Summary of Western Songs That Inspired the JoJo Series
Since its serialization began in 1986, Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series has been beloved across generations as both a manga and an anime.
A pioneering work in so-called “supernatural power battles,” it continues to captivate many fans with its edge-of-your-seat storytelling and strikingly unique characters.
One of JoJo’s distinctive features is that the names of characters and abilities often draw inspiration from real-life artists, bands, and song titles.
With that in mind, this article rounds up Western songs related to the JoJo series!
Take a peek into the world of JoJo from a musical perspective!
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Western songs that inspired the JoJo series (21–30)
Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles
It’s a captivating pop tune that pays homage to Egyptian culture while reflecting the changing times.
This song by The Bangles was released as a single from their 1986 album “Different Light.” It became a major hit, topping the charts in the United States and many other countries.
With a message that celebrates cross-cultural exchange and encourages freedom from social norms, it overflows with exotic allure.
It was also featured as the ending theme for the anime “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders,” drawing renewed attention.
It’s a track that perfectly enhances the adventurous elements of the anime set in Egypt.
RoundaboutYES
This piece is known as a classic of progressive rock.
It opened the album Fragile, released in November 1971.
With its dramatic development and grand sound, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
The lyrics, which evoke a winding journey along a roundabout, stir a sense of adventure.
It’s also a perfect gateway to discovering YES’s music.
Its complex rhythms and unique world-building resonate with both prog fans and JoJo fans.
When it was released as a single in November 1972, it reached No.
13 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100 and even won a BMI Award.
It’s a captivating track that’s perfect for a drive!
GoldPrince
Prince is a great musician whose boundless, genre-defying musicality has influenced countless artists and listeners.
His overwhelming guitar technique and exceptional songwriting set him apart, and he produced a wealth of timeless classics.
Gold is one such work.
This song is also known as the inspiration for Giorno Giovanna’s Stand name, “Gold Experience.” Araki-sensei has publicly stated that Prince is his favorite artist.
Let this article be your cue to explore more of Prince’s music!
Shine On You Crazy DiamondPink Floyd
Pink Floyd is a rock band from England.
They are known for a musical style rooted in arena rock and art rock, and they have influenced the Japanese scene, led by artists like SUGIZO and Masataka Matsutoya.
Their classic song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is a work closely connected to JoJo.
It is known as the inspiration for Josuke Higashikata, and despite its total length of about 25 minutes, it is crafted with such detail that it never feels long.
We RockDio
Dio Brando is such a popular character that you could even call him the hidden protagonist of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
For those unfamiliar with the original reference, many people think of DIO as the JoJo character.
In fact, Dio’s namesake is the band DIO, led by the charismatic hard rock vocalist Ronnie James Dio.
Ronnie, who performed with legendary bands like Rainbow and Black Sabbath, is also the person who popularized the “devil horns” hand sign known to every heavy metal fan.
Although Ronnie has passed away, his incredible vocals—said to never go off pitch even live—are still celebrated today.
So if you like the character Dio, you should definitely listen to Ronnie’s singing.
Both Sides NowJoni Mitchell
The names of the racers in Part 7 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, “Steel Ball Run,” are a treasure trove of music references, but in fact there are hidden references in the stage names as well.
Stage 8, “Both Sides Now,” is said to be based on the timeless classic Both Sides Now, written and composed by the great Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell—an impressively subtle citation.
More people might recognize it by its Japanese title, “Seishun no Hikari to Kage” (Light and Shadow of Youth).
Incidentally, the first person to sing the song was Judy Collins, and it was included on her 1967 album Wildflowers.
Dream OnAerosmith
Aerosmith, who rose to immense popularity in their home country and in Japan as titans of American hard rock in the 1970s, continued to thrive at the forefront of the scene for decades into the 2020s with a sound that digested a wide range of influences rooted in their origins.
Unfortunately, it’s still fresh in our memory that their farewell tour was canceled in August 2024 due to frontman Steven Tyler’s throat issues, but the many masterpieces they’ve created remain beloved and unfading.
In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind, the Stand used by Narancia Ghirga is named “Aerosmith,” directly referencing the band—so be sure to check it out.