Now, the answer to the obvious question regarding why we’re doing this now when five months have passed instead of January or February has to do with erratic soundtrack release schedules. In short, some OSTs from 2010 didn’t get a release until April, and so, we feel that despite that late release, they merit a listen all the same and we wish to make sure that all of our bases are covered before rendering final judgment. Anyhow, it’s time to take a look at the best of 2010, right after the jump.

Soundtrack of the Year – Fairy Tail

From the moment the first notes sounded out Fairy Tail’s main theme, the gut reaction is that this soundtrack was going to be something special. Nowhere before (in our memory at least) has there been such a prodigiously awesome fusion of Celtic, rock, and a sprinkling of Eastern tonality all joined together into such a splendid package. Though most of us rarely check out the music to shounen anime, when we discovered that Yasuharu Takanashi would be helming the soundtrack for Fairy Tail, there was no way we could ignore it.

The main theme is a shining example of how to score a shounen anime. While the word epic is simply overused, no word in can justly describe the sheer intensity conveyed through the main theme’s Celtic rock, which fittingly conjures up kickass fight scenes and evokes the vibe of the legendary journey to the point that listening to the music is an experience in and of itself. Fairy Tail excels in conveying all facets of the grand odyssey that the characters embark upon, ranging from the physical tests, the determination that drives them onwards, and the emotions that swirl about, all the while keeping us enthralled. Though a few soundtracks from 2010 come close to Fairy Tail’s quality, none exceed it. That’s why Fairy Tail’s soundtrack rightfully deserves the award for Soundtrack of the Year.

FAIRY TAIL Main Theme

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Magic Invocation

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Destiny

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Composer of the Year – Michiru Ooshima

With so many great composers out in the field, it’s difficult to single out an individual as the “best” composer of them all. Composers the industry over toil over their work endlessly, carefully digging through the recesses of their minds for that uncanny spark of inspiration that will set the train in motion for just a few more measures. And 2010 was a year where many composers got to strut their stuff.

This year, we give this honor to Michiru Ooshima, the creative mind behind the soundtracks to Sora no Woto and The Tatami Galaxy. Ooshima has been able to craft songs that complement the anime’s narrative. Compositions like “Une Lumiere Envoutante” from Sora no Woto’s soundtrack are deeply moving and affecting, setting the foundation for the anime’s war-torn, broken land while succeeding at sounding lovely as it brings an underlying complexity that doesn’t just reiterate the exposition but enhances it. She’s also adept at cultivating the mixture of idealism and despair in Tatami Galaxy as she pulls the viewer into the story, allowing us to empathize with the characters, all without forgetting to write good music that stands strongly on its own.

Opening Theme of the Year – Working!! – Someone Else

If Working!!’s amusing antics weren’t already enough to cement it in the anime fanbase’s memory, its OP definitely completed that task, no sweat. Sung by the show’s starring female seiyuu (Kana Asumi, Saki Fujita, Eri Kitamuri), the song is an insanely addictive ska experience. The energy of the brass and enthusiasm in the seiyuu’s voices add to the catchiness of the tune. Of course, the chorus can’t be forgotten either (as if it can be forgotten). The adorable mispronunciation of English words makes the repeating calls of “SOMEWAN” echo in your mind long into the future. Somewan! Wan wan! Wan wan wan…

Ending Theme of the Year – Tatami Galaxy – Kami-sama no Iu Toori

Of all the artists to have entered our collective radars, I think Etsuko Yakushimaru has us the most entranced. Her performance on “Venus to Jesus” for Arakawa Under the Bridge’s opening theme is engaging as she brings her soothing voice along with a catchy rhythm and chorus to draw people in.

But of her songs, nothing quite stands out like Tatami Galaxy’s “Kami-sama no Iu Toori.” With Yoshinori Sunahara’s synth compositions leading the way, Etsuko Yakushimaru delivers a methodical, robotic performance, and in doing so, gives the song as a sinister aura. There’s barely a hint of emotion in her delivery as if she’s completely numb; the only trace of feeling is when she implores God for guidance. While that’s normally a weakness in any other song, her vocal qualities work well in conjunction with the instrumentals to keep us completely hypnotized, rendering it an unforgettable experience.

Notes: While we’re taking this opportunity to showcase what we thought were the best of 2010, rest assured that this won’t be the last you’ll hear out of 2010′s offerings since we do intend to give 2010 the same treatment we gave all of the soundtracks and OP/EDs from 2000-2009. So stay tuned for our upcoming articles.

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

Review: One of my favorite bands is the folk/Celtic metal band Eluveitie. Originating from Switzerland, across three albums, and with a fourth one expected later this year, they have challenged Awesome, slapped it in the face with a hurdy gurdy, and won.

Check them out:

[[Visit blog to check out this spoiler]]

Now imagine how excited I was when I heard this in the first episode of the brand new Fairy Tail anime:

Fairy Tail Main Theme
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

I was then instantly saddened when the next episode featured a lame remix of a tune that had me thinking a can-can line would march across my computer screen at any moment.  And given that this is Fairy Tail we’re talking about, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they had.

As far as music went, I was content with the fact that any time Natsu did something awesome it was accompanied by an equally awesome Celtic rock theme.  Other than that, I didn’t think much of the music.

But then episode twelve came along, and we got this little ditty in “Akuma no Deliora” which absolutely floored me.  From a series that until then seemed to rip all their music (save one) from classical composers, this came across as a shock.  I was amazed at how well the music set the tone for the scene and instantly realized that not only was the quality of the anime going up, the soundtrack was turning out to be worth paying attention to.

Akuma no Deliora
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

After listening to the soundtrack, I was in aural ecstasy.  None of the remixes used in earlier episodes were present and I was discovering music besides Natsu’s theme that I hadn’t even noticed.

The OST’s strength lies in its fast-paced, action-oriented themes.  The Celtic rock ballad fits the anime perfectly in the way it single-handedly fleshes out the world.  It adds a new layer to the culture of the world that previously hadn’t been there for me.

On the other hand, I wasn’t entirely impressed by the slower songs.  Though that may have more to do with personal preference.

Yasuharu Takanashi did a great job expanding  Hiro Mashima’s world through the character themes.  The pieces themselves are extensions of the characters’ personalities.  For example, Erza’s theme starts on a graceful note, before shifting into a faster-paced, epic theme, that establishes strength and power, while still retaining an element of her feminine nature.

Erza no Theme
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Gray’s theme is straight up rock, with a hint of punk.  Like Erza’s it starts slightly low key, before revving up into a faster pace.  It stands apart from the rest of the soundtrack to an extent in that it does not have the Celtic theme, but that just helps to express the character further.  It’s not my favorite among the character themes, but it suits him perfectly.

Gray no Theme
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Lucy’s theme is light-hearted and cheerful, exactly like the girl herself.  When I first heard the theme I immediately thought of the French Riviera; the upbeat music does an excellent job in lending a sophisticated air to fit the sometimes-vain Lucy quite well.  As you probe further underneath the surface of the track, you will find the same Celtic theme that comes up in Natsu’s theme.  It’s subtle, but it does hint at a connection between the two characters as the Celtic theme ties them both together, strengthening them so that they can overcome any obstacle in their path.

Lucy No Theme
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

So while Lucy’s theme is plucky and upbeat, Natsu’s fast paced and action packed theme paints him as a man of action.  It’s hard to imagine Natsu being greater than he already is, but his theme does exactly this, while still building on his already existing character.  By giving voice to what we already knew and adding many more elements to his character, it effectively renders this track a collage of everything that makes him Natsu.    This was the track that brought
Fairy Tail’s music to my attention, and despite a slight dip in quality at first, it still cemented the soundtrack as something worth looking forward to.

Natsu no Theme
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

The only other character theme is Mirajane’s, which is only one of two among the slower songs that I like.  The music is a perfect match for her character.  It’s peaceful and relaxing, with a motherly quality to it.  But, since there is more to Mirajane than is apparent to the eye, I can’t wait to see the variation of her theme in later episodes, especially during the Laxus arc.

Mirajane no Theme
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Finally, we come to the slow version of the Main Theme.  This is the other slow piece that I enjoyed a lot, and is rated five stars in my iTunes folder, along with Natsu and Erza’s themes.  It’s more than just an arrangement of the main theme with the tempo slowed down; it sounds almost nothing like the main theme, while sounding exactly like it all at once.  It is all encompassing, majestically powerful, and melancholy, all at the same time.  Every time I listen to it I get the chills.  As the last track in the OST, it’s nothing if not perfect.  And after all the emotions I went through listening to this soundtrack, this theme ends it on a decidedly powerful note.

Fairy Tail Main Theme (Slow Ver.)
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

I don’t know why Takanashi chose to go with Celtic rock, but I thank him for doing so.  The music carries with it a promise of excitement and action, while depicting the anime’s epic characters and delivering a fun experience.  The first Fairy Tail OST makes for an enjoyable start, and I can’t wait to see how the music for this series continues to further the plot and the characters.

Rating: Excellent

Burning Lizard, also known as Derek Bown, will be contributing occasionally to Anime Instrumentality. You can read more of Derek’s work at Burning Lizard Studios, where he writes about manga, movies, and anime.