How do you expand your music taste? Do you get hooked to band after hearing it at a friend's place? Or do you make it a point to look for new bands? Reason I ask is simple: I recently found out that I expand my music collection based on my favorite anime series. Hence, I discover a new band through the official soundtracks of an anime series and next thing you know, I am looking it up on Amazon and ordering various albums of that artist or band. I wonder if this actually narrows my genre as opposed to expanding my tastes? As it is, I noticed that a number of my newly discovered bands/artists almost always fall into the power metal genre. Or at least lurk on the fringes of rock. Well, here goes the list – the folks who sang my top favorite anime opening/closing songs. [Note: this is part I, for part II click here]

1. Anna Tsuchiya  (theme songs for Nana)

This list is in no particular order; this artist made it to the top of the list purely because this is the most recent discovery. That's right, I started watching Nana (the anime) and I've been hooked to Tsuchiya's music ever since. I think it helps that Tsuchiya resembles the hardcore punk singer from the anime series, thus bringing her songs to life. Can you imagine if it was someone more flowery and so, spoilt the entire image of Nana (the main character from the series)? Her music falls into the cusp of the rock-pop genre; sometimes it is delightfully hardcore, sometimes it is head-bopping fun. Check out other songs by Tsuchiya here.

2. Maximum the Hormone (What's up people: Death Note)

They've done their fair share of songs and are rather popular in their own right. But, you have to admit, a lot of folks were drawn to their music after they contributed to the opening and closing numbers of Death Note. That's right, that's where you've heard them. Their music styles are classed as nu-metal where their most noticeable numbers, at least in my opinion, are their punk style songs. It does fit the dark theme of Death Note, with its suspenseful moments as well as the whole 'madmen off to take over the world' scenario. Check out other songs by this group here.

3. On/Off (Opening theme for Vampire Knight)

The song in question is called "Futatsu no Kod? to Akai Tsumi". It's one of those songs that will cling to one lobe or other in your brain, thus making sure you can't get it out of your mind. Keep in mind this song – and others by them - are a bit on the soft, mushy side and hence, is probably one of those bands that you listen when you are in the mood. And alone at home, with no co-workers to judge your musical leanings. All in all, I've only liked one song by On/Off so far; all others are kind of bland. It might even be their link to Vampire Knight that makes even one of their songs worth noting. It makes sense given that Vampire Knight was largely about the love triangle and the lead characters conflicted feelings. Well, check out their songs here; for something really cheesy, try the mushy version of opening theme here (features the lead singers).

4. Naozumi Takahashi (Ashita no Kioku for Black Blood Brothers)

This is an interesting one. Apparently he is not an artist or part of a band; rather, he is a voice actor who released two singles, one of which was that catchy number for Black Blood Brothers. More's the pity, since his song did set the pace for this high-paced vampire anime. The song is upbeat with just the right amount of guitar solos which certainly spells hardcore action, doesn't it?The fact that it is not overly dark also helps as the anime features a lot of funny bits and lighthearted romance (or was I just imagining the love angle popping up?). 

Wait, there's more. If you want to find out about other great songs from anime series, check out part II of this list here.