The Naruto anime series is divided into two parts – the original Naruto (OG Naruto) and Naruto Shippuden. The soundtrack of each of these parts reflects the changes that occurred in the tone and style of the anime.
OG Naruto, which covered the first part of the manga series, was aimed at a younger audience and had a lighter tone. The soundtrack of OG Naruto reflected this, featuring mostly light and cheerful music that complemented the anime’s comedic and adventurous moments.
In contrast, Naruto Shippuden, which covered the second part of the manga series, had a more mature tone, as the characters and their stories became more complex. The soundtrack of Naruto Shippuden reflects this change, with a greater focus on emotional and intense music that emphasized the drama and action of the series.
One of the most notable differences in the soundtrack of Naruto Shippuden is the use of more orchestral and epic music. This reflects the increased scope and drama of the anime, as the characters face greater challenges and face more serious consequences. The use of strings, horns, and percussion in the soundtrack of Naruto Shippuden creates a sense of grandeur and urgency, emphasizing the gravity of the events taking place on screen.
Another difference in the soundtrack of Naruto Shippuden is the increased use of vocal tracks. Many of these vocal tracks are performed in Japanese, adding to the authenticity and cultural identity of the anime. The vocal tracks also often contain lyrics that relate to the events or themes of the anime, further emphasizing the emotional impact of the scenes.
The soundtrack of Naruto Shippuden also features a greater variety of musical styles, incorporating elements of traditional Japanese music, rock, and hip-hop. This diversity in the soundtrack reflects the diverse range of characters and themes in the anime, and helps to create a unique and memorable musical landscape.
In conclusion, the soundtrack of Naruto changed significantly when transitioning from OG Naruto to Naruto Shippuden. The switch from a light and cheerful soundtrack to a more emotional and intense soundtrack reflects the changes in the tone and style of the anime. The use of orchestral and epic music, vocal tracks, and a greater variety of musical styles helped to create a powerful and memorable soundtrack that complemented the themes and events of Naruto Shippuden.