The Persona franchise is known for several things. Blending life simulation and dungeon crawling creates a unique experience that has captured fans worldwide. The rich characters, heartfelt stories, and memorable battles all contribute to the popularity of this JRPG. Among these qualities is the music of Persona. Every mainline title in the Persona series has a specific genre of music associated with it that fans have come to love.
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This is true withPersona 5, as the game’s jazz horns and sultry tones are iconic sounds among gamers. Persona 5’s composer, Shoji Meguro, knocked it out of the park with the various tracks introduced in this installment. So let’s sit down and listen through some of the best music Persona 5 has.
12Layer Cake
This track encapsulates the character it is attached to perfectly. Beginning ominous, Layer Cake is likely going to make you feel weary. This will be similar to youremotions about Iwai, the Airsoft shop’s owner.
The track quickly launches into a funky beat with a chill tone, showcasing the relaxed side of Iwai as you come to know him as a genuinely easy-going, caring man. True to its name, Layer Cake showcases the many layers of Iwai as an intimidating but kind-hearted person.
11The Whims Of Fate
The track that plays during the Phantom Thieves' operation through the Casino palace. The Whims of Fate is the definition of an earworm, having the high energy you’d expect of a song blasting across a casino.
The incredible vocals further contribute to this catchy melody, as do the lyrics, which sing of risking everything on the rolls of the dice. The song further asks if the sexy gowns and chandeliers are drawing your focus away from all the cheating happening in this distorted place, capturing the feel of a casino in a song.
10New Beginning
One of the more upbeat tracks in Persona 5. “New Beginning” is brimming with positive emotion. The soft drums and woodwinds capture a carefree feel that will put anybody in a good mood as they continue to listen to it.
Often played throughout the game when characters such as Futaba Sakura or Haru Okumura come to epiphanies about their lives, the title “New Beginning” displays what this track is all about, the fresh start for the people who have been hurting.
9Life Will Change
If there were any track that captures the rebellious nature of the Phantom Thieves, it would be this one. “Life Will Change” is the theme of the final infiltration of a palace after the calling card is sent.
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This song fully displays the determination of the Phantom Thieves to defeat their target. Lyrics like “I’m in your face and here to see it through” empower you, as if you were running alongside Joker towards the treasure. The high-energy beat further amplifies this emotion.
8Blooming Villain
The boss theme for thevillains throughout the game. “Blooming Villain” as a song itself is similar to a blooming flower. With each pass of the base melody, more instruments are added before the track is in full bloom.
Beginning small, “Blooming Villain” sounds how a boss fight feels, building confidence as you lower their health bar before the guitar comes in, with you ready to strike. As a song to hype you up to bring down these villains, “Blooming Villain” does the job well.
7The Days When My Mother Was There
This track evokes the emotions of Futaba incredibly well. This theme is noticeably more somber than other palace themes, matching the sadness of Futaba’s story. She isn’t a villain, simply a girl in pain over things outside her control.
The light drums mesh well with the pyramid ascetic, with the electric guitar and low bassline evoking Futaba’s interest in computers and tech. All these elements create a track that is a joy to listen to and screams Futaba Sakura.
6Last Surprise
The iconic battle theme of Persona 5, Last Surprise, is known for its powerful horns, strong bass, and memorable lyrics. While this is likely the point, there couldn’t be a better song to capture the essence of the Phantom Thieves in combat. The track is low-key before launching into a powerful chorus, matching the thieves' effortless confidence.
The lyrics further sing about how unpredictable the party is. Regardless of how hard their foes try, they will always be out-maneuvered.
5Gentle Madman
Introduced in Persona 5 Royal, Gentle Madman is a beautiful track that matchesits assigned palaceperfectly. The saddening tone and droning piano carry so much sorrow. However, they also feel calm, fitting the mood of the final dungeon of Persona 5 Royal.
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The character this song is attached to has one goal, to rid the world of all pain, even if they must eliminate free choice to do such a thing. This gentle nature is contrasted beautifully by the lonely sound of this track.
4Rivers In The Desert
A unique boss theme that only plays during specific encounters. Rivers In the Desert is almost an evolution of Last Surprise as a theme for the Phantom Thieves. This song conveys the growth of Joker from a hopeless drop of water to a mighty river, finding allies and forming bonds across the year he’s been in Shibuya.
The lyrics speak of taking back what was lost and being ready to strike down those that stole it from you. This demonstrates where Joker is now, no longer a child that can be pushed around. He is now a young man ready to change the world.
3Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There
The first song any player of Persona 5 will hear, Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There, is effectively the anthem of Persona 5. High-energy vocals and horns match the rebellious and in-your-face vibe. The lyrics sing about standing up to oppression. This is the message of the game. Nothing can change unless we get out there and do something.
This song features prominent keyboard and jazz vibes, establishing the tone for Persona 5’s soundtrack perfectly and, as an encapsulation of this game’s themes, this song couldn’t have been done better.
