Brief Summary
This video reviews and ranks the best anime opening and ending themes of the Summer 2021 season. The author analyzes various tracks, discussing their musical composition, arrangements, and overall appeal. The video also includes honorable mentions and concludes with the author's top picks for both opening and ending themes.
- The Summer 2021 anime season had many great ending themes.
- The author analyzes the musical composition, arrangements, and overall appeal of each song.
- The author picks top favorite opening and ending themes.
Analogy – Higurashi SOTSU OP
The opening theme "Analogy" for Higurashi SOTSU by Ayane features cool synth effects and a good chromatic melody line. The song includes a brief dubstep breakdown after the chorus. The composition is simplistic, but the overall effect is amazing, typical of Higurashi music.
Hoshi no Orchestra – Kageki Shojo!! OP
The opening for Kageki Shojo!!, "Hoshi no Orchestra" by Saji, initially seemed generic but grew on the author over time. The chorus includes blast beats, an unusual element that works well. The kick drum during the breakdown adds an interesting touch. The combination of strings and blast beats creates a weird but effective arrangement.
Forget Me Not – RE-MAIN OP
The opening theme "Forget Me Not" for RE-MAIN by androp is very catchy with a K-pop vibe. While the composition may not be particularly complex, the hook is singable and easy to follow. The song is short and doesn't have many interesting compositional aspects or production elements, but its catchiness stands out.
Mangetsu to Silhouette no Yoru – Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid OP
The opening theme "Mangetsu to Silhouette no Yoru" for Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid is a Japanese anime j-pop style song sung by the voice actors of the characters. The piano in the background and the fun baseline contribute to a clean mix. The fact that the singer isn't perfect makes it feel more genuine. The harmonies and catchy chorus add to the song's appeal, making it a fun and cute track.
Sora to Utsuro – Vanitas no Karte OP
The opening theme "Sora to Utsuro" for Vanitas no Karte features a good piano line and is a feel-good track. The addition of a melodica fits the Victorian vibe. The backing arrangement enhances the song, and the build-up to the chorus is well-executed. The song has a clean beat and makes the author feel like snapping their fingers while walking down the street.
Ai no Supreme! – Kobayashi-sanchi no Maid Dragon S OP
The opening theme "Ai no Supreme!" for Kobayashi-sanchi no Maid Dragon S by fhána is fun and incorporates a Japanese style of rap. The song mixes hip hop with MPC rock and has a disco vibe with big band elements. The transition in the song isn't great, but the mix of weird styles works well. The vocals have a 90s pop feel with a modern mix, and the breakdown is very cool.
Seija no Koushin – Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi OP
The opening theme "Seija no Koushin" for Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi by Kitani Tatsuya has a different vibe and a good sense of pacing. The song sounds like something you'd hear in a sports arena, with a great drop in the chorus. The rhythmic shift from section to section is well-done, and the deep heartbeat-like beat adds to the song's appeal.
Dreamers – Digimon Adventure 2020 ED5
The ending theme "Dreamers" for Digimon Adventure 2020 by Atis features a classic Western-influenced K-pop beat and mix. The chorus is fun and upbeat, suitable for a club setting. The song has Afro-pop influences, and the K-pop rap, while funny, may not fit the Digimon theme. Overall, it's a fun song with a good mix.
Missing Promise – Higurashi SOTSU ED
The ending theme "Missing Promise" for Higurashi SOTSU by Suzuki Konomi features a nice piano line and interesting rhythms. The chorus is good, and the strings are well-arranged. The transition from the pre-chorus to the chorus is notable, with swingy rhythms. The song includes a calm breakdown after the bridge and fits the unsettling vibe of Higurashi.
Pinky Hook – Kanojo mo Kanojo ED
The ending theme "Pinky Hook" for Kanojo mo Kanojo by Asakura features a cool funky guitar riff at the beginning, mixed with bubble gum puffs. The song is fun and cute, with a disco influence. The key change for the chorus isn't smooth but works. The funk space and cowbell add to the song's appeal, making it catchy and complex.
Hoshi no Tabibito – Kageki Shojo!! ED
The ending theme "Hoshi no Tabibito" for Kageki Shojo!! by Senbongi Sayaka and Hanamori Yumigi features good harmonizing. The composer understands the style of Takarazuka music. The song includes a weird breakdown section but remains flowy and musical.
Nocturne – Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid ED
The ending theme "Nocturne" for Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid by Mano Ayumi is a Western electro-pop style song with finger snaps. The singing rhythm is cool, and the arrangement of instruments is interesting. The drop is good, and the song feels right despite not fitting the show's atmosphere. The song draws from various electronic styles, but the very ending part could have been better.
Dream On – Uramichi Oniisan ED
The ending theme "Dream On" for Uramichi Oniisan by Miyano Mamoru has a clean and weird mix. The song features a mix of instruments, including church bells, creating a surreal, dream-like quality. The pre-chorus and chorus are well-executed, and the vocal line is nice.
0 – Vanitas no Karte ED
The ending theme "0" for Vanitas no Karte by LMYK features a nice vocal line on top of a synth pad and a trap-inspired backing beat. The song is chill, with a good drop. The pre-chorus sounds great, and the bridge is understated. The ending has a nice wash of sound.
Gekkai no Yurikago – Shiroi Suna no Aquatope ED
The ending theme "Gekkai no Yurikago" for Shiroi Suna no Aquatope by Mia Regina has a great atmosphere, creating an underwater feeling. The piano runs are subtle but push the music along in a wave-like motion. The song incorporates synth effects while maintaining the underwater vibe. The song sounds dramatic but not too dramatic, maintaining a calming vibe.
Honourable Mentions
The author lists several honorable mentions:
- The opening for Kanojo mo Kanojo is fun but the singer is not in tune.
- The opening for Tensei Star Slime has a great chorus and pre-chorus, but the singer's voice feels thin.
- The opening for season two of My Next Life as a Villainous is too campy.
- The Aquatope opening doesn't stand out, and the idol vocals feel like wasted talent.
- The Peach Boy Riverside opening has a cool arrangement, but the singer seems out of place.
- The opening for Tsukimichi Gambling is too campy.
- Dragon Maid S's ending feels all over the place.
- The Peach Boy Riverside ending is generic.
- Hiroaca season five ending number two has flat singing in the chorus.
Top Picks of the Season
The author reveals their top picks for the season:
- Opening: "Ai no Supreme!" by fhána from Dragon Maid season 2 for its disco-funk vibe, fun energy, and great arrangement.
- Ending: "Hoshi no Tabibito" by Senbongi Sayaka and Hanamori Yumigi from Kageki Shojo!! for its musical theater style, tight orchestral writing, amazing singing, and great harmonization.
