Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

THANATOS -IF I CAN’T BE YOURS-NEW!LOREN & MASH

THANATOS -IF I CAN’T BE YOURS-

This song, which symbolizes the film Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion released in July 1997, is performed by LOREN & MASH, a project led by composer Shiro Sagisu and others.

Its allure lies in a weighty soundscape that evokes destructive impulses and a sense of apocalypse, with a magnificent melody that masterfully conveys the complex emotions where love and despair intertwine.

Released as a single in August 1997, it became a major hit, selling around 600,000 copies, and is also known for being reissued in May 2006 alongside Yoko Takahashi’s “Tamashii no Refrain.” This work is highly recommended for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the lingering resonance of the film or savor beautifully decadent music at leisure.

You’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn in by the refined vocals!

WE GOTTA POWERKageyama Hironobu

Dragon Ball Z OP WE GOTTA POWER

When it comes to the theme song of Dragon Ball, it simply has to start with Hironobu Kageyama’s voice.

Released in 1993, this track was used as the latter opening theme for the Dragon Ball Z TV anime.

Kageyama’s powerful vocals, the up-tempo sound, and Yukinojo Mori’s brilliant lyrics that perfectly match the work—all of it boasts a quality that’s like the gold standard for anime songs.

Even the title, which ignores grammatical meaning, is amazing in how it prioritizes sheer momentum!

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Step by StepTakahashi Yumiko

Step by Step

This song is memorable for its uplifting, empowering lyrics.

Released in April 1990 as Yumiko Takahashi’s debut single, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mashin Hero Wataru 2.

Its upbeat, energetic pop sound pairs beautifully with her refreshing vocals.

The lyrics express a resolve to take a new step forward, conveying the importance of moving toward the future.

It’s a perfect track for anyone feeling nostalgic for ’90s anime songs.

Clear skies, hallelujahOkui Aki

Clear skies, hallelujah

Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a manga by Hiroyuki Eto that was serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan, and the opening theme for the second cour of the first anime series is “Harete Hareruya.” It is Aki Okui’s biggest hit, and its highest position on the Oricon chart was 18th.

memoriesŌtsuki Maki

memories ～17years after～

This work is known as one of Maki Otsuki’s signature songs.

It was chosen in December 1999 as the first ending theme for One Piece, marking Otsuki’s major-label debut.

A nostalgic pop-rock tune, its warm, wistful vocals gently wrap tenderly around memories of days gone by.

In July 2016, an arranged version titled “memories ~17years after~” was also released.

It’s the kind of song that sinks deeply into your heart when you listen to it at dusk.

Just one wishKomatsu Miho

Miho Komatsu – Only One Wish

Miho Komatsu’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the inner conflict of a protagonist who can’t be honest with their feelings.

Starting in December 1997, it was used as the ending theme for Detective Conan and reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts, ultimately becoming a major hit with total sales of 500,000 copies.

This work is captivating for its warm vocals that gently embrace the complexities of love and its lyrics that stay close to the heart.

Through the lyrics, you can feel the interplay between the desire not to get hurt and the feelings for a loved one, which really tightens your chest.

Well then,SURFACE

SURFACE – Now then

This song was released as the third single by SURFACE, a two-member unit that debuted in 1998.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Mamotte Shugogetten! that aired the same year, and it became their first entry to rank within the top 20 on the Oricon charts.

For the lyrics, vocalist Yoshiharu Shiina closely read the original work, and the song’s words reflect the world of the series.