Top 10 Anime Songs of 2022
Top 10 Anime Songs of 2022
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Songs of 2022. For this list, we’ll be looking at the best tunes to come from anime this year. What’s your favorite anime song of the season? Let us know in the comments!
#10: “Katachi”
“Made in Abyss” (2017-22) There’s a wonderful melting pot of styles and tones in this opening melody. It’s a dash of adventure, a sprinkle of haunting instrumentation, and just a touch of hopeful vocals. Together, the result is a memorable recipe. The childlike wonder of the performance never completely overshadows the edgy beat. On its own, that tricky balance is impressive enough. But, it really steals the show as the opener for the second season of the similarly-themed “Made in Abyss.” Not that it needs the connection to earn its place as an impossible catchy ballad. After all, the chorus alone is worth hitting replay for.
#9: “This FFFire”
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“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” (2022) This is so much more than an average anime song. For one, it was originally written by a Scottish rock band in 2003. It was re-released a year after, and then sat on the shelves collecting dust until it was repurposed for “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.” Yeah, it’s been around the block a few times, but that just speaks to how utterly rocking it is. Even almost twenty years after its debut, the opening guitar chords are still downright hypnotic. Add in emotional vocals and a bombastic chorus, and it’s no wonder the song has reignited in popularity. Clearly, it’s set fire to more than just its sick beat.
#8: “Mixed Nuts”
“Spy × Family” (2022-) It may start with an unsettling rise of the piano, but that’s just an undercover disguise for one of the most charming rhythms of recent memory. That’s not even the best part, either. No, that belongs to the fact that it just keeps topping itself. After a lively start, and even more festive bridge, the high-octane chorus ramps up the energy into something that’s just plain fun. Every single element brims with life, all the way down to the Japanese lyrics. They flow with a distinct cadence that’s plain satisfying to listen to even for non-native speakers. When it comes to pure spirit, this one is practically unmatched.
#7: “KICK BACK”
“Chainsaw Man” (2022-) From its eclectic opening beat, it’s clear this is a song like none other. The varied use of instruments, spooky tune, and off-putting vocals are a spine-tingling combination. Thankfully, the build pays off with a rocking chorus that totally drops the beat. But, the confident rhythm soon swerves tones again into an unforgettably emotional bridge. It’s a weird blend of ideas that works better than it has any right to, but that’s precisely why it’s such a good fit for the bloody vibe of “Chainsaw Man.” Though, even if it weren’t attached to one of anime’s hottest properties, its unique sound would easily help it carve a path to fame.
#6: “Scar”
“Bleach” (2004-12; 2022-) Anime’s never had a shortage of iconic pump-up songs, but 2022 brought a new one that might just take the crown. After a lengthy hiatus, “Bleach’s” long-awaited return was championed by a suitably epic intro number. The heavy instrumentation has plenty of edge to it, but it’s really sold by the impassioned lead vocals. The emotional performance adds an undeniable weight to every note, lyric, and chord. Suffice it to say, it’s a head-banging addition to “Bleach’s” already stellar soundtrack. Though, it’s also a worthy addition to any anime playlist, period. It may have taken a few years, but this song was definitely worth the wait.
#5: “NEVER SAY GOODBYE”
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“Golden Kamuy” (2018-) “Epic” doesn’t feel like it does this justice. Even something as simple as its own opening chords are striking in a way few other songs manage to be. By the time it transitions into the moving bridge, the weighty rhythm has already ramped up to the extreme. And don’t even get us started on the chorus. But, amazingly, it also feels a bit restrained at the same time. It’s never overly loud or explosive. Instead, it finds its impact through an outstanding orchestral sound and a measured rise of tempo. At a certain point, the word “song” itself doesn’t feel fitting anymore. “Anthem” is a much better choice.
#4: “Naked Hero”
“Ranking of Kings” (2021-22) All in all, this one could earn its place in history based on its lead vocals alone. Of course, the excellent tune doesn’t hurt. But, the raw performance elevates the music into something completely irresistible. It’s not chipper, but it’s sad, either. Rather, it’s a deliberate impression of emotion that could only be conveyed through music. It’s surprisingly tender for a song that, on paper, could have very well been interpreted with more energy. But, it’s because of its authentic approach that it earns a place among the all-time greats. It’s different, it’s empowering, and it’s one-hundred percent unskippable.
#3: “Bloody Power Fame”
“Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy” (2022) A strong opening theme is always appreciated, but they didn’t have to go so hard with this one. Its edgy name is no bluff, and all it takes is a few arrangements to prove that it rocks in more ways than one. The heavy-metal undertones completely steal the show. Plus, the energetic English lyrics make it easier to jam out than ever before. That part’s necessary since, more than anything else, this feels written for some loud, fist-pumping concerts. It may be named after blood, power, and fame, but they got bastards, metal, and rock-and-roll. Though, if you ask us, it worked out just fine.
#2: “Daten”
“Call of the Night” (2022) On principle alone, the unique blend of hip-hop and classical sounds make this a worthy composition. But, what really puts it over the edge is how much fun it’s having. The speedy lyrics leave a loud and clear message: either keep up, or be left behind. Rest assured, it’s worth the ride. The satisfying lyricality is nothing short of impressive, and it’s all tied together by a melody that’s easy to hum after just one listen. Though, it’s so catchy that once won’t be enough, anyways. Its high-energy makes it an easy addition to any playlist, if only to try and keep up with the lyrics one more time. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Chaos ga Kiwamaru”, “Blue Lock” (2022-) The Swift Tempo and Dramatic Delivery Score a Festive Goal “Giri Giri”, “Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War” (2019-) It Brims With Personality and a Distinctive Jazzy Flair “Hito Jibai”, “Classroom of the Elite” (2017-) This Breezy Tune Is Deceptively Good at Getting Stuck in Your Head “Where Love Is", “My Dress-Up Darling” (2022-) The Cute Tune Offers Refreshingly Low-Key Vibes “Your Name”, “The Case Study of Vanitas” (2021-22) It’s Got Style, It’s Got Gravitas, and It’s Got a Killer Chorus
#1: The Rumbling
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“Attack on Titan” (2013-) Nothing may ever top the unmitigated epicness of this starting beat. Though, that’s for good reason. What other song opens with a roar like this? Even aside from its obvious connection to “Attack on Titan,” this hard rock tune hits all the right notes. Both figuratively and literally. You don’t have to be familiar with the series to understand that these lyrics are a tour-de-force of writing. But, even if they do go over your head, the chilling screams are all-but impossible to ignore. With this kind of scale, it’s hard to see how even the in-universe rumbling can compete with the impact of this song.
