Dec18
2011 Year-Ender: Anime OPs
Time to unleash our Year-Ender Fan Favourite Awards and of course, Anime OP comes first. Vote away.
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Dun dun dun~ It’s that time of the year again when we look back and try to pin-point what really transpired. 2011 has been pretty happening even when earthquake raked Japan and we had the scare of many seiyuu missing (getting their sporadic updates in process). The anime engine never ceased production even at such dire times and we salute their professionalism. So, even with vacations and what not, our duty is to dish out best of the year and we’ll let our readers decide to make the cut. |
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Oh man, I can’t believe that the year is coming close to an end. Where did time go that we are at this point? Well wherever it went, I’m still behind… But yeah! Finally the Year-Ender Fan Favorite Awards are here and we’re starting with the opening theme songs. It was a tough one on which openings to nominate but those Meta teammates who had the time (especially to my aniki… Foshizzel), pulled through.
So, lets get this first Year-Ender event rolling. Check out the animes we nominated (in no particular order) and then vote for which you think is the best~! |
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[ 01 ] [ Level E ] “Cold Finger Girl” by Chiaki Kuriyama |
| Indeed, Level E was an underrated anime that didn’t get a lot of love from the viewers. But Kyo and I know how awesome this anime was. As well, that opening song was just so catchy and that whistling part too! Chiaki Kuriyama’s voice is just unique and the song matched the opening sequence of the anime so well.
//.ness |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 02 ] [ Kamisama Dolls ] “Fukanzen Nenshou” by Chiaki Ishikawa |
| However the anime pacing was, I was completely enthralled by the song since I first heard it. The angle-ridden animation really help the sequence blend in with the many characters. The reverberated line repeats is what really catches the ears.
//.kyokai |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ] |
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[ 03 ] [ Yumekui Merry ] “Daydream Syndrome” by Marina Fujiwara |
| While the anime had a hard time creating much of a plot or provide any amazing fight scenes.The opening has such a addictive song! The video shows a few spoilers about Merry’s unique powers and some of the important bad guys, not to mention all those stomach shots of Merry flipping and kicking. I just remember the opening had some amazing guitar solos in the song, I wish I could find a great remix of it somewhere.
//.foshizzel |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 04 ] [ Fate/Zero ] “oath sign” by LiSA |
| I’m pretty sure that no one hated Girls DeMo and LiSA being a part of them really shined in Angel Beats! No wonder she landed a big project of ufotable and she does a brilliant job in oath sign that spans across the Fuyuki city and many headquarters from where the participating masters hail. Also, an elaborate view of all servants all hyped up with the ‘fighting spirit’. What else do you want from a fast-paced sequence?
//.kyokai |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 05 ] [ Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko ] “Os-Uchūjin” by Erio o Kamatte-chan |
| Despite not liking the anime much. I did however love the opening! The music was very catchy and the singing was unique. As well, it all matched the whole weird theme of this series and along with the opening animation that showcases the eccentric cast.
//.ness |
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[ SPRING ’11 ] |
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[ 06 ] [ Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka? ] “Ma・Ka・Se・Te Tonight” by Iori Nomizu |
| Ooooh yes I have fond memories of Kore wa zombie desu ka! This is another series with a great opening with lots of visuals showing off all of characters. they even threw in a amazing scene of a battle with Aikawa and the others as they team up to take out some random monsters. I just remember listening to this opening over and over again after the first episode came out, it became so addictive for me.
//.foshizzel |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 07 ] [ Chihayafuru ] “Youthful” by 99RadioService |
| Oh this song. Always energizes me. Not just because it’s titled ‘Youthful’ but the amazing drums and upbeat music really plays well against the similar characters who are giving their all in getting better at Karuta. Who would have thought this nondescript title would be this awesome but it is, and if you are not watching this, time to catch up!
//.kyokai |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 08 ] [ Ao no Exorcist ] “Core Pride” by UVERWorld // “IN MY WORLD” by ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D |
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Core Pride Show ▼ IN MY WORLD Show ▼ |
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| It was really hard choosing between these two. I mean, c’mon… Both set the mood for what Ao no Exorcist had to dish out with even some moves from our characters. It portrays characters on the move and we know how much they move fighting demons and many other baddies. This is the one that will have you moving; no wonder it’s been performed in many cons already.
//.kyokai |
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[ SPRING ’11 ] |
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[ 09 ] [ Mawaru Penguindrum ] “Noruniru” Etsuko Yakushimaru |
LINKSorry, no video available on Youtube. |
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| Etsuko Yakushimaru has a beautiful voice. She sings with an almost detached quality to her voice that somehow comes across as ethereal instead of lifeless. It’s a mystery how she puts so much emotion into her songs. Noruniru is no exception, and it really is a great way to help you dive back into the Mawaru Penguindrum realm each episode. It’s also rife with symbolism and foreshadowing, so it’s worth watching with your eyes peeled.
//.overcooled |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ][ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 10 ] [ Persona 4 ] “Sky’s the Limit” Hiratat Shihoko |
| Best engrish OP award right here. That’s right, it’s entirely in english! It’s definitely one of the more unconventional OPs of the group, building off that Persona style of music that the games are so famous for. It’s like rap – but actually cool. Furthermore, the visuals in the video are top notch and just reeking of style. I think that’s where all the budget went.
//.overcooled |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 11 ] [ No.6 ] “Spell” by LAMA |
| I’ve literally become a LAMA fan with them performing at least two major titles this year; both are coincidentally bones shows. For Spell, it has the right amount of techno beat and crescendos to keep you on your toes while listening to this. The opening sequence really compliments the song as we see Sion and Nezumi growing up and how time changes them, but of course they will always be the nakama, who started their turbulent journey together.
//.kyokai |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ] |
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[ 12 ] [ Ano Hana ] “Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Galilei |
| Who can forget this song or even this series? Made so many of the fans cry buckets because you would always feel sorry for one or another character. Aoi Shiori really has everything to tug at your heartstrings and Galileo Galilei vocalizes all those emotions into this song. It’s complimented with the animation of character when they were kids and how they grow up, missing a friend who was lost to all of them.
//.kyokai |
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[ SUMMER ’11 ] |
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[ 13 ] [ [C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control ] “Matoryoshika” by NICO Touches the Walls |
| We might not have very many fond memories of actual series but the one thing that stands out above anything easily was opening. We are instantly hit with some fantastic visuals like a 3D city being built all around the main characters, and the use of money as a core theme adding more to the eye popping 3D elements. As for the song it really is a high energy theme starting out slow and quiet to instant rock and great singing by Nico Touches the walls.
//.foshizzel |
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[ SPRING ’11 ] |
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[ 14 ] [ Phi Brain ] “Brain Diver” by May’n |
| Brain Diver is just fun. It’s hyper, fast-paced and insanely addictive. I guarantee that you will have this badboy on loop for days on end. It’s so incredibly catchy and bouncy, that I had to include it on the list of nominees just to show some love for Phi Brain.
//.overcooled |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 15 ] [ Kimi ni Todoke S2 ] “Sawakaze” by Tanizawa Tomofumi |
| Personally I love Tanizawa’s voice so when he sang the opening for Kimi ni Todoke again, I was delighted. Sawakaze has meaningful lyrics and perfectly portrays the innocent love that Sawako and Kazehaya shares. Yep, you definitely feel the sweetness in the air, while hearing this song.
//.kyokai |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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[ 16 ] [ Guilty Crown ] “My Dearest” by supercell
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Yeah yeah, not many people seem to like the story of this anime but we can’t let that change our minds about the music. I think by far this anime has a great OST along with that awesome opening song by supercell. Now, I haven’t listened to many songs by this artist but those that I have, I like and this is one of them. Aside from that, the incorporation of Inori singing these songs is always pretty cool but I can’t really say if the voice matches the character. But yeah, awesome song, voice and animated sequence to go with it.
//.ness |
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[ FALL ’11 ] |
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[ 17 ] [ Mirai Nikki ] “Kuusou Merosogii” Yousei Teikoku |
| Nothing says “Horrific, yandere-ridden anime” like a macabre OP song filled to the brim with violent imagery. It’s not your typical OP that just blandly cycles through the characters you see in the show either. The frantic and almost chaotic rhythm really puts you in a killing mood~ Oops, got too excited there, haha..ha…ha…<_<
//.overcooled |
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[ WINTER ’11 ] |
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Honorable Mentions: Show ▼
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In terms of rules, except for the OP/ED titles (because of respective release of albums), we are not including the series that haven’t finished airing as yet. We did an internal accumulation of nominations so you can see they are in no particular order. So… Vote away your top 7 choices for the Best Anime OP of 2011. |
2011 Year-Ender Fan Favorites: ANIME OPs (7 choices allowed)
- Level E: "Cold Finger Girl" by Chiaki Kuriyama (5%, 105 Votes)
- Kamisama Dolls: "Fukanzen Nenshou" by Chiaki Ishikawa (5%, 118 Votes)
- Yumekui Merry: "Daydream Syndrome" by Marina Fujiwara (4%, 76 Votes)
- Fate/Zero: "oath sign" by LiSA (8%, 167 Votes)
- Denpa Onna: "Os-Uchūjin" by Erio o Kamatte-chan (4%, 92 Votes)
- Kore wa zombie desu ka?: "Ma・Ka・Se・Te Tonight" by Iori Nomizu (3%, 65 Votes)
- Chihayafuru: "Youthful" by 99RadioService (4%, 94 Votes)
- Ao No Exorcist: “Core Pride” by UVERWorld // "IN MY WORLD" by ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D (9%, 200 Votes)
- Mawaru Penguindrum “Noruniru” Etsuko Yakushimaru (9%, 188 Votes)
- Persona 4 “Sky’s the Limit” Hiratat Shihoko (6%, 139 Votes)
- No.6: "Spell" by LAMA (5%, 100 Votes)
- AnoHana: "Aoi Shiori" by Galileo Galilei (8%, 171 Votes)
- [C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - "Matoryoshika" by NICO Touches the Walls (5%, 98 Votes)
- Phi Brain “Brain Diver” May’n (3%, 58 Votes)
- Kimi ni Todoke Season S2: "Sawakaze" by Tanizawa Tomofumi (5%, 106 Votes)
- Guilty Crown “Dearest” by supercell (9%, 204 Votes)
- Mirai Nikki “Kuusou Merosogii” Yousei Teikoku (9%, 189 Votes)
Total Votes: 2,170
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About Team Meta
We are the deadly team of Metanorn. When together, we usually come up with long, informative reviews and commentary. After all, we take fangirling seriously!
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 323 comments
Un-Go better be on the ED one…
But yah, AnoHana was my favorite. The OP for No. 6 was frickin’ AWESOME too.
I’m gonna go against the grain and say that I didn’t like the song for Kamisama Dolls OP… xD
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Ahahah yes yes xDD
Nice! I liked that No.6 OP very good!
Awwwww that is fine too <3
POWUH: 1100-1199 and Meta's Evil rice-flour Product with 1137 comments
Hahahhaha, absolutely knew it, my dearest topping the charts, something about supercell makes every song amazing. Oh yes, my list, Ano hana-(i’ve played aoi shiori 213 times according to itunes) Oath sign- You know all the Fate/stay or shiki or whatever have really good music, whether op or ed or background (wasuretaketa no kana is still my fave) Core Pride, because that was my first exposure to just a good old rock style band in japanese (finally something gritty and down to earth and minimal melodramatics) and penguindrum’s op even if it isnt particularly striking, it’s soft melodic tones kinda lull one into a sense of calm. last (and maybe least) on my list would be Os uchuujin. Yes it’s got a squeaky singer, the lyrics are icky, the anime was average (sans animation quality) but it hid a chord for me (punny right?)
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Yeah great song for Guilty Crown! LOL Yea I can see why! People love Ano Hana.
LOL Yessss Denpa onna, great pun skills Dan-go 😉
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 304 comments
Aoi Shiori and My Dearest are tied for my favorite opening of this year. I tear up everytime I hear Aoi Shiori.
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Hell ya! Much love for My Dearest <3
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 338 comments
If I had to pick a top 5 they would be:
1. OP1 My dearest – Gulity Crown
2. OP2 Shounen yo Ware ni Kaere – Mawaru Penguindrum
3. OP1 Brain Driver – Phi Brain
4. OP2 The LOVE SONG – Nurarihyon
5. OP1 Asue – Gundam Age
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Great top five! Especially with Phi Brain and Gundam Age! Sooo goood xD
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
Yay for Brain Diver, though it’s not getting as much love on the polls.><; I haven't watched your last two choices yet.. I will.. some day...
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 243 comments
We can’t have Hacking to the Gate? How sad, better be Core Pride then.
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
My favorite is definitely Kamisama Dolls’ OP. It’s so catchy and unique, and the singer has a fabulous voice
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
I still… haven’t watched that one<_<;
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
SHAME SHAME SHAME
Ness I am disappoint
POWUH: Occasional (51-75) with 68 comments
Yes! Level E! Those memories and here is one reader who really liked and followed that anime ;DD It shall not be forgotten! This is a really great and fun idea, year-enders are always so Inriguing~
POWUH: 500-599 and The Trapolicious Treasurer with 599 comments
hi5!! Level E was awesome and of course that opening song. Kyo and I tag teamed that one. XD There’s more year-enders to come :3
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
[…] far, the 2011 Year-Ender: Anime OPs are out. Now check out these awesome ending songs and vote for the […]
POWUH: iLurker with 11 comments
Level E , Yumekui Merry ,Mirai Nikki and No.6
is the best OP of the year
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
A first year-ender post… I can’t believe it’s almost the end of the year 2011 TT^TT Time flies by so fast!!!
And there are so much OPs I absolutely LOVE here!!!! ^O^ Though I have no idea why did DW opening seem weird to you guys. Yeah, it was unusual, but personally, I enjoyed it a lot. Besides that, I, of cource voted for Ao-Ex openings. Aah, the glory of that show~ I’m ashamed of not expecting anything from Ao-Ex at the beginning ^^; hehe……
POWUH: iLurker with 2 comments
[…] 2011 Year-Ender – Anime OPs […]
POWUH: Novice (36-50) with 48 comments
WHERE IS WORKING’!! OP?! PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN!!
It;s not even in the honorable mention? I’m ashamed of you guys.
POWUH: Novice (36-50) with 45 comments
My favorite would have to be Fukanzen Nenshou from Kamisama Dolls. Coupled together with the imagery it stood out the most for me. Probably listened to it the most too.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Metanorn's Hime-chan~ with 1758 comments
NOW I got addicted to Mirai Nikki’s opening. So cooool *,_,* yay for violent yanderes!
POWUH: iLurker with 3 comments
[…] 2011 Year-Ender: Anime OPs […]
POWUH: Novice (36-50) with 45 comments
I loved Kamisama Dolls mainly because of the OP, so that got my vote. AnoHana too, for the memories!