Top 10 Anime Soundtracks You Shouldn’t Miss
Anime soundtracks play a pivotal role in shaping the emotional depth and atmosphere of a series. The music can enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and immerse viewers in the world of the anime. Here's a curated list of 10 iconic anime soundtracks, each with its unique contribution to the storytelling:
1. Cowboy Bebop (Yoko Kanno)
Composed by Yoko Kanno, Cowboy Bebop’s soundtrack is an eclectic blend of jazz, blues, and funk. The opening theme “Tank!” became iconic, setting the tone for the series’ mix of action, introspection, and melancholy. The series’ music reflects its genre-defying narrative, making it a timeless favorite.
Why Listen: The fusion of genres mirrors the show’s themes of space, loneliness, and human connection.
2. Your Name (Radwimps)
The soundtrack of Your Name is a brilliant collaboration with the band Radwimps, whose music blends orchestral elements with contemporary sounds. The music plays a crucial role in amplifying the emotional highs and lows of the film’s narrative.
Why Listen: The music evokes nostalgia, longing, and the beauty of youth, perfectly complementing the film’s heartfelt story of time and fate.
3. Attack on Titan (Hiroyuki Sawano)
Hiroyuki Sawano's Attack on Titan score is powerful, with intense orchestral arrangements and electronic beats. Known for its epic and emotional tracks, such as "Guren no Yumiya" (the opening theme), the soundtrack adds gravity to the high-stakes battles and moments of despair.
Why Listen: Sawano’s music captures the immense scale of the series’ world, enhancing the feeling of urgency and tension.
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion (Shiro Sagisu)
Shiro Sagisu's compositions for Evangelion are deeply atmospheric and haunting. Tracks like “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” became iconic, but the entire soundtrack is filled with emotionally charged pieces that reflect the psychological depth and existential themes of the series.
Why Listen: The music helps to underscore the series’ complex themes of identity, human connection, and apocalyptic anxiety.
5. Spirited Away (Joe Hisaishi)
Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack for Spirited Away is nothing short of magical. The orchestral compositions bring to life the fantastical world created by Studio Ghibli, with tracks like “One Summer’s Day” capturing the wonder and mystery of the film.
Why Listen: The music immerses you in a dreamlike atmosphere, guiding you through the whimsical and emotional journey.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Michiru Oshima)
The soundtrack of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is as epic and complex as the story itself. Michiru Oshima’s compositions range from bombastic orchestral pieces to delicate, emotionally stirring moments, perfectly matching the themes of sacrifice, loss, and redemption.
Why Listen: The music perfectly complements the action and the deep emotional undercurrents of the series.
Elric brothers t-shirt (Fullmetal Alchemist)
7. Made in Abyss (Kevin Penkin)
The Made in Abyss soundtrack by Kevin Penkin is an atmospheric masterpiece that juxtaposes innocence with the series' darker themes. The haunting and melodic tunes enhance the emotional weight of the story while maintaining a sense of wonder and mystery.
Why Listen: The music elevates the contrast between the childlike adventure and the impending dangers lurking in the Abyss.
8. Death Note (Yoshihisa Hirano & Hideki Taniuchi)
The Death Note soundtrack features eerie and suspenseful music that enhances the cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and L. The chilling tracks like “The World” bring an element of psychological tension to the series.
Why Listen: The music is a perfect match for the mind games and moral ambiguity at the heart of the show.
9. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Joe Hisaishi)
Joe Hisaishi’s minimalist approach to The Tale of the Princess Kaguya reflects the film’s delicate, hand-drawn animation style. The music ranges from soft, poignant melodies to more spirited compositions that reflect the emotions of the characters.
Why Listen: The ethereal music pairs perfectly with the art style, drawing you deeper into the emotionally rich narrative.
10. Steins;Gate (Takeshi Abo)
The Steins;Gate soundtrack by Takeshi Abo is a wonderful blend of ambient and rock elements. Tracks like “Hacking to the Gate” become anthems for fans of the time-traveling series, bringing a sense of urgency to the plot.
Why Listen: The music enhances the emotional impact of the series, adding tension during the thrilling, mind-bending moments.
Why Music Matters in Anime Storytelling
Anime soundtracks aren’t just background noise—they’re integral to the emotional impact and thematic depth of the show. From enhancing action sequences to evoking deep emotional responses, music in anime elevates the storytelling, offering an experience that resonates long after the episode or film ends.
Notable Composers to Explore Further
- Yoko Kanno: Known for her work on Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Kanno’s music blends genres seamlessly, creating soundscapes that are both bold and intimate.
- Hiroyuki Sawano: Famous for his powerful compositions in Attack on Titan and The Seven Deadly Sins, Sawano’s style combines orchestral intensity with modern electronic elements.
- Joe Hisaishi: Best known for his work on Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, Hisaishi creates sweeping, orchestral scores that convey a range of emotions.
Conclusion
Anime soundtracks are more than just music—they’re a vital part of the storytelling process, deepening the emotional resonance and highlighting the themes of the series. Whether you’re drawn to the jazzy tones of Cowboy Bebop or the powerful orchestral arrangements in Attack on Titan, each soundtrack is an immersive experience that brings the world of anime to life.
For listeners who want to explore more, platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp offer many of these iconic soundtracks for purchase or streaming.
