Top Anime Soundtracks: Rating The Best OSTs

Hey anime fans! Ever get totally hooked on a show, not just for the story and characters, but also for the amazing music? Yeah, me too! Anime soundtracks, or OSTs (Original Soundtracks), are seriously underrated. They can make a good scene great and a great scene unforgettable. So, let's dive into the world of anime OSTs and talk about what makes them so special, and I’ll give you my take on rating some of the best.

What Makes an Anime OST Great?

So, what exactly elevates an anime OST from just background music to a masterpiece? It's more than just catchy tunes, guys. It's about how the music enhances the viewing experience. Think of it like the secret ingredient in your favorite dish. The best anime soundtracks do several things exceptionally well. First, emotional resonance is key. The music should amplify the emotions of the scene. Is it a tear-jerking moment? The music should tug at your heartstrings. Is it an epic battle? The music should get your blood pumping. The ability to evoke strong feelings is what separates a good OST from a legendary one. Compositions must be able to stand alone. While the primary function of an OST is to complement the anime, the best ones can also be enjoyed independently. They should be well-composed and arranged, with memorable melodies and harmonies that can captivate listeners even without the visual context of the anime. Diverse and fitting tracks are the key. A great OST isn't just one type of music repeated throughout the series. It features a variety of tracks that match the different moods and settings of the anime. This could include upbeat and energetic themes for action scenes, melancholic melodies for sad moments, and mysterious tunes for suspenseful situations. The more variety, the better the listening experience. The soundtrack must seamlessly integrate with the anime. It shouldn't feel like an afterthought. The music should be carefully chosen and placed to enhance the storytelling and create a cohesive viewing experience. This requires close collaboration between the composer, director, and sound designers. Finally, it needs to be memorable and iconic. The best anime OSTs are those that stick with you long after you've finished watching the series. They become synonymous with the anime itself and evoke strong memories and emotions whenever you hear them. These are the soundtracks that fans listen to again and again, and that become timeless classics.

Genre Variety

One of the coolest things about anime OSTs is the sheer variety of genres they cover. Seriously, you can find everything from orchestral pieces to J-pop, rock, electronic, and even traditional folk music! This diversity means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For example, some anime soundtracks feature sweeping orchestral scores that would sound right at home in a Hollywood blockbuster. These types of scores are often used in fantasy or historical anime to create a sense of grandeur and epic scale. The use of strings, brass, and percussion instruments can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and adventure to sorrow and loss. J-pop is another common genre in anime OSTs. Upbeat and catchy J-pop songs are often used as opening and ending themes, and they can be incredibly infectious. These songs typically feature bright melodies, energetic rhythms, and vocals that are both cute and powerful. Rock music is also a popular choice for anime soundtracks, particularly in action-oriented series. Rock songs can add a sense of intensity and excitement to fight scenes and other high-stakes moments. Electronic music has become increasingly popular in anime OSTs in recent years. Electronic tracks can create a futuristic or otherworldly atmosphere, and they're often used in sci-fi or cyberpunk anime. These tracks may feature synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments, and they can range from ambient and atmospheric to high-energy and danceable. Finally, some anime soundtracks incorporate traditional folk music from Japan or other countries. These types of tracks can add a sense of authenticity and cultural richness to the anime. They may feature traditional instruments such as the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), koto (Japanese zither), or shamisen (Japanese lute), and they can evoke a sense of nostalgia or longing.

The Role of Openings and Endings

Okay, let's talk openings and endings! These are super important. They're often the first impression you get of an anime, and they can totally set the tone for what’s to come. A killer opening can get you hyped, while a mellow ending can leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. The opening theme is like the anime's introduction. It's usually a fast-paced, upbeat song that showcases the main characters and themes of the series. The visuals in the opening sequence are often just as important as the music, and they can provide clues about the plot or foreshadow future events. A well-crafted opening can get viewers excited about the anime and make them eager to watch the next episode. The ending theme, on the other hand, is like the anime's conclusion. It's usually a slower, more emotional song that reflects on the events of the episode. The visuals in the ending sequence are often more subdued than those in the opening, and they may feature scenes of the characters relaxing or reflecting on their experiences. A well-crafted ending can leave viewers feeling satisfied and contemplative, and it can make them look forward to the next episode. The openings and endings often become iconic and closely associated with the anime itself. They're the songs that fans listen to again and again, and that evoke strong memories and emotions whenever they hear them. In some cases, the opening or ending theme may even become more popular than the anime itself.

My Rating Criteria

Alright, so how do I rate these epic OSTs? I look at a few key things. First, originality is huge. Does the soundtrack sound like everything else, or does it bring something new to the table? Second, emotional impact is crucial. Does the music make you feel something? Does it enhance the scenes in the anime? The integration of the music is also really important. Does it fit seamlessly with the anime, or does it feel out of place? Longevity and memorability are also important. Is it a soundtrack that you will remember and listen to for years to come? Finally, I consider the overall enjoyment. Do I just like listening to it? To be more specific, I rate on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being "meh, not my thing" and 5 being "OMG, this is a masterpiece!" I consider several factors when assigning a rating, including the quality of the music, its originality, its emotional impact, its integration with the anime, and its overall enjoyability. I also take into account my personal preferences, but I try to be as objective as possible. Ultimately, my goal is to provide a fair and informative rating that will help you discover new and amazing anime OSTs.

Examples of Top-Tier Anime OSTs and Ratings

Let's get to the good stuff! Here are a few of my absolute favorite anime OSTs and my ratings. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion, so feel free to disagree! Let's start with "Attack on Titan" (Shingeki no Kyojin). Hiroyuki Sawano is a legend, guys. This soundtrack is epic, intense, and perfectly captures the feeling of desperation and hope in the series. From "Guren no Yumiya" to "YouSeeBIGGIRL/T:T", every track is a banger. My rating: 5/5 stars. Next up is "Cowboy Bebop". Yoko Kanno is another genius. This soundtrack is jazzy, bluesy, and just plain cool. It perfectly captures the feeling of space western and the melancholic stories of the characters. "Tank!" is iconic, but the whole OST is amazing. My rating: 5/5 stars. Then there is "Your Lie in April" (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso). This soundtrack is beautiful and heartbreaking. It perfectly captures the emotions of the characters and the story. The classical pieces are stunning, and the original compositions are equally impressive. Get ready to cry! My rating: 4.5/5 stars. "Made in Abyss" is next on the list. Kevin Penkin created a truly magical and haunting soundtrack. It perfectly captures the sense of wonder and danger in the Abyss. The music is beautiful, but also unsettling, which fits the tone of the anime perfectly. My rating: 4.5/5 stars. Finally, there's "Hunter x Hunter (2011)". This soundtrack is incredibly versatile, ranging from upbeat and adventurous to dark and suspenseful. It perfectly complements the different arcs of the series and the diverse cast of characters. My rating: 4/5 stars.

Where to Find Anime OSTs

Okay, so you're pumped and want to listen to some of these awesome OSTs, right? Luckily, it's pretty easy to find them! Streaming services are the easiest way. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have tons of anime soundtracks available. Just search for the anime title or the composer's name. Another good way to find anime OSTs is online retailers. Sites like Amazon and CDJapan sell physical copies of anime soundtracks, including CDs and vinyl records. This is a great option if you want to own a physical copy of your favorite OST. Also, don't forget to check out YouTube. Many fans upload anime soundtracks to YouTube, so you can often find full albums or individual tracks. However, be aware that some uploads may be unofficial or violate copyright laws. Finally, try anime conventions and online communities. Anime conventions often have vendors selling anime soundtracks, and online communities are a great place to discover new music and share your favorite tracks with other fans.

Final Thoughts

Anime OSTs are an essential part of the anime experience. They can elevate a good show to a great one and create lasting memories. So, next time you're watching anime, pay attention to the music! You might just discover your new favorite soundtrack. And who knows, maybe you'll even start rating them yourself! What are some of your favorite anime OSTs? Let me know in the comments below!