It’s time for a nostalgia trip! August 31st 2007 was the release of virtual popstar and all-around internet sensation Hatsune Miku. So why not celebrate 10 years with 10 great 2007 Miku songs? There have been so many excellent Miku songs in the past 10 years, but this list is just focusing on some from the year the original software was released!

If you’re a Hatsune Miku fan, or have played some of the Project Diva games, you’ll probably recognise some of these, but there might also be songs you haven’t heard before, or at least in a long time! You just might find a new favourite or rediscover an old one!

Packaged

This toe-tapping tune is a very early Miku song and a crucial one in establishing her popularity. Its simple, repeating lyrics and catchy backing music make for a feel good song that’s sure to have you smiling and singing it all day. ‘Packaged’ is a staple in Miku collection CDs, games, and concerts, and it fully deserves to be.

Miracle Paint

Time for something a bit jazzy! On top of a distinctive piano part and strong harmonies, as in many of OSTER*project’s other songs, the syncopated show-tune style of ‘Miracle Paint’ makes it really fun! The paintbrush cane dance is adorable too.

Melt

One of the most famous Miku songs and the debut of renowned Vocaloid producer and founding member of supercell, Ryo. supercell are behind many of the most popular Hatsune Miku hits such as ‘World is Mine’ and ‘Black★Rock Shooter’, and Ryo’s sensational songwriting has provided openings and endings to many anime series, both as part of supercell and the more recent Egoist.

The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku -DEAD END-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DouheoH8GTs

It may not always be for the best reasons, but ‘Disappearance of Hatsune Miku’ is certainly iconic. Once you get over the initial ‘what am I listening to?’, it’s easy to fall for the song’s great chorus and raw power. If you’ve ever wondered what distress sounds like in song form, this is probably a good bet.

Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru

Though somewhat brief in length compared to many other Vocaloid songs, the quick beat and high energy of ‘Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru’ really make you want to get up and dance! Its simple synthy riff makes it a bit of an ear worm, and, after a couple of listens, it’s likely you too will find yourself Miku-Mikued. For reals.

SING&SMILE

As you may expect from the title, ‘SING&SMILE’ is an upbeat, happy song meant to make you smile. With its motivational lyrics and great energy, it’s no surprise the ‘SING&SMILE’ Project Diva modules have a cheerleader theme! Miku believes in you!

Hajimete no Oto

Quite appropriately to its name, ‘Hajimete no Oto’ is a pretty good representation of the older Miku sound. With a more more mellow tone than other classics such as ‘Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru’ and ‘SING&SMILE’, ‘Hajimete no Oto’ is a sweet and peaceful song that works as an excellent callback to Miku’s beginnings both in lyrics and style 10 years on.

Sakura no Kisetsu

‘Sakura no Kisetsu’ is a bit lesser known than some of the others on this list. Despite its melancholy, heartfelt lyrics, it’s still pretty catchy, and has a particularly strong opening instrumental. It definitely deserves some more attention, and it would be great to see this one show up in a Project Diva game in the future!

Sound

This calm and cool composition from baker compliments Miku’s gentle vocals with use of an electric guitar. With a bit of kick that makes it stand out from many other older Miku songs, ‘Sound’ is a timeless classic and an early indicator of how versatile Miku songs can be.

01_ballade

A list of great 2007 Miku songs wouldn’t be complete without this! ’01_ballade’ is Hatsune Miku’s first demo song, released a few days before the software. This charming, gentle piece was composed with a focus on delicate and beautiful vocals. The full song, titled Hoshi no Kakera, was later released, where ’01_ballade’ is the fifth verse.

As with all Vocaloid music, Hatsune Miku is a bit of an acquired taste, but, while synthesised vocals might not be everyone’s thing, there’s a bustling community of song writers and PV animators from whose hard work some truly wonderful songs and videos have been created! Here’s to another 10 years of Hatsune Miku magic!