My top five anime songs in 2013

“Nibun no Ichi,” Gundam Build Fighters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cdt1jdh_t4

In direct contest to the typical power-ballad Gundam opening, this pop OP makes a great soundtrack for a show that’s just as much a slice-of-life as it is about giant robots.

“Dou Kangaete mo Watashi wa Warukunai,” Watamote

At the end of another depressing chapter in Tomoko’s life, this upbeat ending theme reminds viewers why we like her in the first place.

“Genshi, Joshi wa, Taiyou Datta,” Genshiken Second Season

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv33KF_wrmk

I love Genshiken’s girly makeover, going from a boy’s club to a fujoshi heaven. This song could have been tailored especially to be the new club’s theme song, and probably was.

“Guren no Yumiya,” Attack on Titan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jTHfdgCiDU

Much has been said about this high-energy—and highly addictive—anime opening. Makes a great alarm clock and an even better addition to your workout mix!

“SPLASH FREE,” Free!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uomsEhfkAJ8

For me, Rin’s antics in the ending theme make the animation just as replayable as the song. Another Easter Egg for you: in the club, are the background dancers wearing gimp masks?


This post is the ninth installment of The Twelve Days Of Anime, a blogging series in which anime fans write about shows that inspired or impressed on them this year.