THAT is back with another season Op’s post, but this time things are a bit different. To allow all the team to comment on the posts, we’ve dropped the rankings and we are checking each opening individually (this also avoids the issues of internal competition inside THAT. I was constantly spammed to rank the Code Geass or the Macross Frontier OP higher than the other …) We hope this new format is more enjoyable by our readers. Don’t forget, the videos are inside the SHOW links after each OP title.
[Shut Up and Explode] by [Boom Boom Satellites] - Xam’d: Lost Memories
Extrange: This J-Rock/Electronica track has impressed me in several ways. It synchs perfectly to the animation and it’s in English which adds up to the rock style. The sequence depicts perfectly the kind of anime Xam’d is: another masterpiece of BONES. I have the song as my phone ringtone .
Impz:On the insistence of Extrange, I was force fed into this anime, but the OP is definitely catchy. It is somewhat of an Engrish song, but the style of the OP is very BONES. If you like Cowboy Bepop’s OP, you probably like this too.
Shokkeru: Yeah I agree, this song is pretty catchy. Not really the type of music that I’d listen to everyday, but regardless, it’s a pretty good song. It kind of reminds me of Speed Grapher and its OP “Girls on Film” by Duran Duran.
Crusader: Very catchy song even if it is on the Engrish side of things. Marvelously executed and not terribly filled with spoilers. A great OP for a great show. Hopefully more people will be checking this series out. I two was not a believer until comrade Extrange forced us to watch, I am definitely hooked.
Reverse Vampire: One word. EPIC.
Maipeisu: Despite being another J-rock/electronica hybrid, this OP meshes well with the opening video sequence. The TV size is likely a lot more enjoyable than the full version minus the video, which I’ll bet becomes a bit repetitive. Adds a nice balance/contrast to the some of the other music, like the weird hand-drum/acoustic guitar duet that pops up in the middle of the episodes. It’s fun following the letter’s flight in the video.
Phuzy: The video actually coordinates with the song.
Jiff: Catchy song, and I liked the video too. Would make me want to watch the show, if only I had the luxury of choice. Alas, Extrange the Xam’d evangelist has made sure everyone he talks to watches the hell out of it.
lelangir:I like the ED more…
[Seikan Hikou] by [Megumi Nakajima] - Macross Frontier
Extrange: Well…. It’s RANKA-CHAN! But even being a song by my fav. green haired girl, the animation is weak (it was a one ep OP, afterall). But you got to love those meat buns on the last seconds.
Impz: Do you need my opinion on Ranka’s song? Fine, I give it to you now. Listen to it right now, and replay it until you go loony.
Shokkeru: I’m not exactly as crazy about this song as my other blogmates may be, but nonetheless it’s a nice song. It is definitely cute though.
Crusader: Seikan Hikou is an awesome song, and coupled with Kawamori’s OP for his episode of troll-fu this OP wenta along way in making Episode 17 stand out more. Fufonia Ranka and dancing slug were brilliant, even if the debut of the Real second OP has been delayed for a week. Still I like the idea of changing OPs once in a while to use some other tracks and some new animation to spice things up a bit. Right now I am up for a Sheryl centric OP with “Don’t be Late.”
Reverse Vampire: Ok…WTF??
Maipeisu: I’m not so hot on the song, but the video is damned cute. Bit of a ballsy move though, considering the spectacular animation sequences in the actual meat of the episodes.
Phuzy: Nakajima Ai has a very cute yet distinctly unique voice. This op is no exception. GOOO RANKA-CHAN!!!
Jiff: I may get shot for saying this, but meh all around.
lelangir: Instantly reminded me of this song?
[Lion] by [Megumi Nakajima and May’n] - Macross Frontier
Extrange: Great song full of energy, although it sounds a bit like DRR.
Shokkeru: Now this is a song that I could get used to. Songs like these that are full of emotion and energy are always great as OPs for mecha or any action anime. I definitely give this one a big thumbs up.
Reverse Vampire: Too busy to listen to all anime OPs. School work comes first.
Maipeisu: Strong.
lelangir: Partly sounds familiar… It’s still catchy as hell, in any case.
[Plenty of Grit] by [Megumi Hayashibara] - Slayers Revolution
Extrange: Whoa, classic. They have chosen everything in order to give the classic feeling and to connect to the older seasons. It’s been 10 years since the previous season, afterall.
Calawain:
Shokkeru: I used to listen to Megumi’s songs all the time back in the 90s. I think it was a great choice in choosing her to sing the OP to the remake of such a classic as her music is pretty “classic” itself. It certainly gives that nostalgic feeling while listening to it.
Crusader: It brings back memories of happier times. I approve.
Reverse Vampire: Sound decent enough. Next!
Maipeisu: Finally, some good old bubblegum J-Pop! This OP kinda takes me back. Doesn’t have much in the way of substance, but its bouncy, its catchy, its Megumi Hayashibara — what more do you want?? I’ll be in the middle of the con raves banging my head to this one like any other diehard fanboy.
Jiff: With an electronic beat like that, how can I resist?
lelangir: Damn that is catchy.
[Sora] by [Hearts Grow] - Tetsuwan Birdy DECODE
Extrange: If I had to name a OP to represent the Summer, this would be it. From the song to the animation,everything on it has a refreshing and warm feeling on it and matches the free spirit of Birdy, the main heroine.
Impz: I don’t remember much of the OP after watching the first two episodes. It’s just not memorable enough.
Calawain:
Shokkeru: Yeah, I agree that it’s pretty misleading as an OP to what is supposed to be (to the best of my knowledge) an action anime. I could be wrong of course since I haven’t watched a single episode of the darn series yet. Oh well, nice song anyways.
Crusader: I like it, simple, not too flashy, and oddly catchy. Wish there were more subs though.
Reverse Vampire:It was…okay.
Maipeisu: I’m not so hot on the video, but the song is damned cute. Just kidding. The song is simple, catchy, and fun, but the video doesn’t quite match the enthusiasm. Needless to say I like “Sora”, but I wish they had done more with the video; it kind of makes me think that the team doesn’t have a clear sense of where they are going with the animation.
Phuzy: The video is really simple and doesn’t portray the action that this series carries. The song isn’t the best either. All together it’s an okay~ op. I like the series though!
Jiff: Granted, I only saw the first episode, but I don’t remember a single person just hanging out and having a good time with friends. Worst first impression ever.
lelangir: Ehhhhh.
[Akai USAGI] by [Makura no Soshi] - Blade of the Immortal
Extrange: Raw and violent, just like Blade of the Immortal. Makura no Soshi have a style similar to ALI PROJECT but they don’t suck, they actually sound great. And any OP with bondage on it deserves a 10.
Shokkeru: Not exactly my cup of tea. At least it’s not ALI PROJECT right? Just kidding… don’t kill me. =[
Crusader: Sort of fits the atmosphere, though the series seem to be committing bloody murder on the source material, and what is that Manji fellow doing int a modern day setting?
Reverse Vampire: Surely there’s something better than this? Seriously, I don’t get time to listen to all anime OPs.
Maipeisu: I would most likely never listen this sickly-sounding J-Rock track if it wasn’t for Mugen. But the Mugen OP video is sooooo hardcore (especially the part where all the blades come raining down and sink into the soil), and the song clearly fits the mood, so it is inevitably a memorable listen. Actually, the lead singer has a really unique voice, which has started to grow on me quite a bit after the second episode. I might check MnS’s other work out!
Jiff: Can’t stand this chick’s voice, but the topless chick in the vid almost made up for it.
lelangir: It was OK - kind of interesting, especially the guitar riff in the beginning. Sounds like something out of Mega Man. The visuals are very badass.
[ZERØ] by [AAA] - World Destruction
Extrange: If only the Anime was like the OP: full of action, symbolism and killer Techno.
Impz: It is actually decently good, if you ask me. Nonetheless, it did not hold my attention at all, because it feels like some typical techno-influenced music.
Shokkeru: Kinda boring, but not bad.
Crusader: Fairly decent, if a rather odd OP.
Reverse Vampire:You’ll get addictive to the song overtime, if you’ve been watching the series like me for the entire time. For the first few episodes, probably you won’t like it but eventually you’ll grow to like it a bit.
Maipeisu: Ah yes, another bizarre J-rock/electronica hybrid. I’d be interested to see how many triple-As it would take to perform this live XD.
Jiff: Cool song, pretty neat vid. It really is a shame that this is the best 2 minutes in the whole show.
lelangir: Meh…
[Tomadoi Bitter Tune] by [Miran Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers] - Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
Extrange: Sugar song and animation, filled with cock teasers. This pleases me in several ways, some of them illegal in certain parts of the world.
Impz: I like J-pop style music, and this is just up my alley.
Crusader: Very sugary, good thing I like sweets. Not much to say other than that they know their audience. The tape, hehe.
Reverse Vampire: I want to close my ears.
Maipeisu: Again, probably wouldn’t listen to the band without the vid. But this is a fantastic OP. The video sequences covers tons of visual landscape and is synced quite nicely with the song. I love it!
Jiff: Super cute song, super cute vid!! Against all odds, I really like this one.
lelangir: I can’t stand this song.
[Issei no Koe] by [Shūhei Kita] - Natsume Yūjin-Chō
Extrange: This is a OP to see when you are stressed out. The mellow song will relax you and make you enjoy life.
Shokkeru: Very relaxing song and it sets the tone of the show pretty well I think. Sadly it’s not a song I’d listen to much else I’d just get lazier or fall asleep.
Crusader: Oddly relaxing.
Reverse Vampire: This one, haven’t hear it yet.
Maipeisu: Bit too saccharine for even my taste. Maybe, just MAYBE I like the second half… I think?
Jiff: Maipeisu, I think you were tricked into thinking you like the second half of this because that’s the first time something actually moves. Pass on this one.
lelangir:The half cadences are killer.
[Kimi, Meguru, Boku] by [Motohiro Hata] - Itazura Na Kiss
Extrange: Dejá Vu?
Impz: I have this as my ring tone.
Shokkeru: Nice, but not for me.
Crusader: I like it, somewhat disappointing that there was no new OP, but its still pretty solid. NIce, sweet, catchy, and bubbly. Just what every shoujo series calls for.
Reverse Vampire: Not yet.
Maipeisu: OP?? No, no, refer to —> Second ED. (By the way, is it just me, or is the video sequence, like, COMPLETELY random until the hook kicks in?)
Jiff: Simple, catchy. What more do you need?
lelangir:Good song but not WOW material.
[YOU’RE THE ONE] by [ICHIKO] - Zero no Tsukaima: Princesses no Rondo
Impz: BAH, ICHIKO songs sound all the same, and she has this nasal tone that annoys me.
Shokkeru: AGERUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Crusader: Sorry it’s kind of meh to me…somewhat catchy but altogether forgettable.
Reverse Vampire: Can throw up? Thumbs down, people.
Maipeisu: FAIL.
Jiff: Her voice caused me to turn this off after only 19 seconds.
lelangir: Whitney Houston wannabe [just kidding].
[fly away] by [THYME] - Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto - Natsu no Sora
Extrange: It’s funny, my co-bloggers go nuts with ths song, but I find it quite too bland for my taste. Maybe it’s just me…
Impz: This is definitely the best OP of the season by a long mile. Listen to it, and feel the soothing air and environment envelope you.
Calawain:
Shokkeru: I like it, but I liked the OP to TLR better (”forever we can make it”). I’m not exactly jumping over hurdles just to hear this song either.
Crusader: It’s nice and relaxing, but I am not too keen on crowning this as the best OP this season. Not yet any way.
Reverse Vampire: Did I say I’ve no time to hear it?
Maipeisu: Yah, what Impz said. This is my official theme song for the Summer of 2008.
Jiff: OK, HUGE fan of this one. I usually don’t have strong opinions about OPs for shows I don’t watch regularly, because it takes like a month or two to get into the mood. This one though, I was totally in love with on my first listen.
lelangir: Definitely a solid song (I like Beck’s more), though I’m hesitant to call it the best of summer 08.
[Thème Principal] by [KATSU] - Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo
Extrange: I’m a sucker for jazzy tunes, and this fancies my tastes. And while I watch it, I can only think in one thing: “Hmmmmm, legs….”
Shokkeru: I guess it does its job and it fits well with the show. There’s people out there that probably likes this style of music too so I’m not gonna knock it.
Crusader: I like this one, reminds me of the Pink Panther. Not too flashy sufficiently subdued it fits the series.
Reverse Vampire: What’s more can I say when I don’t watch the series?
Maipeisu: Reminds me of one of those orchestral suites that daisy-chain all the different themes in a video game or motion picture. Can be extremely entertaining watching a group of performers glide over the musical landscapes of a work, or even listening to a recording at the end, but it feels strangely out of place as an opening theme. Maybe it doesn’t have enough coherence to make a strong impact on me. Oh yea, and all I remember from the video is legs, so…
Jiff: mmm, no thanks.
lelangir: Someone committed a heretical blasphemy when they tried to do what seems like an arrangement of Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean A Thing […]”
[WORLD END] by [FLOW] - Code Geass R2
Extrange: It may be FLOW, but they’ve lost some of the touch with this song. It’s unavoidable to not compare with the previous OP’s, which makes WORLD END pale due to it’s predecessors.
Impz: FLOW… I wanted to say something bad about them, but I actually like most of their rock songs. This rocks too, so I will prevent myself from making any snide remarks of CGR2.
Shokkeru: FLOW is awesome indeed, but they could have done better with this one in my opinion.
Crusaderg: I confess I preferred the first OP, but this is alright…kind of, it not my kind of music.
Reverse Vampire< At least this one sounds good. I sorta prefer the ED than the OP better. But it's still consider awesome by my standards.
Maipeisu: Mediocre. After Kaidoku Funou (解読不能)” by Jinn (second OP from the first season), this is just a slap in the face. It’s a shame that such an epic series has been embellished by such uninspiring music.
lelangir: Indeed, FLOW has done better - Eureka 7’s first OP was beyond epic. This song isn’t entirely bad though. If Kaiba were technically summer 08 it’d have my vote but alas, the Slayer’s Revolution/DDR song is way too damn fun to say it’s not the best.
UPDATED 18/8
[Life goes on ~Kawabata side~] by [CHEMISTRY] - Antique Bakery
Extrange:Remind me to spank Impz’s ass for not telling me about this Op….The Electronica Pop song reminds me of Mononoke Dance (Hakaba Kitarou OP) and it’s very catchy, and blends nicely with the cut-out scenes of our gay bakery. The OP is making me want to watch the anime…
Shokkeru: Pretty good. Pop songs are good once in a while, but I personally can’t listen to the style of music over long periods of time. Despite this, I’m willing to say that this OP has its charm and would definitely attract people to the anime. Unfortunately I still probably won’t watch it.
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Comments (26)
The season of SHITTY openings.
grunty added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 11:39 ammy minds heurt, Xam’d OP I like. The action OPs, WD and BoI are really pumping. Yakushiji Ryoko silhouette with jazzy tune is hot [legs R hawt], I thought they were going for sort of a Baccano mix Bebop thing. Yujin-chou and Natsu no Sora, mellow, relaxing, etc. I think I like the Yujin-chou OP better for the skie visuals (but Sesshoumaru freaked me out). The latter is solid with those Yui-like vocals and very clean/pretty animation.
RyanA added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 11:44 amNatsu No Sora just destroys everything. No contest. Slayer’s OP isn’t bad but it just doesn’t compare.
jp_zer0 added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 11:50 amI have to agree that this season doesn’t offer much in good music (or good anime) The latest Macross OP has to be my fave, followed by Natsume Yuujinchou, but everything else feels really ‘meh’ to me. Zero no Tsukaima is just horrible! (Though not as bad as the ED) Will you guys be doing the same for this season’s ED songs?
Blue added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 11:56 am@Blue: If noone screws my post as they did with this one…Someone fucked up and spammed 700 tags on this post, so I’ve spent 2 days deleting them.
MechaLolicon Extrange added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 11:58 amNo sekirei? =p
Kururu added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 12:31 pm@Kururu: too generic, but if we get several comments asking for it, we will gladly update the post with it.
MechaLolicon Extrange added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 12:38 pmtoo bad you didn’t include the OP for Antique Bakery, it’s sooo catchy and about the best thing about the series.
sierrablue added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 1:12 pmMy favorite so far is Xam’d but my tastes are pretty subject to change at a moments notice. Lion to me doesn’t hold up to Triangular’s standard as an OP. I’m sure it will grow on me. I actually like the Orange Range OP and ED’s better than any of the others from S1 or 2. WORLD END isn’t bad and yeah it’s not up to snuff compared to Days from Eureka 7 but E7 had awesome OP all around. One OP that I like but didn’t get reviewed is Telepathy Girl Ran’s. The OP animation has little to nothing to do with the plot of the show but Aoi Kakera by Chara; I don’t know exactly what it is, probably her intonation and kinda gravelly voice get to me in a good way. Ah someone mentioned sekirei, I forgot about that. The song is generic but the combination of Hayami Saori and Marina Inoue at the start is match made in heaven to me. Lastly the strike witches OP song isn’t terrible that is it isn’t hard on the ears I think the best thing about it is Yoko Ishida’s singing. I think she puts more energy into the OP then some of the characters of the show.
Taka added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 1:15 pmNo Ultraviolet? Telepathy Shoujo Ran? Mission-E? The OPs of this season indeed look pretty dull if you leave out some of the better ones. 
The Xam’d OP wows me every time. The song is catchy, it’s timed with the video, it has well animated running and movement, there’s that cool shot where the camera flips over to follow Ishu’s rocket and it avoids a few OP cliches (e.g. I’m walking… now I’m turning to look up at the camera… quick cut away!). What more could you want?
I agree you should add Antique Bakery’s OP, though. The use of cutouts is weird but interesting.
lbrevis added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 3:13 pm@sierrablue, Ibrevis: Since Impzie was seeing it, I though he would tell me to add it if it was worth it (I asked the crew of any good OP to add). I guess I can’t trust that loli trap….
Gonna add Antique Bakery very soon.
MechaLolicon Extrange added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 3:40 pmI love the opening for Antique Bakery and itazura na kiss. Chemistry’s life Goes on was on repeat for a while ^_^ I hate Ryoko’s case file’s opening, it bores me and I don’t want to listen to AAA- they have never been a group I’ve been interested in. Haven’t bothered to listen to the rest : )
Catherine added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 5:29 pmI’ll second the request for Sekirei.
What about Impz’s all-time favorite Koihime+Musou? =P
Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu should win the ED contest, hands down.
Tenser added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 7:29 pmweird, I like about half of the openings.
@Tenser: seconded about Koihime+Musou and NHnH ED.
I’m with Extrange. Why does everyone like Natsu no Sora’s theme so much? I didn’t find it that good. That said, it’s better than more than half the other songs there, but that’s because I didn’t like most of these songs. It’s weird but the songs I liked most were the techno ones, and I don’t even like electronica-ness that much. So, between [Shut Up and Explode], [Zero], and [Life goes on ~Kawabata side~] (the only songs worth replaying in my opinion), I’m gonna say [Shut Up and Explode] wins.
TwilightShiva added these pithy words on Aug 17 08 at 9:58 pm“Life goes on” is definitely #1 for me this season. Xam’d’s OP is pretty good as well.
yangri added these pithy words on Aug 18 08 at 1:59 pmActually, hearing the full version of the song does quite a bit of bias. The full Natsu no song is awesome…but the guitar solo in the Slayer’s song is bleah. In that sense, Natsu wins by a long shot but if counting just the 1:30 then my vore’s still with the techno-happy Slayers.
lelangir added these pithy words on Aug 18 08 at 3:32 pmeverything is mediocre (or worse) except for “Lion”
Olivia added these pithy words on Aug 20 08 at 2:06 pmADD Nabari No Ou’s
it’s CRAWL by Veltpunch
IT’S AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUBARASHI >O<
YES YES YES!!! I thought you guys weren’t going to do fav OP/ED posts anymore, and I am so happy to be proven wrong. I really like these because they’re really helpful in introducing new (and lovely) songs from shows that I would normally avoid/be too lazy to watch. I look forward to an ED version (if THAT decides to do one) in the future~ 
Er… Sorry about the double post, but I have to ask too. Where is Nabari no Ou’s OP “Crawl???” I agree with ANIMEKRAZY123 that it’s a worthy OP that should be added too…
CatzCradle added these pithy words on Aug 22 08 at 6:31 pmSorry, last post for this I swear! :d
But I HAVE to know what was the song lelangir used to compare to Macross Frontier’s “Lion…”
@CatzCradle: I’m the one who’ve been making all the Op’s/ED’s posts. I’ve just missed last season because of personal issues. ED post will be a bit delayed, I’ve just returned from Madrid.
MechaLolicon Extrange added these pithy words on Aug 23 08 at 4:28 pmuhm so where do you guys get your ringtones i cant seem to find an efficient one without all the western stuff >.<?
KiraSouchiro added these pithy words on Sep 01 08 at 4:32 pmfly away is made of pure win