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Beginner's Guide to Anime Music CDs
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For those who prefer vocal songs, here are several things that will clue you in.
- The title of the soundtrack usually has something like “Vocal Collection” or “Best Collection”. The former is a sure bet while the latter is only a high chance as it might be a best collection of BGMs, or a mix of vocals and background music.
- The track listing of the CD usually has something like “Op/Ed Theme”. The Gundam Wing CD also has an easy identifier as vocal songs have a “Vo:” attached somewhere in the name of the track. You can also look if a particular track has a band name following it, as it means that it was that band that did the song (hence, a vocal track).
- An additional checkup is if the track has something like a “TV Size Version” or “Full Version”. This is usually used for opening and ending themes, which are notably vocals. TV size means that it’s the shortened version of the song (which is used in animes) while the full version means that it’s the entire song, usually lasting between three to five minutes.
- Original Soundtracks (OSTs) will most likely contain a vocal track or two, usually the opening or ending theme. However, there are exceptions as there are some OSTs which are purely BGMs, an example of which is the Rurouni Kenshin OST 2.
- Some CDs have vocal tracks set in a different type style, like a different color or in bold characters. Also, the “Bonus Track” of a CD is most likely a vocal (although there are some that are merely Karaoke versions).
- Track listings which show the time length can give a good clue. Most BGMs usually last for only a minute or two while vocal tracks are around the three to five minute range. If there’s a track which has a time length of that range, it could possibly be a vocal song (but that’s no guarantee!). If it’s too long (like, say, twenty minutes), it might be a drama track.
- Lastly, if you have a meager knowledge of Japanese or if the song has an English title, check for it at the track listing (duh!).
Fourth, if you’re looking for drama CDs, they’re usually CDs which have a track listing divided into chapters or a CD with a really long track. Be wary though that Drama CDs are rare items here.
By following these guide points, you’ll most likely find the CD you are looking for. Don’t be disheartened at all these notes. I, after all, did not start out knowing which CDs to buy. Overall, try to get information from friends who have bought anime CDs or try looking at CD reviews from anime magazines, online magazines, and fanzines. Anime costs money so it’s a real treasure to purchase a worthwhile CD that you’ll enjoy.
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If you can’t eat or sleep, call a doctor. If you can’t think rationally, go see a psychologist. If you desperately need to talk to someone, get a friend. If you’re suffering from all these, it’s time to muster your courage and call your crush.
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