The List

5 Best Opening Songs of Fall 2019

It's that time again folks! We're smack dab in the middle of the season and what better time to start a YouTube debate about our completely subjective music preferences!? ::powerful face/fist look:: Okay, to be fair, we listened to every single new OP and it was really hard to choose! Here's our top 5!

5. “Resolution” by Haruka Tomatsu – Sword Art Online: Alicization - War of Underworld

With Kirito down for the count, our heroine Asuna takes center stage in the new season of Sword Art Online and that includes in the opening theme, “Resolution.” Asuna's voice actress Haruka Tomatsu channels her character's intensity in this track. The song includes the lines “Even if it's already been decided, I'll try tens of thousands of times more!” The song is all about Asuna's desire for justice and to triumph over the obstacles put in front of her. Her determination is invigorating. Go get 'em Asuna!

4. “Polaris” by Blue Encount – My Hero Academia Season 4

Polaris is a rocking track all about the MHA heroes' fighting spirit and Deku's choice to take up the mantle for All Might. “I'll wipe away these tears the best I can, I'll give you everything, so please don't give up on me!” The lyrics are like words right from Deku's own mouth. Our once powerless protagonist is continuing to grow into a force to be reckoned with but in the new season he'll have to find the courage in himself to live up to others' expectations, like Sir Nighteye. “Polaris” sets the tone that Deku is in it to win it, so we gotta trust him. He hasn't failed us yet!

3. “Happy Go Ducky” by the pillows – Ahiru no Sora

It's the mofo PILLOWS, guys. I still hear “Ride on Shooting Star” in my SLEEP. This song is a little heavier than that FLCL classic but it still has that signature pillows sound that can't help but get your feet tapping. Even all these years later (the band is celebrating 30 YEARS TOGETHER) Sawao Yamanaka's voice is so cool and mesmerizing. Yoshiaki Manabe's lead guitar is just...you could get lost in that strumming. Man, I hope the pillows are together forever, they're seriously an amazing band. Check out their older stuff too if you haven't heard of them, they'll quickly become your new favorite.

2. “Motor City” by Kenichi Asai – No Guns Life

Shout out to No Guns Life for still being the only anime where a dude has a gun for a head. This neo-noir series has a unique OP to match our equally unique detective. “MOTOR CITY” brings the punk flavor, sounding both like a classic track and fresh at the same time. Singer Kenichi Asai has a long history in the Japanese alt rock-punk-rockabilly scene. He was previously the vocalist for the bands Blankey Jet City in the late 80s and 90s, SHERBETS, and later JUDE as well as others. His sound fits perfectly with No Guns Life about a trio living on edge of legality in a dystopian future and trying to take down a mega-conglomerate. Sounds pretty punk to me!

1. “Wild Side” by ALI – BEASTARS :

Now you might say, “Jacki, I've never seen BEASTARS. What even is this?” Well...that's Netflix's fault. We gotta wait a little longer to get our dose of furry social commentary. That also means missing out on this great song “Wild Side,” a jazzy-blues piece. The lyrics blend Japanese, French, and English are kind of impenetrable but the mash-up speaks to the band's actual line-up. ALI (short for Alien Liberty International) is a seven-member group with artists hailing from all over the world. The band is fronted by Leo Imamura, who breaks into this great, guttural tones towards the end of the track. “Wild Sides” blend of genres and languages makes it unlike anything else this season. Hopefully, we hear more from them in the future!

What songs are on your playlist this season? Let us know in the comments!

Last week you told us your favorite One Piece battles from the anime series. Most of the participants picked Luffy vs Lucci from the ninth season as the most intense fight.

This week we want to know what songs are at the top of YOUR list of fall anime OPs. Take our poll and discuss in the forums!