Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs
In anime songs, there are insert tracks that only play in a single episode, and sometimes special ending themes too, right?
I imagine many people love those kinds of songs because they let you feel the world of the work more deeply.
So in this article, we’ll be introducing a generous selection of must-hear anime songs—undeniable masterpieces that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
We’ll cover main themes as well, picking from a wide range of eras.
This playlist is a must-listen for anyone who only knows the theme songs from popular anime!
And for anime lovers, it might have you thinking, “Yes, this is it!”
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- A Special Feature on Easy-to-Sing Anime Songs for Karaoke [100+ Songs]
- Touching Anime Ballads That Make You Cry [Moving & Heart-Wrenching]
- Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
- The Tear-Jerking World of Heart-Piercing Anime Songs
- [Burning] A Collection of Hype, Hot Anime Songs
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
Listen more! Hidden gems of anime songs (11–20)
Me, just as I amTHE SPIN
It’s an energetic rock tune that really fires you up.
The song is by the rock band THE SPIN and was released as a single in 2009.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Basquash!, which centers on basketball played by robots.
The sound is as straightforward as it gets—in the best possible way.
The powerful guitar tones really hit home, and MARU’s resonant, full-bodied vocals shine over them.
The lyrics carry an emotional message—“Charge ahead toward the future!”—making it an anison that truly resonates with the heart.
canta per meYuriko Kaida
Skillfully interweaving deep emotion and nostalgia for the past, this song perfectly captures the world of the anime Noir, characterized by its string harmonies and choral work.
Since its release, it has been included on Yuki Kajiura’s albums Fiction and FictionJunction 2010–2013 The BEST of Yuki Kajiura LIVE.
Brimming with lyricism, this piece is recommended not only for anime fans but also for pure music lovers.
It’s especially fitting for moments when you want to calm your heart at the end of the day or reminisce about days gone by.
Beautiful WorldHikaru Utada
This song sung by Hikaru Utada is deeply etched in people’s hearts alongside the Evangelion feature films.
Released in August 2007, it was used as the theme song for the movie Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.
With a pop sound that incorporates mid-tempo house elements, it gives voice to poignant love and a profound prayer.
Utada herself is a fan of Evangelion and reportedly crafted the track with the world of the series in mind.
The lyrics, which reflect the emotions of the anime’s characters, are sure to resonate with listeners.
It’s a moving, tear-jerking song that fills you with a bittersweet feeling.
God knows…Aya Hirano
This is an in-show song from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, which became a hot topic after achieving hit status despite being a late-night anime.
Aya Hirano, who plays the heroine singing this song, rose to prominence through this work.
Many anime fans have probably heard it.
LOVE INFINITYHinano
The opening theme for the anime “Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts” is “LOVE INFINITY.” It’s a song performed by vocalist Hinano.
The lyrics sing of the fragility of the heart and the transience of life, conveying a message to live without regrets.
The grand melody makes that message even more impactful.
Listening to it is sure to fill you with courage and energy.
Also, pay attention to Hinano’s soulful vocals and how the song connects with the anime.
Winding RoadMAN WITH A MISSION
An ambitious work that portrays a powerful sprint through life’s twists and turns with lyrics that skillfully interweave English and Japanese.
MAN WITH A MISSION’s signature hard-hitting rap-rock sound blends seamlessly with a grand melody, gripping the listener’s heart.
The track was included on the single “Take Me Under / Winding Road,” released in April 2018, which reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It was later featured on the album “Chasing the Horizon.” Around the same time, it was selected as the opening theme for Season 1 of the TV anime “Golden Kamuy,” garnering attention as a song perfectly suited to the sweeping story set in Hokkaido at the end of the Meiji era.
This is a song for everyone who keeps moving forward, believing in the dawn despite setbacks and hardships.
Listen More! Hidden Gems of Anisongs (21–30)
Rondo - revolutionMasami Okui
It’s an electric tune with a majestic atmosphere.
The song is by singer-songwriter Masami Okui and was released in 1997 as her 10th single.
It’s the opening theme for the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena.
The cool sound arrangement matches the world of the work and really stands out—and the bassline is incredibly cool! You can feel the maturity of the ’90s music scene.
You can enjoy it in many ways: carefully following the lyrics or focusing on each individual tone.