Chaos;Head, Steins;Gate, Robotics;Notes, and all their sequels and spinoffs come with great music–especially when it comes to the theme songs. If you’re a fan, you may have noticed that the vast majority of these theme songs are sung by Kanako Itō or Zwei. But what you may not know is that the creator of the Science Adventure Series himself, Chiyomaru Shikura, doubles as the composer and lyricist for all the theme songs. This means these songs often hint at the story to come and contain revelations that only become clear in hindsight.
It’s for these reasons and many more that I love the theme songs of the Science Adventure Series. And amongst all of them, be they from the games or anime adaptations, here are my favorite 10 to rock out to.
[*Note: Songs are grouped by game.]
Skyclad no Kansokusha
Source: Steins;Gate (Xbox Opening Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: This one is the king of “lyrics that are full of hidden meaning that you won’t realize till completing the game.” Oh, and it’s a rocking song as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZSSiq1GLhw
Hacking to the Gate
Source: Steins;Gate (Anime Opening Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: For this one, it’s all the chorus. Itō’s powerful voice is so full of emotion that your invested in the story even before the episode begins.
COSMIC LOOPER
Source: Steins;Gate Elite (Game Opening Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: This rare English language song contains an almost sinister verse and pre-chorus that lead into a truly soaring chorus. Its individual parts should contrast but instead form an excellent whole.
Amadeus
Source: Steins;Gate 0 (PlayStation Opening Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: This song is a perfect mirror for the game itself. It begins with sadness and ends with determination. It’s fantastic.
Gate of Steiner
Source: Steins;Gate 0 (Game True Ending Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: A version of this song is played as background music throughout the series but at the end of Steins;Gate 0, we finally get a vocal version of the song. It’s even more beautiful and powerful than the instrumental version–which is saying something.
Singularity
Source: Chaos;Child (PlayStation Opening Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: What sets the song apart is that, despite the fast pace of the song, there’s a repeated pattern of whole notes in the vocal line that make it almost ballad-like. The result is something beautiful yet creepy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzecmwGweTc
Uncontrollable
Source: Chaos;Child (Anime Opening Theme)
Artist: Kanako Itō
Why I Love It: The song has a relentless pace–up until it hits the pre-chorus. Then plays around with a slower, yet still powerful, syncopation before heading back into the fast pace for the chorus.
Kakuchō Place
Source: Robotics;Notes (Xbox 360 Opening Theme)
Artist: Zwei
Why I Love It: While music is absolutely rocking in this one, what really gets me as a Steins;Gate superfan are the lyrics. They talk about how the world itself is the result of someone’s dream and that it is a path shining through the darkness–this one, special worldline.
Junjo Spectra
Source: Robotics;Notes (Anime Opening Theme)
Artist: Zwei
Why I Love It: This song completely captures the energy of a group of young high schoolers building a Gundam and eventually going on to save the world.
Avant Story
Song: Robotics;Notes DaSH (PlayStation/Switch Opening Theme)
Artist: Zwei
Why I Love It: As the opening introduces the characters one by one, the music builds seemingly to a chorus. Instead, at the introduction of Daru, nearly all the instruments cut out leaving only the strings and Zwei’s powerful voice to introduce our returning hero. It’s a super cool musical moment that adds gravitas to the story to come.
Great selection |3 I’ve been running your playlist while working. I especially love the upbeat »Kakuchō Place« pretty much since release. Many thanks.