A group of otaku from the diverse think tank of second dimensional enthusiasts, “2ch”, have determined the top 30 themes 2011 had to offer overall – this means both opening and ending songs considered.
An otaku called for a vote over the best tunes of 2011 – he received several thousand votes, however wanted to mention that a “difference of taste” does not amount to a “difference of quality”. Or in other words, whilst a song may be ranked lower on the list, if at all, this doesn’t necessarily means its worse – however, the general collective put forth a vote, in turn allowing some songs to propel to the top, and the following is what resulted, repeating numbers indicate a tie:
1.) C3 -C Cube- OP 1
2.) Steins;Gate OP
3.) AnoHana ED
4.) Toaru Majutsu no Index II ED 2
5.) Gosick OP
6.) Beelzebub ED 2
7.) Kamisama no Memochou OP
8.) Kamisama Dolls OP
9.) Nekogami Yaoyorozu OP
10.) C3 -C Cube- OP 2
The first 10 places were occupied with the unexpected for the most part – yet when actually giving some thought and reflection to each song listed, it seems quite understandable actually. C3, while an anime which turned out not so great, had a lovely original opening theme which any could appreciate – a unique flavor of piano, purely seasonal in sound, accompanied by gentle vocals.
Thinking of this tune in comparison to the others 2011 delivered, it does have a solid reason for being on top as it honestly simply cannot compare no matter how hard one may try.
No other theme had or has such gracefully uplifting instrumental sounds – and thus, we find its position at number one a spot well-deserved, as did the majority who voted for it.
Turning attention to the other entries, reason for disagreement mainly arises with C3′s second OP, which somehow managed to disappointingly even make it onto the top 10. Though at least Steins;Gate is in a position respectable, avoiding a major debate – and neither was Gosick nor Kamisama Dolls’ splendid tracks overlooked.
Kamisama Dolls in particular has a very unorthodox OP for an anime as it sounds Latin in nature – it took an alternative approach, and indeed, we believe it succeeded as its a song all so beautiful to listen to.
However, keep this in mind – is the Kamisama Dolls OP, or any of these themes actually memorable? Do you have it playing constantly in your mind? This ultimately may prove a better metric than votes to determine the caliber of a soundtrack – as while Kamisama Dolls’ OP is wonderful in its own right, one will hardly recall anything of it aside from that it has Latin qualities, and this makes its lower, yet still prominent, spot on the list justified.
Moving along, Un-Go leads the second half:
11.) Un-Go OP
12.) Persona 4 OP
13.) Tiger and Bunny OP 1
14.) Toaru Majutsu no Index II OP 2
15.) A Channel OP
16.) Mirai Nikki OP
17.) Mashiro-iro Symphony OP
18.) Fate/Zero ED
19.) Uta no Prince-sama Love1000% ED
19.) Sacred Seven OP 1
20.) Madoka Magica OP
Un-Go’s presence on the list is nice to see, yet we would have assumed its ED would outrank its OP – apparently however, that wasn’t the case. Both themes are contemporary and avant-garde in sound – providing a slight tone of jazz as well. Any who’ve heard them should certainly realize why they’re admired – they’re almost entrancing, sending a message direct to the soul.
As for the other items on the list, the placement isn’t exactly ideal, especially not when we see what ranks further underneath them below in the final batch of 10:
22.) Mawaru Penguindrum OP1
22.) Ro-Kyu-Bu! OP
23.) Madoka Magica ED
25.) Guilty Crown OP
26.) The iDOLM@STER OP 1
27.) Ben-To OP
28.) Mawaru Penguindrum OP 2
29.) Dog Days OP
30.) Un-Go ED
30.) Shakugan no Shana Final
Both of Mawaru Penguindrum’s OP’s are far more worthy than the lowly rankings they received, as is The iDOLM@STER’s first, and second OP for that matter, which wasn’t even on the list. Likewise, Un-Go’s ED is far too low – yet at least it actually made it onto the list.
When it comes down to it, if nothing else, this is a fine opportunity for one to acquaint themselves with unfamiliar songs, and perhaps even, new series to enjoy.
Feb 15, 2012 @ 16:04 CDT
wow c3 took 1st wasnt it voted a let down when it came out?
Feb 15, 2012 @ 16:08 CDT
The anime itself is a major let down, but the OP is marvelous.
Feb 17, 2012 @ 13:57 CDT
Idolmaster OP was a good OP do does Madoka’s whats going on :/