Before going into the top 10 here are my "Honorable Mentions", songs that almost made it to the Top 100 Songs of the Decade and are personal favorites of mine that they should at least be given some sort of recognition:
"Share the World" by TVXQ - One Piece OP (2009)
"Papermoon" by Tommy heavenly6 - Soul Eater OP (2008)
"Uninstall" by Chiaki Ishikawa - Bokurano OP (2007)
"Musouka" by Suara - Utawarerumono OP (2006)
"Makka na Chikai" by Yoshiki Fukuyama - Busou Renkin OP (2006)
"Lilium" by Kumiko Numa - Elfen Lied OP (2005)
"Sore Ga Ai Deshou" by Shimokawa Mikuni - Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu OP (2003)
"Byakuya ~ True Light" by Miyamoto Shunichi - D.N.Angel OP (2003)
"Getsumei Fuuei" by Mika Arisaka - The Twelve Kingdoms ED (2002)
"Shooting Star" by KOTOKO - Onegai Teacher! OP (2001)
The Top 10 Anime Songs of the Decade (2000-2009)
10."Sousei no Aquarion" by AKINO (Aquarion OP 1) [2005]
""Sousei no Aquarion" is the debut single by American-born J-pop singer, AKINO. It is composed by the incomparable Yoko Kanno, is probably the only song in the top 10 from a low profile anime series. It can be said that the song is bigger than the series due to its popularity and long chart life. Initially released in 2005, the song in late 2007 was re-arranged and re-released for use in the Sankyo CR Fever Genesis of Aquarion pachinko game commercials as sung by members of the cast. This version (Element Gattai Ver.) peaked at #14 on the Oricon Singles Weekly Charts and topping download charts and was eventually certified as the #189 song for 2008. It even was awarded the silver medal in the JASRAC(Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers) awards for 2008. The song since its initial released was covered by several established artists like Yoko Ishida, Masaaki Endoh and m.o.v.e. As with several songs in the top 10, the song is also popular in the Japanese Internet communities, having been included in several of the Kumikyoku Nico Nico Douga mashups, particularly its chorus which begins with "Ichiman nen to nisen nen mae kara aishiteru."
"Sousei no Aquarion" is that rare song that has universal appeal (even in its English version): almost everyone likes it. A song about love that transcends time, its appeal comes from AKINO's beautiful voice especially in the sweeping and uplifting chorus. It's internet coverage and obiquity in Japanese media ensures that this song's appeal remains timeless... and that's a good thing."
9."Invoke" by T.M.Revolution (Gundam Seed OP 1) [2002]
""Invoke is the 20th single released by T.M.Revolution. It kickstarted the music of the Cosmic Era of Gundam. Gundam SEED has become one of the most popular of the Gundam series in Japan, arguably the first to reach not only to the diehard fans of the series but also among casual viewers in Japan. The adolation the series gained spread to its music, six of the songs are sung by T.M.Revolution, the best of which is this high energy song which almost went to #1. In 2002, after listening and getting inspired by T.M.Revolution's "THUNDERBIRD", Gundam SEED director Fukuda Mitsuo asked him to perform the first opening theme, "Invoke", and the rest is history. Such upbeat songs has since been the template of Gundam openings ever since."
"Invoke" talks about a conflicting love, one that shines then burns, one that reflects the storyline of Gundam Seed, particularly the main characters. TMR's steady and passionate vocals is the highlight of this song. With a beat that's more suited for the clubs rather than outer space battles, the song nevertheless provides the restless energy and enthusiasm that the accompanies the latter that one can't wait for the main battle to start."
8."Ready Steady Go" by L'Arc~en~Ciel (Fullmetal Alchemist OP 2) [2004]
""Ready Steady Go" is L'Arc~en~Ciel's 22nd single. It was used as the second opening theme for the anime Full Metal Alchemist going #1 and selling loads of CDs. Such was the success of Ready Steady Go that L'Arc~en~Ciel was called upon again to provide the opening and ending theme to the Full Metal Alchemist movie released in the summer of 2005.It's not that L'Arc~en~Ciel, among the most popular and influencial Japanese artists of all time, lacks the track record. when it comes to anime songs, everything L'Arc~en~Ciel touches turns to gold. DNAČ ("Blurry Eyes"), Rurouni Kenshin ("Fourth Avenue Cafe") and GTO ("Driver's High") had benefited from their music. After its initial release, "Ready Steady Go" was featured as a song in the Japan-exclusive Nintendo DS launch music video game, Daigasso! Band Brothers. It was also featured in the Japan-exclusive 2005 iNiS music video game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan as the last stage.
Hyde's voice is great in this song. The controlled and confident tone of his voices blends well with the song's lyrics of moving forward towards reaching a loved one. This song brings the epic in what many are calling the anime of the decade"
7."Akatsuki no Kuruma" by FictionJunction YUUKA (Gundam Seed IN) [2003]
""Akatsuki no Kuruma" is the 3rd single of J-pop duo (composer Kajiura Yuki and seiyuu Nanri Yuuka) FictionJunction YUUKA, though it was their first recording. The title track was used as an insert song for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and the ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Special Edition II Harukanaru Akatsuki. Although the song has been out since June 2003 it was not released as a single but due of its massive popularity and the fact that it was Gundam SEED's one-year anniversary, "Akatsuki no Kuruma" was released as a single in September 2004. It debuted at #12 but peaked at #10 and had a long run in the Oricon chart. It was the FictionJunction YUUKA's best selling single and the duo failed to replicated the huge success of this song and their other Gundam song ("Honoh no Tobira", the first seiyuu single to hit #1 on Oricon daily rankings). They have not released any new materials since 2007.
"Akatsuki no Kuruma" is a song that talks of war and its more dire of consequences death and the pain and grief it cause to those left behind. Such theme suits very well to the scene played in the video above. One of the few songs that's so emotional it really pulls you deep and that powerful farewell scene with Cagalli and her father had several weeping in tears. Such a beautiful and heartbreaking song, made even beautiful by lyrics such as these:
Sending off the dawn's carriage
Those orange petals are stirring somewhere even now
The peaceful daybreak I once saw
Until it is placed in my hands once more,
please don't let the light go out
The wheels are turning (English translated)"
6."Don't say "lazy"" by Sakurakou K-ON Bu (K-ON! ED) [2009]
""Don't say "lazy"" is the debut single released by Sakurakou K-ON Bu. It was released on the same day as "Cagayake! GIRLS". Due to the popularity of the anime series, the former peaked at #2 and the latter at #4 on Oricon. "lazy" went on to became the #33 single of 2009. Sakurakou K-ON Bu is a Japanese pop group formed by four voice actresses to sing theme songs of the fictional group of the same name in K-ON!. In May 2009 (episode 8 of K-ON!), a new unit, HO-KAGO TEA TIME, was formed with an additional member. They released their debut mini-album, the first album credited to fictional anime characters to top
the charts. "lazy" was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for 250,000 full-track ringtone digital music downloads (Chaku Uta Full).
"Don't say "lazy" is, in essence, fun to listen to. The vocals are intense and passionate much so that it sounds likes the next song in this list but with ominous, intense and edgy hard rock music in the background. The lyrics basically describes the group (especially Yui) as being carefree and easily distracted but one that pumps up the volume come show time. While the song's popularity may be questioned in the long run since much of its success is owed to the popular anime series currently airing it is certain that it won't go away anytime soon."
5."Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" by Supercell (Bakemonogatari ED) [2009]
""Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" is the debut single by the J-pop band Supercell led by ryo. They are known for their self-titled debut album featuring vocals by popular virtual idol Hatsune Miku and are considered one of the best new artists in Japan. However, this single was sung by (human) singer Nagi who had previously submitted cover versions of songs (some by Supercell) to the Nico Nico Douga video sharing website. Ryo had been a fan of her voice even before uploading his own songs to Nico Nico Douga. Roughly the next day after Ryo uploaded Supercell's first song "Melt" onto Nico Nico Douga Nagi uploaded a cover of her singing the song. Nagi, who was herself a fan of Ryo's music, contacted him and the two talked about someday collaborating together. After Ryo used Hatsune Miku for the demo of "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari", he thought the vocal range would wear out any human singer, but was he pleased to find out that Nagi had just as wide a vocal range as Miku and decided to have her sing the song. This was the first song not to use Hatsune Miku for the vocals. Ryo did not want to copy the tone or style of the original Bakemonogatari novels, because he felt the author would enjoy the song more if it was more original. Thus, Ryo wrote a different story after borrowing the general setting of the novels. The lyrics tell the story of a girl with an unrequited love who was never able to convey her feelings to the person she loved. In January 2010, the song was certified gold by the RIAJ for 100,000 full-track ringtone digital music downloads and was again awarded a Gold Disc by the RIAJ in February 2010 for having exceeded 100,000 copies shipped in a single year.
"Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" is a modern masterpiece. An excellent move on ryo's part to have Nagi at vocals instead of a virtual voice, considering all the emotions involved in the song. She has a beautiful, soothing and ethereal voice here that one listen to her vocal performance coupled by the excellent rocking music and that striking pounding piano and already you are hooked. The theme of unrequited love set to the stories concerning the Summer Triangle makes for a heartwarming companion piece to the anime particularly its last episode."
4."God knows..." by Aya Hirano (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya IN) [2006]
""God knows..." is featured in episode 12 of the The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya anime series in a highschool auditorium setting sang by the titular main character that ranks as one of the most memorable musical moments in Anime. It is included in "Suzumiya Haruhi no Tsumeawase", a special character single released for the series. The single also contains the other insert song featured in that scene, "Lost My Music". "God knows..." reached #5 on the Oricon weekly charts and charted for 133 and is one of Oricon's longest charting single. The song is sung by Hirano Aya. After graduating high school in 2006, she began to work full-time as a voice actress and picked up several roles. Her popularity was increased significantly thanks to her breakout role as Haruhi Suzumiya. Aside from "God Knows" she performed several songs for the show, including the opening song, "Bouken Desho Desho?" whose CD single sold out on the day of release and of THAT other song in the Top 10. Animators of the series traced the performance of Hirano and her band by Rotoscoping, and drew the performance scene in animation which lead to the crowning music of awesome (as coined by tvtropes) in Anime.
On "God Knows..." Hirano's powerful and stirring vocals match perfectly with the high school auditorium feel and setting to give the effect of a stunning live performance. The music composition too is great, the shredding lead guitar in particular (not like Nagato can help it). That anime musical performance is so believable and amazing that it probably sparked the trend of sorts in Anime as can be seen in Nodame Cantabile, K-On! and recently in Angel Beats. Many even prefer this song to all other Haruhi songs. The lyrics are quiet good too, talking about an undying and redemptive love and how one in love follows that someone through thick and thin. This is the standard to which all songs featured in an anime episode are judged from now on. It's a pretty steep standard."
3."Melissa" by Porno Graffitti (Fullmetal Alchemist OP 1) [2003]
""Melissa" is Porno Graffitti's 12th single. It reached #2 in Oricon charts and was the #34 single of 2003 and the #66 single of 2004. FMA is widely considered one of the best Anime TV series to come out this decade. The FMA soundtrack is equally praised for its varying styles of music as well as the variety of artists that make every song enjoyable. DVDvisionjapan considered this song as the best track of the series remarking that it made a good combination of anime and song which this list whole-hearted agrees.
"Melissa" has nary a boring verse and seems to be better with each listen. Lyrics depicting a person with a closed heart eager to break out into the light and fleet in the midair like a Melissa leaf does jive with the tone of the music. It's a shame that the song was excluded when it was brought to the U.S., and was replaced by "Ready Steady Go" (due to promotional issues). U.S. viewers would not find it hard to like this gem."
2."* ~Asterisk~" by Orange Range (Bleach OP 1) [2004]
""* ~Asterisk~" is ORANGE RANGE's 10th single. It's the third biggest selling anime theme song of the decade (after Detective Conan's "Secret of My Heart" and Inuyasha's "Dearest") selling more than 600,000 copies to date. It is a song that the band had performed since their early indie days and one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular groups in Japan today. It stayed on the Top 20 for 22 weeks in Oricon, several at #1 and was the #4 single of 2005. While it was the band's second super sized hit, it came with a price. A few singles after "* ~Asterisk~", the band's drummer and co-founding member, KATCHAN, announced he was leaving the band due to "creative differences". He was against the band's move to more and more into hip-hop and away from rock. As a result, the band then somewhat slowed down but regained some of their former glory in the succeeding years.
* ~Asterisk~" indeed has rap in it, with its fast paced lyrics and beats in its verses, but did not forego guitar rock and pop elements. The lyrics are "atmospheric", with images of the sky, the moon and the stars relecting our memories and feelings through time scattered throughout the song. It makes for an idyllic listening and has a calming effect seldom heared in rap-rock songs. The perfect song to introduce the theme of friendship and high energy found in Bleach."
1."Hare Hare Yukai" by Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, and Yuko Goto (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya ED) [2006]
"Literally translated as "Sunny Sunny Happiness", Hare Hare Yukai is the name of the ending theme and the accompanying dance done by the main characters of "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" series. The animated choreography accompanying the song was based on several singles by the idol group Berryz Kobo. Along with the single that contains "God Knows", the single which includes "Hare Hare Yukai" is known as one of Oricon's longest charting singles. But beyond its impact on the charts, the song and its dance was massively influential in the internet and has become a cultural phenomenon of sorts in Japan. The Hare Hare Yukai dance, originally broadcasted as part of the closing credits, became an Internet "meme". Right after the pilot episode fans began making and sharing parodies and fanmade videos inspired by the dance on the Internet from countries around the world. Some even arranged tribute performances via 2chan and many of those videos were posted on video sharing websites such as YouTube. The number of derivatives multiplied, featuring other anime/manga/videogame characters as well as the contributors themselves. During 2007-2008, in anime conventions, it is common to see at least one group of 3-5 people doing the Hare Hare Yukai dance. In a handful of expos, characters ranging from Darth Vader to Optimus Prime danced alongside Haruhi cosplayers and some instances, dozens of people participated in number of Hare Hare Yukai dances all over Japan.One video shows around a thousand Japanese cosplayers blocking an entire street to perform the dance shortly before they are dispersed by the presence of Tokyo Police. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is perhaps one of the most popular dances in recent memory. Its dance steps has its own wiki entry and even a facebook page. Cosplayers from around the world, with it's biggest influence on the Philipines, Chile, and Thailand. It was even performed by the "Thriller" prisoners in the Philippines.
One can argue by the foregoing that Hare Hare Yukai's standing has a lot to do with the popularity of the dance but on it's own merit the song is definitely catchy, cutesy and unique with lyrics that pertains to Haruhi's fun memories with her brigade during their neverending search for "mysteries". It influenced many theme songs from similarly themed animes thereafter, like Lucky Star and K-ON! While there is a chance that the song will become increasingly dated with each passing year, for now no song could better represent the decade where Internet pervades all aspects of our lives, including our taste in anime theme songs."