioned.
• This troper would like add "Stormbringer", the opening of Kotetsushin Jeeg and the insert song "Dead Or Alive" from episode 12, that accompanies perhaps the most badass moment in the entire series. "T-t-t-TWO JEEGS!?"
• Crest of "Z's" (Super Robot Wars Z)
• Kanjite Knight, the opening of Shin Mazinger. Is actually by a band called "ULTIMATE LAZY", which is basically everyone from JAM Project plus several other legendary vocalists... because it was the only way to make the group more Hot Blooded and awesome.
  • Then there's The Guardian (or GA Rdian), the second OP.
• Omoide wa Okkusenman. Yes, THEY WENT THERE.

• On his own, Hironobu Kageyama tends to create EXTREMELY badass theme music for any anime he's involved with, part of the reason he's the current leader of JAM Project Heats, the second opening from Shin Getter Robo - The World's Final Day is quite possibly one of the ones that puts him at number one in many fans' hearts.
  • Not to mention the numerous songs from Dragonball Z and some of its games...including the power up theme when Gohan first turned Super Saiyan 2, Spirit vs. Spirit.
    • Speaking of Shin Getter Armageddon, the Stoner Sunshine Themeis incredibly badass.
  • This troper knows most others consider it a lesser work of his, but always feels like pumping his fist in the air triumphantly when listening to Super Survivor.
  • Did you know Kageyama also sung "Eye of the Tiger" in the Rocky III Japanese dub? Awesome squared!
    • No he didn't. This Troper even went as far as importing the Japanese DVD to find the song. It doesn't exist.
    • Then why does Youtube have videos of it?
  • Kageyama's music from MD Geist is the only reason why the movie is remotely watchable.
  • Hikari no Willpower from DBZ. Just... Hikari no Willpower. There's enough awesome there to drown a small country.
  • Ever wondered how mind-blowingly awesome the original Getter Robo theme would sound if Kageyama sung it? Wonder no more
• Additional proof that JAM Project's members are made of win and awesome in their own right: Yoshiki Fukuyama's contribution to Busou Renkin... "MAKKA NA CHIKAI!"
• Admittedly, most JAM Project members start their careers outside of the group with songs that were quite awesome by themselves. So how do they go about going one higher? By putting four of them together in one great medley of awesomeness.
• "Ima Ga Sono Toki Da", the first theme to Getter Robo Armageddon by the damn-near legendary Ichiro Mizuki (co-founder of JAM Project). It has an old-school "Japanese Army March" that makes it one of the few songs that you can perform While dressed like M. Bison.
• "Rescue Fire". I´m sorry, if I can´t make any witty remark for it, but too much awesomness will do this to your brain.

Not to be confused with Masaki Andoh, this on-again, off-again member of JAM Project is good enough to stand on his own two feet.

• And to kick things off... "GA-GA-GA GA-GA-GA Gao Gai Gar! GA-GA-GA GAGAGAGA Gao Gai Gar!"
  • Also from the same series: Power of Desire"
• Endoh is capable, on his own, of making songs ALREADY Crowning Music even more awesome. Case and point: God Knows....
  • Ai wo Torimodose (Fist Of The North Star}
  • Arashi no Nakade Kagayaute (The08th MS Team)
  • Cha-La Head Cha-La (Dragon Ball Z)
  • Eternal Blaze (Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's)
  • Go Go Power Rangers (We shit you not!)
  • Sorairo Days (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)

I am so utterly offended that there is no Kenji Kawai section here. So. Completely. OFFENDED.

• "Making of Cyborg" by Kenji Kawai, main theme of the classic Ghost In The Shell film. Took A Level In Badass for the sequel, ''Ghost in the Shell: Innocence''.
  • The entire soundtracks to both films are brilliant. In the second film, "The Ballade of Puppets: The Ghost Awaits in the World Beyond" ([1]) just... just... perfect. It's a pure genius contrast to the ass-kicking finale, and it elevates the climax to an experience that can only be described as SPIRITUAL. Kawai's interpretation of "Follow Me" is also exquisite. ([2]) I'm sorry, but after hearing this, Yoko Kanno's music just seems so... ordinary.
• The soundtrack for the "live action manga" Avalon, also by Kenji Kawai, deserves to be noted, and belongs, here.
• Fate Stay Night. One word: Emiya.
  • Along with Archer's version of the theme, which played during his Crowning Moment Of Awesome against Berserker.
  • Do not forget the OP, Disillusion. Or the haunting Keiyaku.
• Much music from Ranma1/2, but relatively little of the good stuff is available on Youtube, so here's a highlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Zrr3vvZ_s
• And of course, the Death Note live action movies. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5GmAoG0FC0) Hot damn.
• The OP of the Vampire Princess Miyu OAV series. As well as Now comes the conclusion, from the third OAV. Heartbreakingly beautiful.

And even worse that we nearly forgot her!. Aside from acting in so many series, a number of times, she also sang for them as well (often the opening song).

• Happy Birthday to Me (All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku)
• Get Along (The Slayers)
  • Give a Reason (Slayers NEXT)
  • Breeze (Slayers TRY)
  • Midnight Blue (Slayers: The Motion Picture)
• INFINITY (Lost Universe)
• Successful Mission (Saber Marionette J)

• Susumu Hirasawa's work for the Berserk series deserves a serious mention.
  • "Forces" is probably the best place to start. It plays during Guts's first raid with the Band of the Hawks.
  • Guts's theme from the series is nothing short of beautiful.
  • "Behelit" is an eerie track that captures Griffith's road to darkness.
  • "Earth" is another beautiful theme.
  • Berserk is not without its creepy moments as well, as "Monster" and "Fear" show.
  • And then there's "Murder", which plays as it's all going to hell for the Hawks.
  • "Sign" is the opening theme of the PS 2 game, and is appropriately awesome.

• Speaking of theme songs, Bleach's Ichirin No Hana, debuting with a broadcast special consisting of 2 awesome episodes, also falls squarely here.
  • Its remix in the album manages to be somewhat more violent.
  • Number One.
  • Tonight, the opening of the Bount arc, was also pretty badass.
  • The Image Songs. No Exception.
  • Can anyone say Breakthrough Even?
    • And now that the Third OST is out... there's HOLLOWED, which is just Breakthrough Even minus the orchestral instruments, somehow making it more Bad Ass. Let's not forget all of those awesome Spanish themes either.
    • Nube Negra
    • Actually this trooper thinks that Invasion has same spirit as Breakthrough but is plain more kickass.
  • After Dark by Asian Kung-Fu Generation was Bleach's 7th Opening. It is also one of my favorite openings, alongside Velonica by Aqua Timez for Opening 9.
  • "D-Technolife" was an excellent introduction to the second season.
  • "Asterisk" by Orange Range. OP for the first season of the show. Also, "Houki Boshi" by Younha, the third ED.
    • "Asterisk" went to top of the charts the second it was released in 2005, and stayed there for 22 weeks. Now if that doesn't say something about how awesome that song is, nothing will.
  • This troper would like to take a minute to nominate Hitohira no Hanabira for the greatest anime ED of all time.
  • This Troper would like to nominate the latest opening theme, Shojo S.
  • This song is a sort of Canon Immigrant. Treachery was both used in the second movie OST and as a Theme Music Power Up for Nnoitra's One Winged Angel. It catches the attention for being an Surprisingly Good Ominous English Chanting.
  • Can't Back Down
  • this theme that plays when Grimmjow finally releases Pantera is just awesome.
  • this plays in the battle scene between Hisagi and Fraccion Findor in ep 219.
  • this track sounds great (one from 0:05 to 1:18), yet it's not on any of OS Ts.

• This Troper <3s Clannad's opening.
  • While the opening is incredibly beautiful, the ending counts as a Crowning Moment Of Heartwarming, given how...adorable it is (and that is a word I don't use lightly, given my utter lack of a soft spot for cute things). It even spawned a meme in which the dango family in the animation were replaced with Pikachu. See it here.
    • The song is basically symbolic of Tomoya's feelings about Nagisa over the entire series. In the first season, it's adorable and twee. In the second half of the second series, it is heartrendingly sad. (Especially when Tomoya sings it to Ushio.) And at the end, it comes back, with the whole family singing it together, as...
  • Chiisana Tenohira. Seriously, just...listen to it. So beautiful...
  • ~After Story~'s OP song, Toki wo Kizamu Uta, counts as a Crowning Moment Of Heartwarming. Directly translated, it means "The Song That Transcends Time," which, put in context, is perfectly symbolic of Tomoya's love for Nagisa.
• This troper is appalled that several other pieces are not here.
  • Nagisa's Theme. Dango Daikazoku without its vocals but it has a beauty of its own.
  • The epic Tear Jerker, The Place Where Wishes Come True.
    • Don't forget The Place Where Wishes Come True II.
  • To the Same Heights
  • Distant Years. Cue rivers of tears.
  • The ending for every arc in the Clannad visual novel, Kage Futatsu
• Ten Thousand Miracles. Just listen to it.

• Code Geass has several, but the best is Madder Sky, which plays over the climax of the Grand Finale, lending great emotional catharsis to Lelouch's Heroic Sacrifice.
  • The first season's soundtrack has quite a few gems, as well, with Avalon being among them; indeed, it seems to accompany a lot of the more intense scenes from Episode 19 onward.
  • The opening of the S1 24-25 special, Hitomi no Tsubasa, is quite possibly the most epic song in the series.
  • Heck, most of the OST as a whole is a Crowning Musicof Awesome. This troper recommend Picaresque for doing any sort of labwork/brainwork in general. This is when they broke Toudou out from his prison. With THIS music blaring loudly in the background. Can't get any more badass than that.
    • Also worth mentioning is "Callin'" by the same artist, which plays in Stage 20 when Suzaku and Lelouch as Zero work together to stop the Chinese invasion of Kyushu. Check the lyrics for these two songs and you'll notice that "Picaresque" can double as an Image Song for Lelouch while "Callin'" could be one for Suzaku.
  • "All Hail Britannia!!!" indeed.
  • The Master. This troper intends to use this as his personal theme, should his circuitous plans for global domination come to pass.
  • A pitiful oversight on the part of This Troper. Lucky for this one, there's I became a bird and Continued Story
  • World End by Flow, the 2nd opening for R2 and the last of the series, while not quite as good as Hitomi No Tsubasa, deserves 2nd place. Also, R2's 1st opening by Orange Range and Colors by Flow the very first opening of the series... Jibun Wo~!
    • So, basically, all of them?
    • Yes.
    • No, the second opening isn't on the list. There's a very good reason for that.
    • Nasal voice, yes, but it does tend to grow on you if you dare actually listening to it for a bit.
    • God forbid a show about youthful rebellion use a punk song as its theme.
  • Innocent Days by Hitomi, especially seeing how it was used for some of the most poignant scenes. The full track is just too sad. (but awesome too)
    • And Masquerade. Look up the lyrics and be prepared to shed a single drop of Manly Tears.
  • Then there's Previous Notice, if you ever need to pull off something completely bullshit insane. Lookin' at you, Suzaku.
  • "Zero"/"Nightmare". They're practically Refuge In Audacity.
  • Memory of 0, the perfect tune to gain (or regain) mind-control powers via contract with an immortal. Memory Museum is a similarly mystical piece.
  • Who could forget Aura or Eternal Separation?
  • Blue Tiger, played during the Lancelot Albion's first flight and Jeremiah's spectacular desperation manoeuvre against Anya.
  • Le Repos Du Guerrier, sadly a Wasted Song.
  • There's also The Knight, which lent considerable levels of awesomeness to the Shinkiro's (Lelouch's nearly-untouchable new Knightmare) debut scene.
  • Love is Justice all the way. Oh, and wasted. Surprise. NOT.
  • Beautiful Emperor however gets proper spotlight, appearing several times during some of the most epic scenes in R2.
  • Sub-Chairman is wasted, but this is somewhat justified as a cheery song like it doesn't really fit too well with the World Half Empty (or A World Half Full depending on your view) nature of the show.
  • Birthplace. Enough Said.
  • Black Knights. How the HELL wasn't this here already?
  • Sensibility
  • Lullaby of M is just plain calming.
  • What is Justice? If a song is capable of being a Large Ham, this the perfect example.

• A lot of the Death Note soundtrack (particularly the Ominous Latin Chanting tracks), one of these being Domine Kira.
  • L's theme. So what if it's The Jimmy Hart Version of "Tubular Bells"? That subtracts nothing.
    • L's Theme B. Yes, L has two themes. This one adds a somewhat playful spin to the original "Tubular Bells" Expy that he had before. And then someone called Eshmasesh went and remixed it into something even more awesome.
    • Two themes? Why, you must be forgetting L no Kabe. And L no Shisou. Also, L no Nakama. And I think there's more.
  • And of course we can't forget this,It plays practically every episode
    • For a series that relies itself heavily on old-style rock/slow rock and epic latin chanting, his troper has a very soft spot for a tune that he could only describe as sunset, calmness, and love.
  • Near's Theme and Mello's Theme are simply brilliant, like L's. Really, the show has an amazing soundtrack, I just wonder why I never noticed when I watched it.
    • This Troper agrees. I actually play Near's theme over and over in my head whenever I need to shunt my emotions aside for a little while. It's like filling myself up with a little piece of Near.
  • Requiem is not a happy piece, but it's quite possibly the most gorgeous piece of music I have ever heard, and the lyrics and harmonies and language and everything just encapsulate the scene so perfectly.
  • The two opening themes are all kinds of awesome, especially the second one. What's Up People! is quite likely the most metal and hardcore anime opening to date. With its opening whispers it turns into a roar of power that would rip the ears off of anyone expecting a radio friendly j-pop song. It then proceeds to laugh mercilessly as it bleeds them out culminating with a series of frantic screams that leave you grasping for air. Maximum The Hormone somehow managed to make Death Note more badass. That deserves a fucking medal.
    • Don't forget the endings to each season. Both of them reflect Light Yagami's state of mind at that point in the series. The first emphasizes Light's descent into darkness. The second is about the ascension of Kira to God, as well as foreshadowing his eventual downfall.
  • "God Is Watching You", especially in the scene it appears in. (The Japanese version is quite good as well)
  • You know Episode 25, right? Semblance of Dualism. It's the song that plays at that time.
    • Also plays at that other time in Episode 24, just as planned.
  • Then there's Light's Performance. Take his original theme, reduce it to base elements, grow it up and darken it, layering the same base melody over itself again and again and again and ... It's so simple, but becomes increasingly complex as it goes, and it's ominous and cold and wonderful.
  • All of the theme songs for L, Mello, Near, and even Mikami. They only play when a blow is being struck against Kira, whether or not any of the characters realize it at the time. Think about it. L's is played when he's first introduced, a blow against Kira. Near and Mello's, and again, even Mikami's introductions led to Kira's eventual downfall. And then, every time you here their musics, they're doing something that could potentially catch Kira. Even though Mikami was Kira's proxy, and even God's Right Hand, his introduction was so public that Near was able to take advantage of him, and besides he was the catalyst that brought Kira down

• Digimon Savers: "Believer" and "Stirring Up Infinity".
  • Other deserving Digimon songs include "Hirari," "an Endless tale" (Wada Kouji / AiM duet), "Bokura no Digital World" (memorial song for the first two seasons: all 24 starring cast members, the narrator, and the opening and ending song's performers), "Butter-Fly," "The Biggest Dreamer," and "Yuuki o Uketsugu Kodomotachi e" (another memorial theme, this time for the end of season 4, and featuring darn near everyone who ever recorded a theme song or battle theme for Digimon up to that point). With five series and 100+ albums, it gets pretty hard to narrow it down.
    • This troper thought "One Vision" made several moments from Digimon Tamers incredibly awesome.
    • Be partial to Brave Heart. You will not regret it.
    • Also, Beat Hit. The beginning is concentrated awesome.
    • Wha? No "With the Will?
    • Then there's "The Last Element", which played in Frontier during the birth of Susanoomon. The track which replaced it in the dub is just as good.
    • The early seasons had plenty of it, too. Digimon Adventure's "Hey Digimon" was code for a Crowning Moment Of Awesome approaching, and when they played the song out to a bit closer to its full length in the finale, it turned out pretty awesome, too. Then there's "Let's Kick It Up", "I'm Going Digital", and "Run Around" from 02 (listed here in awesome, awesomer, awesomest order), which all put "Hey Digimon" to shame.
    • Requiem from the first movie's finale. It may not be as fast-paced as most of the other songs here, but it easily matches them in sheer levels of awesome.
    • Maasaki Endoh's take on "Butter-Fly" again adds awesome to an already amazing song.

• Ai wo Torimodose, the first Fist Of The North Star opening song, is quite possibly the most hotblooded song ever made ("YOU WA SHOCK!! The sky falls with love!").
  • This troper just wonders why there's a Gurren Lagann video with this song.
  • This version from the Raoh Gaiden movie comes very close to topping the original.
  • The song was so awesome even Masaaki Endoh of JAM Project's fame decides to give it a shot. As expected, it's awesome, JAM Project style
  • Akira Kogami and Minoru Shiraishi make this more epic than you might think they would.
  • A prog metal band from Italy named DGM also covered Ai wo Torimodose. And as usual, awesomeness ensues.
  • Not too mention Manga Entertainment's own version of their fairly short lived dub of the series here. This alongside their theme for StreetFighter II V.
• And don't forget the second opening, "Tough Boy" by TOM*CAT. WE ARE LIVING, LIVING IN THE NINTIES! WE STILL FIGHT, FIGHTING IN THE NINTIES!
  • Another Italian band - Highlord - covered "Tough Boy". Epic.
• Just about every single opening song for Fist of the North Star qualify as Rated M For Manly. Here's the second opening used for the first anime, "Silent Survivor".
  • And here's the remake done by the same band that did the original.
• Of course, this doesn't mean the remakes aren't full of awesome music. Check out "The Road of Lords", a song so manly that you'll feel a beard and chest hair growing out as you hear it.
• The French opening needs a mention. It can't compete with YOU WA SHOCK, but it's still audible, quite upbeat, and manly as well. And this is an amazing achievement when we make a comparison with all the anime from that time who got a new, and in 99% of cases craptastic, opening.

• Last Impression from Gundam Wing. What starts out calm turns out to be very upbeat, classical and... AWESOME. A fitting end to the AC Saga. This editor believes that lately this song is always the song for Gundam Wing characters when they appear in Super Robot Wars for a reason. It kicks ass.
  • "When the Dragon Swims, The World Ends" in the first episode where they introduce the Gundam pilots, and pretty much any song that uses Heero's motif.
    • This troper would argue that all of the boys' individual battle themes are awesome: Heero's "Wings of a Boy Who Killed Adolesence" (whose tune is used in several other songs), Trowa's "In the Returned Scent of Blood and Gunpowder", Quatre's "Looking for Peace Hiding in the Corpse", and Duo's "Black Wind Inviting Death", though the latter is a Wasted Song and only ever shows up in G Generation games. Also, the aforementioned "When the Dragon Swims" is Wu Fei's theme.
    • And then, Heero and Duo upgraded to "Legend of Zero" and "Hellraiser Returns".
  • TWO-MIX in general is pretty good. Their other three Gundam Wing songs (Just Communication, Rhythm Emotion, and White Reflection, while arguably not quite as awesome as Last Impression, are all excellent in their own right. Check 'em out before Nabiki overcharges for them.
• Speaking of the Gundam franchise, Gundam SEED has quite a few of these:
  • The Secret of Birth, played when the Big Bad reveals his evil plan.
  • Prophecy of the End when superweapon GENESIS first fires.
  • Countdown
  • Support
  • Justice and Freedom.
  • This little ditty, romanized as 'Tachiagare! Okori yo".
  • Pick a random OP/ED/insert song from either series, and more often than not, you'll find it qualifies for this category. See-Saw, Nami Tamaki, TM Revolution... and, of course, Yuki Kajiura (see above). And there's more.
  • Moment, the second OP of Gundam Seed.
    • And then there's this fandub of it. It's arguably even better than the original, if that were even possible. "Remaining 10% is worth dying for", indeed.
• Gundam SEED Destiny may have jumped the shark about halfway through, but the decay didn't stop the soundtrack from being awesome.
  • Pride (the second opening theme) by High and Mighty Color. Hell yes.
  • Kanashimi no Stella is heartbreakingly beautiful.
  • Kyouki no Hate, played when the Destroy goes on its Nightmare Fuel laden rampage.
  • Kuroi Hadou, Shinn's battle theme towards the end, complete with Ominous Latin Chanting.
    • On the subject of Ominous Latin Chanting, there's Shuunen no Ichigeki. This troper has no idea what part of the anime it's from, but darn it if it isn't epic.
• Gundam 00 One word: Counterattack
  • Two more words: Daybreak's Bell
  • Well, if opening themes count, then one must count Ash Like Snow (OP 2) Epic. Freaking. Win.
  • Also filled with win: Namida no Mukou aka 00 opening 4.
  • Fight when Trans-AM is introduced, and much later on, 0-Raiser, which fits its pilots emotions perfectly.
  • TRANS-AM RAISER. The first time this music is used even tops the 00's first apparition, as you can litterally feel the Oh Crap look on the A-Laws face as they realize the incoming source of heat is not a beam attack.
  • Unlimited Sky when Soma/Marie says goodbye to Sergei. Later, Yuna Ito's Trust You When Sergie dies.
  • I'd insist that you not forget 00 Gundam. The one time 00 comes out and absolutely whips ass, it's to its own theme, which, quite honestly, beats a lot more ass than the mech does.
  • Distortion, played whenever the bad guys start whupping ass, is pretty awesome too.
  • The Third OP
  • Finally, what may be the Crowning Music of Awesome for the entire series, Decisive Battle.
• Besides the newer Gundam shows, G Gundam has Moeagare Toushi and Waga Kokoro Meikyou Shizui, both used when Domon uses one of his signature techniques (the first for Shining Gundam, the second for God Gundam).
  • I'll take your Moeagare Toushi and Waga Kokoro Meikyou Shisui and raise you "Train the Boy for Combat, to Win". It's the music that plays when Domon debuts in the Gundam Fight finals on the God Gundam, and when Master Asia teaches Domon the Sekiha Tenkyoken, as seen here.
• The original series movies in particular were known for creating absolutely classic themes. Just a short selection of First Gundam themes include:
  • Soldiers of Sorrow has become quite iconic, and has been covered by several people, including;
    • Gackt
    • Animetal
    • And even Andrew W.K., who did a very succesful English version
  • Beginning
  • Encounters
  • And of course, Here Comes Char!
• Char's Counterattack had an amazing orchestral soundtrack, rivaling anything coming from major American productions. Especially notable are "Main Title" and "Nu Gundam", and ends with an excellent, although non-orchestral song by the name of "Beyond the Time"
• May I present, the very aptly named, Men of Destiny.
• Even the ill-fated Gundam X had a pair of excellent opening themes: "Dreams" and "Resolution."

• It could be argued that this is the entire point of Super Dimension Fortress Macross and its sequels, featuring Idol Singers and/or The Power Of Rock as a major force in the universe:
  • From the movie Do You Remember Love we have Ai Oboete Imasu Ka, sung by Lynn Minmay in the final battle (in the original series, she ironically sang Ai wa Nagareru, an anti-war song).
    • This was also sung by Ranka Lee while under Grace O'Connor's control in the final battle of Macross Frontier, here used to keep control of the Vajra with the antagonists.
  • Just about anything from the band Fire Bomber, but especially Totsugeki Love Heart.
  • Macross Frontier takes this trope to its logical conclusion, where awesome music is not just used as the backdrop for awesome things happening, but the awesomeness is actually choreographed to fit the music, reaching whole new levels of awesome. This reaches it's extreme in the finale, where almost every major song is featured in a sequence which redefines awesomeness itself.
    • If you don't do the hand motion every time Ranka does the 'Kirah~!' sound in "Seikan Hikou", you're just missing out.

Say what you will about the Macekre but you are a damn liar if you dont think the Robotech Theme is EPIC.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHSwnkenTZU

• Let's also not forget Battle Station, The 15th Squadron (especially the first part), Rick Hunter's Theme, and Alien Attack.

• Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha makes excellent use of award-winning singer and Fate's voice actress Nana Mizuki, having her belt out the Hot Blooded Theme Music Power Up that accompanies each season's big battle. See: Take A Shot, Brave Phoenix, and Pray.
  • The theme songs for seasons one (Innocent Starter), two (Eternal Blaze) and three (Secret Ambition and Massive Wonders) are awesome as well. None of them are played during a Crowning Moment Of Awesome, but that's likely because they don't need to.
    • And then there's the Masaaki Endoh (of JAMProject) version of Eternal Blaze
  • And don't forget Snow Rain! ;___;
  • Also, the song Ace of Aces. For those of you who have seen episode 25 of Striker S, you should know why.
  • Sono Namida mo Kanashimi mo for the Crowning Moment Of Heartwarming between Nanoha and Vivio.
  • We're not done! Raising Heart, Set Up! (The Magical Orchestra), the Striker S redoing of the already quite awesome Raising Heart, Set Up!, Nanoha's transformation music.
  • And again! Nanoha's second transformation theme, Afureru Power, Muteki no Yuuki, is perfect for younger-Nanoha's high-energy style.

• For Naruto theme songs, Go! (Fighting Dreamers) and Hero's Comeback seem to qualify.
  • I'll see you those and raise you the Season 2 opening, Haruka Kanata.
  • "Remember" this one? (No pun intended.)
  • The Fifth season Opener, Seishun Kyosokyoku's melancholy sound and sadly wistful lyrics perfectly captured the feeling of the series at that point, as Team 7 slowly began it final collapse.
  • Don't forget the sixth, No Boy No Cry by Stance Punks. The accompanying animation in which Naruto takes a flying leap off Hokage Rock is especially good in the dub (lacking the original's prominently superimposed "TV Tokyo" logo).
    • Version linked is a hilarious Music Video by the original group, just as good as the intro animation- and far less likely to be randomly removed in one of Youtube's "anime purges".
  • Don't forget The Raising Fighting Spirit, which has a habit of showing up and making moments even more epic than they already were.
  • That one is good, but Strong And Strike tops it.
  • Three words. Heaven. Shaking. Event. Which is actually just a longer term for BAD & ASS.
  • In Shippuden premi�re, where Sasori and Deidara approach Suna, the music that plays in the background... You just know the sand ninja have no idea what's coming at them.
  • "Beautiful Green Wild Beast", played when Rock Lee opens up a massive can of whoopass. Pity it never lasts.
  • Hell, nearly the entirety of the soundtrack can qualify since it's a really good fusion of modern music and traditional Japanese instruments.
  • Apparently (This Troper has been unable to find video evidence), the Naruto soundtrack was so epic that several pieces made appearances during the 2008 Beijing Olympic games.
    • They also played a few songs during the beach volleyball.
    • It's not the only one.
  • "Reverse Situation"This song really blew me away big time; the tune amplified the awesomeness of Sakura/Chiyo x Sasori battle tenfold. It's just that amazing.
  • Orochimaru's theme. Both versions. Hands down.
  • "Blue Bird".
  • "Man of the World", "Hidden Will to Fight", "Anger", and "Nightfall". That is all.
  • "Heaven Shaking Moment" often comes up when there's a Crowning Moment Of Awesome, like Team Guy defeating their doppelgangers, Naruto defeating the first movie villain, or Naruto using Spiraling Shuriken on Kakuzu.
  • Though by no means upbeat, "Sadness and Sorrow" epicly touching.
  • Bacchikoi. Even if it doesn't seem that good the first time, it becomes an Ear Worm after repeated hearings.
  • "Naruto Main Theme".
  • The fourth Shippuuden Opening, Joe Inoue's CLOSER, is a beautiful song in and of itself. When combined with Asuma's you should know this by now, but final fight with Hidan catapults it into CMoA status. Also works well as a Naru Hina piece, This Troper finds.
  • This song is called victory is played on real cool bits like when Naruto passes Kakashi's test
  • My Answer is surprisingly catchy and relaxing.
  • I dedicate this song To You All.
  • The band Little By Little made an opening song for Naruto & a closing song for Naruto Shippuuden that are both made of epic f'ing awesome. Here's the first and the second.
  • You know what made the 3-on-1 fight between Sarutobi, Orochimaru and the two deceased Hokages sound more dangerous and exciting and totally kickass? The Heavy Violence. And you know the part where Sarutobi is talking to Orochimaru about the Konoha villagers and how the Will of Fire will never fade? Yeah that part, which makes this troper feel moved all the time.
  • In Naruto, there are themes that have been made for the different parts of the day and activity. There's a theme for morning, a theme for daylight, a theme for the afternoon, and a theme for the evening. There's also a theme for Naruto's daily activities.
  • And then there's music for laughs like Naruto's Sexy no jutsu, and slapsticks.
  • Then there is music of the scene in which Madara reveals himself alongside Pain, easily surpassing any previous Ominous Latin Chanting piece of the series. Holy crap, you know those guys mean business.
  • I am glad to be the first one to post the sixth intro for Naruto Shippuden ("Sign" by FLOW) on here. If you're lucky, try to find the actual intro in the responses.
  • Akatsuki's theme in Shippuden. You KNOW you're in trouble when you hear that. (Word of warning, turn off the notations.)
  • Pain's theme. Ominous Latin Chanting, check, accompanying Pain being Badass, check.

• All of Neon Genesis Evangelion's soundtrack, but especially its opening, Cruel Angel's Thesis
  • This a cappella version of Cruel Angel's Thesis is absolutely beautiful and haunting; had it played during some of the more emotional moments later on, it could have enhanced the impact, which is saying a lot.
  • Also of particular note is Angel of Doom from the first Rebuild of Evangelion movie.
  • Also from Rebuild: Showdown.
  • This remix of Cruel Angel's Thesis is as haunting as it is magnificent.
  • Komm Süßer Tod dudes. Komm Süßer Tod.
  • And let's not forget The Beast 2.
    • Ever heard metal cover of that? It rocks!
  • Nothing can ever top this particular sequence, especially considering the scene it was used in! ...I take that back, from the End: Asuka kills loads of evil mechas while Hideaki Anno plays unfitting music. I think her screams really add to it too.
  • Cruel Angel's Thesis N64 mix.
  • From Those Two Episodes, Infantile Dependence, Adult Dependency, the official theme song of apocalyptic mental breakdowns.
  • From Rebuild 2.0, I give you The Final Decision We All Must Take, perfect for when girls wearing pink plugsuits go apeshit.
  • Rebuild 2.0 is chock-full of awesome songs: from a new, darker version of Les Betes to the apocalyptic Carnage.
  • For maximum awesome, Cruel Angel's Thesis Director's Edit II. It is sung by Rei, Asuka, and Misato!
  • This troper is inordinately fond of the version of A Cruel Angel's Thesis played in the final scenes of the series proper— Good, Or Don't Be, if I'm not wrong.

• "Overtaken" from One Piece. The scene where it plays, complete with Crowning Moment Of Heartwarming and Crowning Moment Of Awesome can be seen here.
  • "Overtaken" makes any scene in which it's played instantaniously awesomer, because it's usually when the Straw Hats have decided that, no matter how much punishment they've taken already, no matter how hopeless the situation has become, no matter how powerful the Big Bad is, these guys will not back down, they will not surrender, they will pull out all the stops and won't quit until they're dead of have put the villains in their place.
  • This troper's favorite's include Zoro, GomuGomu Vs Goegoe and especially Kihaku no Kenshi Zoro
  • May be Crowning Music of Heartwarming/Tear-Jerking instead, but Bink's Sake ALWAYS makes this troper either tear up or smile. Usually both.
    • Those who love Bink's Sake will love the Straw Hat Version.
    • There's also the violin instrumental version, which was recently used to devastating effect at the end of episode 405.
  • "After Eating, Grand Line" does a good job of showing the Straw Hats going into ominous situations, and "Brand New World" is possibly the best opening, as one of the few that show exciting scenes from the current arc.
  • For many One Piece fans, nothing can top the sheer Triumph of the end of the final Luffy/Crocodile fight done to the tune of the New World Symphony by Dvorak.
  • It's not Dvorak, but the piece that plays during that scene's recreation in Movie 8 (and later on in the actual anime for Rob Lucci's defeat), "I Will Keep On Surpassing You!", has a wonderful build-up of pain and sorrow before exploding in a triumptant and furious climax as Luffy puts everything he has into his last move to defeat the Big Bad.
  • The triumphant "Luffy's Fierce Attack", or Three Towers (Perfect for storming enemy bases) and its partner in crime, The Straw Hat Pirates Begin the Counterattack. And to finish with some Crazy Awesome, is Franky's theme. It's actually a bit from a much earlier piece, but when someone has this as their levi motif, you know something cool is about to happen.
  • It may have come from a filler movie but this track has quickly become the new favorite for climactic action sequences: Ace's final battle with Blackbeard and Luffy's epic punching of the Tenryuubito just to name a few.
  • While it started out as a funny gag song, (warning, clip arguably has some spoilery material prior to Enies Lobby) "The Man from the Island of Snipers" becomes a Crowning Music Of Awesome when Usopp gets dangerous. After all, this is a series about fulfilling one's dreams - so what is more badass in context than a song about one's dream self?
  • Both versions of the eighth movie song Compass. So pretty...
  • Arguably the most terrifying combination of music when played to the presence of someone like Bartholomew Kuma has to be Desparate Situation at 2:17 and Difficult until 1:50. If either one of those pieces are playing, it's usually a sign that shit has hit the fan.
  • I would like to add the ten year aniversury remix of "We Are", because knowing that an anime has lasted for ten years and is still going strong is definatly a triumphent moment for fans.

• It's a Counterattack! from the 8th Pokémon movie...I love you, Shinji Miyazaki.
  • This troper nominates Advance Adventure's instrumental remix. It was one of the pieces 4Kids consistently kept making the scenes it was used in just as awesome in the dub.
    • The first generation had its music reserved for awesome scenes, too. Basically the regular theme with better guitar licks. Always accompanied a Big Damn Heroes moment.
  • The Legend Comes To Life, a.k.a. Lugia's theme. This troper still cries at the beauty of it...and she hates the Pokémon anime!
    • This is truth. That song is simply beautiful. Actually ranks up in this troper's top ten pieces, up with certain works by Rachmaninoff and Pachelbel.
    • Have a taste of the Japanese version then...
  • While we're talking about Pok�mon, Pok�mon Symphonic Medley. It's all the earlier opening themes put into an orchestral medley, and it is a thing of beauty.
  • As its lyrics say, the anime's ninth opening theme, Battle Frontier, certainly does overflow with rising power. Full version given for maximum awesome.
    • I see that and raise you the 10th opening "Spurt". There's nothing better thatn an intro with Rica Matsumoto going Hot Blooded.
  • Tears of Life from the first movie. Perhaps the most well-done instrumental piece in Pokemon history.
  • I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was...
  • The 2.B.A.Master soundtrack. It's full of beautiful character songs, particularly "Misty's Song" and "The Time Has Come - Pikachu's Goodbye".
    • This troper mostly considers the fact that she likes that soundtrack Old Shame... but has to put special praise on Double Trouble, Team Rocket's theme. Why does Team Rocket keep coming back after failure after failure? Because we're Team Rocket. 'Do Unto Others'...]
• "Oracion". God, it gives me chills...

• "God Knows", just "God Knows".
  • Featuring the Badass Bookworm as a technically gifted guitarist pretty much for the hell of it. Most awesome thing in the history of anime? Quite possibly.
    • Now you can choose: Do you like it "hot-blooded" or "classical"?
    • And the version from the English dub is also really cool. Basically, they just translated the lyrics and left it at that rather than trying to write a new song.
  • Lost My Music as well.
  • Also, Tchaikovsky's Symphony #4 Movement 4 from the climax of "Day of Sagittarius III" and Mahler's Symphony #8 Part 1 from the climax of the first season. Both of them are also awesome outside of this context, naturally, but this is where they accompanied Crowning Moments of Awesome.
    • What about the song that played during the battle? Shostakovich Symphony No. 7 'Leningrad', The Invasion?
  • Yuki, Muon, Madobe Nite. Obviously Yuki's Image Song, this can be very surprising if you didn't already know that Minori Chihara's a solo artist.
    • If you love Yuki's Image Song, then THIS will blow you away.
    • If you count the image songs in, you can add Kyon's Hare Hare Yukai, COOL EDITION from Asakura and SELECT from Nagato.
    • Yuki just got another one in the Wii rhythm game, Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou — Greed's accident, which has an awesome dance sequence as well.
  • Mikuru's Image Song, Toki no Puzzle, probably should be under Crowning Music of Heartwarming/Tear Jerker territory. She sings about how her mission sadly keeps her from fulfilling her desire to be with Kyon. This Troper sometimes tears up thinking about/listening to this song. Of course, Mikuru could just be a Manipulative Bitch who's trying to get on Kyon's good side so Alternate Character Interpretation... So Yeah...
  • "Koi No Mikuru Densetsu" from the first episode is made of win.
    • NOW IN "CONCERT VERSION"!
    • This troper was literally moved to tears by the adaptation of that song, which was originally intended to be laughed at... and then she found the rest of the Tokyo Philharmonic's adaptations...
    • Also, the MIDI/Final Fantasy sounding version of Koi no Mikuru Densetsu deserves a mention.
  • One of the best songs in the soundtrack is also one of the simplest: Itsumo no Fuukei, which translates to "Everyday's View". It's known for being that piece of music heard when Kyon talks about no longer believing in aliens, time travelers, and espers in the first episode (in chronological order; it's the second episode in the other order).
  • What about Oi Oi? It's the "What has Haruhi got us into this time?" music.
  • Let's make a quick mention of the Nagato Vs. Asakura music, which is absolutely fucking badass AWESOME as background track.
    • Another awesome battle soundtrack: Kamadouma (the Cave Cricket battle music).
  • Shinjin.
  • The new opening of the second season, "Super Driver". Fuck yeah.
• The OP and ED are the OP and ED for a reason. You cannot deny the opening bells ofBouken Desho Desho? nor have you not sprained something trying to dance to Hare Hare Yukai.
• All this complaining about Endless Eight and no-one's mentioned the piece from the climax of the end of it all? I mean, that whole scene was full of win, but the piano just made it enter a whole new level.

• Libera Me From Hell definitely qualifies in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, because it's only played during these.
  • Hell, any song with those lyrics (the rapping, not the Ominous Latin Chanting). From The Dai-Gurren Dan Theme to Kamina's Theme (please ignore the video, just listen to the song, if you know what's best for your sanity)
    • Add a bit of sound tweaking, and someone found a way to make it even more epic. Just watch
  • Don't forget the music that plays when Simon and Kamina first break through to the surface.
    • I personally prefer the longer version: Ten wo Tsuke is just plain HEROIC.
    • It was even more epic during the Giga Drill scene in episode 8. Hotblooded speak, epic attacks AND awesome music.
  • Break Through The Dream, Kamina and Simon's song captures the Super Robot Spirit so well, it brought a tear to this tropers eye.
  • The fanfare they use for the brief recaps that start the episodes is so epic that this troper has it as his ringtone. People have commented on just how awesome it sounds even when completely out of context. Extended version here.
  • The first ending "UNDERGROUND", may qualify. The full version, definitely qualifies.
  • The second ending Minna No Peace.
  • Nikopol, the anthem of Viral.
  • Happily Ever After, the Theme Music Power Up for one of the greatest Moments of Awesome in the entire series.
  • Sorairo Days.
    • The only way to make that song more Hot Blooded? Let Masaaki Endoh sing it. Really now, is there anything JAM Project can't make more awesome?
  • To Hell With Gattai is that one song that sends one giant middle finger to fate, destiny, and other preordained shit while yelling: "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?"
    • And if you so value your eyeballs, do not click this video unless you can handle the sheer GAR of all the action scenes along with it.
  • Get Fired Up, All Of You! is made of epic and so GAR it was used for Lord Genome's orign story
  • I'm gonna have to argue that the entire soundtrack is made of awesome. It's really a Crowning Soundtrack of Awesome.

• Yu-Gi-Oh!, just... wow...
  • The Japanese tracks blend Egyptian/Arabic folk music with European orchestra. From the original we had Passionate Duelist, The Sealed Miracle, Anger of A God, Uncharted Territory, Awakening of Darkness...
    • Fang of Critias is so epic it gets it's own techno mix!
  • Despite the removal of these masterpieces in the dub, it made it up with Egyptian God Monsters, The Rage of Ra, The Orichalcos, Arise! Blue Eyes Shining Dragon!, and who can't love the Kaiba Hacker theme? You gotta thank Joel Douek for all these songs.
  • Let's also take time to mention the Dub Opening (It's time to D-D-DD-DDDDDD-DUEL!)
    • As well as all five equally awesome openings from the Japanese version.
• From the first series, "Kawaita Sakebi" by A Field of View. Most notably known IN AMERICA as the opening to Yu-Gi-Oh! The Abridged Series.
  • And then Mondegreened in the beginning of the Other Abridged Movie.
• 5Ds introduces a slew of hot blooded music that continues to pump you as you watch. The first track "Speed World" sets the standards by itself but then after that in episode 5, you get hit with Jack Atlas' battle theme which FAR exceeds our expectations.
  • Then Izayoi Aki shows up and we get blown back further.
    • Am I the only one who loves the dub theme?
• This troper doesn't know the name for the song that plays during Yugi's transformation in Season 0, but she loves it. Does anyone know what it's called?

• Anata no kokoro ni, the ending theme of Abenobashi Mahou Shoutengai. The yearning tone of Megumi Hayashibara's voice, the lyrics, and the black-and-white images of Osaka's past; if all that together doesn't call up a sense of loss, this troper can't imagine what will.
• 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 Uta definitely 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.
  • Don't forget "Natsukage", which is lovely in both its original instrumental version and in the vocal reinterpretation by Lia.
    • And in the other vocal reinterpretation. Done by Chata of Dango Daikazoku fame, it's about as cute as you might expect.
• Whenever the Air Gear theme (Chain by Back On) comes on, this troper really wishes she had some A.T.'s. The whole soundtrack is pretty sweet, in fact.
• The score of Akira may be even better than the film. ''Rasse-ra, rasse-ra, rasse-rasse-rasse-ra...''
  • Requiem, the final track made of 5 movements of pure win. (Part 1 Part 2)
  • The entire soundtrack is worth mentioning, but Tetsuo stands out - that's the eerie gamelan one with the chorals. Very powerful and scary.
• The opening from Area 88, Mission(Fuga). Enough said.
• 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.
  • Still the most beautiful piece is probably the OP of the Arietta OVA, 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.
• Avenger features Gesshoku Grand Guignol by Ali Project. It also sports a similar outro, Mirai no Eve.
• Azumanga Daioh has Raspberry Heaven. Soramimi Cake, while less "epic", is still awesome (and addicting).
  • 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.
    • This one is used repeatedly over the series, but it is best illustrated here. *Sniffle*.
  • 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.
• 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.
• Hime Murasaki from Basilisk deserves mention.
• 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.
  • Screw you. nO limiT was a badass song.
  • This troper humbly submits Hoshiwatari from ep. 24 and of course from the finale After The Rain Heart
• The theme song of Big O: It kicks ass! And has two versions!
  • Sure Promise from the Big O is a great song from the series as well!
• Destiny Taiyou no Hana, the opening theme for Black Jack 21. Doctors, apparently, get really epic themesongs.
• The opening theme of Black Lagoon is primarily barely-comprehensible Engrish, but nonetheless is incredibly badass and sets the tone of the series perfectly.
  • 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.
• Bokurano has its haunting but thematically fitting OP, Uninstall.
  • And guess which JAM Project singer covered it? Go on, guess.
• No love for Bubblegum Crisis? The long, slow build into Say, Yes! is brilliant.
  • 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?"
  • The dub Cardcaptors also had really nice music, with the crowning piece being Guardian of the Cards in this troper's opinion.
• Haritsuke no Missa (Crucifiction of Faith) from Chaos;Head.
• Okay, the Chrono Crusade anime royally screwed the characters over in pretty much every way imaginable, but the opening song, Tsubasa wa Pleasure Line, never fails to give me chills. NEVER, I say.
• 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 Honey opening, in all its incarnations, is a damn good song . . . provided you can ignore what the lyrics actually mean.
  • You had to but ask...
• "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...
• This troper bought DaiGuard based on the opening theme alone.
• Darker Than Black's opening theme song, Howling by abingdon boys school is rock-tastic. It makes one think of dark thoughts, and kicking some ass along the way.
  • NOW I'VE LOST IT, I KNOW I CAN KILL
• 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.
• Devil May Cry's anime adaptation opening certainly belongs.
• D Gray-Man's Doubt and Trust is just awesome. The full version is even better.
  • D Gray-Man has a lot of good music, including Snow Kiss and Innocent Sorrow.
  • Innocent Sorrow, Brightdown, Doubt & Trust, Gekidou... This Troper thinks all four the openings are awesome.
• DNAngel's opening theme Byakuya True Light really deserves a mention.
  • 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...).
• Regardless of what you think about the English dub of Dragon Ball Z, Bruce Faulconer wrote some pretty epic music for it. This Troper's favorites include: Vegeta - Super Saiyan, which usually meant Vegeta was doing something totally awesome, Ginyu Transformation, generally played when a major villain died or during other particularly epic moments, and SSJ3 Power-Up... does that one really need explaining?
  • Pretty much everyone's "Power's Up" music is going to be crowning moment. Even Krillin, who unfortunately didn't get too many moments to shine as the series went on, gets an amazing one.
  • Also pretty much all of Cells music, which goes from epic to creepy depending on the mood he's in, especially Perfect Cell Runs and Imperfect Cell Theme (which made the only scene it was used completely in, stalking the heroes in an abandoned airport hangar, complete awesome). And then there's the epic redoing of Perfect Cells Runs that plays after he comes back from blowing himself up, stronger than ever.
  • STATE YOUR WISH!
  • Buu's chaotically evil themes, Super Buu's theme, Evil Buu Theme, Buu Is Fighting. Even Fat Buu's theme could count, the way it mixes an unsettling air of ominousness behind whimsy.
  • Piccolo's theme sets the tone for pretty much every moment that Piccolo has, whether it be getting ready to go to a fight he's not sure he'll survive, to watching over the world as everything goes to hell. It's serious and determined, yet calm and serene. A perfect match for his character, and one of the most awesome songs in the show.
  • The Ginyu Force Theme. Just... The Ginyu Force Theme.
    • Also Garlic Jr's Theme. Proof that even filler villains deserve good music.
  • "Cha-La Head Cha-La" by Hironobu Kageyama, the first, and epic theme for Dragon Ball Z. The Konata cover version by Aya Hirano is so horrible that it goes right back around to awesome. Enjoy.
  • Dragon Ball Kai wouldn't be true to its namesake if it didn't have some epic music, one of which is the Ochestrated version of Dragon Soul. Take a good listen.
• 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 Five 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.
• Ergo Proxy's opening theme, "Kiri". It's even in surprisingly good English. Combine it with a visually striking opening and you'll be blown away.
• 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).
• Eureka Seven. Days and Sakura are euphoric.
  • It's not just those two 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.
  • This troper personally feels that Dewey Novak's theme should be the theme of every Magnificent Bastard.
  • This song is why I love the last episode.
  • Let's not forget Storywriter, IE the song that, when you start to hear it, you know something awesome is about to happen.
  • Sprinting Spirits is just epic.
• Little Busters, the victory music from FLCL, as well as the opening hook from I Think I Can.
  • In fact the entire OST collection for FLCL can qualify. From Ride on Shooting Star, to Advice, to Hybrid Rainbow and Crazy Sunshine, the entire soundtrack was nothing short of amazing.
    • 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).
• In Fullmetal Alchemist, the song "Brothers" is heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time.
  • How can I repay you brother of mine, how can I expect you to forgive... Yes, that is Ed's voice actor singing and playing piano. Actually, the song after that (Nothing I Won't Give) is meant to be an original Image Song for Ed, and it's quite badass.
  • From the new anime we have the Opening Theme Again, which achieves much the same effect.
    • The old theme song.
  • OP 4 (Asian Kung Fu Generation's Rewrite)
  • The second ending song of Brotherhood, Let It All Out, is beautiful on it own, but when paired with scenes like this... Crowning Moment Of Awesome. Warning: spoilers.
• "Tokkou Yoraou" from Full Metal Panic. Sound familiar?
  • This troper would have to argue that "Arashi No Mae is the very best from FMP's OST.
  • And this troper would have to argue that the honor goes to "Counterattack", this just goes to show how awesome the soundtrack is.
  • The entire soundtrack for the entire run (FMP!, Fumoffu, and TSR) is so made of awesome that's it's almost impossible to decide on a "best".
• The OP for Futari Wa Pretty Cure. Pretty badass for a Magical Girl show. But then, this is Magical Girl as directed by the guy who did Dragon Ball Z.
• Meaning of Truth from F-Zero Falcon Densetsu. It's especially awesome in the famous FALCON PUNCH! scene!
• 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!
• Gankutsuou ending theme.
  • Kasamatsu Kouji qualifies as well.
• 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 Gao Gai Gar theme 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.
  • And, of course, Dividing Driver, the prelude to many of the show's greatest Crowning Moments of Awesome.
• I don't know where the Ga Rei Zero section is, but, two words: Paradise Lost.
• Geneshaft's metal score simply screams awesome. Have some Shaft Drive, the OP.
• Genesis Of Aquarion's self-titled opening theme Sousei no Aquarion is pretty damn awesome.
  • Then you've also got the same song remixed in English Genesis of Aquarion by the same singer, which was nothing short of amazing.
  • Why isn't Kouya no Heath in this list yet?
• 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.
• "Shura", the fifth ending theme for Gintama, used to punctuate one of the more badass arcs of the series.
  • And later, the 5th OP Doten 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.
• The first opening theme for Great Teacher Onizuka, Driver's High, made this troper discover the greatness that is L'�rc~En~Ciel.
• Fly High! from Gun Buster episode 5.
• Gunslinger Girl, pretty much the entire first season.
  • Tema V is this troper's favorite, but the entire OST is amazing.
• Gun X Sword brings with it the single greatest Leitmotif for a giant robot ever, "Dann of Thursday". Here it is during Dann's first summoning.
• Haibane Renmei. Easily the best anime OST this troper has ever heard, and he watches a lot of anime. Samples! Blue Flow, the ending theme. The unfortunately-named Free Bird, the OP. As a rule of thumb, if Kou Ootani does it, you can't go wrong. See Shadow of the Colossus
  • 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 Shonen, this would be it.
• Love Tropicana from Hale Nochi Guu is a crazy upbeat dancing song.
  • Something must be said for the funktastic ending song of Hale Nochi Guu Deluxe, Fun Fun and Shout by Sister Mayo.
• Hellsing has one of the best soundtracks for any anime ever!
  • Yasushi Ishii is absolutely brilliant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tuIdQwYU4s
  • "World Without Logos", one of the greatest opening themes in anime. Music to kill yourself to.
  • The much better second attempt at a Hellsing series has this to offer...
  • "Double Crossed Fool" is also of note as an awesome tune, as is the ending song, Shine.
• The opening ("Falling Down" by Noel Gallagher) 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.
• 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 of 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 O Ps, 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.
    • Also, Yurie of Code Speed's remix of Naraku No Hana.
• 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.)
• 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.
• Initial D's first season opening and ending.
• Hanyou, Inuyasha can be liberally translated as "serious ass is about to be kicked, right now".
• 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...!
• Kamichama Karin has a catchy OP by Ali Project called Ankoku Tengoku.
  • Although aparently that song scared some people.
• Most of the soundtrack to Kannazuki No Miko. Especially the OP, Re-Sublimity.
• "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.
  • Not to mention the great ending, Kaze no Tadori Tsuko Basho, or Where the Wind Reaches.
• The opening to His and Her Circumstances, a.k.a. Kareshi Kanojo no JijÅ�, a.k.a. Kare Kano. True love does have a theme song!
• Katekyo Hitman Reborn's third opening, despite the rather odd lyrics, manages to be the most beautifully upbeat song this troper has ever heard.
• This troper can listen to Kaze No Yojimbo's OP, Tokyo by Escargot, all day and never get tired of it. The ED, Situation also by Escargot, is also highly listenable.
• Whatever you may think of the questionable material of Kodomo No Jikan, you have to admit the music kicks ass.
• 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.
  • 8-bit versions of each have been created.
  • Also, "Watashi no Koi wa Hotchikisu" (My Love is a Stapler), insert song in episode 8.
• 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.
• "Systematic People", the OP for Kurozuka. A fast-pased 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 theme to Last Exile. Beautiful cloud age symphony, indeed.
• Lucky Star has Gravity.
  • Koi no Minoru Densetsu is pure awesome.
  • 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)
    • And here it is on piano. It turns wierd Japanese music into a peppy ragtime-type tune, and then at 0:54 it blows you away.
    • Wait, wait, wait! We're not done with covers yet! Do you prefer it Hot Blooded, Burly, Fabulous, or Snarky?
  • 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 theme music from Lupin III.
  • The 2002 remake cranks up the epic even more so here
  • Then there's Funny Walk in Old Fashion. Lupin III's soundtrack is fantastic overall.
• The opening theme to Magic Knight Rayearth is the epitome of this trope.
  • I absolutely loved it when they reprised the theme, lyrics and all, in the last episode when the girls were approaching the final showdown.
• Martian Successor Nadesico has the theme to Gekiganger 3, Let's Go! Gekiganger 3. "Let's go passion!"
  • Nadesico's own opening theme is pure Engrish win, as well. Title says it all, really.
  • I want to be your number one aka Ruri's song.
  • You get to burning: Ode to Gai mix, Manly Tears in musical form!
• Although it's obvious by now that you'll skip this paragraph over when you see the title Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, Kuro no Kyousoukyoku -concerto- is one awesome Villain Song. Especially during the Black Beauty Sisters' Crowning Moment Of Awesome. Full version.
  • This troper is also very fond of Lady Bat'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.
• 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.
• Mnemosyne has "Alsatia" as it's OP, written by Galneryus, really pumps you up for the all the blood, guts, lesbians and rape.
• There is just something about the opening to Mononoke (the horror anthology) that makes one want to listen to it over and over.
• The Seeds of Time from Monster. There's a reason it shows up so many times. Medium Shot too.
  • And the music for a certain Crowning Moment Of Awesome in episode 72.
  • For The Love Of Life is a distinctly haunting song in the context of the series.
  • Let's not forget Grain, the opening.
• The whole Mushi-Shi OST. Ame Ga Kuru Niji Ga Tatsu in particular is obscenely beautiful.
• 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.
• Origin: Spirits of the Past has a particularly awesome opening theme. It kicks off at the 0:50 second mark.
• Ouran High School Host Club's ending theme Shissou is surprisingly badass for a shoujo, and made the final episode's Crowning Moment Of Awesome even better.
• The opening of Outlaw Star "Through the Night".
• The opening "King Gainer Over!" and the closing "Can You Feel My Soul" from Overman King Gainer.
• Paranoia Agent, scored by Susumu Hirasawa. May seem more like Crowning Music of Paranoia Fuel with the visuals, but awesome nonetheless.
• While on the subject of Satoshi Kon, Susumu Hirasawa's work in Paprika cannot be ignored. See:
  • Meditational Field, the semi-OP
  • The Girl in byakkoya/White Tiger Field, the alternate mix with vocals, or
  • 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 Blue Baachiya Mima. If this song does not make you want to crawl under the bed and hide, nothing will.
• Planetes has Dive in the Sky.
• In Princess Mononoke, most iterations of the Ashitaka motif and main theme share the proverbial cake. That Chinese glissando effect is delicious.
• 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.
  • Also the opening song for Princess Tutu.
• "Aoki Flamme," the first opening theme of Pumpkin Scissors. Was awesome enough to be used in a Touhou video.
• Being an anime with a musical theme, Rah Xephon'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.
  • La, la Maladie Du Sommeil kicks ass, in a gentle, soothing way.
  • Likewise for A Egg of Dream
  • Although the movie may be hit or miss, the theme for the end credits kicks ass ( The Garden of Everything)
• 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 [3]
• 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 both versions of Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku/Absolute Destiny: Apocalypse.
• While the anime has limited appeal, Rosario To 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.
• Rozen Maiden features Kinjirareta Asobi by Ali Project.
  • And Kanata Kara no Requiem.
• Rurouni Kenshin is a series filled with Crowning Music Of Awesome.
  • Trust and Betrayal gives us In Memories.
  • The 3rd ending song Heart of Sword is hard-hitting and heart-pounding.
  • 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 C Mo A s, and Kimi wa Dare wo Mamotte Iru, which show in the series first C Mo A, and sets up a tone for the rest of the story.
• Sailor Moon has "Ai no Senshi", "Moon Revenge", and "La Soldier". Also, while the dub is what it is it gave us "Carry On".
  • "Sailor Star Song", the Sailor Stars OP yet. It's the best OP in the series. It's also a song I've been trying to get out of his head since 1998.
    • Forget that, Moonlight Densetsu is tops.
• Saki's first ending theme is a masterful blend of cute and awesome.
• I usually skip the opening in anime. But in Samurai Champloo? Never. This opening and this closing are why.
  • 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.
• Samurai Seven has the freakin' sweet opening "Unlimited".
• Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 2 words: Kusou Rumba
  • Meh, Hito Toshite Jiku Ga Bureteiru is way better, especially this 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 (although you're going to have to know the [thankfully posted] lyrics to fully appreciate it).
• School Rumble. Umi no Otoko wa yo. Short but sweet.
  • The end theme, Onna no Ko Otoko no Ko and SCRAMBLE! are ridiculously catchy. Feel Like A Girl is just heart rending.
• Seirei No Moribito and this song, Nahji no Uta. A perfect match for the anime's Crowning Moment Of Heartwarming.
• Sengoku Basara anime OP Jap by Abingdon Boys School. Featuring medieval Japanese infantry dancing in formation!
  • Lets face it, the whole OST is pretty damn awesome!!
• Shakugan No Shana has Joint, the OP for the second season, which manages to be simultaneously epic and cute.
  • The first season has Yoake Umarekuru Shoujo. Solemn and gentle in the beginning, getting up to to a higher tempo after that, I find myself humming it at least three times a day.
• Shikabane Hime Aka's opening theme Beautiful fighter definitely qualifies.
• The entire Shokojo Sera soundtrack qualifies, but the theme tune, Hana No Sasayaki, outstrips the rest of it by far. Listen and believe.
• Most of the soundtrack to Simoun.
• 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). This troper has tried in vain to find the name. It can be heard here, starting at 3:08.
  • 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.
  • No love for Megumi Hayashibara's opening themes? BLASPHEMY! Get Along, Give A Reason, and Plenty of Grit all count in This Troper's mind as being among the winningest anime opening themes ever.
    • Breeze.
  • 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 dub 4Kids Macekre. Then it's gone.
• Considering it's done by the same guy who did the Gurren Lagann soundtrack (Iwasaki Taku), the Soul Eater 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. Paper Moon is absolutely fantastic too. The lyrics sum up the series quite well.
  • Neither can you forget some of the background music, such as this hindi chanting which only plays during the fights between Shinigami and Asura.
• 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.
• Like the aforementioned Simoun and Kannazuki No Miko, pretty much the entire soundtrack of Strawberry Panic fits here. (If you don't believe me, listen to this heartbreaker.) What is it with yuri shows?
• Tekkaman Blade 1st and second Openings.
• The opening theme to The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye is pretty kickass.
• 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.
• Why aren't there any To Aru Majutsu No Index examples listed here? PSI-Missing and Masterpiece are great songs.
• For a sequel that was So Bad Its Horrible, "Daisuki da yo", the opening theme of To Heart: Remember my Memories is very beautiful.
• Tri Gun opening, "H.T." and "Gunlock Overdrive", the theme of the Gungrave game series along with the anime OP, "Family", all composed by Tsuneo Imahori. Gotta love those trumpets.
  • Also, "B.G.", which is Grave's "theme", usually means "Ass is about to be kicked and stuff will blow up."
• Broken Wings, the ending to Trinity Blood. Done almost entirely in Surprisingly Good English, with lyrics that qualify as a Tear Jerker.
• Something pretending to be Tsukihime. The opening theme The sacred moon is awesome, and the soundtrack is filled with gems such as Justice or Destiny
• The opening theme of Umineko No Naku Koro Ni manages amazing music that is incredibly grandiose without sounding kitschy.
  • 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.
    • OH DESAIYAH
  • This troper feels that this could be extended to the entire When They Cry series, as both Higurashi anime openings are made of pure win.
• If one ignores the bizarre lyrics, "Odoru Akachan Ningen", the ending theme for Welcome To The NHK, is a fine example of a Theme Music Power Up. The song's power can be felt in the final episode.
  • Also after watching the entire series, one cannot help but feel EXTREMELY uplifted by the second ending song "Modokashii Sekai no Ue de"
  • The opening theme Puzzleis a very uplifting song almost as though it were trying to soften how messed up the characters are.
• 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.
• X1999 (the anime version) has some wonderful music. Try listening to Sadame without getting a lump in your throat. Managed it? Take a look at the manga/anime series/movie, then listen again.
• 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.
• Ashita from Yasashii Jikan.
• For a peppy shoujo version of your average Hot Blooded shounen theme, check out Full Throttle, the OP to Yes Precure 5 Go Go.
• Why are there no Yu Yu Hakusho examples on this page!? Allow this editor to link you all just a few of the awesome tracks in this series. Tatakai no Toki, Sensui's' Lair, Tough, Daichi, Subete ga Owatta, and Time Limit
  • And Yuusuke Powering Up.
  • As well as that nameless but still heartbreaking little melody.
  • ¿What? ¿No love for Unbalance na Kiss wo Shite? One of the most known songs from the series, besides the OP, I could say, and it's a good song.
• This troper admits to misty eyes the firt time she heard Kaze no Machi He in Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, despite hating the anime.
• Orange from Tora Dora can become heartwarming just from the sheer atmosphere of the song. Even more if you juxtapose the show's grand finale with it
• Mystic Eyes may be about the only song in Vision Of Escaflowne that Yoko Kanno didn't have a part in, but that doesn't mean it still isn't cool.
• "Tada Nakitakunaru no" from Fruits Basket is both adorable and heartwrenching at the same time.
• The Voltron theme.
• The Voltes V opening.
• Okay, seriously... Saint Seiya may not be popular in the States, BUT HOW IN HELL HAS PEGASUS FANTASY NOT BEEN CITED IN THIS LIST YET ?!