As we ride through the back end of this anime season, now’s the perfect time to jam out to some of the best opening and ending theme songs it has to offer.
Anime: Flying Witch
Song: “Shanranran”
Artist: miwa feat. 96Neko
Why I Love It: This song reflects perfectly the happy, lighthearted nature of the anime. And the characters singing and clapping along with the music makes me smile.
Anime: Chibi Maruko-chan
Song: “Odoru Ponpokorin”
Artist: Golden Bomber
Why I Love It: This one is a classic. This is the long running show’s first ending song from back in 1990 updated for today, and it’s no less catchy now than it was back then.
Anime: Kiznaiver
Song: “Lay Your Hands on Me”
Artist: BOOM BOOM SATELLITES
Why I Love It: The ethereal nature of the song always puts me into a relaxed mood.
Anime: Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096
Song: “Into the Sky”
Artist: SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Tielle
Why I Love It: At this point, I don’t think there’s a single song from composer Sawano Hiroyuki (Aldnoah, Xenoblade Chronicle X, Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill) that I don’t like. The fact that this one is piano heavy is just a bonus at this point.
Anime: The Lost Village (Mayoiga)
Song: “Gensou Drive”
Artist: Wajima Ami
Why I Love It: The chorus for this one won’t leave my head—and I am not bothered by that.
Anime: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
Song: “I Want You”
Artist: Savage Garden
Why I Love It: I grew up in the 90s.
Anime: Kyoukai no Rinne
Song: “Hanashi wo Shiyou”
Artist: GLIM SPANKY
Why I Love It: I love the gravelly voice of the female singer and the country sound of the song.
Anime: Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Song: “STYX HELIX”
Artist: MYTH & ROID
Why I Love It: This is a haunting little song that fits well with the surprisingly dark story of Re:Zero.
Anime: Macross Delta
Song: “Ikenai Borderline”
Artist: Walküre
Why I Love It: While including this one is a bit of a cheat (as it’s an insert song that bleeds into being the ending song in a single episode only), its powerful vocals and brass band backup make for an amazing song—even by Macross standards.
Anime: Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Song: “ninelie”
Artist: Aimer with chelly (EGOIST)
Why I Love It: The beat and strong vocals make for a powerful rock ballad.
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