Hatsukoi Limited Original Soundtrack – Review

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Review: On the surface, Hatsukoi Limited appears to be a mindless romantic comedy until it hits you at unexpected moments by revealing its depth which can be probed further. You may have to traverse some of the sillier parts to reach the brilliant moments, but if you’re patient, the series rewards you through its depiction of the emotional ups and downs and the awkwardness of first love.

The soundtrack captures the main thematic element of the series quite well, lending its soft touches to strengthen the overall emotional impact, be it a sense of panic borne from the presence of a love rival or the clumsiness of arranging a confession only to have it backfire. It blends in with its scenes well and I hardly noticed its presence when watching the series. After listening to the music, it became readily apparent why: unlike most anime soundtracks, Hatsukoi Limited doesn’t contain a theme that’s readily identifiable nor does it contain a really strong, standout melody to pick up on. So while this allows its composer, Nijine, to convey many of the same emotions through different tracks, it’s not that memorable of a listen.

It doesn’t meant the soundtrack is bad, especially if you enjoy pretty piano and violin pieces with a dash of the outlandish here and there. The music conveys the romantic mood well though. For example, the piano in “feel your heart” sets the tone of the soundtrack by taking things slowly as it depicts someone coming to terms with their romantic feelings for the very first time. The track itself brings out a pleasant atmosphere with that dab of euphoria that allows it to shines in its simplicity. As you go further, you’ll hit upon “first love impression,” which extends that atmosphere by adding a stringed section, creating a rich timbre and allowing that romantic aura to bubble up slowly and yearningly through the piano part. Its pacing is just right, and the way in which the instruments express the titular emotions makes this track my favorite.

feel your heart
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first love impression
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First love is anything but smooth sailing, and the soundtrack’s depiction of the romantic developments between Hatsukoi Limited’s characters accurately portrays the roller-coaster ride of emotions that they experience. One thing to keep in mind is that because this show is a comedy, the depressing tracks really aren’t that depressing. “Nayami no Genin wa…’s” slow-paced keyboard captures the despair and melancholia borne from a rejection, but not to the point that they’re disheartened by the setback so as to give up completely. And sure enough, you can hear the attempt at a restart through “Amanojaku na Kare to Kanojo.” The track features short piano segments that imitate the slow, deliberate steps of someone scheming to win the target’s heart. Unfortunately, the plan’s clumsy execution can be heard through the unwieldy tuba part and it’s a matter of time before the plan falls apart, resulting in the frenetic pacing of the synth melody in “Panic Web” as the hilarious aftermath unfolds before our very eyes.

Nayami no Genin wa…
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Panic Web
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The above tracks, while accurate in describing the turmoil and mayhem that the characters experience, just aren’t the types of pieces that get me excited. Then there is also one track, “Bonnou no Sasayaki,” that is just plain weird as it uses a percussive rhythm paired with a honking noise that sounds like a seal. Luckily, those tracks make up a minor part of the album; it’s slice of life tracks like “Soyokaze ni Notte” and “Narande Arukou’s” piano and guitar melody that are the mainstays. I didn’t find them especially memorable, but if that’s the kind of music you enjoy, you’ll be in good company for most of the way through.

Bonnou no Sasayaki
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Narande Arukou
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The soundtrack does end on a very optimistic note though “Anata ga Suki Dakara” and that’s one piece you’ll want to take note of. It depicts a realization of love especially well, especially in the strings during 0:15, 0:39, and again at 0:52 which emphasize the stirring of emotions quite well. You can’t help but feel the warmth creeping over you as the characters’ efforts pay off and they achieve the happiness that they have sought from the very beginning.

Anata ga Suki Dakara
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Hatsukoi Limited’s soundtrack isn’t going to be knocking anyone’s socks off, but the music is pleasant enough for you to be able to sit back and enjoy in a relaxed setting. But if you were looking for a more engaging experience that conveys the anxiety, but heartfelt moments of high school romances, then I’d look to Aoi Hana’s soundtrack, where its memorable musical themes result in a better listening experience overall.

Rating: Good