AIR: Natsukage
Even though I haven’t read the VN, I’ve heard the soundtrack and Natsukage is just gorgeous. I really can’t describe it any better. It’s impactful, complex and stands out as a track even when out of context.
Kanon: Yume no Ato
Well, what can I say that ThePlasticSpork hasn’t said yet… The thing I loved the most about Kanon is how it feels like a VN that takes you to a different world. It’s like the flow of time there and in real life have different paces. Kanon invites you to join that alternate world and peacefully sit and watch what everyday’s life has to offer. I feel like this piece of OST complements that feeling perfectly because of that peaceful melody that resembles the everyday life going on while snow keeps falling and covering it.
CLANNAD: Parting at the Bottom of the Hill
This piece was really intense. It starts off calmed and starts escalating up unitl the point it tears you heart appart. Of course, this effect is caused partly because it’s played at a very particular momento, but still, I love the simplicity of the melody and accompaniment and how they combine together to create a very powerful feeling.
For CLANNAD I wanted to also mention Roaring Tides, Ushio and Shining in the Sky, which were really close to winning the first spot for this particular VN.
Tomoyo After: Hope
This track is amazing. Without having started the VN you already know that shit’s gonna get real. An introduciton that feels somehow discordant, a point where the introduciton stabilizes and allows for a peaceful melody to settle in, then a strong accompaniment gets in, following that, really low strings start playing adding up tension… And finally it ends with a rather unresolved chord that at the same time gives a very relaxed ending to a piece of OST with lots of ups and downs.
Planetarian: Gentle Jena
Because who didn’t like this peaceful, sorrowful tone?
Little Busters: A world is born
I looked at the cover from the anime before going into the VN and I wasn’t expecting this strange and shady melody. I loved how mysterious this piece of OST sounded, even more tan others in LB. In fact, I didn’t really love many of the purely music tracks from LB. What I remember the most about it’s OST are the voiced songs.
Angel Beats: Still here
You hate Angel Beats? You hate Otonashi? You hate anything related to after-death worlds? Well, this single music track makes it worth the effort of 100% completing First Beat. The effect they accomplished combining the piano and violins and increasing the dynamics throughout the track is astounding. Everyone should listen to this and I’m sure @HeliosAlpha agrees with me on this.
Harmonia: Tristitia
Take a piano and choirs and you are all set up to create a beautiful melody able to evoke unending amounts of melancholy. The only think I don’t like about this is how once you end Harmonia they remove it from the title screen. Both this track and Hope are tracks that will prevent you from starting the actual VN during at least a week.