You may have to have a Google+ account to use other Google services which for some is annoying but really they are trying to standardize log ins for all related services and protecting your online identity.

This even includes photos Google might have animated for you from your old photos you uploaded to Picasa Web Albums, now that "Google+ is the new home for your photos" (i.e., Google+ has all but replaced the old Picasa Web Albums). Just search for words like "motion," "mix," or "hdr."