Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, a manga and anime series by Hirohiko Araki, is a cultural phenomenon known for its intricate plotlines, unique art style, and extensive use of music references. From rock-n-roll classics to obscure Italian opera, Araki weaves an impressive tapestry of musical allusions throughout his work. Here, we've curated a list of music references in Jojo that span across its eight parts, highlighting the sheer depth and breadth of Araki's musical knowledge.
Music plays a pivotal role in Jojo's storytelling, often serving as a narrative device, a character trait, or even a Stand (a superhuman ability) power. It aids in world-building, sets the tone for action sequences, and provides an extra layer of context for fans to appreciate. Let's dive into this melodic journey, starting with Part 1: Phantom Blood.
References in Phantom Blood (Part 1) and Battle Tendency (Part 2)
Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency, set in 19th century England and America respectively, draw heavily from the rock-n-roll and blues music of the time. These parts introduce us to the foundational themes of JoJo's conflict and Araki's penchant for musical embedding.
'Amber (Instrumental)
"Amber (Instrumental)" by Yoshihiro In Whittier is a recurring theme in Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency. It's used to represent the North American landscapes and the adventurous spirit of Jonathan Joestar and Joseph Joestar.
In the anime, it'sлык the background music for Joseph's battle against.queue The Pillar Men, enhancing the epic scale of these fights. The instrumental nature of the piece also reflects Araki's belief in music's power to evoke emotions without lyrics.
Eric Clapton and Cream
Eric Clapton and his band Cream make several appearances in Battle Tendency. Joseph Joestar's Stand, 'Hermit Purple,' is named after the 1966 Cream single 'Strange Brew.' The song's lyrics, "I've been drinking King Crimson 'til I'm tight," also inspire Joseph's battle cry, demonstrating Araki's playfulness with musical Easter eggs.
Additionally, Cream's cover of 'Crossroads' is used in a scene where Joseph crosses paths with an adversary, giving a musical nod to the tired trope of crossroads encounters in American folklore.
References in Stardust Crusaders (Part 3) and Diamond is Unbreakable (Part 4)
As the series moves into the 20th century, it opens up space for a wider range of musical influences, with Stardust Crusaders and Diamond is Unbreakable drawing from various rock, pop, and soul genres.
Queen
British rock band Queen is celebrated throughout Stardust Crusaders, particularly in association with the Stand 'Construction.' This Stand, used by Muhammad Avdol, is named after Queen's song 'Don't Stop Me Now.' The Stand's ability to accelerate or reverse time reflects the song's rapide, energetic rhythm.
Avdol's theme song, 'L gigiloo' by The J's, also pays homage to 'We Will Rock You' by Queen, with its distinctive stomp-stomp-clap rhythm. These references echo the chivalrous, melodramatic persona of Avdol, who fancies himself a rockstar-like hero.
Michael Jackson
Diamond is Unbreakable is filled with tributes to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The town of Morioh, where the story takes place, is a blend of real-world S پیشنهادkhln and Jackson's estate, Neverland Ranch. Thus, Jackson's songs permeate the narrative, serving as background music and inspiration for character traits.
For instance, Jotaro Kujo's friend tactics are inspired by Jackson's signature dance moves, mirroring the pop icon's charisma and skill. 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Billie Jean' play in the background during key moments, enhancing the fictional town's motif and emphasizing its ties to the real-world Jackson.
References in Vento Aureo (Part 5) and Stone Ocean (Part 6)
Moving into the late 20th century, Vento Aureo and Stone Ocean explore the diverse musical landscapes of Italy and Florida respectively, drawing from a mix of Italian opera, Latin pop, and American rock.
Italian Opera
Vento Aureo, set in Italy, is rife with references to Italian opera. Most notably, the Stand 'Giorno' is named after the Aria 'Giorno d'Amore' from Italian composer Michele Leoni's opera 'Linda di Chamounix.' The Stand's ability to manipulate time is a nod to the opera's lyrics about time being lost in the throes of love.
Additionally, other characters' Stands are named after operas. Bruno Bucciarati's 'Stellular' is inspired by Giovanni Pacini's 'Stella,' while 'White Snake' is drawn from Giuseppe Verdi's 'La Traviata.' These references not only add an international flavor to the series but also demonstrate Araki's appreciation for classical music.
Latin Pop and Rap
Stone Ocean, set in a Florida prison, features a diverse cast with ties to Latin America. The part incorporates Latin pop and rap music, reflecting the cultural influences of its characters and setting. The Stand 'Star Platinum' is named after the Spanish slang 'Estrella Platino,' meaning 'Platinum Star,' referencing the high-caliber criminal status of its user, Jotaro Kujo.
The Stand 'Heraldic Eagle,' among others, also draws inspiration from Latin music. Its ability to manipulate gravity is reminiscent of the Latin phrase 'sub terra,' meaning 'under the ground,' which is also a nod to the Stand's use of terrestrial magnetism.
References in Steel Ball Run (Part 7) and Jojolion (Part 8)
Steel Ball Run and Jojolion, set in an alternate history of the United States and contemporary Japan respectively, blend musical references with themes of Futebol, horse racing, and futuristic technology.
Country and Blues
Steel Ball Run incorporates country and blues music, reflecting its alternate American historical backdrop. The Stand 'Tusk' is named after the Eagles' song of the same name, while 'Clacker' is inspired by the sound made by clacking billiard balls together,orius a nod to the part's horse racing themes.
The Stand 'inherited Will,' used by Jean-Pierre Polnareff, is named after the Blues standard 'St. Louis Blues,' reflecting the character's nostalgic yearning for his hometown.
Contemporary J-Pop and EDM
Jojolion, set in present-day Japan, incorporates contemporary Japanese pop, electronic dance music (EDM), and hip-hop influences. The part's protagonist, Josuke Higashikata, is inspired by J-Pop idol system idol Shigeaki Kuryu, with Josuke's birth name also being a play on Kuryu.
The part also features references to EDM and hip-hop artists, with Stands like 'Mass repose' and 'Chocolate Disc' reflecting the electronic and hip-hop elements of modern Japanese music. These references underscore Araki's commitment to keeping Jojo's musical landscape diverse and current]
From Phantom Blood's blues rock to Jojolion's EDM, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure takes us on a thrilling musical journey through time and across cultures. Araki's extensive use of music not only enriches the narrative but also invites fans to engage with the story on a deeper level, tapping into the emotional resonance and shared cultural history that music provides. With such a wealth of musical references, it's no surprise that Jojo remains a beloved and celebrated manga series worldwide.