Lovely anime song

[2025] A Collection of Cool Western-Style Anime Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Japan’s world-renowned masterpiece anime are defined not only by their stories, but also by the crucial roles played by their opening and ending themes.

Sometimes the synergy with an anime becomes the springboard that propels a band or artist to fame, and just as often a great song elevates the anime’s worldview even further.

Among this rich and multifaceted anison culture, this time we’re highlighting the rare cases where Western songs were used—specifically, a roundup of especially cool Western tracks featured in anime.

Whether you’re a fan of Western music or an anime enthusiast, check out this article to see what Western songs have been used in Japanese anime!

[2025] A Collection of Cool Western AniSongs (11–20)

Drifters

Gospel Of The Throttle Rampage REMIX ver.Minutes Til Midnight

Drifters FULL OP – Minutes Till Midnight – Gospel of the Throttle Mad Dash Remix Ver. Single

Gospel Of The Throttle Rampage REMIX ver. Minutes Til Midnight

Drifters Opening

A MINUTES TIL MIDNIGHT song that expresses the courage to keep chasing your dreams through the metaphor of an engine.

Its powerful vocals and catchy melody leave a strong impression.

Released in November 2016, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime DRIFTERS.

Included on the album Bulletproof Dreams, the track sings about pushing your limits and living with passion.

Encouraging a fearless, full-throttle drive forward, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to believe in their potential.

It’s a perfect pick not only for anime fans but also for those seeking energetic Western-style music.

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The Count of Monte Cristo

You won’t see me comingJean-Jacques Burnel

Jean Jacques Burnel – You Won’t See Me Coming ( Gankutsuou track with lyrics on screen )

You won't see me comingJean-Jacques Burnel

Gankutsuou – Le comte de Monte Cristo ~ ED You won’t see me coming (TV size) ~ HD

Did you know that the ending theme of Gankutsuou—the TV anime based on Alexandre Dumas père’s The Count of Monte Cristo and reinterpreted by GONZO—was actually performed by Jean-Jacques Burnel, the bassist of the legendary British punk band The Stranglers? Given that Jean is an avid reader of Yukio Mishima and a black belt in karate, making him well-versed in Japanese culture, this collaboration is especially fascinating.

True to a bassist’s sensibilities, the track is seriously cool, blending punk and alternative rock with a prominently heavy bass line.

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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

RoundaboutYES

YesSongs #7: YES – Roundabout

RoundaboutYES

Season 3 ED (Roundabout) | Stone Ocean | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part6

It’s such a stylish touch to use a masterpiece—virtually a monument of progressive rock—as an anime ending theme.

Released in November 1971, this YES track is distinguished by its complex structure and advanced musicianship.

Its poetic lyrics evoke the majestic landscapes of Scotland, blending beautifully with a psychedelic sonic aesthetic.

YES was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, and thanks to this song, they’ve become widely known among younger generations as well.

It’s an ideal track not only for anime fans but also as an introduction to progressive rock.

Put it on while driving, and you’ll feel as if you’re setting off on a grand adventure.

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Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic

OneRepublic – Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)[Official Music Video]

Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic

A newly written song by American band OneRepublic, composed as the ending theme for the special episode “Hoshina’s Day Off” of the anime Kaiju No.

8, was released in April 2025.

With its powerful melody and emotional lyrics, the track celebrates the courage and hope to face adversity, delivering a thrilling pop-rock sound that plays to the band’s strengths.

Skillfully capturing the anime’s world, the song was also featured in the special screening Kaiju No.

8: Mission Recon shown in North American theaters, drawing attention across borders.

Fusing the musicality cultivated in their previous work “Nobody” with a deep understanding of anime culture, this piece is highly recommended not only for anime fans but also for music lovers who enjoy pop rock.

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In conclusion

If you’re a Western music fan who isn’t very familiar with anime, or an anime fan who isn’t particularly interested in Western music, you probably found a few surprises among the songs we introduced—like “I didn’t know this artist’s track was used as an anime theme,” or “I had no idea this anime song was by a Western band or artist.” In recent years, there have been more cases of Western music being used as anime theme songs, and we can look forward to more wonderful synergies in the future!