Soul's Refrain

"Soul's Refrain"
8-cm CD single cover
Single by Yoko Takahashi
from the album The Day of Second Impact
LanguageJapanese
B-side"Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore"
ReleasedFebruary 21, 1997 (1997-02-21)
RecordedJanuary 12, 1997 (1997-01-12)[1]
Genre
Length5:15
LabelStarchild
ComposerToshiyuki O'mori
LyricistNeko Oikawa
Producers
  • Toshiyuki O'mori[2]
  • Toshimichi Otsuki (exec.)
Yoko Takahashi singles chronology
"Atarashii Shirt"
(1996) 		"Soul's Refrain"
(1997) 		"We're the One"
(1999)
Alternative cover
12-cm CD single cover (2006)
Audio
"Soul's Refrain" on YouTube

"Soul's Refrain"[3] (Japanese: 魂のルフラン, Hepburn: Tamashī no Rufuran) is a song by Japanese recording artist Yoko Takahashi. Written by Toshiyuki O'mori with lyrics penned by Neko Oikawa, the song served as the theme song for the 1997 animated film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth,[4] and was released as Takahashi's fourteenth single on February 21, 1997, via Starchild.[5]

Background

"Soul's Refrain" is the second major theme song for Neon Genesis Evangelion performed by Yoko Takahashi following the television series' opening theme "A Cruel Angel's Thesis".[6][7] The song was born following discussions surrounding the creation of a theatrical film after the TV series finale.[8]

During pre-production, it was undecided whether "Soul's Refrain" or another song, "Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" would be used in the film.[9] "Soul's Refrain" was composed by Toshiyuki O'mori, while "Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" was composed by Hidetoshi Sato, though both tracks were arranged and produced by O'mori. He approached the task professionally, stating he would produce the highest quality possible for both tracks, regardless of which one was ultimately selected.[9]

The lyrics for the song were penned by Neko Oikawa, who revealed that she wrote them after watching very little of the actual series—a process similar to her work on "A Cruel Angel's Thesis."[10] At the time of development, the movie producer Toshimichi Otsuki provided Oikawa with a videotape including only one television episode—in which Rei Ayanami dies but then returns to life—[11] and two demo tapes (for the tracks that would become "Soul's Refrain" and "Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore"), as it had not yet been decided which would serve as the theme song.[10] The instructions she received were simply to write whatever came to mind after watching the footage.[10]

The lyrics for "Soul's Refrain" were not finished until the very day of the recording session.[6][7] The lyrics were sent to the recording studio via fax, after which staff wrote them by hand onto the sheet music, and Takahashi then recorded the vocals for the track.[6] Takahashi commented: "Everyone was pushing and struggling together to make the best possible work, so during that recording—with “Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore” also being made at the same time—I approached it even more professionally than before, determined that whichever song was chosen, it would be ready."[8] she did not find out which song had been chosen, and in which part the song would be played, until she watched the film in the theatre.[8] Takahashi has stated that "Soul's Refrain" wassignificantly easier to sing than "A Cruel Angel's Thesis", attributing this to well-placed breath points that align naturally with the song's musical dynamics and variations in strength.[7]

Concepts and themes

For writing the lyrics, Neko Oikawa commented that she took inspiration from the concept of reincarnation, the idea of dying and coming back to life.[10][11] Oikawa commented that the opening line, "Watashi ni kaerinasai" (lit. 'Return to me'), was a slightly indirect phrasing of the more literal concept, "Return to the womb."[10] When Takahashi first read the lyrics, she thought it was really bold and fresh, as the word “soul” itself at that time had a "slightly suspicious, eerie image" attached to it, as it was mostly only used in religious contexts.[8][9] She noted that Oikawa's choice of the title, combining "soul" with "refrain," a term implying reincarnation or repetition, reflected the lyricist's sophistication.[7] Takahashi has commented that "Soul's Refrain" also conveys a sense of "maternity" or motherly perspective.[12] Oika commented that she initially considered using the English pronunciation of "refrain" (rifurein), but she found it sounded phonetically unpleasant and ill-suited to the syllable count, which eventually her to opt for the French pronunciation (rufuran).[10]

Release

The single for "Soul's Refrain" was released on 8-cm CD format on February 21, 1997, including the title track and "Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" as its B-side.[5]

On May 24, 2006, the single was re-released on 12-cm CD format, this time as a split single alongside "Thanatos: If I Can't Be Yours" by Loren and Mash.[13] On June 20, 2018, a remastered version of title track was re-released as a double A-side single alongside "A Cruel Angel's Thesis."[14][15]

On February 21, 2026, "Soul's Refrain" was re-released as a limited edition LP record in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion.[16][17]

In March 2026, a Dolby Atmos spatial audio mix of "Soul's Refrain" was released through Apple Music alongside a similar mix for "A Cruel Angel's Thesis", following a proposal by Takahashi herself.[18] She attended the mixing sessions, approving the final version for the track after adjustments to balance the bass-driven orchestration and maintain the song's familiar groove and spatial distance cues across sections.[18]

Critical response

The song has been positively reviewed by critics. The website Gyafun Kōbō praised the song's lyrics, noting how they evoke grand, existential themes regarding human origin and purpose.[19] Despite its fast tempo, the song was described as creating an "ambivalent" psychological state in the listener—balancing a "strange sense of reassurance" with an underlying "anxiety" prompted by Oikawa's esoteric and commanding lyrics.[19]

Commercial performance

Upon its release, "Soul's Refrain" debuted and peaked at number 3 on the Oricon charts,[20] selling 141,880 copies on its first week.[21] It charted for twenty-one weeks, with cumulative reported sales totaling 631,320 copies.[21] As for physical copies of stand-alone releases, it remains Takahashi's best-selling single to date,[22] followed by the 1995 release of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" with 490,030 copies sold.[21]

The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan in March 1997.[23] In July 2016, the title track received a triple platinum certification by the RIAJ for over 750,000 digital downloads.[24]

Impact and legacy

"Soul's Refrain" has been deemed one of the most popular tracks associated with the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise,[6][25][26] as well as one of the most successful anime songs from the 1990s.[27]

In the annual popularity poll of 1998 by the anime magazine Animage, "Soul's Refrain" ranked second in the anime song category, behind "Rondo-Revolution" by Masami Okui, with a vote difference of only 12 votes.[28] In the "Heisei Anime Song Grand Prix" popularity poll held by Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 2019, "Soul's Refrain" received the Movie Theme Song Award for the 1989–1999 period.[29]

Cover versions

"Soul's Refrain" has been covered extensively by numerous artists. Notable covers include the versions recorded by Megumi Hayashibara,[30] Masami Okui,[31] Shoko Nakagawa,[32] Babymetal,[33] and Miyavi.[34]

Track listing and versions

1997 single/digital release track listing[3]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Soul's Refrain" (魂のルフラン)Neko OikawaToshiyuki O'moriO'mori5:14
2."Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" (心よ原始に戻れ, lit. 'Heart, Return to Your Origin')OikawaHidetoshi SatoO'mori4:52
3."Soul's Refrain" (off vocal version)   5:12
4."Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" (off vocal version)   4:49
Total length:20:08
2006 re-issue single track listing[35]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Soul's Refrain" (魂のルフラン)   5:14
2."Thanatos: If I Can't Be Yours[a]"MashShiro SagisuSagisu4:50
3."Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" (心よ原始に戻れ)   4:50
4."Thanatos: If I Can't Be Yours" (Nine Years After mix)   8:20
5."Soul's Refrain" (off vocal version)   5:11
Total length:28:25
2018 re-issue single track listing[36]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."A Cruel Angel's Thesis" (残酷な天使のテーゼ)OikawaHidetoshi SatoO'mori4:07
2."Soul's Refrain" (魂のルフラン)   5:14
3."A Cruel Angel's Thesis" (off vocal version)   4:06
4."Soul's Refrain" (off vocal version)   5:09
Total length:18:38
2026 Evangelion 30th anniversary edition LP track listing[17]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Soul's Refrain"   5:14
2."Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore 2020" (心よ原始に戻れ2020)  O'mori5:09
3."Monologue of Sorrow" (慟哭へのモノローグ)OikawaO'moriO'mori4:56
4."Pray to the Momentary Sky" (暫し空に祈りて)OikawaO'moriO'mori4:58
5."Soul's Refrain" (2010 version)  Sagisu5:53
6."Teardrops of Hope"Yoko TakahashiTakahashiO'mori4:50
7."What If?"Mike WyzgowskiSagisuSagisu4:50
8."Crime and Punishment: Those Who are Unwilling to Pray" (罪と罰 祈らざる者よ)TakahashiO'moriO'mori4:50

Official versions

  • "Soul's Refrain" (Tabris mix) — 5:29[b][37]
  • "Soul's Refrain" (Erato version) — 5:50[c]
  • "Soul's Refrain" (remix for peace) — 6:01[d][39]
  • "Soul's Refrain" (10th anniversary version) — 5:58[e][40]
  • "Soul's Refrain" (2010 version) — 5:53[f][42]
  • "Soul's Refrain" (TeddyLoid remix) — 6:03[43][44]
  • "Soul's Refrain" (2017 version) — 4:43[g]

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[53] Platinum 630,000[21]
Digital downloads
Japan (RIAJ)[54] 3× Platinum 750,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Notes

  1. ^ Performed by Loren and Mash (alias of Lorrain Briscoe, Martin Lascelles, and Shiro Sagisu).
  2. ^ First included on Takahashi's compilation album Refrain: The Songs Were Inspired by Evangelion (1997)
  3. ^ First included on Takahashi's album Li-La (1997)
  4. ^ First included on Takahashi's greatest hits album Best Pieces 2 (1999)[38]
  5. ^ First included on the compilation album Neon Genesis Evangelion Decade (2005)
  6. ^ First included on Takahashi's album 20th Century Boys & Girls (2010)[41]
  7. ^ Included on Takahashi's album Yoko Sings Forever (2017).[45]

References

  1. ^ Evangelion Official X Account [@evangelion_co] (Jan 18, 2020). "【エヴァ歴史メモ】「残酷な天使のテーゼ」「魂のルフラン」音源マスターアナログテープ。「残テ」レコーディングタイムマークは1995年8月4日。" [【Eva History Memo】The master analog tapes containing the original recording of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" and "Soul's Refrain." The recording time mark for "Cruel Angel" is August 4, 1995.] (Tweet) (in Japanese). Japan. Retrieved 18 March 2026 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ "Works - Song, Vocal music". Toshiyuki O'mori Official Website. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Soul's Refrain / Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore by Yoko Takahashi". Apple Music (in Japanese). 2002. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  4. ^ "Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (movie)". Anime News Network. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  5. ^ a b "「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン劇場版 シト新生」～魂のルフラン [廃盤]". CD Journal (in Japanese). 2002. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  6. ^ a b c d Nakase, Kōtarō (2 September 2025). "「エヴァ」"魂のルフラン"はレコーディング当日まで歌詞が決まってなかった!? 高橋洋子、楽曲の裏側を明かす＆生歌唱でファンを魅了【北米初公演レポート】". Anime Anime (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  7. ^ a b c d Hizume, Akiyoshi (29 October 2025). "新録カバー曲も収録した『エヴァンゲリオン』シリーズ30周年記念アルバム『EVANGELION FLASHBACK』をリリース！高橋洋子インタビュー". LisAni! (in Japanese). Sony Music Solutions. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  8. ^ a b c d Ryūsei, Satoru (8 October 2020). "「EVANGELION FINALLY」発売記念特集 高橋洋子×林原めぐみ対談｜戦友同士が語る「エヴァンゲリオン」の25年". Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha Inc. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  9. ^ a b c "「EVANGELION FINALLY」発売記念！！高橋洋子インタビュー〜Vol,１〜". Banzai Magazine (in Japanese). 30 October 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  10. ^ a b c d e f Oikawa, Neko (20 July 2018). ネコの手も貸したい 及川眠子流作詞術 [I Want to Lend Even a Cat's Paw: Neko Oikawa's Style of Songwriting] (in Japanese). Rittor Music. ISBN 978-4845632671.
  11. ^ a b Oikawa, Neko [@oikawaneko] (Oct 12, 2025). "デモ２曲と１話分のビデオを渡され、これ観て思い浮かんだこと書いてと言われた。綾波レイが死んで生き返る話だったから、１曲は輪廻転生をテーマに「魂のルフラン」。もう１曲は命の原点を描きたくて「心よ原始に戻れ」。アレンジして歌が入ってから主題歌をどっちにするか決めるって話だった記憶。" [I was given two demo tracks and a video of one episode, and told to write down what came to mind after watching it. Since it was the story of Rei Ayanami dying and coming back to life, one song was themed around reincarnation: "Soul's Refrain." The other one, I wanted to depict the origin of life, so "Kokoro yo..." I remember it was said that we'd decide which one to use as the opening theme after arranging them and adding vocals.] (Tweet) (in Japanese). Japan. Retrieved 18 March 2026 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  12. ^ Tomita, Akihiro (2010). "高橋洋子/慟哭へのモノローグ【インタビュー】". Yoko Takahashi Official Website (in Japanese). King Records. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  13. ^ "魂のルフラン／THANATOS | 高橋洋子". King Records (in Japanese). 2006. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  14. ^ "高橋洋子「残酷な天使のテーゼ」「魂のルフラン」リマスター版マキシシングル発売". Anime Eiga (in Japanese). 23 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  15. ^ ""新世紀エヴァンゲリオン"不朽の名曲「残酷な天使のテーゼ／魂のルフラン」ダブルA面マキシシングルの新規描き下ろしジャケット写真公開！". LisAni! (in Japanese). 19 May 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  16. ^ "高橋洋子、『エヴァンゲリオン』シリーズ30周年アルバム『EVANGELION FLASHBACK』をリリース". Barks (in Japanese). 4 August 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  17. ^ a b "「魂のルフラン」EVANGELION 30th Anniversary Edition LP（カラーヴァイナル初回限定盤）| 高橋洋子". King Records Official Website (in Japanese). 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  18. ^ a b "「残酷な天使のテーゼ」「魂のルフラン」が Dolby Atmos化〜制作の裏側に迫る". Sound & Recording (in Japanese). Rittor Music. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  19. ^ a b "［魂のルフラン / 高橋洋子］安心感と不安感のアンビバレントな心情に浸れる". Gyafun Kōbō (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  20. ^ a b "魂のルフラン | 高橋洋子". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  21. ^ a b c d e "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Taiju']. Oricon. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  22. ^ "高橋洋子のシングル売上TOP10作品". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  23. ^ "一般社団法人 日本レコード協会" (To access, enter the search parameter "魂のルフラン" in the field "作品名"). www.riaj.or.jp. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  24. ^ "ダウンロード認定検索" (To access, enter the search parameter "魂のルフラン" in the field "作品名). www.riaj.or.jp. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  25. ^ "アニメ『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』歴代人気曲をご紹介！". AWA (in Japanese). 26 January 2021.
  26. ^ "【エヴァンゲリオン】歴代主題歌人気ランキングTOP10！　1位は「魂のルフラン」に決定！【2021年最新結果】". NetLab (in Japanese). 29 May 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  27. ^ "【ベスト20】平成30年間のアニソン売上ランキング！". RAG Music Ranking (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  28. ^ "第20回アニメグランプリ　［1998年6月号］". Animage (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  29. ^ "アニソン大賞 | 平成アニソン大賞". Anison Taishō (in Japanese). Sony Music. Archived from the original on 19 April 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  30. ^ "林原めぐみ / イラーヴァティ [廃盤]". CD Journal (in Japanese). 1997. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  31. ^ "奥井雅美 / マサミコブシ～アニメソング カバーアルバム [限定][廃盤]". CD Journal (in Japanese). 2003. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  32. ^ "魂のルフラン - song and lyrics by Shoko Nakagawa". Spotify. 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  33. ^ "BABYMETAL、幕張メッセ公演で初のさいたまスーパーアリーナ公演発表＆米ビルボード「World Albums」チャート首位". Barks (in Japanese). 13 September 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  34. ^ "MIYAVI、アニソンカバーアルバムより「魂のルフラン」リリックビデオ公開". Barks (in Japanese). 8 November 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  35. ^ "Soul's Refrain / THANATOS - IF I CAN'T BE YOURS - EP by LOREN&MASH & Yoko Takahashi". Apple Music. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  36. ^ "Soul's Refrain / THANATOS - IF I CAN'T BE YOURS - EP by LOREN&MASH & Yoko Takahashi". Apple Music. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  37. ^ "魂のルフラン(Tabris Mix) - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi". Spotify. 1997. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  38. ^ "高橋洋子 / BEST PIECES2 [廃盤]". CD Journal (in Japanese). 1999. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  39. ^ "魂のルフラン（REMIX FOR PEACE） - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi". Spotify. 2005. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  40. ^ "高橋洋子「魂のルフラン(10th ANNIVERSARY VERSION)」-『NEON GENESIS EVANGELION DECADE』収録". Recochoku (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  41. ^ "高橋洋子 / 20th century Boys&Girls～20世紀少年少女～". CD Journal (in Japanese). 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  42. ^ "魂のルフラン 2010Version - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi". Spotify. 2010. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  43. ^ "TeddyLoid、"新世紀エヴァンゲリオン"劇場版第1弾の主題歌として知られる高橋洋子の「魂のルフラン」をリミックス！ダイジェスト音源も公開！". Geki-Rock (in Japanese). 5 September 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  44. ^ "魂のルフラン (TeddyLoid 2014 Remix) - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi". Spotify. 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  45. ^ "YOKO Sings Forever[CD] - 高橋洋子". Universal Music Japan (in Japanese). 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  46. ^ "Billboard Japan Download Songs – Week of March 31, 2021". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  47. ^ "魂のルフラン/THANATOS-IF I CAN'T BE YOURS- | 高橋洋子/LOREN & MASH". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  48. ^ "残酷な天使のテーゼ/魂のルフラン | 高橋洋子". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  49. ^ "Billboard Japan Top Singles Sales – Week of June 27, 2018". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  50. ^ "オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2026年02月16日～2026年02月22日 21～30位". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 18 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  51. ^ "オリコン週間 アニメアルバムランキング 2026年02月16日～2026年02月22日". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 4 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  52. ^ "Billboard Japan Top Albums Sales – Week of February 25, 2026". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  53. ^ "Japanese single certifications – Yoko Takahashi – Soul's Refrain" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Select 1997年3月 on the drop-down menu
  54. ^ "Japanese digital single certifications – Yoko Takahashi – Soul's Refrain" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 2026-03-19. Select 2016年7月 on the drop-down menu
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.