One of the best things about watching shônen anime is the fact that you get to listen to their epic soundtracks. The way certain theme songs amplify the emotional quotient of a critical anime scene, could make you laugh like crazy or shed a drop of tear or activate your fighting spirit within seconds. Although you might experience similar emotions for a particular theme song without watching the anime, it is safe to say that you can enjoy the soundtrack to its fullest extent while watching the show.
Keeping that thought in mind, let's take a look at some of the best anime soundtracks of all time.
"Cowboy Bebop"
"Cowboy Bebop" is one of the most impressive anime of all time. And the soundtrack accompanying it is equally admirable. Jazz, blues, alternative rock, hard rock, folk and country music, the show's themes have them all. A true "Cowboy Bebop" fan can never forget the track "Blue." Watch the anime to know why.
Composer: Yoko Kanno
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Naruto Shippuden"
"Naruto Shippuden" is one anime that has fabulous themes for each of its most significant characters. And the best part is that those themes reflect the character's personality, psyche and background quite aptly; for example "Senya," Uchiha Itachi's eerie theme, or "Girei," a theme that reflects Pain's diabolical presence, or "Kokuten," Uchiha Sasuke's fighting hard rock-influenced theme. The anime has some extremely emotional soundtracks like "Samidare" too.
Composer: Yasuharu Takanashi
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Death Note"
"Death Note" was an anime that expanded the boundaries of shounen animes in general. One of the reasons for it is the show's experimental soundtrack. The themes of both the lead characters, Light Yagami and L, and the background scores, such as "Kyrie," reflecting the general somber mood and thrill, are a must listen.
Composers: Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Rurouni Kenshin"
The different versions of "Departure," from the "Rurouni Kenshin" soundtrack, are perhaps one of the most emotional set of anime themes of all time. But the entire soundtrack is not just about that. There are soulful tracks featuring traditional Japanese instrumental sounds and also fast-paced rock and pop influenced ones.
Composer: Noriyuki Asakura
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Tokyo Ghoul"
The opening and ending themes of "Tokyo Ghoul" Seasons 1 and 2 have now become one of the top opening and closing themes seen in the recent past. The power-packed vibes of the themes are not reflected in the background score. The background score is minimalistic, orchestral, sometimes epic and sometimes mellow.
Composer: Yutaka Yamada
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Fate/Zero"
The music accompanying the fight scenes is a special attraction of this anime. Background scores for critical scenes are also worth mentioning. The final fight between Saber and Archer, Rider's epic final battle and Kotomine Kirei's scheming scenes are a must-watch for some spectacular background scores.
Composer: Yuki Kajiura
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Attack On Titan"
"Attack On Titan" is one anime that is hard to imagine without its epic themes. The music has influences of electronica, orchestral music, Japanese folk and Western Classical music. "The Reluctant Heroes" and "Jiyuu No Tsubasa" are tracks to watch out for.
Composer: Hiroyuki Sawano
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Durarara!"
"Durarara!" is an exception in the world of shônen anime, at least when it comes to its soundtrack. While most shônen anime have background scores based on epic orchestral music or hard rock and alternative rock, this anime features a soundtrack that is based on jazz and takes influences from psychedelic rock and post-punk.
Composer: Yoshimori Makoto
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Bleach"
Once regarded as one of the Big Four in anime alongside "Naruto," "One Piece" and "Fairy Tail," "Bleach" was renowned for its rock-influenced and acoustic soundtrack. "Precipe of Defeat," along with Kurosaki Ichigo's various themes, is a must listen.
Composer: Shiro Sagisu
Listen to the soundtrack here.
"Fairy Tail"
"Fairy Tail" is another anime which has different versions of its main theme used in various ways to amplify the effect of pivotal scenes. Although most of the soundtrack is hard rock/metal-oriented, it has its fair share of soft and mellow tracks as well.
Composer: Yasuharu Takanashi
Listen to the soundtrack here.
