Feb 8th
So i got bored and decided to rank all of Afterglow's songs! This all is coming from an Afterglow kinnie, but I've decided to be strict and non-biased on these ratings, and rate them based off the initial image for Afterglow, so lets go~
41) Great Escape
This cover isn't bad, its just particularly bland compared to some of the other songs on this list. Overall, a 6/10.
40) Reach Out to the Truth
It feels pretty decent, and I like the chorus, but not counting that the song is in english and Ayaneru doesn't have the best english. its an average cover. Overall, a 6/10.
39) True Color
The chorus is really catchy, and its a sweet song, but I feel like its lacking something. Overall, 6.8/10.
38) Rolling Star
A lot felt missing from what seems like a decent cover. Its instrumentally beautiful though, but it could have had more pizazz ya know? Overall, 6.8/10
37) Karma
This felt a little unfair, considering it was their first cover, but its definitely not a bad song. It's just been outdone by other songs, is all. Overall, 7/10.
36) Jamboree Journey
This song is really catchy and sweet, and I love the member solos, but since I'm rating these songs based off Afterglow's initial j-rock image, I can't exactly give this song too high of a rating. Overall, a 7.5/10.
35) Likeness
This is a pretty good cover, and it really showcases Ran's powerful voice. Overall, 7.6/10.
34) Rumbling Memory
This song is really adorable~ It's got such a homely and warm vibe to it, and yet still manages to display j-rock elements. Overall, it's a good song for a christmas-y event, so a 7.7/10.
33) Ready Steady Go
Overall a pretty catchy cover, and it definitely showcases Ran's voice. I personally love the instrumentals, and how it's a simple but also powerful song. Solid 7.8/10.
32) Scarlet Sky
A pretty nice original song. It really gives off Afterglow vibes, but once again it's been outdone by other songs. Overall, a 7.9/10.
31) Brand New Days
Instrumentally, definitely a j-rock sound, and the lyrics are really beautiful. The chorus showcases Ran's strong voice once more, and the chanting at the end is cute! Also a 7.9/10.
30) Northern Lights
A really good cover, and one that's quickly being overlooked. Ran's voice in the beginning sounds really emotional and strong, and the whole chorus part pulls through. An 8/10.
29) Butterfly
As a huge Butterfly lover, it's a little sad to see this song not in the top 10, but what's done is done. Its a really good cover, and the music is so similar yet different to the original. Ran's voice once again gets to shine, and its a perfect j-rock song for them. Overall, 8/10.
28) Comic Panic
A really good and catchy song. Afterglow popped off with this one! It's j-rock but also just a song about having fun and being silly, which I really love. Overall, 8.1/10.
27) Imagination
A pretty solid cover, again it showcases Ran's unique and powerful vocals! Instrumentally, its really good and I can literally see them in Karasuno High School singing this to everyone lol. Overall, 8.1/10.
26) Kasabuta
This is a pretty good cover! Its simple, and expectant of Afterglow. A nice j-rock song anyone can vibe to. Overall, an 8.1/10.
25) Don't Say Lazy
A really well done cover. It did get outdone by other songs, but seeing as Mio, the original singer for this song, plays Tomoe, this song is for sure a fan favorite. Overall, 8.2/10.
24) That's How I Roll
A very well done initial song! The final bridge where Ran literally sounds like an angel gets me every time. Once again, it was outdone by other songs, so a solid 8.3/10.
23) Pride Revolution
A really well done cover. Ignoring the emotional ties I have with it, its instrumentally perfect and vocally a blessing. 8.4/10.
22) Crow Song
Once again outdone by other songs, the Crow Song cover is such a bop! It's literally so perfect for this band and they couldn't have covered it better. Solid 8.5/10.
21) Sasanqua
A really good MocaRan ship setting song lol. It's cute and sweet, but conveys a j-rock undertone and sweet message. Overall, 8.6/10.
20) Red Red Red
This is a really good and underrated song. It's different from all the other songs Afterglow has written, although it kinda reminds me of Sasanqua? A solid 8.7/10. Sounds good on piano.
19) I Love Your Way
This song wraps up all the chaotic childhood bestfriend energy Afterglow has, but with j-pop and j-rock vibes. Moca's guitar solo is unmatched in this one- just no words for how good it is. The intense keyboard playing also adds to its charm. Afterglow for sure needs more Tsugu solos. An 8.8/10.
18) Aoi Shiori
This one is special, because while it does have j-rock undertones, it has such an emotional range its kind of overwhelming. Like, even if I don't think about the lyrics of the song, I still feel at peace yet emotional while listening to this. The end where they all sing slowly really is powerful, without even trying to be. A solid 8.9/10.
17) Goya wo Machiawase
A really powerful cover, this one. While after the first few listens it can sound underwhelming, it slowly starts to engrave into your mind, just how wild and off the charts Ran sounds, and how the simple j-rock vibe of the song works really well with her voice. A 9/10.
16) One Your Mark
This one is a pretty good masterpiece. The exact feeling of Afterglow, in one song. It has been outdone by other songs, hence it ranking number 16, but it is for sure a top tier original song. Overall, a 9/10.
15) Shunkan Sentimental
Another fan favorite, this one really emits power and rockstar vibes, while also feeling kinda graceful. A really well done cover and all time bop with an overall rating of 9/10.
14) YOLO!!!!!
A very very good original song. Since it was a requested song by Pastel Palettes, it doesn't feel like your average Afterglow song. Instead, it feels special and unique, kinda like the cards for this event. The same as usual Afterglow power, but in a new light. I'd give it a 9.1/10.
13) Ai no Scenario
A really well done cover, this one really emits power and original song energy. It feels completely different from the original, which is also a good song, and expresses Ran's voice beautifully. Overall, a 9.2/10.
12) Ama no Jaku
Possibly one of the emotionally strongest covers in game, this one really makes you stop and listen. The power and high notes of Ran's voice can probably cause an earthquake. Hats off to Ayaneru, hope her vocal chords got rest after that. 9.2/10.
11) Easy Come Easy Go
Another excellent original, this song really showcases Himari as a band leader and brings her justice with the "Hey Hey Hoh~" near the end. Aside from the murderous beatmap, its a really catchy song and moca really popped off with her guitar solo. 9.2/10.
10) Hey Day Capriccio
SUCH A BOP- this one used to be the HIGHLIGHT of Afterglow. It literally dominated their charts for so long. Still, it's impressive to be ranking top 10 after all this time. Hands down one the most unique and hardcore songs ingame. Moca and her guitar solo, Tsugu and her keyboard solos, Tomoe dying on the drums throughout the whole song, and Himari being the undertone and backbone keeping it all together. And of course, Ran's vocals. A 9.3/10.
9) Sensenfukoku
A perfect song for the epic and cool duo of Tomoe and Ran, this one should have came out ages ago. Not only is it a j-rock bomb, but it's Tomoe's song with Ran, tying up everyone's main solo song with Ran. Overall, a 9.3/10.
8) Roki
A really cute (due to Moca) and really epic (due to Afterglow) cover, this one was a real banger for MocaRan stans and Bandori players alike. Ran's overpowering voice in contrast with sweet Moca's voice was really fun to listen to, and made Roki such a bop. (Sorry irdk what else to describe these songs as besides bops- I think Hina is getting to me, but I'm fine with that.) Overall, 9.3./10.
7) I Knew It
Ok come on- this one is pretty underrated. But if you listen to it, the whole PowerGlow feeling comes to life, which is funny because it came from a happy or pure type event- Anyways, this song is one of the most "Afterglow-est" songs I've heard from this band. Again with the chaotic energy, it has heavy j-rock vibes, (almost light metal near the chorus) and still manages to feel sunshine-y. A 9.4/10.
6) Inferno
One of the most intense songs ingame, Afterglow reallyyy popped off with this one! From the slight note change at "inochi no hi ga", which really changes the whole song, to the whole "keep going until the flame goes out" lyric tying to "same as always" motto of Afterglow, this one carries the band by being one of the best and newest top fan favorite covers. A 9.5/10.
5) Tsunagu, Soramoyou
One of the best original songs ingame (voted by various people on YouTube), this song makes Afterglow feel like the main band. (mainly bc of the mv, but the song does more than its job.) The melodic chorus with the intense drumming really sets it aside, and you can actually hear Tsugu in a new light. A 9.5/10.
4) One Of Us
THIS. ONE. This was their 3BS song. At first, I honestly wasn't expecting it to be a j-rock bop that literally redefined the band, but boy was I wrong. From the mv conveying how they stayed the "same as always" while moving forward and becoming better, more advanced and skilled versions of themselves, to the revival of j-rock songs for Afterglow, this one takes the cake as the best original song for the band. Afterglow needed this new and powerful yet still Afterglow image, and this song gave it to them. A 9.6/10.
3) Lost One's Weeping
Alright, if you didn't see these next few songs coming, I don't know what to tell ya. This song (and the next few) have been fan favorites since they were released. Just- the raw emotion in Ran's voice is enough to give you chills, but the beautiful bass chord progression? Himari must be dead inside, but hats off to her either way. (And whoever played the bass for the recording-) Musically and vocally being tear-jerking and emotionally scarring, this cover deserves the love and fame it gets, and more. 9.7/10.
2) Redo
Fvck is this one beautiful. From the instrumentals being similar yet completely different from the original, this one really ropes you in. Ran GROWLS near the end of the song too, and you can EASILY HEAR the emotion and power put into the song. This one deserves even more hype, not just in my opinion, but the hundreds of thousands of Redo multilive spammers and commenters on this song. 9.8/10.
1) Night Sky Patrol of Tomorrow
And this one takes the cake for best Afterglow song. ever. In most ranking videos, you'll find this song at top 5, and for very justifiable reasons. Where should I start- how about the instrumentals. The music in this song is completely different from the original. While the original song is a vocaloid song with techno/electric music, Afterglow's version is a boppin' j-rock sound, which may be one of the best instrumentals ingame. Next, vocals. Ran Mitake, you've outdone yourself. Ayanseru, hats off to you once more. Bushimo, we owe you for this masterpiece. Starting off low and strong, the chorus send you off into high-note heaven. And from there it just keeps getting better.
I'VE BEEN AT THIS FOR ALMOST 2 HOURS- I NEED HELP.
Uhm anyways this was really fun and I might make more depending on how this one fares out... feel free to respectfully argue in the comments lol...