The importance of music

[jojo_home]

How important is music to you? Can it make or break a show? Or can you enjoy a show regardless of how good or bad the music is?

Over the years I've found that BGM, and to a lesser extent, theme songs, can be a very important factor in my liking a show. It might be shallow, but it's true. I'd say the music in Cowboy Bebop makes up 50% of my enjoyment of the show, as does the music in Giant Robo. Cowboy Bebop also has the rare distinction of having both a great OP and a great ED, which is quite rare in anime shows in general.

While there are a few shows I really like that have relatively unmemorable BGM and themes (such as Captain Tylor) I'd say that music can sometimes make or break a mediocre show for me. Great BGM can make a mediocre scene or story a lot more compelling than it should be, and a great Theme/End song can be the tipping point when it comes to my deciding to collect a relatively average show.

[Suwako Moriya]

Music alone won't make me hate or love a series. However I can say this much. Music that fits a scene well and of course sounds good as well can enhance the experience. In other words an emotional scene with a good tune that works well for that scene only makes it more emotional.

However if the tune feels out of place it can be distracting. Like wise if the tune sounds extremely grating it can make enjoyment more challenging. Also music must be careful to remember the difference between working towards enhancing the whole and trying to be the whole. The former being good and the latter being bad.

[ADC]

BGM during an episode can be of huge benefit to the storytelling, ambience, what have you. I don't think it's a deal-breaker if the BGM is kind of lousy, nor if they choose silence instead (which can sometimes be really effective), but good BGM helps out a bunch.

OP music … I'd drop it. I say do it like they did for Jubei-chan. 15 seconds of music, the show title, and then it's on with the show. Remember, the average 24-minute episode is only about 20–21 minutes long because of the OP, ED, and preview. I'd like for the animé producers to reclaim that 90 seconds at the start and use it for the show instead of malarkey.

ED music, now, should be good. Step 1: Knock it off with the Engrish. It always sounds unprofessional and borderline retarded, especially when they try to pull off some proper American swears and curses (opening of Black Lagoon). If you're going to sing, sing in Japanese. If you want English lyrics, commission or licence something from a proper English-language band.

[jojo_home]

ED music, now, should be good. Step 1: Knock it off with the Engrish. It always sounds unprofessional and borderline retarded, especially when they try to pull off some proper American swears and curses (opening of Black Lagoon). If you're going to sing, sing in Japanese. If you want English lyrics, commission or licence something from a proper English-language band.


Good point. I don't mind it when a song has a sentence of two of engrish thrown in, but when it goes on and on, it can sound cringingly bad. Like a number of versions of 'Fly me to the Moon' (Fry me to the Moon? Kaboom! ;) ) did in Eva.

[lorddream]

Good point. I don't mind it when a song has a sentence of two of engrish thrown in, but when it goes on and on, it can sound cringingly bad. Like a number of versions of 'Fly me to the Moon' (Fry me to the Moon? Kaboom! ;) ) did in Eva.

Oh, but that was part of the charm. :neko: (I'm still dying to know what "spling" is like on Jupiter and Mars. :sd: )

Back to the original question... opening and ending music doesn't really matter much to me. If I like the songs, I'll listen to them, if I don't, I skip them.

BGM can really help convince me to stick with a show. My first introduction to X TV was seeing episode 0 at a con way back when... the show was kinda confusing and didn't seem all that special... except for the music. I decided to give it a try anyway, and it ended up becoming one of my favorite shows.

I probably wouldn't have stuck with .hack//SIGN long enough to really get into it without the great music, either.

[tanahome]

i used to think music may not be as important, but i think i've changed my mind. like someone said, music stirs us emotionally, which means it can subtlely influence how much you like or dislike an anime. i have to agree it's not a deal breaker, but it definitely has a big influence in how i feel emotionally with an anime.

weird thing is, there are plenty of anime music that i don't like at the beginning. but as you continue to watch the series, the dang catchy music and words hook you! that's a clear example of how subtle music can influence you.

[roastedpekingduck]

Music is likely the third most important thing after writing and visuals. Sometimes, it can even be on par in terms of importance with animation. For me, while good music alone does not a good series music, all of my favorite series, the ones I have most enjoyed have all had great music.

[Lego]

You want a very epic sounding soundtrack to some series and movies. You don't give something like Grave of Fireflies a "Yat ta dat da" kind of soundtrack.. you give it to Evangelion..

I've always subscribed to the theory that music can make an average show great and a great show even greater.

[Serial Experiments Nobue]

Like others have said, it's not a make-or-break factor for me, but if it is well done and contributes to the feel of a show it can make that show even better.

Revolutionary Girl Utena, Kare Kano, Cowboy Bebop, and FLCL are just a few examples of this for me. In fact, Adolescence of Utena is my all-time favorite anime in large part due to the fact that the music and images are virtually inseparable to me. Viewing images recalls music from the scene and vice versa.

Also, lack of music can be just as effective. Figure 17 is a great example of this. The minimal use of BGM draws me that much further into the story.

And being a music fan, if there's a show whose score I enjoy, chances are I'll seek out its OST(s) so I can listen to the music outside of watching the series or movie.

[The Great Bear]

Basically agree with what many others have said. The right insert song or piece of BGM can make a good scene great. The wrong one can send what is otherwise great animation and acting crashing from the heights it could have reached.

Though unlike ADC, I love OPs. The right OP can get me to watch a show I might otherwise have no interest in. The wrong one can confirm other prejudicial factors (disliked character designs, uninteresting premise) into making a series a permanent pass.

[relentlessflame]

I'm a huge fan of anime soundtracks, OP/ED singles, and music in general, so it makes a pretty big difference to me. I wouldn't say that I'd watch a show only for the soundtrack, or the reverse, but it can definitely help sway my opinion and impression. Even a song with mediocre production values can be memorable if used in the right scene, and certainly a scene with otherwise mediocre production values can be made memorable by the right song. And certainly, a good OP or ED can definitely keep me interested in the show if a particular episode didn't leave me all that impressed. In short, I guess I'd say that it's an integral part of a production, and can go a long ways towards making a show special.

As a side topic, what I always find interesting is how some soundtracks sound perfect in the anime, but when you listen to them on CD, it just doesn't work. And conversely, some soundtracks sound great on CD and seem to clash in the anime. Soundtracks that truly work well in both cases are a rare find.

[The Great Bear]

As a side topic, what I always find interesting is how some soundtracks sound perfect in the anime, but when you listen to them on CD, it just doesn't work. And conversely, some soundtracks sound great on CD and seem to clash in the anime. Soundtracks that truly work well in both cases are a rare find.

That's true.

While it's an example that I'm sure others will disagree with, one that comes immediately to mind is the sountracks to Cowboy Bebop. In show, the music just works on so many levels. Outside of the show, I've listened to a the soundtack CDs a few times, and many of tunes just lack something without the pictures. They're just not there.

[Speedy Boris]

Usually I have no beef with the majority of music in anime. It fits the mood and that's good enough for me. If I'm lucky enough, the music will have some catchy melodies that give me incentive to go out and buy the OST.

My main problem is when a show will repeat a few melodies incessantly throughout the series, to the point where I get sick of just hearing them. I can't tell you how many times I heard "On the Precipice of Defeat" in Bleach, but it was used WAY too much.

[Dracula on a bike]

I probably wouldn't have stuck with .hack//SIGN long enough to really get into it without the great music, either.
I found the background music in .hack//SIGN distracting, because it had vocals. What's more, (if I remember correctly) sometimes the background music with vocals was played at the same time that dialog was happening.

[Mozart]

Being a symphonic soundtrack fan from decades back, while I wouldn't say that a bad score will break a show, I've certainly found myself regretting a lot of purchases of scores that have a terrific OP and ED, then fill out the BGM with solo synthesizer doodlings. :sigh:

A few composers in the field have impressed me. I love the work of Oshima Michiru, whose full-blooded scores for MAGIC USERS CLUB and HANA YORI DANGO take me back to the classic films of the '40s. Wada Kaoru's music for the likes of TO HEART and 3X3 EYES have complemented the shows perfectly, and Haishima Kuriaki provided memorable work for GASARAKI and NEO RANGA. Somehow though, Yoko Kanno's accomplishments have never fired my enthusiasm...I'm not sure why, but they always sound derivative to me.

[LenMiyata]

Grumble Grumble Grumble
How important is music to you? Can it make or break a show? Or can you enjoy a show regardless of how good or bad the music is?

Over the years I've found that BGM, and to a lesser extent, theme songs, can be a very important factor in my liking a show. It might be shallow, but it's true. I'd say the music in Cowboy Bebop makes up 50% of my enjoyment of the show, as does the music in Giant Robo. Cowboy Bebop also has the rare distinction of having both a great OP and a great ED, which is quite rare in anime shows in general.

While there are a few shows I really like that have relatively unmemorable BGM and themes (such as Captain Tylor) I'd say that music can sometimes make or break a mediocre show for me. Great BGM can make a mediocre scene or story a lot more compelling than it should be, and a great Theme/End song can be the tipping point when it comes to my deciding to collect a relatively average show.
If the show is well written, it really doesn't matter if it has good BGM or poor BGM, (though it would then be up to the voice acting and image pacing to carry the show)

On the other hand, no matter how good the BGM is, it won't be able to save a poorly written anime series. The fantastic Yokko Kanno soundtrack for the EVA inspired psychological drama called 'Brain Powered' would be an example of this...

[Westlo]

I feel that great music that suits and compliments a show can up the quality of the show by a tier/level. I do place a lot of importance on the music of a show but it's not a massive deal breaker.

My second favorite show I'm watching atm is Baccano! and I find the music ranging from average to good (<3 the OP though) but it compliments the show too so it's not too bad. Though with 5 episodes to go it can definitely improve in that department.

Than you have other shows with amazing soundtracks but they just don't compliment the show and the soundtracks just overwhelms it. One producer in particular does this a lot ;)

Sometimes you hit the jackpot though and get an amazing show with an equally amazing soundtrack and it's just bliss. Gurren Lagann being the recent example of such a show.

SO yeah I place quite a bit of importance in the music of a show but even the best soundtrack can't save a show if it's a dud. As show by Yoko Kanno's score of Brainpowerd.

[Lain Of The Net]

While there are a few shows I really like that have relatively unmemorable BGM and themes (such as Captain Tylor)

There is a bit of music played when Tylor is wearing his "Huh?" look that kind of tickles me. I sometimes play it in my head when I am in a similar situation.

I'm trying to imagine FLCL without its music. When I saw it for the first time it was the music that totally blew me away. I loved it so much I went out looking for a soundtrack. I also liked the opening music of Last Exile. The references of the longing for a "cool night" as opposed to the constant heat resonated with me. I am sensitive to heat more than most.

How about the role music plays in Haruhi? The opening and ending not to mention the festival song! The music is so well done in that. I can't imagine Haruhi without it. Someone mentioned Cowboy Bebop ...well who doesn't sing along with those opening lyrics? How about thae raspy voiced opening to Niea_7 or the rich opening to Haibane Renmei? I also like how the music changes with the mood of When they cry and I adore its opening theme.

A question? How is the music of Beck? I have always wondered. It is something I have thought of picking up but due to the constraints of money ...

[Buckeye]

Generally speaking, music is an important aspect of anime, but it is not necessarily the most make or break aspect. Sometimes the music gets me interested in the series that I otherwise would overlook.

[The Great Bear]

A question? How is the music of Beck? I have always wondered. It is something I have thought of picking up but due to the constraints of money ...

The music's not bad, but it depends on what you like. So far (through 2 volumes) it's been a large of amount of garage rock, combined with some more classic sounding rock from a specific character's preference. It's alright for me, but I could see where if someone didn't like the music in Beck, they might have a hard time watching it, since the music is very central to the whole thing.

[Suwako Moriya]

My main problem is when a show will repeat a few melodies incessantly throughout the series, to the point where I get sick of just hearing them.

The first thing that comes to mind are those show with a musical/singing theme, but for whatever reason the lead has only one song to sing nearly every episode. That you're shocked, shocked I say when she actually sings a different song.

[KShinjo]

I've always subscribed to the theory that music can make an average show great and a great show even greater.

I can agree with the above statement. Music can make all the difference. Or rather, I think the importance is the choreography of the music with the animation/story/setting/situation etc.

Macross: Do You Remember Love and Aim for the Top: Gunbuster are 2 titles that I rank among the best when it comes to choreography. Ghibli titles are also fantastic.

[Njr Scrawl]

BG music for animation was first important for me with video games. Tomb Raider, Resident Evil especially for mood & setting.

1st anime was Noir, where it really made the show so much better. Evangelion & Rurouni Kenshin are made better with their BGM as well.

Well placed victory songs are always good e.g. Gunbuster ep.4, Macross:DYRL of course & some City Hunter.

[Mateo_home]

I dunno. I usually listen to anything as long as it's not ear shattering.

The OP music is basically eye candy, but great to listen/watch. At other times it can feel inappropriate at some point such as if the theme of the anime enters a new chapter and the OP is exactly the same.

As for BG music, some good examples of perfect moods I've seen in Ai Yori Aoshi and Azumanga Daioh. Only times I've heard a bad soundtrack would be in Girl's High and a 4kids hackjob, and I'm not even sure if that counts.

[jojo_home]

Music is likely the third most important thing after writing and visuals. Sometimes, it can even be on par in terms of importance with animation. For me, while good music alone does not a good series music, all of my favorite series, the ones I have most enjoyed have all had great music.

That's true for me too, I have a lot of favourite shows with poor or mediocre animation, but very few with poor or unmemorable music. Writing is paramount of course, but I daresay that I think music may actually come 2nd for me after writing.

[Chloe]

I think music is huge for me, and I knew it almost immediately when I first strated watching anime seriously. Like WrathoftheNJR Noir was one of my very first shows, along with Bebop, and shows like Vampire hunter D: Bloodlust, and Blood. What made an impression the most was thef act it could be any type of music, so long as it worked well with the scenes in question. Music is like frosting. :neko:

I would probably not have gotten SuperGALS! or Sugar, if the OP songs in the previews had not sucked me in like a vampire. :blush:

[EmperorBrandon]

I'd say music is a pretty important thing for me. In most of my favorite series I love the music and some tends to get stuck in my head (reminding me of favorite scenes even further reinforcing my love of such a series :) ). It has to go hand-in-hand with other elements I like, though, so liking the music is not enough to get me to like the show itself (e.g. .hack//Sign)

[Suwako Moriya]

I would probably not have gotten SuperGALS! or Sugar, if the OP songs in the previews had not sucked me in like a vampire. :blush:

I have to admit that the opening song used in the trailer for SuperGALS helped motivate me to get the series along with the animation style itself. The fact the show itself turned out to be good helps as well. Sugar is rather nice as well, but let's just say in that case I kind of watched the first episode shortly after watching the opening.

[Garasharp K7]

I was thinking about whether music was a deciding factor in enjoying a show or even picking it up in the first place, and as far as any current stuff (or shows from the past 10 years or so) goes, it doesn't. Most modern anime tunes don't grab me from the get-go, but take a few listens before I get into 'em; Zone of the Enders, Full Metal Panic, Gurren Lagann, Nadesico, Vandread, Ghost in the Shell, Cromartie Highschool and RahXephon all had Ops, Eds and BGMs that took a few listens before I was compelled to get the OSTs.
Well, with RahXephon, Nadesico and Vandread it wasn't very long before I went looking for the soundtracks. I love those tunes. :)
But then I remembered the classic robot songs from the '70s and '80s - I got hooked on those shows mainly from seeing the Op before anything else. Shows like Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, Grendizer, Getter Robo, Combattler V, Bryger, Goshogun, Gloizer X, Trider G7, Daimos, Raideen, Baratak, Kotetsu Jeeg and many others all had these great songs that along with the visuals, had me eager to watch 'em. I've only just seen the Op for Dangaioh and already I'm chomping at the bit to catch that show. I even bought the Manga version earlier today. (Yeah, I know it's been edited, but it'll tide me over until I get the R2 sometime next month)
Heck, I still haven't seen most of those shows and they have some of my favourite anime themes. Nothin' gets you more fired up than a classic mecha song. In fact, practically any score by Chumei Watanabe or Shunsuke Kikuchi, with songs by Ichiro Mizuki, Mitsuko Horie and Isao Sasaki is pure audio gold as far as I'm concerned.