I disagree! Haha, well actually I really do love this opening (Brand New World is still my favorite). The thing is, the animation doesn't seem a whole lot different than the type of stuff we've been getting with some of the newer openings. Actually, it kind of feels like less. I guess it isn't completely a bad thing, as it does look pretty for the most part, but like some other people said, the constant slide shows of the straw hats and lack of real action going on, well, other than Luffy destroying another Marine Ship, is getting kind of tiring. It just doesn't feel very "special" to me. The passing of the hat however, was pretty amazing and well done, and I can't help but smile every time I see it. I'm also guessing the ending with them gathering at the ship is a direct response to the last opening. Anyway, I guess I just wish we had more interaction going on in this opening rather than "Look at my awesome new design 3 different times."
As for the song itself, when I first heard it, I was kind of disappointed that it didn't sound as much as We Are as I had liked, but I got over that really quickly. I did LOVE that they added the narration to the beginning like the series used to. The song itself is very exciting, and definitely does get me pumped up, and even has a "One Piece" vibe to it, which I guess is expected given who made it. At first however, I thought it was too fast for One Piece, but as I watched it more and more I dismissed the notion. I also find I like it even more each time I hear it, and can't wait to see it get reused for other songs as well. I'm hoping we get an episode preview using a short instrumental with it sometime soon. Anyways, despite my issues with it, I still do very much like this opening.
Oh, and once I found a translation, I couldn't resist trying to make some singable English lyrics out of it. So:
I can't hold it all in, gotta keep running!
Daybreak isn't even here, still we can't wait,
For the Sunshine, Oh, We Go!
Raise the flag up for the Break of Romance Dawn!
Splashing on the waves, wake up from your sleep and Jump Start,
The will to find the treasures inside our hearts,
And our toughness will ensure we go far!
But is it a crime, to be a dreamer?
Well then "Wanted", means winner!
Do what you want with us because freedom's our only rule.
I'd rather stay carefree than worry life through.
I'll get One Piece, I'll be the first,
On my growing heart, I swear!
If your heart dreams, then you better make sure it stays asleep!
I can't hold it all in, gotta keep running!
Daybreak isn't even here, still we can't wait,
For the Sunshine, Oh, We Go!
Now we've come so far,
To a new world and still yet,
Until we reach all our goals, we have to keep moving on,
And keep our bonds tight all my friends.
You gotta keep running, that's what we promised,
On that day our dream began, and as we stand,
The goal in our heads have never changed.
I can't hold it all in, gotta keep running!
The sun in my heart's shining and it will not set!
For the Sunshine,
For the Sunshine,
For the Sunshine, Oh, We Go!
We Go!