Yoko Takahashi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko1rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

As an anime song that represents the Heisei era, it’s a classic that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Its driving, exhilarating beat and dramatic melody intertwine exquisitely, and its grand theme evokes a prayer for young people confronting a harsh destiny.

Yoko Takahashi’s vocals—combining clarity with power—further enhance the work’s worldview.

Released as a single in October 1995, it was created as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.

The song has continued to be loved for many years, becoming a nationwide hit so well-known that even people who haven’t seen the anime recognize it.

Beloved across generations, it’s the perfect number for bringing everyone together and getting the crowd excited at karaoke.

Refrain of SoulsTakahashi Yoko2rank/position

Refrain of Souls

Let me introduce a irresistibly cool track that surges from a mysterious, atmospheric intro into an emotionally charged chorus! Despite its unusual creation process—where the lyricist reportedly wrote it after hearing only the demo and seeing just a few brief clips rather than watching most of the anime—it still captures the work’s grand worldview beautifully.

Released as a single in February 1997, it was chosen as the theme song for the anime film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, which opened in March of the same year.

With a title that means “refrain” in French, this song resonates through Yoko Takahashi’s powerful vocals.

The heavy orchestral sound intertwines with a pop-inflected melody, making it perfect for when you want to boost your mood.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke—grab the mic and sing your heart out!

Apocalypse of TruthTakahashi Yoko3rank/position

[Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragons] Apocalypse of Truth (Male Version) Yoko Takahashi

This is a single by Yoko Takahashi released in January 2015, which peaked at number 39 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime ‘Cross Ange: Rondo of Angel and Dragon’ from episodes 13 to 25.

P.S I miss youTakahashi Yoko4rank/position

[P.S. I miss you] Yoko Takahashi

This is a gem of a ballad released in December 1991, marking the full-fledged solo debut of Yoko Takahashi, who would later gain immense acclaim for “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” It gives voice to the growing feelings for someone you long to see but cannot, and anyone who has experienced the heartache of a long-distance relationship will likely find it deeply moving.

The song was used as the image theme for the drama “Aitai Toki ni Anata wa Inai…” and later earned the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

There’s also the memorable, unusual anecdote that the jacket photo wasn’t ready in time, so they used a picture of a wall clock instead.

On a quiet night when you can’t sleep as you think of someone dear, listening to this beautiful melody and vocal will surely offer gentle comfort to your heart.

Let’s meet up like back then.Takahashi Yoko5rank/position

Let's meet up like back then / Yoko Takahashi

It’s a dreamy Christmas song that seeps slowly into the depths of your heart like a whispering voice.

Sung by Yoko Takahashi, the singer also known for the anime classic A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, it was released in 1994 as her ninth single and used as an insert song for the drama O-To-Na ni Shite.

The lyrics are heartbreakingly poignant, longing to return to those happy days—remembering Christmas Eve spent with a former lover.

It’s perfect for savoring slowly on your own.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

The Cruel Cat’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko6rank/position

The Cruel Cat’s Thesis

A shocking piece that sings a towering monument of anime songs using nothing but “nya.” Yoko Takahashi takes on a bold experiment: keeping the original melody and inflection of Cruel Angel’s Thesis exactly as is, while replacing all the lyrics with cat meows.

Its charm lies in the exquisite balance where it’s hilarious precisely because it’s performed in earnest—perfect for party entertainment.

Since there’s no need to memorize lyrics, it might be fun for everyone to sing along together.

Cruel Nyan-gelic ThesisTakahashi Yoko7rank/position

Neon Genesis Evangelion OP Video: Nyanko Great War ver.

A song performed by the female singer Yoko Takahashi, famous for the massive hit “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” It was used in a commercial for the collaboration between the smartphone game “The Battle Cats” and “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and many fans were surely thrilled to hear it sung by the original singer, Yoko Takahashi herself.

The song is already well-known, and since the lyrics are more of a playful afterthought, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and guaranteed to get big laughs! It’s a number that will hype up any karaoke outing, no matter who you go with.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Fushigi na MelmoTakahashi Yoko8rank/position

Fushigi na Melmo [OP/ED]

It’s a nostalgic song.

Listening to it again after a long time really makes me feel the years.

The vocals are amazing.

It brings back memories of those days.

I think it’s a classic that everyone around our age surely knows.

Even when you sing it at karaoke, the chorus is fun, so I think everyone will get into it.

Happiness smells like sinTakahashi Yoko9rank/position

Happiness smells like sin

Produced as an image song for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, this track delves deeply into the inner conflicts humans carry and the pain born of purity.

Its central theme—echoing the series’ core—that seeking someone and hurting someone are inseparable is exquisitely conveyed through Yoko Takahashi’s lustrous vocals.

The jazzy, mature arrangement is irresistible as well.

The song was included on the album NEON GENESIS EVANGELION III, released in May 1996.

It was later re-included on the album EVANGELION FLASHBACK, released in October 2025, and continues to be loved today.

It’s a perfect piece for those drawn to the work’s profound psychological portrayals, or for a quiet night’s listening.

Return to primitiveness, O heartTakahashi Yoko10rank/position

Return to primitiveness, O heart

This track beautifully expresses the profound themes of the origins of life and rebirth, carried by a mystical sound! The vocals are both powerful and crystalline, and the more you listen, the more your heart soars.

When Yoko Takahashi’s smash-hit single “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis Refrain of Soul” was released in February 1997, this song was included as the B-side.

It was used as the image song for the hit animated film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth.

Loved for many years, it later received an arranged version on the acclaimed album EVANGELION FINALLY.

It might be perfect for immersing yourself fully in the world of the work, or for quietly steeling your heart on a late night.

Please enjoy!