Music can make or break an anime, and some of the most underrated anime soundtrack work is absolutely brilliant. Shows like "Mushishi" or "Kino's Journey" have soundtracks that perfectly complement the atmosphere and storytelling, yet they're rarely discussed.
What underrated anime soundtrack would you recommend for its musical quality and how it enhances the viewing experience?
Mushishi" has an underrated anime soundtrack that's absolutely perfect for the show. The music by Toshio Masuda is mostly acoustic - lots of guitar, piano, and traditional Japanese instruments. It creates this calm, contemplative atmosphere that matches the show's tone perfectly. The opening theme "The Sore Feet Song" by Ally Kerr is also beautiful and melancholic.
Another underrated anime soundtrack is for "Haibane Renmei" by Ko Otani. It's mostly piano and strings, and it has this dreamlike, melancholic quality that fits the show's atmosphere. The music enhances the emotional moments without being manipulative - it feels organic to the storytelling.
Serial Experiments Lain" has an underrated anime soundtrack by Reichi Nakaido. It's electronic and ambient, with lots of distorted vocals and industrial sounds. It creates this tense, surreal atmosphere that matches the show's exploration of technology and identity. The opening theme "Duvet" by boa is also iconic.
Another underrated anime soundtrack is for "Texhnolyze" by Hajime Mizoguchi. It's mostly ambient and industrial, with minimal melodies. The music enhances the show's bleak, oppressive atmosphere without overwhelming it. It's not music you'd listen to on its own, but it's perfect for the show.
The Garden of Sinners" has an underrated anime soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura that's absolutely incredible. It's orchestral with vocal elements, and it ranges from beautiful and melancholic to intense and dramatic. The music enhances the films' emotional moments and supernatural elements perfectly. "M19" and "M20" are particular standouts.
Another underrated anime soundtrack is for "Mononoke" by Yasuharu Takanashi. It uses traditional Japanese instruments to create this unique, atmospheric sound that matches the show's art style. The music enhances the supernatural and psychological elements without being overtly scary - it's more unsettling and mysterious.
Kaiba" has an underrated anime soundtrack by Kazuhiko Toyama that's perfect for the show's retrofuturistic vibe. It's electronic with chiptune elements, but also has emotional, melodic tracks for the more poignant moments. The music enhances the show's unique atmosphere and emotional storytelling.
Another underrated anime soundtrack is for "The Tatami Galaxy" by Michiru Oshima. It's jazzy and energetic, matching the show's rapidfire dialogue and nonlinear storytelling. The opening theme "Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat" by Asian KungFu Generation is also great. The music adds to the show's unique energy and style.
Kino's Journey" (2003 version) has an underrated anime soundtrack by Ryo Sakai. It's mostly acoustic guitar with some orchestral elements, and it creates this contemplative, wandering atmosphere that matches the show's themes. The music enhances the sense of travel and discovery without being intrusive.
Another underrated anime soundtrack is for "Now and Then, Here and There" by Taku Iwasaki. It's mostly orchestral with some electronic elements, and it ranges from hopeful to tragic to intense. The music enhances the show's emotional weight and the brutality of its subject matter. It's not easy listening, but it's effective storytelling.