[2026] A Collection of Cool Western-Style Anime Songs

The Light Before We LandThe Delgados

The Light Before We Land

Gunslinger Girl OP

Released in October 2002 by the Scottish indie rock band The Delgados, this song is a masterpiece that sings of courage and hope in the face of life’s hardships.

Its melancholic yet grand sound blends seamlessly with lyrics that explore themes of disappointment, suffering, and self-reflection.

Featured on the album “Hate,” the track garnered high praise from critics, aided by producer Dave Fridmann’s meticulous sound design.

Furthermore, its selection as the opening theme for the Japanese anime “GUNSLINGER GIRL” helped the band expand their fanbase both in Japan and abroad.

Highly recommended as a song that can offer support to those feeling lost or anxious in life.

Duvetbôa

Bôa – Duvet (Official Video)

Serial Experiments Lain Opening (HD/60fps/Creditless)

This work by the British alternative rock band Bôa is a song that portrays heartache and loneliness.

Centered on themes of vulnerability, emotional wounds, and the pain arising from betrayed trust, it powerfully conveys feelings of disappointment, despair, and loss.

Released in 1998, the track was used as the opening theme for the anime Serial Experiments Lain, bringing the band major success in Japan.

It appears on the album The Race of a Thousand Camels, and was released in the United States in 2001 under the title Twilight.

As a side note, the song enjoyed a revival among younger generations through platforms like TikTok from the 2020s onward, and the band resumed activity, releasing a long-awaited new album in 2024—be sure to check it out!

Girls on filmDuran Duran

Duran Duran – Girls On Film (Official Music Video)

Girls on film- Duran Duran-SPEED GRAPHER (HD)

The British hit band Duran Duran’s 1981 release brought a fresh breeze to the music scene with its innovative sound that fused New Wave and post-disco.

It broke into the UK Top 10 and became a global hit.

Its lyrics, which sharply depict the superficial glamour of the modeling industry and the reality behind it, also carry a social message.

As of October 2021, it ranked as the fifth most-streamed Duran Duran song in the UK and earned Silver certification.

One of their signature tracks, it was in fact also used as the opening theme for the anime Speed Grapher.

Human TouchWarren Wiebe

HUMAN TOUCH

Gundam X 1st Ending

This song features a refreshing, transparent melody and the emotive vocals of Warren Wiebe.

It sings about the importance of human connection and the strength of love.

Released in January 1996, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime “After War Gundam X.” It’s pop rock with elements of AOR and city pop, boasting a warm atmosphere reminiscent of the West Coast sound of the ’90s.

It’s quite rare for a song like this to be chosen as an anime theme, and many people who were watching the show at the time were reportedly surprised.

Cautionary WarningJohn Sykes

Cautionary Warning

Cautionary Warning OP

This is a signature work by John Sykes, who has left a brilliant mark on the world of heavy metal.

Featured on his solo album “20th Century,” released in December 1997, the song is striking for Sykes’s fiery guitar playing and powerful vocals.

Its lyrics, themed around self-destruction and inner conflict, resonate deeply with listeners.

It also served as the theme song for the unusual anime “Section Chief Prince,” which aired in 1999 and tells the story of a former band member who, after failing to achieve success with his band, ends up working as a salaried office worker—fitting the show perfectly.

Do You Want ToFranz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand – Do You Want To (Video)

[Ending] Paradise Kiss “Do You Want To?” [HQ HD] no-subs

Even among the many bands in the 2000s that updated past music into their own sound, the emergence of Franz Ferdinand was shocking.

Centered on the sharp, choppy guitar work characteristic of what’s called post-punk, this track deftly weaves in elements of traditional rock ’n’ roll and the cutting-edge dance music of the time, making it a quintessential masterpiece that showcases their true essence.

Released in 2005 as the lead single from their second album, You Could Have It So Much Better, it achieved international success, reaching No.

4 on the UK Singles Chart.

As it turns out, this classic was used in the anime Paradise Kiss, based on Ai Yazawa’s popular manga.

What impeccable taste!

Gospel Of The Throttle Rampage REMIX ver.Minutes Til Midnight

Drifters FULL OP – Minutes Till Midnight – Gospel of the Throttle Mad Dash Remix Ver. Single

Drifters Opening

A MINUTES TIL MIDNIGHT song that expresses the courage to keep chasing your dreams through the metaphor of an engine.

Its powerful vocals and catchy melody leave a strong impression.

Released in November 2016, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime DRIFTERS.

Included on the album Bulletproof Dreams, the track sings about pushing your limits and living with passion.

Encouraging a fearless, full-throttle drive forward, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to believe in their potential.

It’s a perfect pick not only for anime fans but also for those seeking energetic Western-style music.