Brief Summary
The video is a musical analysis and reaction to all the opening themes from the anime series "Attack on Titan." The content creator, Alex, shares his thoughts on each opening, discussing the musical composition, instrumentation, and overall impact. He points out recurring musical themes, the use of German lyrics, and the effective contrast and dynamics within the songs. Alex also highlights how the music fits the different phases and themes of the anime, from epic orchestral pieces to darker, war-themed tracks.
- The openings of Attack on Titan are analyzed for their musical composition, instrumentation, and overall impact.
- Recurring musical themes, the use of German lyrics, and the effective contrast and dynamics within the songs are highlighted.
- The music fits the different phases and themes of the anime, from epic orchestral pieces to darker, war-themed tracks.
Some explanations before we start
Alex introduces himself as a singer-songwriter from Luxembourg and explains that he will be reacting to all the openings of Attack on Titan. He mentions that he watched the anime a while ago but skipped the openings to avoid spoilers. He plans to provide a musical analysis, pointing out interesting aspects of the composition and what makes the music stand out. Alex clarifies that while he doesn't have advanced musical theory knowledge, he has been a musician for about 15 years, is a self-taught guitarist, and has experience in singing and songwriting.
OP 1 Shingeki No Kyojin
Alex watches the first opening of Attack on Titan. He is immediately captivated, noting the epic feel and the interesting music design in the background. He finds the hook line very catchy and is impressed by the animation. Overall, he describes the opening as epic and feels like the main character while watching it.
OP 1 Analysis
Alex provides a musical analysis of the first opening. He points out the German line at the beginning and the powerful chorus with a full orchestra in the background, including trumpets. He notes the clever composition, with a heavy chorus followed by a normal verse, which makes the song very catchy. Alex loves the dynamics of the instruments, with muffled sounds in the background creating a dynamic feeling. He emphasizes that the hook line and the details in the song, with many instruments and vocals, make it a perfect opening for Attack on Titan, describing it as dramatic and epic.
OP 2 Jiyuu no Tsubasa
Alex watches the second opening of Attack on Titan. He notes the similar orchestral style and believes it's the same band as the first opening, Linked Horizon. He finds many interesting parts and loves the art style. The opening includes German lyrics, specifically "Wings of Freedom."
OP 2 Analysis
Alex analyzes the second opening, noting its similarities to the first but also its distinct differences. He describes the beginning as sounding like a national anthem. He is impressed by the insane switch-ups and appreciates the different composition elements within the first 30 seconds. Alex points out that the hook line is a reference to the first opening. He finds it interesting that a Japanese band uses so many German names and phrases. The transition is fire, and the song ends with another reference to the first opening. While he prefers the first opening, he acknowledges that this one is a cool reference song with different elements.
OP 3 Shinzou wo Sasageyo!
Alex watches the third opening of Attack on Titan, noting the similar beginning to the first opening. He enjoys the similarities between the openings and admits he misses watching the show. He finds the transition interesting and loves the fire in the background.
OP 3 Analysis
Alex analyzes the third opening, confirming it's the same band. He appreciates the similarities between the three openings in terms of composition, rhythm changes, and octaves, while still maintaining a unique sound. He highlights the different levels and components that make the intro so good, such as the high-pitched electric guitar, the choir singing the melody, and the pitching of the instruments. The transition is interesting, and the change in vocal rhythms makes a significant impact. Alex notes the epic build-up, similar to the first opening, and praises the crazy animation.
OP 4 Red Swan
Alex watches the fourth opening, noting its very different style. He expresses his love for this opening, finding the visuals beautiful and the song nostalgic.
OP 4 Analysis
Alex analyzes the fourth opening, noting that the intro reminds him of "Creep" by Radiohead. He describes the drums as mellow and subtle, making a good transition to the pre-chorus. The distorted guitar is beautiful. He points out the lack of drums initially, with a high-pitched sound building up in the background, which he finds interesting as a producer. The song creates anticipation, edging the listener to heaven without a full drop, which he assumes is more prominent in the full version. Alex concludes that this opening is beautiful.
OP 5 Shoukei to Shikabane no Michi
Alex watches the fifth opening, commenting on the interesting composition.
OP 5 Analysis
Alex is blown away by the fifth opening, marveling at the numerous details and elements packed into just 1 minute and 30 seconds. He loves the rhythm in the intro and the transition to the pre-chorus. The part where the music cuts out throws him off in an exciting way. He notes the crazy buildup with the choir and screaming, followed by a return to the build-up. The opening reuses the hook line from the first opening but adds something new to it. Alex finds the ending enjoyable yet different and expresses interest in seeing the band perform it live due to the many different instruments involved.
OP 6 My War
Alex watches the sixth opening, immediately noticing that it's a totally different band. He restarts the opening because it was so different. He describes the intro as very dark but suiting to the war theme.
OP 6 Analysis
Alex is blown away by the sixth opening, finding it very interesting and suiting to the final war and rumbling themes. He describes the overall vibe as dark and creepy, with a jungle-like feel in the beginning due to the big, fat drums. The opening sounds like a horror movie and is very spooky. Alex identifies it as a war song, with a spooky intro and a choir of kids creating a warlike sound. He notes the gunfire and amazing animation, as well as the interesting violin intro. The chorus is interesting due to the different dynamics and elements coming together, including the choir and various vocals. He finds the song extremely unsettling and creepy, perfectly suiting the theme.
OP 7 The Rumbling -SiM
Alex watches the seventh opening, "The Rumbling," and is immediately captivated.
OP 7 Analysis
Alex is impressed by "The Rumbling," noting the many spoilers it contains. He considers it the best opening so far. He highlights the layering of vocals and the spooky melody, which is very fitting for a war song. The intro is insane, with a voice rumbling followed by a crazy metal scream as the first drop. He appreciates the use of choirs, which add depth to the song, and the crazy metal screams. The switch-up throws him off in a good way. Alex notes that the song is in English. He believes the heavy, distorted guitar and metal screams make the song so good. The transition between the metal screams and the enjoyable singing voice is also a highlight. He appreciates the contrast between the crazy distortion and the emotional singing.
What makes music good
Alex reflects on what makes music good in general, emphasizing the importance of contrast and dynamics within a song. He finds this particularly satisfying as a music lover and declares "The Rumbling" his favorite so far.
(Muted) OP 8 Under the Tree - SiM
Alex watches the eighth opening, "Under the Tree," and enjoys the mix of Japanese and English lyrics. He loves the visuals.
OP 8 Analysis
Alex finds the eighth opening interesting composition-wise, noting the dark and creepy vibes and the heartbreaking scenes in the opening. He points out SiM's specific style of playing the electric guitar with high distortion. The switch-up is impressive, and the song has many interesting elements. He believes the drums make the drop so good, along with the vocal elements in the background. The part reminds him of "Umbrella" by Rihanna. He appreciates the contrast between the high distortion guitar and the normal piano in the background, finding it very satisfying.
OP 9 Saigo no Kyojin
Alex watches the final opening, "The Last Titan," and notes the fairy tale vibes. He finds it very dramatic and a throwback to the beginning of the show.
OP 9 Analysis
Alex finds the final opening short and admits the rest threw him off a bit due to the many switches. He needs to watch it again to fully understand it. He appreciates the beautiful and emotional vibe, as well as the reference to the third opening. He notes the recurring fairy tale symbol used for transitions. The part symbolizes Eren's inner confusion. Alex discusses the choir and the interesting kid voice. The opening includes a switch-up into a higher octave, reminiscent of the first opening. He needs to listen to the full version to understand the intention behind the song fully. He respects Linked Horizon for their fantastic composition.
Review
Alex summarizes his experience, stating that it was fun to dive deeper into the music and pick out smaller details. He acknowledges that it was hard due to the muffled sounds and many elements, but that it makes the music a masterpiece. He believes Attack on Titan is a masterpiece, and the music represents that. The music choices for the rumbling and war themes fit very well. His personal favorite is "The Rumbling" by SiM.
Outro
Alex thanks viewers for watching and encourages them to let him know if they enjoyed the deeper dive into the music. He plans to react to all the endings soon.
