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! A Collection of Hidden Anime Song Gems (41–50)
UninstallIshikawa Chiaki
You’ll find yourself drawn into its unique worldview.
The song, written by Chiaki Ishikawa—also known as the vocalist of the music duo See-Saw—was released in 2007 as her fourth single.
It was composed as the main theme for the anime Bokurano.
The stylish sound arrangement pairs well with the profound lyrics that reflect the story’s themes.
Her clear, translucent vocals suit it perfectly, too—it’s really nice.
You should be able to enjoy it as a kind of art piece.
Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Anime Song Gems (51–60)
River of TimeFENCE OF DEFENSE
A cool anime song with an oriental vibe.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the three-piece rock band FENCE OF DEFENSE, released in 1991 as their 11th single.
It was used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime “Yokoyama Mitsuteru Sangokushi.” Since the work is based on Chinese history, the lyrics are crafted to match that worldview.
You can tell from this song alone that an epic story is about to begin.
It’s a passionate piece brimming with romance that will stick in your head after just one listen.
Black CatcherBikkeburanka
It’s a rock track with a distinctive atmosphere, highlighted by its striking piano tones.
Created by singer-songwriter Vickeblanka from Aichi Prefecture, it was released digitally in 2020 and served as the opening theme for the anime Black Clover.
As you’d expect from a pianist, one of its charms is the blend of stylishness and coolness in its musicality.
It’s highly addictive—a cool, anime song that perfectly fits a fantasy battle series.
unnecessary thingsKitanitatsuya ✕ Natori
An emotionally moving song by Tatsuya Kitani and Natori, where powerful rock sounds intertwine with delicate vocals.
Its stirring lyrics and melody convey the resolve to let go of a loved one and the strong determination to move forward while enduring the pain.
Driven by a self-righteous sense of morality, this work is saturated with the resolve to press on even if it means releasing what must be protected, and it has been selected as the opening theme for the first cour of the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story – Kyoto Uprising, airing from October 2024.
A piece that brilliantly captures the protagonist’s feelings as he remains steadfast in his beliefs despite being caught in a bind, it’s a song that powerfully pushes the backs of those who strive to follow the path they’ve chosen.
Fairy Tale LabyrinthTamura Yukari
Beyond her undeniable ability as a voice actress, Yukari Tamura also has a solid track record as a voice-acting artist, having become the third voice actress—after Hekiru Shiina and Nana Mizuki—to perform at the Nippon Budokan.
She is also known for her passionate fanbase, so much so that there’s even the term “Yukari Kingdom,” where Tamura is the princess and her fans are the citizens.
Her 2006 single “Fairy Tale Labyrinth” served as the first opening theme for the anime “Otogi-Jushi Akazukin,” in which she herself starred.
The lyrics were written by Aki Hata, a songwriter indispensable to any discussion of anime songs from the 2000s onward.
Tamura’s vocal performance is marvelous—maintaining a fairy-tale atmosphere without tipping into excessive sweetness—and the driving arrangement and irresistibly catchy melody fuse at a very high level to create a masterpiece.
It feels like the methodology of this track went on to greatly influence later anime songs and Vocaloid tunes.
As an aside, the follow-up single “Princess Rose,” which became the second opening theme for the same anime, is also a gem that reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart!
Tanjiro Kamado’s SongShiina Go featuring Nakagawa Nami
This is an insert song that played during a crucial scene in the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
The composer is Go Shiina, and the vocals are by Nami Nakagawa, who is also active as a narrator and actress.
Carried by a grand musical style, the song conveys a heartrending yet powerful resolve: no matter how tragic the circumstances, we must keep living for what we need to protect.
It really pierces the heart.
It’s a masterpiece that makes you feel there’s no other music that could possibly fit that scene.
Please be sure to watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Brilliant road to tomorrowangela
It’s a grand anime song that sings about moving toward the future together with you.
Created by angela, a music unit known for numerous anime theme songs, it was released in 2003 as their debut single and chosen as the opening theme for Stellvia of the Universe.
Atsuko’s rich, alluring vocals are truly wonderful—perfectly matched with the symphonic sound.
It’s a track I recommend when you want to sharpen your focus, like before an important match.