Since I’ve been overtaken by Inazuma Eleven, I went out and purchased the first soundtrack CD, Inazuma Eleven TV Animation Nekketsu Original Soundtrack! Vol.1 from CDJapan. I enjoyed the music so much I had to get the CD for it for a few reasons – I’m supporting the artists, Japanese discs come with neat cover art and goodies, and I have an actual physical copy. That, and Inazuma Eleven TV Animation Nekketsu Original Soundtrack! Vol.1 was noticeably cheaper than the other imported copies available on eBay — $32.79 CAD instead of the $45.00+ USD that I’ve seen.

I was quite surprised to learn that the Inazuma Eleven TV Animation Nekketsu Original Soundtrack! Vol.1 comes with two discs. The first disc contains a selection of the in-show music with two of the opening themes: Maji De Kansha and Tsunagariyo, both by T-Pistonz+KMC along with the ending themes: Seishun Bus Guide by Berryz Kobo and Seishun Oden by Twe’lv. The second disc is actually a DVD with a 15 minute compilation of the opening and ending videos, commercials and promos for the video and trading card games. It was disappointing considering that so much more could have been included, like music videos or a behind the scenes look at the making of the music. The DVD is encoded as Region 2, which may not work in most North American DVD players.

Yasunori Mitsuda comes through with a great selection of music composed with everything from string instruments to keyboards and guitars. While a little short, mostly in the two minute range, the songs still pack a melodic punch.

Some of my favourite tracks on the first disc are 5. 雷門中学校 (アニメVer.) – the Raimon Junior High (Anime Version)- it’s just so light and uplifting that it fills my head with images of Endou Mamoru proudly trying to recruit new players for the team. Track 7. 発動!バーニングフェーズ (アニメVer.) – Fire Burning Phase (Anime Version) – stood out for me during the match against Occult where Endou discovers the secret of the Ghost Lock hissatsu. 13. 帝国学園との死闘 (アニメVer.) – Struggle with the Imperial Academy (Anime Version) – it just sounds so ominous and makes most anyone shiver at the thought that Kidou Yuuto is coming to your field to play, no, own you at soccer. I could keep on going, but I’d end up listening the whole soundtrack.

If you’re looking at downloading the Inazuma Eleven opening themes by T-Pistonz+KMC or the closing songs by Berryz Kobo (and not just those on the Inazuma Eleven TV Animation Nekketsu Original Soundtrack! Vol.1), iTunes has a number of singles available for purchase online at a fraction of the cost of the physical CD.

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