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9 of the best/worst covers of the ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ theme song

There's a reason this is the most-hated karaoke request in Japan.

 

Aja Romano

Parsec

Posted on Jun 22, 2015   Updated on May 28, 2021, 12:39 pm CDT

When Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s first episode aired in 1995, it introduced us to the dystopic world of Tokyo 3 set on the futuristic date of June 22, 2015. Well, that day has arrived, and fortunately for all of us, no terrifying angels have attacked the planet (at least as of press time). That didn’t stop fans from preparing for battle anyway:

"Meanwhile in Mexico..."

“Meanwhile in Mexico…”

nathangoblinpirate/Tumblr

For our part, we choose to turn our attention to the least terrifying and least infuriating part of Eva—the beloved opening theme, “Cruel Angel Thesis.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbksWvNv-fU

According to a recent poll, Yoko Takahashi’s famously singable song is the most-hated karaoke request in Japan, which is no easy feat! To celebrate, here are nine of the best/worst covers of “Cruel Angel Thesis” on YouTube, including, in no particular order, a bike horn, some drunk people, some white people, some more white people, a person in a Scream mask playing an electric violin, a guy who thinks he is Hyde starring in a shounen anime about a warrior-singer from beyond the stars, and Goofy. You’re welcome.

Happy Eva day, and may you all survive the angels—or at least survive these covers.

Screengrab via pellekofficial/YouTube

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*First Published: Jun 22, 2015, 6:49 pm CDT