Songs of Summer 2019

Summer is ending. Depending where you are in the world, the leaves may be turning, days may be getting shorter, and we bid adieu to many new friends we made this season (I’ll miss you Momo Chiyoda!). To help pass the time before the fall season starts fresh, us esteemed writers have brought you a perfect playlist to help transition from the summer doldrums to fall’s great (sequel) expectations. And – since we’re writers – we explain why we like these tunes, then let you have listen. Enjoy!

Wooper: [Vinland Saga] “Torches” by Aimer

The ED Queen returned this season with another anime original song, this time for Vinland Saga. I love Aimer’s voice, as it’s a bit huskier than most spritely J-pop vocalists can manage, and that dramatic quality makes it pair well with strings. In addition to a string section, “Torches” busts out a mandolin and backing percussion that approximates the clacking and pounding of Norse drums (most easily heard during the first chorus). As a result, the song is alternately rustic and intense, as though it could be sung either around a campfire or aboard an 11th century longboat. Aimer’s chanted background vocals near the end of each chorus certainly help set the latter mood. Lyrically, the song is filled with metaphors for Thorfinn’s character (a storm-battered torch, a fallen flag) and healing words directed at the deep wounds he carries. There’s a direct reference to Vinland during the extended final chorus, as well: “For the sake of the golden sparkling scene before my eyelids / And the days of blessings that finally came.” As much as Thorfinn has endured thus far, the placement of “Torches” at the end of each episode promises a place of rest at the end of his journey.

Lenlo: [Dr. Stone] “LIFE” by Rude-α

I’ll be frank, I am not normally one for rap, at least so far as the American scene goes. But the Japanese languages lends such a unique cadence and flow to the words to my ears. Sandwich that between what is more traditional rock, and LIFE is now reminding me of an old classic I will forever love, Feel Good Inc. So different, yet so similar in structure. Meanwhile as far as the lyrics go, LIFE is a celebration of exactly what the title says. Describing someone whose passion is unending, burning like a wildfire. Living everyday like its their last, always striving to know more. Perpetually questioning things around them. Their head in the starts, regardless of those who stand against them. Basically, LIFE describes Senku our protagonist and his passion for Science. Yet in a broader scope, it describes every member of the Kingdom of Science. Moving beyond the song for a second, you can see all of this is the straightforward, but telling visuals of the ED. Flashing over humanity, our achievements and the shows cast itself. Suffice to say, LIFE is not a complicated ED by any stretch. But Dr.STONE is a rather simple series at heart, and I think it fits it perfectly because of that.

Mario: [LORD EL-MELLOI II] “Hibari” by ASCA

Such a melodic song might not seem like a good fit for Lord El-Melloi II the show at first, but the quiet melancholic tune gets me everytime. ASCA is known mostly for her songs in Sword Art Online and The Pet Girl of Sakurasou, here she shines again with an equally great delivery. The focus of this ED is about Gray and her quest to find her own purpose of life, which align to her whole character arc in this series. I also enjoy the visual presentation of the ED, in which they use montages of her in the mainframes through the passages of time and friends around her. An understated but heartfelt ED by all means.

Honorable mention: any Carole & Tuesday songs, especially this one

Amun: [Fire Force] “Inferno” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE

I was inspired to write something about the songs from the season when I realized I had watched every single Fire Force OP. Something about the combination of the opening animation with the upbeat but quirky track by Mrs. GREEN APPLE has brought me back 12 times so far – and I’m sure many more in the future. The animation is superlative, the lyrics fitting, but what makes this a special symbiosis is how the song’s buildup is misdirected and contorted into something a little unexpected – I think that mirrors this anime perfectly. It’s as if the anime’s strange sense of timing somehow infected the songwriter and brought about this collaboration. And with the amazing visuals and catchy track, I hope “Inferno” inspires you to watch Fire Force, if you’re not already (and please forgive the silly cat character)!