Haikyuu!! OST Opinions, Moments and More

So the first blog that I made was me listing the OST used in each episode and some OVA/Movies. After watching/listening to them over and over again, I wanted to:

List the most memorable/favourite moments for most of the OST. (mainly from memory)
Which OST is for specific characters, (but the OST isn't only played for that character, only mostly.)
Next to all of the OST, I'm going to put my opinions and a key at the top, to make it easier.
List the OST that sound similar to each other, as I know that there have been some similarities here.
List the OST that have never been played in the anime before but are in the CDs at the end.

I love the music so much that I've memorised all of the 172 (186 if you count the OP/EDs) released OST and their names!!! I've listened to them too many times and still constantly listen to them! I even listen to the start of the OSTs in the playlist on shuffle and then name which one it is, like a quiz for myself and I get pretty high scores (although I keep making small errors, I’ve finally gotten 100%, naming all 186 OP/ED/OST :)

Hope you enjoy reading this!!!

Haikyuu!! Music[]

Youtube[]

Apple Music[]

Spotify[]

Music orders[]

From best to least (though I like all of the OP/EDs regardless and it's difficult to put them in an order!!!)

Openings[]

Endings[]

Top 3 favourite OST[]

A Completely Unknown Playmaker
Halo Around The Moon
Found

Top 3 saddest OST[]

Become Strong
Breakdown
Obsession

Key[]

Opinion-wise

LOV = love
FAV = favourite
LK = like
OK = okay
SAD = sad
CRY = one that makes me cry
< = loud / active / quick / happy*
> = quiet / calm / slow / sad*
> < = A mix of > and <

Season 1 CD 1[]

The View From The Summit

OK / >

Haikyuu!!

FAV / > <
S1 E1: The fast-forwarded moments after Hinata lost against Kageyama in middle school.

The Greatest Decoy

FAV / <
S1 E1: When Yukigaoka enters the gym for the first time, Hinata gets excited and gets overwhelmed by the smell.

The King Of The Court

OK / <
Kageyama's OST

Loser

OK / SAD / >
VS Failing Grades (OVA): When the Vice principles' wig falls of, camera follows it in slow motion and lands on Daichi's head (again) (it’s a sad OST but a funny moment, I’m sorry!)

Yearning

OK / SAD / >

The Freak Quick

LK / <
S2 E4: When Hinata and Kageyama enter the gym after being late.

Breakthrough

LK / <

Chemical Reaction

LK / > <
S2 E9: When Hinata runs to Gym 3 after his practice with Kenma for only 5 balls.

Senpai's True Abilities

FAV / > <
S2 E9: When Hinata talks with his mouth full to Tsukishima, while stuffing his face with rice.

Huddle

OK / >

Doesn’t Work

OK / > <

Trauma

LK / SAD >

Lonely

LK / >

Kageyama Tobio

OK / <
Kageyama's OST

Se-n-pa-i

FAV / <

Anger

LK / <

Hinata And Kageyama

FAV / > <
Hinata and Kageyama's OST
S1 E6: When Hinata throws up all over Tanaka's lap!!!

Goal

OK / >

Strongest Ally

LOV / <
S1 E14: The fast-forwarded days before InterHigh, including Keishin working in a farm; Kageyama showing Hinata that he's already memorised all of the new signals; Shimizu asking for Takeda's help; Karasuno's pep rally and Tokonami and Karasuno's boys/girls teams looking at the moon 2 days before InterHigh.
S1 E18: At the end of the Karasuno vs Date Tech match, when Shimada and Takinoue talk about the quick attack signals and when Suga tells Daichi that he wishes he could have won the game with his sets.

Birth Of A Combo

LK / >

Interesting team

LK / <

Oikawa Toru

FAV / <
Oikawa's OST

Powerhouse schools

LK / <
Date Tech and other powerhouse schools' OST

With each new game

LK / >
S4 E9: After Shimizu tells the other 3rd years that they don't need the Gods and that they'll be ok.

Teammates

LK / >

Expectations

LK / >

Season 1 CD 2[]

Into The Fray

FAV / <
S1 E18: After the match against Date Tech and when Aone shakes hands with Hinata (This moment stuck in my head because I spent a good 20 minutes trying to find the name of this OST when I did my other blog, so yeah!)

Evolution

LK / SAD / > <

Adults

LK / >

Worthy Opponent

OK / <

Kageyama Vs Tsukishima

FAV / <
Kageyama vs Tsukishima's OST

What It Means To “Connect”

FAV / > <
S1 E3: When Kageyama finally tosses to Hinata.
S4 E10: When Shimizu thinks about 'her' battle, when she jumps over the barrier like she was jumping over a hurdle and throwing Hinata's bag to Yachi.

Cat

LK / > <
Nekoma's OST
S2 E4: When Lev's spike looks like a whip. Also when Kenma, Hinata and Inuoka talk about Lev after practice.

A Bad Feeling

LK / > <

Moving Like Normal

LK / > <

Winners And Losers

OK / SAD / >

Six Who Are Strong Are Stronger

OK / SAD / >

Frustration

OK / <

Analysis

LK / > <

Sakanoshita shop

LK / <

Conductors

LK / <
S3 E1: When Nishinoya and Tanaka imagine the girls being 'fond' of them. Also when they imagine that Kiyoko wishes them good luck!

Supernatural haste

FAV / <
S2 E18: Then Hinata does a perfect flying receive, making Keishin yank the bench up and when Hinata recovers, he runs for a quick attack.

1 point

LK / <

In the thick of it

OK / > <

Brain

FAV / >

Impatience

LK / >

Qualities of an ace

LK / > <

A completely unknown playmaker

LOV / <
S1 E21: When Suga's subbed in for Kageyama at the start of the episode!!!
S2 E10: When Bokuto gets super hyped during the practice set against Karasuno.

Team potential

FAV / <

Conclusion

FAV / <
S2 E24: When Oikawa remembers someone telling him that pushing harder and perfecting your skills is harder than giving up just, during Seijoh's last time out.

True feelings

Sad / OK / >

Accustomed strength

Sad / Cry / LK / >
S1 E24: When Karasuno eat and cry after their loss against Seijoh.
Haikyu!! Movie: Sainō to Sensu: At the end, when the 3rd years of Seijoh start to cry after Oikawa thanks all of them and when Oikawa and Iwaizumi walk home together.

Season 2 CD 1[]

Deep Breath

OK / >

Above

LK / <
S2 E1: When Hinata and Kageyama leave Shiratorizawa and when Takeda 'reminds' Karasuno that they have final exams. The music completely stops and that makes me LMAO!

Confrontation With The King

FAV / <
S2 E1: When Hinata and Kageyama enter Shiratorizawa.
S2 E4: When Karasuno enter the gym ready to start the practise sets.
S2 E21: At the end, when Yamaguchi's determined to be on the court.

Let’s Go To Tokyo

FAV / >
S2 E4: At the start, when Tanaka and Nishinoya point out the 'Skytree', Kai tells them it isn't and Kuroo LAUGHS. This part always makes me laugh no matter how many times I watch it.

Final Exams

LK / <

Failing Marks Group

FAV / > <

Manger-chans

LK / >
Managers' OST

Direct Sunlight

FAV / >

Townsperson B

FAV / >
Yachi's OST
S2 E3: When Yachi tells her mom that she's been invited to be the manager of the Karasuno boys' volleyball team

Saeko-neesan

LK / <
Saeko-neesan's OST

Omnivorous

FAV / <

Room To Grow

OK / > <
S2 E5: When Hinata tells Kageyama that he isn't closing his eyes anymore.

Greed

LK / >

Breakdown

LK / Sad / Cry / >
S2 E5: When Hinata and Kageyama have their fight!!!

A Black Team

LK / <

Illusionary Hero

OK / >
Akiteru's OST

A Reason

OK / SAD / >

Moonrise

OK / > <
3/4 / 140bpm
Tsukishima's OST

Initiative

LK / <

Back In Action

FAV / > <
S2 E10: When Hinata and Kageyama perfect their new quick attack, the one with the floating toss.

Hi. So I wanted to share my 'analysis' on the OST: Back in Action. I'm 'referencing' the OST to Season 2 Episode 10, when Hinata and Kageyama succeed with their new quick attack. But most of my analysis is on how the title is reflected/shown, so not all of the things here will be linked to the anime (but the general concept of a technique's buildup and success is still there) This OST is definitely one of my favourites. There will be some technical musical terms, but I hope you enjoy what I have to say. Also, I would love it if you could give me feedback if there is anything I could improve on. Thanks!

At the very start, the music is played in a wave of dynamics, reflecting the start-up, as the sound fluctuates. Furthermore, static is played, showing the instability and distortion in the players. The Tuba is played at the start, with dragged, low pitched notes, creating the image that the technique is still at the bottom, or not yet perfected. With no strong pulse and the odd polyrhythm, it shows there's no success.

However, at 0:28, the dynamics increase, reflecting that the technique might work. Also, the violins are playing long, bowed notes, creating a build-up. In addition, another string instrument is playing a plucked, fast rhythm, mirroring the tension and excitement of the player.

At 0:38, when the instruments and the rhythms finally reach the peak, they crash together, showing failure or not yet perfected.

After the crash, low pitched notes are played, showing the bottom again for the players. Also, the dynamics decrease quickly/diminuendo. Continuing from that, string and brass instruments are still played individually, not in harmony with each other.

Again, another buildup is played and crashes, indicating failure again, but also shows the persistence in the player.

At 1:18, an angelic sound/voice is played, showing hope. Also, the instruments played after are light and major, with a steady rhythm, mirroring the players intent of trying again. Although static is being played, reflecting the uncertainty, the other instruments start to play in harmony.

At 1:38, the dynamics increase again, showing another attempt. There are also two distinct rhythms: one rhythm playing low, staccato notes, and the other playing on the string instruments, with long, high pitched notes. These two rhythms can represent the two different players, as they try and sync up for the technique. In the background, the rhythms start to sound in harmony, creating a positive sound of hope.

At 1:59, all the instruments come to a stop, except the angelic sound/voice, that can show the whole gyms expression as the player hits the ball. The silence/stop can also represent the technique, as the ball stops in midair.

At 2:04, all the instruments come together, in harmony, which shows the success and the shock to everyone. This section of the piece really shows that the players are 'back in action' because firstly, the brass instruments, such as the trombone and the French horn, are instruments that are normally strong and prideful, mirroring the atmosphere of 'back in action' and the players being triumphant with the technique. Secondly, the polyrhythm played sounds strong and loud, sounding in harmony. This shows that the players finally came together for the technique. Thirdly, the increased pitch can mirror the success and happiness.

At 2:26, the section is played again, with increased dynamics, increased complexity with different instruments and increased pitch to finish off.

The structure of this piece also reflects the title because at first, it sounded distorted with the static and there was no sense of togetherness and positivity. But as the piece continued, the instruments and the rhythms started to combine, and sounded in harmony, representing the players are back to normal.

S3 E4: Played before Tsukishima blocks Ushijima.

Owl

LK / <
Bokuto's OST

Watermelon

FAV / >

Gears

LK / > <

Let The Games Begin

LK / > <

Season 2 CD 2[]

Baby Bird

LK / <

Outbreak Of War

FAV / <
S4 E10: When Kageyama gets used to the space of the arena, with the grids and sets for the quick attack.

Wiping Out

LK / <

Super-fast Quick

FAV / <
S2 E24: At the start, after Hinata snaps the ball down the front of Seijoh's court.

Fellows

LK / <
S2 E13: When Johzenji looks at Karasuno as they pass by them outside.

Central Pillar

LK / > <

Form Of Strength

LK / <

Ground Warfare

LK / <

Playground

LK / <
Johzenji's OST

The Battle Without Willpower

LK / > <

Substitute Support

OK / SAD / >

Regret And Motivation

OK / SAD / >

The Battle Of The Tiny Giant

LK / <

The Losers

OK / SAD / >

Talent And Instinct

LK / <

Limit Switch

FAV / <

The Destroyer

OK / <
Kyotani/Mad dog's OST

The Former Coward’s Fight

FAV / >
4/4
Yamaguchi's OST
S2 E22: In the flashback to the end of the Wakutani South match, when Shimada asks Yamaguchi is went to talk to Keishin.

Direct Confrontation

FAV / <
S2 E24: The last rally between Karausno and Aobajosai.

Hi. So I wanted to share my 'analysis' on the OST: Direct Confrontation and explain why it's so powerful, fitting to the scene in the anime and also how the title is reflected. I'm referencing the OST to the events in Season 2 Episode 24, the last rally between Karasuno and Aobajohsai. This OST is definitely one of my favourites. I love listening to it and it's really good when I read the manga with this OST playing, really brings the manga to life! There will be some technical musical terms, but I hope you enjoy what I have to say. Also, I would love it if you could give me feedback if there is anything I could improve on. Thanks!

Already, at the beginning of the piece, all of the instruments come together at once, with loud dynamics/fortissimo, portraying a 'direct confrontation'. In addition, with each instrument playing a different rhythm: polyrhythm, and with each rhythm having short, staccato notes, builds the image of an intense battle. The drum kit in the background creates the beat/pulse of the battle. The electric guitar with distortion and reverb creates an upbeat and active atmosphere. The string instruments: violins, create the fast-paced tension, and even plays ostinatos. All of these elements mirror the final match point, as you need to try your hardest to win the point to finish (Karasuno) or continue the rally (Aobajohsai).

After 0:42, the number of instruments and the dynamics decrease/diminuendo. At this moment, Oikawa points to Iwaizumi and does an 'up-speed, super-long set from outside the court'. With long notes being played by the string instruments and low notes being played by the brass family, this can show the nerves and the tension of the players, as the notes are dragged, creating anticipation in the players and the audience. However the drum kit continues to play steadily in the background. This part pairs nicely with the scene in the anime, as Oikawa's set shocks everyone.

At 1:22, the dynamics increase/crescendo, when Tanaka saves the ball. With the rhythm repeated/ostinatos, rising in pitch and complexity with more instruments after each repeat, it mirrors the rising intensity of the battle.

Suddenly, at 1:43, most of the instruments stop, with only the electric guitar dragged out. This shows a potential win for Karasuno, as Watari hits the ball into the net and it slowly falls down. The sudden stop shows the whole nerves of the players when they see this, as a potential tragedy (Aobajohsai) or a miracle (Karasuno). Also after this, 3 descending notes are played on the electric guitar, that sounds like the noise you hear when something bad has happened or suspension. The use of this really emphasises the shock and tension during the scene, but luckily, Kyotani saves the ball!

At 2:03, two different instruments/parts are playing a different rhythm alternately, which is call and response, which can represent the different teams' thoughts, as Oikawa thinks to Kageyama to "come at him with his best weapon". Also, the call and response mirrors the clash between the teams.

At 2:24, the beginning of the OST is repeated, which can show that the rally is coming to an end. But also, as Hinata goes to spike the ball, the music creates tension and anticipation with the staccato notes coming from the violins, as Aobajohsai has a triple block against him.

In the end, the instruments fade, indicating the end of the rally. A little messy rhythm is played on the piano (most likely a trill but more than two notes and goes up pitch), drum kit and electric guitar, mirroring the end that shows shock (the messy ending) and happiness (as it fades quietly) as Hinata spikes the ball and Oikawa fails to receive it.

Chemical Reaction Of Encounters

FAV / >
S2 E25: When Yachi expresses her feelings to Hinata and Kageyama when she joined the club.

Declaration Of War

LK / > <

Season 3[]

Volleyball Is A Sport Where You Always Look Up!!!

FAV / <
S3 E8: When the whole of Karasuno look down and Keishin yells this to them.

Battle Of Concepts

LK / <
S3 E10: Played during the last rally of the Karasuno vs Shiratorizawa match.

Greetings

FAV / <
S3 E12: After Hinata tells the team that he's happy to have make it to Nationals after seeing Hoshiumi.

Final Novices

FAV / <
Mostly played at the beginning of S3 episodes for the recaps.

Guess Monster

OK / <
Tendo's OST

The Guardian Deity Of Karasuno

FAV / >
S3 E6: After the 3rd years of Karasuno lost their first match when they were 1st years (Again, one of the OSTs that I struggled to get on the first time!)

The Halo Around The Moon

LOV / >
Tsukishima's OST
S3 E4: When Tsukishima blocks Ushijima's spike at the end of set 2 and when everyone gets so shocked at it.

Reason And Strength

FAV / >
S3 E6: When Daichi, Suga and Asahi stay behind to practise. Also when Daichi asks Shimizu and catches Kurokawa's spike.
OVA: The Volleyball Way At the end, when Mika goes to Daisho apologising to him.

Coherence

OK / > <

Obsession

LK / SAD / >
S3 E7: When Ushijima tells the other 3rd years of Shiratorizawa about his Dad.

Fistfight

LK / <

Vigilant Hostility

NO / <
It creeps me out as it sounds like a hospital!

Road To The Final Boss

LK / <

An Annoying Guy

LK / <

Just 1 Point

LK / <

The Eve Of A Full Moon

LK / <

One Vs Many

LK / <

Shiratorizawa Academy High School National Anthem

OK / >

Battle Of Stamina

LK / <

The Daytime Moon

FAV / >

The Volleyball Idiots

LK / <

The Next Battle

LK / >
S3 E10: When Karasuno win the match against Shiratorizawa.

Season 4 CD 1[]

CD pamphlet translated into English (basically the thoughts and comments on each OST)

PHOENIX -Brass Band Ver.-

Fav / > <

Offence and Defence

LK / <

Ensnaring Net

LK / <

Engine

FAV / > <

Shaken

OK / >

Beasts

LK / >

Haven’t Reached the Starting Line

SAD / LK / >

Lost

SAD / OK / >

Monsters

FAV / <

Point of View

FAV / <
Hinata's OST

Level 1 Ball Boy

FAV / > <
Hinata's OST

Hunger

LK / >

Enhancements

LOV!!! / >
S4 E6: At the beginning when Karasuno practise their serves.
S4 E8: When Nishinoya and Kinoshita are practising serves/overhand receives and Hinata rides his bike home.
S4 E12: A little bit, after Karasuno's match and when some people look at how "serious" Kageyama is!
S4 E13: When Karasuno is getting ready for their match against Inarizaki. Karasuno being a flock of crows!
S4 E17: Young Kenma, Yamamoto and some scenes of Nekoma in practise and real matches.

Preparation

LK / > <

Eye-catch A "To The Top"

FAV / <

Back Together

LK / >
Tanaka's OST

Transformation

LOV / > <

Awkward

FAV / >

The Day Before

FAV / >

Battle Lines

SAD / LK / >

Adjustments

LOV / <

Allies

LK / > <

An Opportunity Accepted

LK / <

Orange Court

FAV / > <

Everyone's Round 1

FAV / > <

Seagulls

LK / <
Hoshiumi's OST

Got a Real Chance

OK / >

Season 4 CD 2[]

Inarizaki's Cheer 1

FAV / <
S4 E13: "Atsumu! Aran! Osamu! Miya Senpai!!!"

Inarizaki's Cheer 2

FAV / <
Mainly before Atsumu serves

Atsumu Miya

FAV / <
Atsumu's OST

Miya Twins

FAV / > <
Osamu Miya and Atsumu Miya's OST
S4 E21: Atsumu and Osamu's past. When they talk about Atsumu getting into the All Japan Youth Training Camp.

The Twins' Quick

FAV / <
S4 E22: Atsumu first touch, Osamu "spikes it" but test the ball to Aran. The one before Hinata's receive!

Disparity

LK / > <

The Strongest Challengers

LK / < / 6/8
Inarizaki High's OST

Found

LOV!!! / > <

Leader

FAV / > <
Kita's OST

Pinch Server

LK / > <
S4 E22: At the start of the episode, "Sorry follow"...

Support System

FAV / > <
Karasuno's third years

Broken Hearts

LK / > <
S4 E18: Kenma thinking and when the whole of Nekoma 'connect', showing all of them with their hands together.

Eye-catch B "To The Top"

FAV / <

Targeting Kenma

FAV / <
S4 E17: Towards the end of the episode, Sarukawa Tech making Kenma tired.
S4 E18: Kuroo: "We are Nekoma. We acclimate to them!"

Kozume Kenma's Stubbornness

LK / > <
S4 E18: Timeout flashback. Kenma talking about messing up the receive and telling everyone they have "guts".

Trap

FAV / < / 6/8

The Birth of the Serene King

FAV / > <

The Guardian's Hero

LK / >
S4 E21: Nishinoya telling his past, how he was scared of almost anything. Then Atsumu serves and Kinoshita shouts "front" to Nishinoya and receives the ball perfectly.

The Evening Moon

FAV / <
Tsukishima's OST

Piton

LK / >
Hinata's receive OST
S4 E22: When Hinata receives Aran's spike perfectly!
S4 E24: Take it easy part 2. Hinata makes a high first receive to give his teammates time to breath and slow down.

The Threat of Trust

FAV / <
S4 E23: Kageyama setting the ball to the far left, giving Tanaka options in the air and does the cut shot!

Anti-Miracle

FAV / <
S4 E24: SPEEDING UP!!!

Hunger is Contagious

FAV / <
S4 E22: Osamu's 'food' analogy, when someone is hunger, everyone else get hunger as well.
S4 E24: "SHOYO-SAN!!!"

Monster's Banquet

FAV / <
S4 E24: After Hinata's high receive, the second half of the last rally of Karasuno vs Inarizaki and when Hinata and Kageyama block the Twins' minus tempo back attack.

A Day of Change

LK / > <
S4 E25: The end of Karasuno vs Inarizaki's match.

Other Haikyuu!! OSTs[]

Stage play[]

Summer of Evolution: opening theme

Fav / <
Always have to dance to this one

Other[]

Connect

(The OST Yuki Hayashi made for the ending of Haikyuu!!)
CRY!!! / >

OST that sound similar[]

The View from the Top
The Next Battle

Haikyuu!!
Birth of a Combo 2/2
Winners and Losers

Evolution
Accustomed Strength

Kageyama vs Tsukishima
Brain

Settlement
Above
Battle of Concepts

Gears
The Chemical Reaction of Encounters
Day of change

Losers
Regret and Motivation

Let's go to Tokyo
Declaration of War

Breakdown
Obsession

Goal
Beasts

1 point
Haven’t Reached the Starting Line

Greed
Point of View

Omnivorous
Back Together

Limit Switch
Transformation

What it Means to Connect
Adjustments

Senpai's True Abilities
Orange Court

A Former Coward's Fight
Pinch Server

With each new game
Support system

The Guardian Deity of Karasuno
The Guardians's Hero

Halo Around The Moon
The Evening Moon

Breakthrough
The Threat of Trust

Greetings
Anti-Miracle

Back in action
Greed
Battle of stamina

The daytime moon
Qualities of an ace
The volleyball idiots

Direct confrontation
Team potential
Super-fast quick

Strongest ally
Omnivorous
Back in action
Wiping out
The halo around the moon

King of the Court
Back together
Birth of The Serene King

Piton
Evolution
Baby Bird

Monster's Banquet
View From The Top
Haikyuu!!

OST that have never been played in the anime[]

Watermelon S2 CD1 Tr.22
Everyone's Round 1 S4 CD1 Tr.25
Got a Real Chance S4 CD1 Tr.27
Found S4 CD2 Tr.8
Trap S4 CD2 Tr.16