JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, or simply JoJo, is a long-running manga series and anime franchise that has woven an intricate web of musical references throughout its storyline. The series' creator, Hirohiko Araki, is known for his eclectic mix of influences, and music is no exception. Here, we'll delve into an extensive list of musical references in JoJo, categorizing them into themes and styles for a comprehensive exploration.
Music serves as more than just a soundtrack in JoJo's universe; it's often a plot device, a power source, or even a character in itself. Araki's love for music is evident in the numerous bands, songs, and genres that find their way into the story. Let's unearth these hidden musical gems, one panel at a time.
Rock and Power
Rock music is perhaps the most prominent in JoJo, serving as a symbol of power, rebellion, and the series' over-the-top aesthetic. Araki often uses heavy riffs and fast-paced drumming to underscore battle scenes and moments of high intensity.
One standout example is 'Walk This Way' by Aerosmith, featured in the battle between Jotaro Kujo and DIO in Stardust Crusaders. The song's iconic guitar riff accompanies Jotaro's Stand, Star Platinum, as it punches through DIO's arts, symbolizing the youth's resolve against his nefarious grandfather.
Power Metal
Power metal, with its fast tempo and high-pitched vocals, echoes the amped-up energy and exaggerated grandeur found in JoJo's battles. Songs like 'Drums of the Pantheon' by Manowar and 'Rebellion' by Iced Earth are often associated with powerful Stands and intense confrontations.
In Diamond is Unbreakable, the powerful Stand, The Hand, is simultaneously awakened and controlled by a power metal melody. This emphasis highlights the genre's ability to evoke feelings of triumph and invincibility, mirroring the strength of JoJo's characters and their Stand abilities.
Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
A plethora of hard rock and heavy metal songs are sprinkled throughout JoJo, often associated with villains like DIO, who revel in their chaotic and destructive power. One notable example is 'Crazy Train' by Ozzy Osbourne, used to herald the arrival of DIO's Stand, The World, in the anime adaption of Stardust Crusaders.
On the other hand, bands like Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue are featured in more lighthearted moments, reflecting the series' balancing act between comedy and drama. 'Sweet Child o' Mine' plays during a warm and fuzzy flashback of Jotaro's childhood in Battle Tendency, while 'Shout at the Devil' accompanies a goofy dance scene featuring Jonathan Joestar in Phantom Blood.
Jazz and Funk
Jazz and funk music in JoJo often signify deception, coolheadedness, or the passage of time. Their smooth melodies and complex rhythms create a stark contrast to the high-intensity, driving beats found in rock-oriented scenes.
One jazz classic, 'Take Five' by Dave Brubeck, makes an appearance in Diamond is Unbreakable. The song plays during Koichi Hirose's intro, highlighting his analytical andталь, cool-headed approach to problem-solving. Later, it's used again during his battle against Josuke Higashikata, drawing parallels between the two characters' aloof, strategic personas.
Funk and Soul
Funk and soul music occasionally pop up in JoJo, usually in connection with characters who exude charisma, humor, or evoke feelings of nostalgia. 'ABC' by Jackson 5 and 'Heard It Through the Grapevine' by Marvin Gaye are just two examples that bring a touch of positivity and retro charm to specific scenes.
In Golden Wind, for instance, 'ABC' plays during a flashback to the friendship between Giorno Giovanna and Bruno Bucciarati. The song's catchy tune and upbeat rhythm emphasize their tight-knit bond and the happier times they spent together before becoming embroiled in the story's tragic events.
Classical and Opera
Classical and opera music in JoJo is typically associated with regal, upper-class characters, or as underscoring moments of tragedy and loss. Their elegant and melancholic tones often serve as a counterpoint to the series' otherwise lively and energetic soundtrack.
'Nessun dorma' from the opera Turandot was famously used in the opening credits of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime, setting the stage for the over-the-top action and spectacle that followed. This choice of music reinforced the idea that the series aimed to break free from typical shonen tropes and offer something uniquely ambitious and dramatic.
Choral and Gregorian Chants
Choral music and Gregorian chants are usually employed to create an atmosphere of mystery, otherworldliness, or intense, supernatural danger. Examples include 'Requiem for a Dream' by Clint Mansell and 'Sanctus' from Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana'.
In Moonwalk, the 'Requiem for a Dream' score plays during a tense, nightmarish sequence involving Jotaro's encounter with the alternate Joestar universe. Its disorienting, discordant melody reflects the surreal and terrifying nature of this dimension and the threat it poses to Jotaro and the Joestar bloodline.
Throughout JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, music serves as more than just background noise. It's a dynamic language that enriches the narrative, develops characters, and heightens emotional response. With its diverse soundtrack and creative integration of musical elements, JoJo continues to captivate fans and inspire musicians alike. So, crank up your favorite JoJo-inspired tunes and prepare for another rip-roaring rollercoaster ride through this audacious and(musical adventure).