What Vocaloid songs drew attention in 2016?
Throughout 2016, many Vocaloid songs were uploaded.
Although the number has decreased from its peak, there are still plenty of people actively sharing their work every day on the open platform that is the internet, hoping to have many people see it.
Here, I’d like to introduce some of the most noteworthy pieces posted in 2016.
Ghost Rule
DECO*27[Name]'s Ghost Rule became the first big hit of 2016.
In recent times, there’s a strong tendency for views to concentrate on high-profile works and grow at an accelerating pace, and this piece is exactly one that reached one million views at a truly explosive speed.
It’s already overwhelmingly popular, with 3.6 million views on Niconico alone.
As a work created using the beta version of Hatsune Miku V4X released in September 2016, it is highly polished, and I believe it marked a major turning point by becoming a benchmark for the works that followed.
[Hatsune Miku] Ghost Rule [Original Song] by DECO*27 VOCALOID/Video – Niconico
youtube.
com/watch?v=KushW6zvazM
Alien Alien
Nayutan Alien‘Alien Alien’ by [name] is the second notable work of 2016.
This is a song where the creator’s individuality shines through, featuring a Showa-era retro vibe and lyrics that are unique yet easy to understand.
Perhaps because it had the singable quality of a Showa-retro-style song, this track ended up being arranged and covered by Sachiko Kobayashi, even spawning a separate version titled “Sachiko-san Sachiko-san.”
One of the charms of Vocaloid songs might be that there are arrangement covers and unexpected developments like this.
Alien Alien / Hatsune Miku by Nayutan Seijin VOCALOID/Video – Niconico Video
youtube.
com/watch?v=au4HNS2Y14g
Loophole Rock
NeruMr./Ms. San’s “Dappou Rock” is the third most noteworthy work of 2016.
It’s a name that sounds like an illegal drug and has been making the news for the past few years, but the contents are safe. (Or so the video says.)
Despite its up-tempo, comical lyrics, it has the energy of a powerful rock track and a charm that makes you want to listen to it again and again.
The video itself is captivating, so I think even people who aren’t interested in Vocaloid songs could enjoy it.
[MV] Law-Evading Rock / Neru feat.
Kagamine Len by Neru VOCALOID/Video – Niconico Video
youtube.
com/watch?v=u5mHVUwDf_0
The Name of Sin
Active in providing songs such as for EGOISTryoMr./Ms.
This is the person who composed “Melt,” which had a major impact during the dawn of the first-generation Hatsune Miku.
It starts with a Celtic atmosphere, and while the song as a whole has a gentle feel, the lyrics are extremely heavy in content.
It comes with an afterword that recounts the process and thoughts behind the creation, so if you're interested, why not take a look at that as well?
You might be able to catch a glimpse of the various facets of people involved in music.
[Hatsune Miku] The Name of Sin by ryo VOCALOID/Video – Niconico
youtube.
com/watch?v=kWJ4z-I25LU
Lastly
The four songs above were posted in 2016 and reached one million plays within the year.
In addition to these, countless Vocaloid tracks are being created every day and continually released to the public.
As some of the songs are making their way into commercials and TV shows, there’s no end to the excitement for what’s to come.
How about starting with Vocaloid by looking back at last year’s hit songs, even if you haven’t listened to it until now?