Soundtrack Sheet Music: The Sound Field of the Multiverse Vol.1 | 20th Century Boys
Storytelling mediums like films, anime, games, theater, and novels are more than just visuals and dialogue—they also construct a rich, emotional sound field. These “worlds” interact with our reality not only through images and language, but also through music that often transcends cultural boundaries. In this article, we explore the multiverse of sound through the lens of Naoki Urasawa’s manga 20th Century Boys, and how it connects nostalgia, rebellion, and rock legacy into an unforgettable soundtrack sheet music experience.
The story begins with a memory: a schoolboy named Kenji Endo watches a rebellious classmate walk into the broadcast room and place T. Rex’s 20th Century Boy on the turntable. This was a moment of awakening for him—but the world didn't change. Everyone continued eating lunch as usual. This simple act marked the beginning of a journey through time and music.
Years later, Kenji is no longer a dreamer in a band. Now in his thirties, he runs a convenience store, his musical ambitions shelved. Yet the world is changing. A cult led by a mysterious figure known as “Friend” is rising, drawing thousands with concerts that echo the power of rock music. With the millennium looming, tension brews. And thus, the musical multiverse comes alive.
Urasawa draws heavily from real musical history—name-dropping the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson and referencing the idea of the “27 Club.” These historical cues build emotional weight into the manga's fictional world. For learners exploring soundtrack sheet music, these references serve as excellent gateways into rock history.
For students in piano online lessons, learning to play pieces from famous film or anime soundtracks can become more meaningful when tied to stories with such rich context. That sense of narrative depth adds emotion and nuance to your interpretation.
The titular song 20th Century Boy by T. Rex sets the tone—Marc Bolan’s saxophone riffs and glam-rock flair mirror the theatrical sermons held by “Friend” in the manga. Music here isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a spiritual force. For those learning piano notes, this type of expressive energy is a useful model of how rhythm and instrumentation drive story.
Kenji Endo, the manga character, takes inspiration from a real-life Japanese folk musician of the same name. The real Kenji Endo was a passionate performer, known for his devotion to music, gritty vocals, and unconventional lifestyle. He blended genres, creating tracks that were both nostalgic and futuristic—an ideal influence for students diving into easy sheet music arrangements with emotional range.
In the summer of 1969, Kenji and his friends gathered in a secret base, listening to American rock via the Far East Network. Their youthful imagination was stirred by tales of a massive upcoming festival—Woodstock. Then Jumping Jack Flash blasted through the radio. That gritty riff, created by recording three acoustic guitars through a distorted chain of amps, planted the seed of rebellion in Kenji’s heart.
Learning the piano notes for such iconic songs can help you appreciate the historical sound engineering that gave them their unique timbre. It's also a great ear training exercise for rhythm and phrasing.
Woodstock itself becomes a pivotal reference in 20th Century Boys. Originally organized for 200,000 attendees, it became a free, chaotic celebration after fences were torn down. That spirit of unity and chaos is echoed in the manga’s climax—a massive music festival staged by the resistance in defiance of “Friend.”
Santana’s Soul Sacrifice is another musical highlight from Woodstock. Its Latin rhythms and psychedelic flair inspired crowd-wide dancing. This kind of track, if available in soundtrack sheet music, offers an energetic piece for practice—challenging, yet rewarding.
The manga culminates with Kenji reappearing to perform Bob Lennon, a song Urasawa composed himself. It pays tribute to Bob Dylan and John Lennon, complete with harmonica solos and raw guitar chords. For musicians working through piano online lessons, this is a perfect example of how original music can blend influence with narrative.
20th Century Boys is filled with musical references that form an emotional and historical bridge for readers. Whether it’s Woodstock, Robert Johnson, or glam rock, every note carries weight. If you're just stepping into the world of soundtrack sheet music, this manga is an excellent companion. Not only does it introduce legendary songs, but it also shows how music and memory intertwine.
Today, many of these songs are finding renewed life in movies, trailers, and popular culture—seen in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy or other nostalgia-driven films. If you’re working with easy sheet music, starting with recognizable soundtrack titles can help you build confidence and emotional expression.
FAQs
Q1: Is it possible to learn soundtrack sheet music if I’m a beginner?
Yes! Many famous movie and anime soundtracks are available as easy sheet music, making them accessible for beginners while still being emotionally impactful.
Q2: How does soundtrack sheet music help with piano learning?
It builds emotional connection and storytelling skills, making practice more meaningful—especially in piano online lessons where thematic music keeps learners engaged.
Q3: Can I find piano notes for these rock and movie themes?
Absolutely. Many resources provide accurate piano notes for soundtracks like 20th Century Boy, Jumping Jack Flash, or even Urasawa’s Bob Lennon. These pieces are great for developing musical storytelling.
