"BanG Dream! 3rd Season" is scheduled to air in 2020, and much of the interest is focused on what the new songs from the bands that will be featured will be like. While the story is important, the appeal of "BanG Dream!" also lies in its unique music. Six bands appear in the series, and this time we've ranked the songs from all of "BanG Dream!" that deserve to be called divine songs. If you're planning on getting into the music of "BanG Dream!" for the first time, be sure to check out the songs we've introduced.
10th Place: Time Lapse / Poppin'Party
Poppin'Party's "Time Lapse" is a song with a slightly different vibe than the typical girl bands they follow. It's a rock-infused track, and the guitar riff in the intro is sure to move listeners. The part where everyone sings "Woo-ooh-ooh" in unison is a great way to find yourself humming along, and it's one of Poppin'Party's recommended songs to get you pumping your fists and rocking out at live shows.
A sense of speed permeates the entire song
Although it's classified as an anime song, upon listening, you'll be struck by the quality. The song flows seamlessly from the intro to the verse and chorus, and even the transition from the first verse to the second verse is filled with a sense of speed. Even music lovers who reject anime songs and prefer rock will find Time Lapse a song that will have them groaning. It's the kind of song that brings everyone together at a summer festival, making penlights seem unnecessary.
9th Place: Tsunagu, Sora Moyou / Afterglow
Afterglow's "Tsunagu, Sora Moyou" is the song that symbolizes the second chapter of the game's band story. Afterglow's music is emotional, and "Tsunagu, Sora Moyou" is just as full of message and emotion. Listen to it and you'll immediately sense they're a girl rock band, and you'll be struck by their authentic style, unlike any other band.
Read the Game Story Alongside It
To fully enjoy "Tsunagu, Sora Moyou," we recommend also reading Chapter 2 of the in-game band story. Afterglow's lyrics and music are written by Ran Mitake, and "Tsunagu, Sora Moyou" is a song that's full of her signature style, making this very clear. Learning the feelings behind the creation of "Tsunagu, Sora Moyou" and the process behind it will surely add to the emotional impact.
#8: Kimi ga Inakucha! / Hello, Happy World!
"Kimi ga Inakucha!" (I Can't Live Without You!) from Hello, Happy World! is also a song that symbolizes the second chapter of the game's story. The music of Hello Happy World! is enhanced with brass band sounds, giving it a marching band feel, and the same can be said for "Kimi ga Inakucha!" (I Can't Live Without You!). The theme of being joyful to listen to is present throughout the entire game, and this theme is further sublimated and scaled up in "Kimi ga Inakucha!"
Happy! Lucky! Smile! Yay!
Hello, Happy World! Speaking of which, the song is a shout of "Happy! Lucky! Smile! Yay!" This phrase is included in the lyrics, making it feel like a culmination of their work. The song also features the usual call-and-response that is common in Hello Happy songs, and you'll find yourself humming along when you hear it. Combined with the fun rhythm, you'll find yourself swaying naturally, and it's a song that will lift your spirits when you're feeling down.
7th Place: CiRCLING / Poppin'Party
Poppin'Party's "CiRCLING" will resonate with anyone who has followed the Poppin'Party story. Regardless of the content, the song's message is powerful, with lines like "The love we receive is love for the world that continues to circulate" leaving a strong impression. This phrase is also used in the tagline on the CD jacket, making it a song that will stay with you for a long time.
A song with many different "wa" sounds
The lyrics of "CiRCLING" incorporate a variety of "wa" sounds. The three "wa" sounds—"wa" (circle), "wa" (harmony), and "wa" (ring)—each have different meanings, which gives the song a stronger message. The use of homonyms is also interesting, and the positive use of each sound is a hallmark of the band Poppin'Party. This alone makes it catchy, making it a must-listen Poppin'Party song.
6th Place: Teardrops / Poppin'Party
Poppin'Party's "Teardrops" is an intense rock song released in their early days. It was their third single, and while up until that point they had the cuteness typical of an anime song band, the release of "Teardrops" completely changed the impression of Poppin'Party. While "Time Lapse" is also an upbeat song, longtime Poppin'Party fans will undoubtedly recommend "Teardrops."
Songs Performed at Live Performances
"Teardrops" is a song often performed at Poppin'Party's live shows. Previously, it was often performed midway through shows, but now it's increasingly being performed first, instantly elevating the venue to a fever pitch. From the intro guitar riff to the heavy bass and keyboard sounds, every part is enjoyable. When you hear that this song is by an anime band, you'll likely be shocked and embarrassed by your prejudices.
5th Place: Nessho Starmine / Roselia
Roselia's "Nessho Starmine" is a song that embodies their signature style. The intro creates a majestic impression, immediately followed by a distinctive heavy sound that draws you in instantly, drawing you into the world of Roselia. The song is packed with Roselia's appeal, with a sound close to metal, and the song as a whole is a perfect representation of the band Roselia.
The phrase "Bloom wildly towards the peak"
Although not included in the lyrics of "Netsuiro Starmine," Yukina Minato's line "Bloom wildly towards the peak" is inserted just before the final chorus. The song depicts Roselia striving to reach the pinnacle of the music world, and the lyrics as a whole conjure up images of the girls racing toward their goal. Hearing this phrase at a live performance will undoubtedly leave you in awe of the powerful presence of vocalist Aina Aiba.
4th Place: Shuwarin☆Dreamin / Pastel*Palettes
Pastel*Palettes' "Shuwarin☆Dreamin" was one of the first songs released for the "Bang Dream!" game. The song is filled with the cuteness typical of idol-style bands, and you can immediately sense its unique charm. The lyrics incorporate the "fizzy" sound from the title, which likely contributes to its pleasant listening experience. Not only will you never tire of listening to this song, you might even find yourself becoming deeply engrossed.
Rock with an Idol-like Quality
Pastel*Palettes may technically be idols, but they're actually a band, not a unit. While synthesizers dominate the song, the guitar sounds heard throughout are just as cool as any rock band. Of course, the bass and drums that support the guitar sounds are also impressive, and if you listen carefully and in detail, you'll soon realize that "Shuwarin☆Dreamin" is truly a divine song.
3rd Place: BLACK SHOUT / Roselia
We've ranked "BLACK SHOUT," the debut song of Roselia, one of the most popular bands in "Bang Dream!", in third place. The song maintains the same worldview as its debut, allowing you to enjoy not only its majestic atmosphere but also its heavy, metal-infused music. While the all-girl band Poppin'Party already exists, Roselia's appearance may seem out of place. However, they are now beloved by many Bandori fans.
A band with a strong personality
It's no exaggeration to say that Roselia's worldview was established from their debut. From "Black Shout" onward, as well as "Netsuiro Starmine," you can sense emotions like nobility, majesty, and hidden passion. If Poppin'Party is a band whose growth is enjoyable, Roselia can be said to be a fully developed band. Their ability to show different sides of themselves is no wonder, and their popularity is no surprise.
Heavy sounds that naturally get your head bobbing
The keyboard intro to "Black Shout" evokes Roselia's worldview. The guitar riffs and bass are heavy, and the intense drumming is so striking you can practically picture it in your mind. From their debut song, you can't help but feel the high level of Roselia's perfection. Combined with the powerful vocals, you'll naturally want to headbang along. If you underestimate them as an anime song band, you'll be amazed by their stunning quality.
2nd Place: R・I・O・T / RAISE A SUILEN
RAISE A SUILEN, the sixth band to join the anime in the second season, chose their debut song, "R・I・O・T." They stand out from the other five bands, not only for their vocal talent, but also for the powerful sound produced by the guitar, drums, keyboards, and DJ. The lyrics and melody are also unlike anything seen in "BanG Dream!", and the song perfectly blends digital and band sounds, accelerating the momentum of the content.
Members Active in the Music Industry
RAISE A SUILEN has a unique origin. Its roots lie in a band called "THE THIRD (tentative name)," which originally launched as a support band. Bassist and vocalist Raychell and drummer Natsume were active as the second generation of SHAZNA and were already active on the front lines. The addition of voice actresses Riko Obara and Reo Kurachi, who possess exceptional vocal skills, and DJ Risa Tsumugi, further solidify the band's unique character.
Amazing Live Performance
To truly experience the charm of RAISE A SUILEN, you have no choice but to attend their live show. With members active as professional musicians, the quality of their live shows is exceptionally high, making it well worth the money to attend. In terms of technical skill, the band moves around the stage, showcasing a performance that rivals Poppin'Party and Roselia in terms of entertainment value.
1st Place: STAR BEAT! ~Hoshino Kodo~ / Poppin'Party
"STAR BEAT! ~Hoshino Kodo~" is an essential song for "BanG Dream!", not only for Poppin'Party, but also for the entire series. Kasumi Toyama felt the "heartbeat of the stars" when she saw the starry sky as a child, and ever since, she has been driven by her desire for "sparkling excitement." It's something that's important to her, and as a result of acting on her feelings, she meets her Poppin'Party friends. You can fully feel Kasumi Toyama's feelings.
The emotional vocals make the song even more captivating
Poppin'Party's vocalist, Aimi, excels at singing with emotion, as in "STAR BEAT! ~Hoshino Kodo~." While she sings gently in the verse, the song builds up a sense of speed as the chorus approaches, making it impossible not to feel the emotions of the voice actress. When you look at the song from the perspective of the story, such as the joy of discovering "Kirakira Dokidoki" and meeting her fellow Poppin'Party members, the charm of "STAR BEAT! ~Hoshino Kodo~" becomes even more apparent.
Saya Yamabuki's acoustic version is a must-listen
There is also an acoustic version of "STAR BEAT! ~Hoshino Kodo~," sung by Saya Yamabuki, who also plays drums. In the first season of the anime, the moment Saya Yamabuki joined Poppin'Party, all five members performed "STAR BEAT! ~Hoshinokodo~." The story of how Saya Yamabuki joined is so touching, it's hard not to picture that scene. It also elevates the song's dazzling impact, making Saya Yamabuki's version of "STAR BEAT! ~Hoshinokodo~" a must-listen for fans and non-fans alike.
Summary
New songs are unveiled in "BanG Dream!" almost every month. Furthermore, starting in 2020, "BanG Dream! 3rd Season" will feature new songs from each band every week, allowing fans to see how each band has grown. It's exciting to see what songs we'll hear, and it's also exciting to see whether they'll have a connection to the story, like "STAR BEAT! ~Hoshinokodou~." To fully enjoy "BanG Dream!", first make sure you've mastered the divine songs introduced above, and then keep an eye out for the new songs featured in the anime's third season.
