Best Anime BGM & OST: Epic Soundtracks You Need To Hear!
Hey anime lovers! You know, a great anime isn't just about the story and characters—it's also about the music! That's right, the background music (BGM) and original soundtracks (OST) can totally make or break a scene. They set the mood, amplify the emotions, and stick with you long after the episode is over. So, let's dive into some of the absolute best anime BGM and OST out there that you seriously need to add to your playlist!
What Makes Anime BGM and OST So Special?
Guys, think about it. A perfectly timed musical score can elevate a simple scene into an unforgettable moment. Anime BGM and OST do just that! They're crafted to sync perfectly with the animation, enhancing the emotional impact and creating a fully immersive experience. Whether it's a heart-wrenching ballad during a sad scene, an adrenaline-pumping track during a fight, or a whimsical tune during a lighthearted moment, the music becomes an integral part of the storytelling.
Composers like Yoko Kanno, Hiroyuki Sawano, and Joe Hisaishi are basically legends in the anime world. They have a knack for creating music that's not just good, but truly iconic. Their scores are instantly recognizable and deeply resonate with fans. These musical geniuses understand how to weave melodies, harmonies, and rhythms together to evoke powerful emotions and elevate the overall viewing experience. They experiment with diverse genres, from orchestral arrangements to electronic beats, ensuring that each soundtrack is unique and perfectly suited to the anime it accompanies.
Moreover, anime OSTs often feature vocal tracks performed by talented artists, adding another layer of depth and emotional resonance. These songs often become massive hits, topping charts and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Think of iconic openings and endings that you just can't skip, no matter how many times you've watched the series. These songs become anthems for the anime, solidifying their place in pop culture and continuing to evoke nostalgia for years to come. In short, anime BGM and OST are more than just background noise; they are a vital component of the anime experience, capable of enhancing emotions, driving the narrative, and leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Must-Listen Anime Soundtracks
Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some anime soundtracks that you absolutely need to check out:
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan's soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, is legendary. Seriously, it's epic! The powerful orchestral arrangements, intense vocals, and heart-pounding percussion perfectly capture the show's dark and desperate atmosphere. Tracks like "YouSeeBIGGIRL/T:T" and "The Rumbling" are instant classics that will give you chills every time you hear them. The music amplifies the emotional weight of the story, making every battle and every sacrifice feel incredibly impactful.
Sawano's use of dramatic choirs and soaring melodies creates a sense of grandeur and impending doom, perfectly mirroring the struggles of the characters against insurmountable odds. Each track is meticulously crafted to enhance specific moments in the series, heightening the tension and amplifying the emotional resonance. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies to the adrenaline-pumping battle themes, the Attack on Titan soundtrack is a masterpiece that deserves all the accolades it has received. The soundtrack not only complements the visuals but also enhances the overall viewing experience, making it impossible to imagine the series without its iconic musical score. The composer expertly blends orchestral elements with electronic sounds and rock influences, creating a unique and unforgettable soundscape that is both powerful and deeply moving. The music resonates with the audience on a visceral level, making them feel every moment of the characters’ struggles and triumphs.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop boasts a soundtrack by Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts that is pure jazz and blues perfection. It's so cool and stylish, just like the anime itself. From the iconic opening theme, "Tank!", to the mellow and melancholic tracks that accompany the characters' introspective moments, the music is a masterpiece of genre-bending brilliance. The soundtrack perfectly captures the show's blend of action, humor, and philosophical themes.
Kanno's ability to seamlessly blend jazz, blues, rock, and orchestral elements creates a soundscape that is both timeless and utterly unique. Each track tells a story of its own, reflecting the diverse personalities and backgrounds of the characters. The music transports you to the gritty and vibrant world of Cowboy Bebop, making you feel like you're right there with Spike, Jet, and Faye as they navigate the dangers of space. The soundtrack is not just background music; it is an integral part of the anime's identity, shaping its atmosphere and enhancing its emotional impact. Whether it's the high-energy action sequences or the quieter, more reflective moments, the music perfectly complements the visuals, creating a cohesive and unforgettable experience. The Cowboy Bebop soundtrack is a testament to the power of music to elevate storytelling and create a lasting connection with the audience.
Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April’s OST is an emotional rollercoaster! The music, composed by Masaru Yokoyama, is filled with classical piano pieces that tug at your heartstrings. It perfectly captures the themes of love, loss, and the healing power of music. Prepare to cry (a lot) while listening to this one. The soundtrack is a beautiful and poignant reflection of the characters' emotional journeys.
Yokoyama's use of classical compositions, combined with original pieces, creates a deeply moving and immersive experience. The piano melodies are delicate and expressive, perfectly capturing the fragility and beauty of life. The music enhances the emotional impact of the story, amplifying the characters' joys, sorrows, and triumphs. Each track is carefully crafted to evoke specific emotions, from the uplifting moments of musical discovery to the heart-wrenching scenes of loss and regret. The Your Lie in April soundtrack is a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every moment. The composer skillfully weaves together classical and contemporary elements, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and deeply personal. The music resonates with the audience on a profound level, making them feel every note and every emotion as if it were their own. The soundtrack is an essential component of the anime's emotional core, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved and impactful series of all time.
Made in Abyss
The Made in Abyss soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is hauntingly beautiful and incredibly unique. It perfectly captures the mysterious and dangerous atmosphere of the Abyss. The ethereal melodies and orchestral arrangements create a sense of wonder and dread, making you feel like you're descending into the unknown alongside Riko and Reg. The music is an integral part of the anime's immersive and captivating world.
Penkin's use of unconventional instruments and experimental sound design creates a soundscape that is both otherworldly and deeply unsettling. The music reflects the beauty and danger of the Abyss, capturing its allure and its inherent darkness. Each track is meticulously crafted to enhance specific moments in the series, heightening the tension and amplifying the emotional resonance. From the soaring melodies that accompany the breathtaking vistas to the eerie and unsettling themes that underscore the dangers lurking below, the Made in Abyss soundtrack is a masterpiece of atmospheric composition. The music not only complements the visuals but also enhances the overall viewing experience, making it impossible to imagine the series without its iconic musical score. The composer expertly blends orchestral elements with electronic sounds and ambient textures, creating a unique and unforgettable soundscape that is both captivating and deeply disturbing. The music resonates with the audience on a visceral level, making them feel the wonder, the fear, and the determination of the characters as they explore the depths of the Abyss.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
No discussion about anime BGM is complete without mentioning Neon Genesis Evangelion. The soundtrack, composed by Shiro Sagisu, is a masterclass in mixing orchestral, electronic, and choral elements. It's both epic and deeply unsettling, perfectly capturing the show's complex themes of existentialism, trauma, and human connection. Tracks like "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" and "Decisive Battle" are iconic and instantly recognizable. The music amplifies the emotional weight of the story, making every battle and every moment of introspection feel incredibly impactful.
Sagisu's use of diverse musical styles reflects the multifaceted nature of the anime, creating a soundscape that is both timeless and utterly unique. Each track tells a story of its own, reflecting the psychological turmoil and emotional struggles of the characters. The music transports you to the dystopian world of Evangelion, making you feel the weight of the characters' burdens and the desperation of their fight for survival. The soundtrack is not just background music; it is an integral part of the anime's identity, shaping its atmosphere and enhancing its emotional impact. Whether it's the high-energy action sequences or the quieter, more reflective moments, the music perfectly complements the visuals, creating a cohesive and unforgettable experience. The Neon Genesis Evangelion soundtrack is a testament to the power of music to explore complex themes and create a lasting connection with the audience.
How to Discover More Anime BGM and OST
So, you're hooked and want to find more amazing anime music? Here are a few tips:
- Check out streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music are goldmines for anime soundtracks. Just search for "anime OST" or the name of your favorite anime.
- Explore anime music communities: Websites and forums dedicated to anime music are great places to discover hidden gems and get recommendations from other fans.
- Pay attention to the credits: Most anime list the music composers and artists in the ending credits. Take note of the names and look up their other works.
Final Thoughts
Anime BGM and OST are an essential part of the anime experience. They enhance the storytelling, amplify the emotions, and create lasting memories. So, next time you're watching your favorite anime, pay close attention to the music—you might just discover your new favorite track! Happy listening, guys!