How about I do something a little different and do a countdown of my, very personal, favorite openings. Now, due to YouTube copyright some of these videos might either be blocked in your country or not even linked here at all (seriously, some of the later ones you can only find if theyre live show versions. eugh.) Also this is my first countdown list, so criticise it if you want.
So let’s get this list underway
#15: Choudenshi Bioman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjSgvo787Yo
The original “dark” Sentai series. This song makes you feel like you’re about to go on a very life changing journey, and is sung by the same man behind Kamen Rider Black RX’s opening. This guy’s so cool even at his current age he still managed to sing this song LIVE. The wailing of the guitar, and the slow paced yet hype building feel, is perfect for a show like this. Oh, and the full opening is amazing with that totally 80’s synth and full on ROCK along with that… xylophone? Yeah, great song regardless.
#14: Samurai Sentai Shinkenger
Arguably one of the more popular Sentai series, or at least one of the more well known ones, a show this popular needs a good opening. And wow does this song know how to grab you. With the chants of “chan chanbara!” building up into a very VERY nice mix of ancient Japanese and modern Japanese instruments. Also, lots of emotion into this song. You’re gonna see me bring that up a lot in this countdown. And well, this song’s just plain catchy. Seriously you’re going to be humming this song quite a bit.
#13: Secret Kakuranger (Ninja Sentai Kakuranger)
From one breed of ancient warrior to another, Kakuranger was a series based on ninjas as opposed to samurai (obviously with a title like NINJA Sentai). This song is actually a lot calmer than a lot of other songs, letting you know what kind of show you’re in for. Kakuranger’s opening song mixes traditional instruments together with a great singing voice. It’s almost singing in a way that’s like it’s telling a story, if that makes any sense. Also, I have to bring this up: the lyrics translated are beyond weird. I wont bring them up here, but let’s just say they were hilariously unintended. Song’s still amazing and annoyingly catchy.
#12: Tensou Sentai Goseiger
Let’s get this out of the way: the actual show was AWFUL. Bland, forgettable, bland again, and BORING. It’s amazing that a show released 6 years ago is already forgotten by fans, and yet fans still fanboy over shows that came out way before. Anyway, the actual opening is AMAZING. It has this holy feel to it with the church bells and the way the singer belts out the lyrics. Ironic that I say holy considering the characters in this season are angels. I’ve honestly got nothing else to say about this song. It’s just really good.
#11: Dengeki Sentai Changeman
Yet another “dark” Sentai series, this one is what people arue about being one of the better ones. Not the best, but better. This particular song has that hard hitting rock guitar and singing that gets you pumped up for the action thats about to hit you with the force of a raging dragon. Fun fact: this song was actually performed by the same man who did the theme song for Dragon Ball Z’s “Cha La Head Cha La”. The man’s very well versed in series like this. Anyway, this song is great. Whether it’s the emotion put into this or the rocking wailing guitar, this fits all my “cool opening song” needs.
#10: Gekisou Sentai Carranger (both versions)
Or should I say CARRRRRANGER? Seriously, what an upbeat wonderful series, with an upbeat wonderful song to boot. Both the first and second variations of the song are wonderful, with the second version having more of a jazz-rock feel, and the first going for a Crazy Taxi-esque feel. The way the guy dramatically sings out “Carranger! Carranger!” is so great and hilarious, in my opinion. Hilarious: perfect for a comedy series like this one. If you want a song that just won’t go away, put this on your ipod. It will NEVER leave.
#9: Hikari Sentai Maskman
It hurts me, it really honestly hurts me that I cant place this any higher. It’s criminally underrated. Well, criminally underrated if you’re not from the Philippines (where this show was monumentally successful). The trumpets, the voice, they all mix so perfectly together. I’m honestly speechless, this song’s just that good.
#8: JIKU ~Mirai Sentai Timeranger~ (Mirai Sentai Timeranger)
When 2000 hit, Sentai underwent a significant change in quality. Some say for the worse, some say for the better. But you can’t deny this song sounds amazing. Seriously, it’s so dramatic and intense compared to a lot of other openings. I can’t really pinpoint anything wrong with this song: even the randomly splotched in English is wonderfully done. “Go over time and space” This is both a lyric from the song and how I feel when I hear this song. Absolutely incredible.
#7: Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger
Now, to the few Sentai fans that follow me, I bet you’re asking “How can this song be above all these others? I mean it’s good but it’s not that great!”. Sentimentality. Before I knew what Sentai was, THIS was the first Sentai opening I heard. It reminds me of One Piece, in the best way possible (ironic considering this is ALSO a pirate themed series). The emotion, the instruments, everything about this show just ticks off all the boxes in my head for what a good song sounds like.
#6: Choujuu Sentai Liveman
Here is where we get into the songs I REALLY like. Coming from a fan favorite to many, both in song and series, we get this amazing mix of rock and intense orchestra. Also, vocals from the red ranger of the show! This song just hits you in the guts and catches your attention INSTANTLY. The chants of “LIVEMAN” and “BAKUHATSU FIRE” and that amazing guitar solo: boy oh boy it gets me every time. I could honestly just listen to the instrumental version of this and feel satisfied. The lyrics are just the cherry on top.
#5: Gosei Sentai Dairanger
A mix of… techno and ancient Japanese instruments? Well, it was the 90’s after all, they loved their early midi techno. Seriously though, this song is great. It’s catchy, it pumps you up with, yet again, CHANTS. Sentai sure loves it’s basic lyric chants that get stuck in your hand. This time it’s not even WORDS that get stuck in your head, just that “WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH”. The emotion put into this song, even with the team rollcall. Just… perfect. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, you can’t help but dance along to the catchy as all heck beat.
#4: Gaoranger Hoero!! (Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger)
Remember when I said Maskman’s opening was underrated. As Arnold Schwarzenegger from Commando says “I lied.” THIS is the most underrated opening opening. It’s so blood pumping, it’s unbelieable. This singer was 42 when he sang this. AND RECENTLY AT NEARLY 60 HE SANG IT LIVE. Back to the actual song, instead of singing the praises of the artist, let’s sing the praises of the artist (wait a minute). With dramatic trumpets appearing yet again, and action packed lyrics, this song is one for the history books.
#3: Busters Ready Go! (Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters)
Can I just cut it short and say this song’s perfect? I can? Cool. Seriously, I’ve got nothing. It’s perfect.
#2: Ressha Sentai ToQGer
I’m honestly mad I can’t link a normal version of this song. Legit mad. The live versions are ok, but the original song in it’s glory is so perfect. The intense mix of piano and guitar with the emotionally packed lyrics almost brings a tear to my eye. Seriously, just go download an episode off the internet of ToQGER, it’s worth it for the opening alone.
#1: Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger
Going from a piano straight into hard rock, into EMOTIONAL rock. This one legit puts a tear into my eye. Embarassing to admit, but I’ve randomly belted out into this song during calls with friends. It’s just so good, so catchy, so EMOTIONAL. You believe every word he sings. From the chanting of “ABARE ABARE ABARE” this song had me hooked. I know I’m repeating myself a lot. But I just, cant handle how good these songs are. Every last one. But this one ESPECIALLY. I doubt it will EVER be topped.
So how’s that for my first countdown? Hope you enjoy it!