View source for Music of Darker than Black

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Music of ''Darker than Black''}}
The action [[anime]] ''[[Darker than Black]]'' features music composed by [[Yoko Kanno]] who created one soundtrack. Kanno was approached by director [[Tensai Okamura]] in regards to ideas about detective stories-like scenario to fit the atmosphere. For the sequel, ''[[Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor]]'', Kanno was replaced by [[Yasushi Ishii]] who described his music as a battlefield.
The music was collected in multiple soundtracks while the opening and ending themes have been popular.
==Creation==
[[File:Yoko Kanno.jpg|thumb|alt=A seated Yoko Kanno, wearing a hat and smiling at the camera|Yoko Kanno composed the score of the first ''Darker than Black'' series.]]
The series' soundtrack was composed by [[Yoko Kanno]] in 2007. When approached by Okamura, Kanno recalled being given ideas about a detective series to give her music a distinctive style. When she began composing the soundtrack, she did not have a scenario or setting in mind when she met Okamura again. Some of the background music is typical Kanno as heard in ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'', but other tracks are livelier; she wanted to write glamorous songs. Kanno cited sophisticated French films as inspiring the music of ''Darker than Black'', wanting it to embody the series' cold characters; Latin music was another influence, and she appreciated sound director Kazuhiro Wakabayashi's assistance with the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.d-black.net/1st/special/in01.html|script-title=ja:■■「菅野よう子 スペシャルインタビュー　～前編～」■■|website=Darker than Black|accessdate=July 10, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710002320/https://www.d-black.net/1st/special/in01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The soundtrack for ''Gemini of the Meteor'' was released in Japan on December 23, 2009, by [[Aniplex]]. Its twenty tracks include short versions of the opening and closing themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=2639&cd=SVWC000007670|title=DARKER THAN BLACK -流星の双子- オリジナル・サウンドトラック|website=Sony|accessdate=July 17, 2021|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717143109/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=2639&cd=SVWC000007670|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Yasushi Ishii]] replaced Kanno in the sequel and OVAs, and came to regard ''Darker than Black'' and ''[[Hellsing]]'' as his favorite works.<ref name="balticasia.lt">{{cite web|url=https://www.balticasia.lt/en/straipsniai/muzika/jazz-loaded-gunshot-interview-with-yasushi-ishii-remigijus-rancys/|title=Jazz-Loaded Gunshot – Interview with Yasushi Ishii & Remigijus Rančys|website=Balticasia|accessdate=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724003520/https://www.balticasia.lt/en/straipsniai/muzika/jazz-loaded-gunshot-interview-with-yasushi-ishii-remigijus-rancys/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ishii described the second season is like the darkest time of night right before dawn. For him, the second scenario can be summed up as a harsh battlefield. He used to make hard rock, electric and experimental music in the making of the soundtrack.<ref>{{cite book|title=DARKER THAN BLACK-流星の双子-　OFFICIAL FANBOOK　三鷹文書分析報告|publisher=Square Enix|year=2010|isbn=9784757529854}}</ref>
Two pieces of [[theme music]] are used: one opening theme and one ending theme. The opening theme {{Nihongo|"[[Tsukiakari no Michishirube]]"|ツキアカリのミチシルベ||lit. "Guidepost of the Moonlight"}} is sung by the Japanese rock band [[Stereopony]] who claims the theme is meant to show anxiety and despair in a daily life.<ref name="Music">{{cite web|url=http://www.d-black.net/music/index.html|title=Official Darker than Black: Ryūsei no Gemini Music Page|accessdate=2009-10-10|language=Japanese}}</ref> The ending theme "From Dusk Till Dawn" is performed by [[Abingdon Boys School]], who previously did the first opening theme for ''Darker than Black''. The vocalist [[Takanori Nishikawa]] stated the ending's purpose was to express multiple affection in a limited time.<ref name="Music"/>
"From Dusk Till Dawn" sold 22,923 copies in Japan.<ref name="animenewsnetwork.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-12-28/yamato-darker-than-black-shugo-chara-cds-in-top-10|title=Yamato, Darker than Black, Shugo Chara CDs in Top 10|website=Anime News Network|accessdate=July 24, 2021|date=December 28, 2009|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127111122/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-12-28/yamato-darker-than-black-shugo-chara-cds-in-top-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
The OVAs use "Darker than Black" by Ishii as the ending theme. The theme was noted for its similarities with [[David Bowie]]'s theme song "[[Ziggy Stardust (song)|Ziggy Stardust]]". Although Ishii admitted he was heavily influenced by Bowie's works, he claimed the similarities were accidentally. According to Isshi, the song primarily focuses on Hei. This incarnation of the character is that of a man who fights as a savior, how to deceive salvation in a world without salvation. Hei is further characterizated as a man in a world of struggle, mercy, and overcoming oneself. Despite having such powers, Ishii wanted to write Hei as a man suffering from loneliness.<ref name="secondfanbook">{{cite book|script-title=ja:DARKER THAN BLACK-流星の双子-　OFFICIAL FANBOOK　三鷹文書分析報告|publisher=Square Enix|year=2010|isbn=9784757529854|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="balticasia.lt"/> In contrast to the audio of ''Gemini of the Meteor'', ''Gaiden'' has soundtrack by piano and string instruments.<ref name="secondfanbook"/>
==Soundtracks==
The series' soundtrack was composed by [[Yoko Kanno]] in 2007. The series uses four pieces of [[theme music]]: two opening themes and two ending themes. "[[Howling (Abingdon Boys School song)|Howling]]" by [[Abingdon Boys School]] was used as the opening theme for the first 14 episodes while "[[Kakusei Heroism (The Hero Without a "Name")]]" by [[An Cafe]] was used as the second opening theme from episodes 15 onwards. {{nihongo|"Tsukiakari"|ツキアカリ||lit. "Moonlight"}} by [[Rie fu]] was used as the ending theme for the first 14 episodes while "[[Dreams (High and Mighty Color song)|Dreams]]" by [[High and Mighty Color]] was used as the second ending theme from episodes 15 onwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mbs.jp/d-black/|title=Darker than Blach|website=MBS|accessdate=July 25, 2021}}</ref>
The soundtrack has 20 tracks, including the opening and closing themes performed by Abingdon Boys School and Rie fu. Other non-instrumental songs were written by Tim Jensen and performed by [[Mai Yamane]] (tracks eight and 10) and James Wendt (tracks 14 and 19).<ref name="aniplex">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/detail.asp?goods=SVWC000007478|title=Sony Music Shop|access-date=2007-08-09|archive-date=2007-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927024633/http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/detail.asp?goods=SVWC000007478|url-status=live}}</ref> It peaked at number 57 on the [[Oricon]] albums chart.<ref name="oricon">{{cite web|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=718184&samecd=1&chart_kbn=11A&linkcd=31377821|title=Darker than Black OST peak rank|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=2007-02-15|archive-date=2019-12-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215075104/https://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=718184&samecd=1&chart_kbn=11A&linkcd=31377821|url-status=live}}</ref> Tensai Okamura wanted 1970s-type folk music which would convey the impression of darkness.<ref name="stuff">{{cite web|url=http://www.presepe.jp/m44/sp/id/fqfANnHR_UY%3D|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310033621/http://www.presepe.jp/m44/sp/id/fqfANnHR_UY%3D|archive-date=March 10, 2007|access-date=July 6, 2021|title=岡村天斎監督×BONESの最新作！！}}</ref>
{{Track listing
|headline        = Soundtrack
|total_length    =
|title1          = Go Dark
|length1         = 3:14
|title2          = HOWLING — TV size ver.
|length2         = 1:29
|title3          = {{Nihongo|"High-Heel Runaway"|ハイヒールラナウェイ|Hai Hīru Ranawei}}
|length3         = 3:28
|title4          = Tenderly
|length4         = 2:19
|title5          = {{Nihongo|Sid|シド|Shido}}
|length5         = 2:04
|title6          = Was
|length6         = 4:08
|title7          = Outside
|length7         = 2:36
|title8          = No One's Home
|length8         = 2:43
|title9          = Guy
|length9         = 2:02
|title10          = ScatCat
|length10         = 2:02
|title11          = {{Nihongo|"Contractor"|ケイヤクシャ|Keiyakusha}}
|length11         = 3:34
|title12          = Shadow
|length12         = 2:45
|title13          = {{Nihongo|Black|クロ|Kuro}}
|length13         = 3:38
|title14          = Deadly Work
|length14         = 3:36
|title15          = {{Nihongo|"Stargazing"|テンタイカンソク|Tentai Kansoku}}
|length15         = 0:45
|title16          = BlueCat
|length16         = 3:08
|title17          = {{Nihongo|"Moonlight"|ツキアカリ-TV size ver.|Tsukiakari TV size ver.}}
|length17         = 1:32
|title18          = Water Forest
|length18         = 2:11
|title19          = Blend in
|length19         = 3:14
|title20          = {{Nihongo|Yin's Piano|インのピアノ|In no Piano}}
|length20         = 3:11
}}
===Soundtrack 2===
{{Track listing
|headline        = Soundtrack
|total_length    =
|title1          = Dive into the 9
|length1         =
|title2          = Moken Cerberus
|length2         =
|title3          = Galaxy Train
|length3         =
|title4          = No. 23
|length4         =
|title5          = Soul Fusion
|length5         =
|title6          = Jesus
|length6         =
|title7          = Karuraen
|length7         =
|title8          = Suizen Reika Komusou
|length8         =
|title9          =Psychic Contact
|length9         =
|title10          = Inazuma Flash Tanka
|length10         =
|title11          = Gekko Bosatsu No Namida
|length11         =
|title12          = Brand New Happiness
|length12         =
|title13          = Fire – Are Ippon Kaji No Moto –
|length13         =
|title14          = Warau Kongo Doji
|length14         =
|title15          =Anguria Sofia
|length15         =
|title16          = Yahweh no Mori
|length16         =
|title17          =Nyogen Midnight Town
|length17         =
|title18          =Jakumetsu No Serenade
|length18         =
|title19          = TSUKIAKARI NO MICHISHIRUBE – OPENING EDITION –
|length19         =
|title20          = FROM DUSK TILL DAWN ANIME EDIT / ABINGDON BOYS SCHOOL
|length20         =
}}
===Extra soundtrack===
{{Track listing
|headline        = Darker than Black -Ryuusei no Gemini- Extra Soundtrack
|total_length    =
|title1          = Crystal Roses
|length1         =
|title2          = Morning Dew
|length2         =
|title3          = Light Cooking
|length3         =
|title4          = Ark
|length4         =
|title5          = Saddle Jam
|length5         =
|title6          = Acid Razz
|length6         =
|title7          =Deserted Bar
|length7         =
|title8          =Detective Funk
|length8         =
|title9          =Funny Trial
|length9         =
|title10          = Disillusion
|length10         =
|title11          =Skull Hazard
|length11         =
|title12          = Jewelry Box
|length12         =
|title13          = Bad J Trip
|length13         =
|title14          =Extreme
|length14         =
|title15          =Black Magic Ceremony
|length15         =
|title16          =Miserable Hopeless
|length16         =
|title17          =Dark Grass
|length17         =
|title18          =Jesus Cloud ~Instrumental Version~
|length18         =
|title19          = Autumn Leaves Falling
|length19         =
|title20          = Hollow Senation
|length20         =
|title21          = Belly Shake
|length21         =
|title22          = Fortuna
|length22         =
|title23          = Baldo Sadou
|length23         =
|title24          = Magic
|length24         =
|title25          =Electronic Dragon
|length25         =
|title26          = Leaf of Csardas
|length26         =
|title27          =Sou Love A Dark Dream
|length27         =
|title28          =Gemein Shadow
|length28         =
|title29          =The National Flower's Mist
|length29         =
|title30          = Furusato's Theme
|length30         =
|title31          = Movin' Higher
|length31         =
|title32          = DARKER THAN BLACK ~ "Can you fly"
|length32         =
|title33          = Creating New Land
|length33         =
}}
==Singles==
===Howling===
"Howling" is the first opening theme by [[Abingdon Boys School]]. The lyrics focused on Hei's characterization with Okamura commenting that parts of it delve into elements the character briefly saw.<ref>{{cite book|title=Howling single|year=2007|author=Okamura, Tensai|publisher=Aniplex}}</ref>
===Tsukiakari===
"Tsukiakari" by [[Rie Fu]] is the first ending theme of ''Darker than Black''.
===Kakusei Heroism===
{{nihongo|"Kakusei Heroism ~The Hero Without a "Name"~"|覚醒ヒロイズム～THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"～|Kakusei Hiroizumu ~THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"~}} is the twelfth single by band [[An Cafe]]. The single is available in three types, two including different bonus [[DVD]]s, and one with a bonus live track. The title track is the second opening theme ''Darker than Black''. "Kakusei Heroism" marks the debut of guitarist Takuya and keyboardist Yuuki after the departure of Bou. The song peaked at No. 13 on the [[ORICON|Japanese singles chart]] and is their biggest selling single.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/332507/ranking/cd_single/|title=Antic Cafe's Japanese chart history|publisher=[[ORICON]]|accessdate=2012-01-02}}</ref>
===Dreams===
"Dreams" is the first single from the band since January 2007 by [[High and Mighty Color]]. It is used as the second ending theme for ''Darker than Black'' and has been described as a ballad and about the sadness of breaking up.<ref name="neowing">{{cite web | url=http://www.neowing.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=SECL-518 | title="Dreams" on Neowing | accessdate=2007-06-08 | language=Japanese}}</ref> The first pressing of the single came with four exclusive character stickers from ''Darker than Black''.<ref name="neowing" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oas-work.com/~musicworld/music/view.php?id=3260|title=Description of the "Dreams" single|accessdate=2007-06-06 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929123711/http://www.oas-work.com/~musicworld/music/view.php?id=3260 |archivedate = 2007-09-29}}</ref> The single is unlike any other single in the fact that rather than crediting "High and Mighty Color" for writing the lyrics and composing the music from Roxy production, "Dreams" gives the specifics for who wrote the lyrics on some of the songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uta-net.com/user/ichiran.html?Aselect=1&Keyword=high+and+mighty+color&Bselect=1&Cselect=1|title=Uta-Net's Kanji Lyrics|accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> The single charted the 18th place on [[Oricon]] during its first day and would go on to obtain the 24th spot on the weekly charts.
===Tsukiakari no Michishirube===
{{Nihongo|"Tsukiakari no Michishirube"|ツキアカリのミチシルベ}} is the fifth single by the Japanese rock group [[Stereopony]] under label of [[Sony Music Records|gr8! Records]] on November 4, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=SRCL-7145|title=CDJapan Product information|accessdate=2009-10-09}}</ref> The single's main track "Tsukiakari no Michishirube" is the opening theme for the [[anime]] series ''[[Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.d-black.net/music/|title=Darker Than Black homepage information|accessdate=2009-10-09}}</ref> Stereopony who claims the theme is meant to show anxiety and despair in a daily life.<ref name="Music"/>
===From Dusk Till Dawn===
The ending theme "From Dusk Till Dawn" is performed by [[Abingdon Boys School]], who previously did the first opening theme for ''Darker than Black''. The vocalist [[Takanori Nishikawa]] stated the ending's purpose was to express multiple affection in a limited time.<ref name="Music"/>
"From Dusk Till Dawn" sold 22,923 copies in Japan.<ref name="animenewsnetwork.com"/>
==Reception==
The second season's opening theme, "[[Kakusei Heroism]]" by [[An Cafe]], was praised; "[[Dreams (High and Mighty Color song)|Dreams]]" by [[High and Mighty Color]] was said to lack "Tsukiaraki"{{'s}} appeal as a closing theme.<ref name="dvdthree">{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/darker-than-black/dvd-3|title=Darker than BLACK DVD 3|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 9, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191823/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/darker-than-black/dvd-3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="anndvd4">{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/darker-than-black/dvds-4|title=Darker Than Black DVDs 4–6|date=September 19, 2009|access-date=July 7, 2021|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190739/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/darker-than-black/dvds-4|url-status=live}}</ref> Koinya preferred "Kakusei Heroism ~The Hero Without A Name~" over "Howling" despite enjoying both themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koi-nya.net/2007/10/14/kuro-no-keiyakusha-darker-than-black/|title=Review: Kuro no Keiyakusha ~ Darker than BLACK|accessdate=August 11, 2021|website=Koinya}}</ref> [[Yoko Kanno]]'s score was described as "unintrusive" by [[Ain't It Cool News]] for the variety of instruments used for background music while Anime News Network commented it "achieve[d] a sort of synergy, pouring their considerable skills into a sequence of silent beauty and power".<ref name="ainitcoolnews">{{cite web|url=http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/39245|title=ACIN Anime|website=Aint it Cool News|accessdate=July 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name="dvdthree"/>
[[Yasushi Ishii]]'s score in the sequel was praised alongside the ending of Abingdon Boys School song, "From Dusk Till Dawn".<ref name="meteor">{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/darker-than-black/season-2+ovas-limited-edition/blu-ray+dvd|title=Darker Than Black: Season 2 + OVAs (Limited Edition)|date=December 14, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125173041/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/darker-than-black/season-2+ovas-limited-edition/blu-ray+dvd|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wolf|first=Ian|url=https://animeuknews.net/2012/05/darker-than-black-gemini-of-the-meteor-season-2-and-ova/|title=Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor (Season 2 and OVA)|website=Anime UK News|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710134101/https://animeuknews.net/2012/05/darker-than-black-gemini-of-the-meteor-season-2-and-ova/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, ''DVD Talk'' found Ishii's score inferior to Yoko Kanno's from the first series.<ref name="dvdtalkmetor">{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/67680|title=Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor (Season 2 + OVA)|website=DVD Talk|access-date=July 8, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190647/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/67680|url-status=live}}</ref> In an ''Anime News Network'' poll, "[[Tsukiakari no Michishirube]]" was one of 2009's best openings,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-set-list/2015-06-23/.89586|title=The Set List Top 10 EDs of 2009|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> which ''Active Anime'' agreed as enjoyable opening. However, ''Active Anime'' felt Kanno's score to be superior to Isshi.<ref name="activeanime">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228023535/http://activeanime.com/html/2011/12/27/darket-than-black-gemini-of-the-meteor-the-complete-second-season/|url=http://activeanime.com/html/2011/12/27/darket-than-black-gemini-of-the-meteor-the-complete-second-season/|title=DARKER THAN BLACK – GEMINI OF THE METEOR THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON|website=ActiveAnime|accessdate=July 29, 2021|archivedate=December 28, 2011}}</ref> ''Anime UK News'' still enjoyed the soundtrack as well as the ending theme "From Dusk Till Dawn".<ref name="animeuknews">{{cite web|url=https://animeuknews.net/2012/05/darker-than-black-gemini-of-the-meteor-season-2-and-ova/|title=Darker Than Black: Gemini of the Meteor (Season 2 and OVA)|website=Anime UK News|accessdate=August 7, 2021}}</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Darker than Black}}
[[Category:Darker than Black]]
[[Category:Anime soundtracks|Darker than Black]]