Any long-time fan of Bleach got emotional when they watched Bleach's Thousand Year Blood War trailer. The trailer especially stirred those emotions when a remix of Ichigo's theme, "Number One" dropped in the trailer. The piece is a lesson in heart-pumping nostalgia, and surely reinvigorated a lost love for the franchise. Bleach's soundtrack was part of what introduced the anime world to the "rule of cool", so it will be interesting to see if the show can continue the rule of cool in the Thousand Year Blood War arc.
"Number One" usually plays when Ichigo, Bleach's main character, is about to or in the process of doing something extraordinary. The song plays when Ichigo got his soul reaper powers, and when he rescued his friend Rukia from execution. One reason the song was included in the Thousand Year Blood War trailer could have been to suggest that the new series offers moments equally memorable if not more so than Bleach episodes of old.
The Original "Number One"
Shirō Sagisu composed "Number One" back in 2005. Sagisu is also famous for composing the soundtrack to Evangelion, for which he earned an award. Though Sagisu is responsible for the song's arrangement and composition, the classic lyrics and melody emerged from the honey lacquered pipes of the singer Hazel Fernandes.
Fernandes brought a certain kind of soul flare to the soul reaper's theme song, which continue to be the most recognizable part of the song. The original version opens with a hard drum line that is quickly reinforced by wild shredding guitar, both of which fade into the background when Fernandes starts singing. All the elements of the song come together in harmony during the chorus. The bassline has a distinctly 2005 filter on it and does a good job marking the song's age.
Number One Remix
"Number One"'s remix makes three significant changes from the original. Firstly, it adds an intro with synth and dual guitars. The intro sounds different enough from the original, and it can misdirect listeners into thinking it might be a different song. The misdirection is there so that when the chorus comes in with Fernandes' vocals, it comes as a pleasant surprise.
The second major change is in the song's rhythm section. While in the original there was only a lead guitar, now there is also a kind of rhythm guitar playing a slow looped riff. The drums have been modernized, now consisting of synth and trap drums as opposed to the original drum kit. The last major change is the addition of Spanish guitar. Spanish guitar has traditionally been used as a theme for villains like the Espada and Aizen. Spanish guitar plays during the trailer to highlight the appearance of Yhwach Bach.
Quincy or Espada?
It is unclear whether this Spanish guitar will be a permanent part of "Number One" or if it will only be included in the trailer. The insertion lasts only about five seconds, and it is different enough to where it might be connected to a different song on the soundtrack. Yhwach Bach and the Quincies could have a different theme entirely. The only other Quincies in Bleach, Uryū and Ryūken Ishida, have themes featuring a harpsichord.
The Quincies are a race of people who have yet to be explored within the anime. Tite Kubo has even stated that the Quincy culture reflects a bit of German culture. It would be great to see if German music was somehow incorporated into the show. With the clear improvements in animation quality, new music compositions are definitely something to look forward to as well.
Bleach's Thousand-Year Blood War Arc is set to be released in October 2022.