The Music of Lupin III

[The Gentleman Thief]

Hello Again

One of my favorite things about this franchise is just how good the music is. It really has range going from light and happy to jazzy to soft and calming in just one soundtrack. While there might be similar threads on the subject I am looking to spark some new discussion on the subject. In the object of doing so I leave you with 4 questions. You need not answer all of them if you want to just focus on one. You need not answer at all. Anyways here you go.

1. What is the best variation of the main theme. For me personally it's the one from cagliostro. Every part of that song is just perfect to me.

2. What is the best piece of music from the franchise. I think it's Manhattan Joke.

3. What is the best album or soundtrack. I am wondering if there is one album that is just banger after banger with no duds in your opinion. There was a thread like this before but I am curious to see how times have changed. I specified album because Yuji Ohno has been releasing albums that aren't actual soundtracks but you guy's probably already knew that.

4. This one is my favorite question. What is Lupin's motif. We have Zantetsuken (the song) for Goemon and Magnum Dance for Jigen but what represents Lupin. Does the main theme represent him or the show as a whole? And if it isn't the main theme then what is the Lemotif of Lupin III

That's all I've got for you today. I have pretty much gotten the hang of this franchise and how to watch it so there will fortunately be no more annoying questions.

PS: I finished Part V and it is genuinely amazing.

 

[Tsushi]

1. I love the piano variant of the main theme from Goodbye Partner! Not really a great Lupin special, but an awesome song!

2. Manhatten Joke is really great! I think my fave is a close close tie between Fire Treasure and Duty Friend (the ending theme of Woman Called Fujiko Mine). But it's really hard to pick, a lot of the Ending themes in the show, Part 4 and Part 5 especially, are really amazing!

3. I think The First movie had some of the most polished versions of all the iconic Lupin songs. If I had to pick just one album it would probably be that one.

4. I do think the main theme is Lupin's Theme, but I would also say Superhero, from Part 2! It got a fun instrumental remix in Part 4. But it feels extremely from his point of view lyrically and just fits him being full of cheesey bravado.

Glad you liked Part 5! And don't worry your questions aren't annoying. They're great for starting discussions.

 

[The Gentleman Thief]

1. I love the piano variant of the main theme from Goodbye Partner! Not really a great Lupin special, but an awesome song!

2. Manhatten Joke is really great! I think my fave is a close close tie between Fire Treasure and Duty Friend (the ending theme of Woman Called Fujiko Mine). But it's really hard to pick, a lot of the Ending themes in the show, Part 4 and Part 5 especially, are really amazing!

3. I think The First movie had some of the most polished versions of all the iconic Lupin songs. If I had to pick just one album it would probably be that one.

4. I do think the main theme is Lupin's Theme, but I would also say Superhero, from Part 2! It got a fun instrumental remix in Part 4. But it feels extremely from his point of view lyrically and just fits him being full of cheesey bravado.

Glad you liked Part 5! And don't worry your questions aren't annoying. They're great for starting discussions.

I actually love the 2019 version of Superhero from the first which has the chorus but none of the (in my opinion) cheesy lyrics.

I was looking for the ending theme of part IV on spotify but can't seem to find the one with lyrics. Instrumental one is pretty good though.

As for Goodbye Partner the premise stuck out to me so I gave it a go and yeah.... It's not the best. I think it really just juggled too much. The synopsis gives you the impression that this is Lupin going out of his way to clear Zenigata name which made me think this is a more Pop's focused special. No... instead we get AI, Piano, Mystery watches, and essentially a dart board of ideas that could each be good episodes by themselves. And unfortunately with this next movie looking like the conclusion or at least big event of the IIIRD in favor of the Zenigata movie that was in the works it seems our favorite inspector won't be getting the spotlight for a bit.

 

[Tsushi]

Here's the Part 4 Japanese ending theme! It might be harder to find because tjhe English version actually has a totally different one.

And I agree on your Goodbye Partner assessment. I love a lot of the concepts! But they really didn't do a good job actually USING them. I'd love a good plot about Jigen betraying Lupin or a Jigen v Lupin conflict, that has sooo much potential! But it's wasted :< The only good part of that film was a loved seeing Goemon and Lupin working together so much! I wish those two did that more.

 

[jojosuibhne]

this is great! the music is one of the best parts of the franchise. i could go on and on about it tbh

1. i'm super partial to the part iv opening theme! i just love how energetic it is, and the mandolin as well. plus, the opening animation is probably my favorite in the franchise.

2. i think my answer to this question changes quite often, but right now my favorite is zenigata march! but i want to third manhattan joke as well, it's such a great track.

3. i recently discovered this album, published in 1984, it features jazz and funk renditions of the part iii soundtrack! give it a listen if you like jazz, i think it's a great album. in addition, i've no joke been listening to the dance and drive album nonstop for the past year. pago pieced it back together and put it on youtube so we can all enjoy it!

4. i have to second superhero. i love when it plays in part ii, during victory scenes and what-not it really feels like lupins victory song. it's so fun, i love all versions of it