Anime Opening Material: Songs That Should've Been Themes

Hey guys! Ever listen to a song and immediately think, "This needs to be an anime opening"? Yeah, me too! There are just some tracks out there with the right energy, the perfect build-up, and the sheer epicness that screams anime. So, let's dive into some songs that I think would absolutely kill it as anime opening themes. Get ready to update your playlists!

High-Energy Rock Anthems

When you think of anime openings, what's one of the first things that pops into your head? For me, it's high-energy rock! These songs bring the hype and get you pumped for whatever crazy adventure you're about to witness. An ideal anime opening song often features a driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and guitar riffs that could slice through dimensions. Seriously, a killer rock anthem can elevate an anime from good to legendary. Think about some of the iconic anime openings out there – "Cruel Angel's Thesis" from Neon Genesis Evangelion, "Unravel" from Tokyo Ghoul, or "Again" from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. What do they all have in common? They're bangers that set the tone and stick with you long after the episode ends. The best rock anthems for anime openings have a sense of urgency, like the characters are racing against time or facing insurmountable odds. They make you feel like you can take on anything, just like the heroes on screen. It’s also about the blend of Japanese and Western rock influences; the best ones capture a unique sound that's both familiar and exotic. When I'm picturing a new anime and trying to imagine the perfect opening, I always start with rock. The sheer energy is unmatched. A killer guitar solo? Check. Vocals that give you chills? Double-check. A beat that makes you want to jump out of your seat? Triple-check! These are the elements that make a rock anthem a prime candidate for anime opening greatness. And let's not forget the importance of the visuals that would accompany the song. Imagine the intense action sequences, the emotional character close-ups, all perfectly synchronized with the music. It's a match made in anime heaven!

Electronic Beats and Synth Magic

Okay, so maybe rock isn't always the answer. Sometimes, you need something with a bit more of a futuristic or technological vibe, and that's where electronic beats and synth magic come in. Think about anime like Psycho-Pass, Ghost in the Shell, or even Sword Art Online – they all have elements that lend themselves perfectly to electronic music. A great electronic anime opening song often features complex synth melodies, driving basslines, and a sense of digital mystery. It's the kind of music that makes you feel like you're diving headfirst into a virtual world. One of the coolest things about electronic music is its versatility. You can have super fast-paced, high-energy tracks that are perfect for action-packed scenes, or you can have slower, more atmospheric pieces that create a sense of suspense and intrigue. The use of sound effects and samples can also add a unique layer to the music, making it feel even more connected to the anime's world. For example, imagine a cyberpunk anime with an opening that features distorted synths, glitchy sound effects, and a driving beat. It would instantly set the tone for the series and let you know that you're in for a wild ride. Plus, electronic music is constantly evolving, so there are always new sounds and techniques to explore. This means that anime openings can stay fresh and exciting, even as the genre continues to grow. When I listen to electronic music, I often imagine the visuals that would go along with it. Think about neon lights, digital interfaces, and characters hacking into virtual systems. The possibilities are endless! Electronic beats and synth magic can bring a unique and unforgettable quality to anime openings. It's all about finding the right balance between the music and the visuals to create a truly immersive experience.

Epic Orchestral Scores

But what about anime that are more about grand stories, sweeping landscapes, and epic battles? That's where orchestral scores come into play. Think Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, or Fate/Zero. These anime demand music that can capture the scale and drama of their narratives. An epic orchestral anime opening song is characterized by soaring strings, powerful brass, and a sense of impending doom (or glorious triumph!). It's the kind of music that makes you feel like you're watching a movie, not just an anime episode. The use of choirs can also add a layer of emotional depth to the music, making it even more impactful. Imagine an anime about a war between nations, with an opening that features a full orchestra and a choir singing in Latin. It would instantly convey the gravity of the situation and let you know that the stakes are incredibly high. Orchestral scores are also great for building tension and suspense. They can start off quietly and gradually build to a crescendo, creating a sense of anticipation that leaves you on the edge of your seat. This is especially effective in anime that have a lot of plot twists and surprises. When I listen to orchestral music, I often imagine the visuals that would go along with it. Think about vast armies clashing on the battlefield, characters facing impossible odds, and moments of both heartbreaking loss and incredible victory. The music should amplify the emotions of the scene and make you feel like you're right there with the characters. An epic orchestral score can elevate an anime opening from good to unforgettable. It's all about finding the right balance between the music and the visuals to create a truly immersive and emotional experience.

J-Pop Sensations

Of course, we can't forget about J-Pop! It's a staple of anime openings, and for good reason. J-Pop is all about catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and infectious energy. Think about anime like Naruto, One Piece, or Sailor Moon. These anime have openings that are so catchy, they get stuck in your head for days (and you don't even mind!). A great J-Pop anime opening song often features bright vocals, a driving beat, and a sense of fun and excitement. It's the kind of music that makes you want to dance and sing along. One of the coolest things about J-Pop is its ability to blend different genres. You can have J-Pop songs that incorporate elements of rock, electronic, and even hip-hop. This makes them incredibly versatile and perfect for anime that have a wide range of tones and styles. For example, imagine a slice-of-life anime with an opening that features a bubbly J-Pop song with a catchy chorus. It would instantly set the tone for the series and let you know that you're in for a heartwarming and fun experience. J-Pop is also great for creating a sense of nostalgia. Many anime fans grew up listening to J-Pop, so hearing a familiar tune can instantly transport them back to their childhood. When I listen to J-Pop, I often imagine the visuals that would go along with it. Think about colorful characters, vibrant scenery, and scenes of friendship and camaraderie. The music should amplify the emotions of the scene and make you feel like you're part of the anime's world. J-Pop can bring a unique and unforgettable quality to anime openings. It's all about finding the right balance between the music and the visuals to create a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.

My Top Picks

Alright, enough talk about genres! Let's get down to some specific songs that I think would absolutely kill as anime openings:

• "Legends Never Die" by Against The Current: This song has the perfect blend of energy and emotion. The lyrics are inspiring, the beat is driving, and the vocals are absolutely killer. I can totally see this as the opening for a shonen anime about overcoming adversity.
• "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy: This song is just pure epicness. The orchestral elements, the driving beat, and the catchy chorus make it perfect for an anime about historical battles or a fantasy world.
• "Natural" by Imagine Dragons: This song has a dark and edgy vibe that would be perfect for a seinen anime with a complex plot and morally ambiguous characters.
• "The Phoenix" by Fall Out Boy: Another Fall Out Boy banger because, why not? The lyrics are all about rising from the ashes, which is a common theme in many anime. Plus, the guitar riff is just chef's kiss.
• "Believer" by Imagine Dragons: This song is all about finding strength within yourself, which is a message that resonates with many anime fans. The beat is infectious, and the vocals are powerful.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Just a few songs that I think would be amazing as anime openings. Of course, this is just my opinion, and there are tons of other songs out there that would be perfect as well. The key is to find music that captures the spirit and tone of the anime. And hey, who knows? Maybe one day, one of these songs will become an anime opening. A guy can dream, right?

What songs do you think would make great anime openings? Let me know in the comments below!