Soul's Refrain

{{Short description|1997 single by Yoko Takahashi}} {{Infobox song | name = Soul's Refrain | version = | cover = Yoko Takahashi - Soul's Refrain.png | cover_size = | alt = | border = yes | caption = 8-cm CD single cover | type = single | artist = Yoko Takahashi | album = The Day of Second Impact | EP = | language = Japanese | English_title = | A-side = | B-side = "Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" | written = | published = | released = {{Start date|1997|2|21}} | recorded = {{Start date|1997|1|12}}<ref name="EvaXMasterTape">{{Cite tweet |author=Evangelion Official X Account |user=evangelion_co |number=1218432627801124865 |date=Jan 18, 2020 |title=【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。 |trans-title=【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. |language=ja |location=Japan |access-date=18 March 2026 |link=}}</ref> | studio = | venue = | genre = {{hlist|J-pop|anime song}} | length = {{Duration|5:15}} | label = Starchild | composer = Toshiyuki O'mori | lyricist = Neko Oikawa | producer = {{hlist|Toshiyuki O'mori<ref>{{cite web |title=Works - Song, Vocal music |url=https://elephantonica.com/toshiyuki-omori/english/#works |website=Toshiyuki O'mori Official Website |access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref>|Toshimichi Otsuki (exec.)}} | chronology = | prev_title = Atarashii Shirt | prev_year = 1996 | prev_version = | title = | title2 = | next_title = We're the One | next_year = 1999 | next_version = | tracks = | misc = {{Extra album cover | header = | type = single | cover = Yoko Takahashi, Loren & Mash - Soul's Refrain-Thanatos (If I Can't Be Yours).png | border = yes | alt = | caption = 12-cm CD single cover (2006) }} {{External music video|header=Audio|{{YouTube|Wl7IW7OiaHc|"Soul's Refrain"}}}} }} {{nihongo|"'''Soul's Refrain'''"<ref name="Apple Music">{{cite web |title=Soul's Refrain / Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore by Yoko Takahashi |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/魂のルフラン-心よ原始に戻れ-ep/258928891 |website=Apple Music |access-date=14 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2002}}</ref>|魂のルフラン|Tamashī no Rufuran|lead=yes}} 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'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (movie) |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=418 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=19 March 2026}}</ref> and was released as Takahashi's fourteenth single on February 21, 1997, via Starchild.<ref name="CDJ">{{cite web |title=「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン劇場版シト新生」～魂のルフラン <nowiki>[廃盤]</nowiki> |url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/1197031019 |website=CD Journal |access-date=13 March 2026 |year=2002 |language=ja}}</ref>

== 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".<ref name="AnimeAnimeReport">{{cite web |last1=Nakase |first1=Kōtarō |title=「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】|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2025/09/02/92513.html |date=2 September 2025 |website=Anime Anime |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja }}</ref><ref name="LisAni Interview">{{cite web |last1=Hizume |first1=Akiyoshi |title=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 |url=https://www.lisani.jp/0000294396/?show_more=1 |website=LisAni! |publisher=Sony Music Solutions |access-date=19 March 2026 |language=ja |date=29 October 2025}}</ref> The song was born following discussions surrounding the creation of a theatrical film after the TV series finale.<ref name="NatalieEva">{{cite web |last1=Ryūsei |first1=Satoru |title=「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 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/pp/evangelionfinally/page/2 |website=Natalie |publisher=Natasha Inc. |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=8 October 2020}}</ref>

During pre-production, it was undecided whether "Soul's Refrain" or another song, "Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore" would be used in the film.<ref name="Banzai Interview">{{cite web |title=「EVANGELION FINALLY」発売記念！！高橋洋子インタビュー〜Vol,１〜 |url=https://www.banzai-magazine.com/magazine/yokotakahashi |website=Banzai Magazine |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=30 October 2020}}</ref> "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.<ref name="Banzai Interview"/>

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."<ref name="NekoOikawaBook">{{cite book |last=Oikawa |first=Neko |script-title=ja:ネコの手も貸したい及川眠子流作詞術 |trans-title=I Want to Lend Even a Cat's Paw: Neko Oikawa's Style of Songwriting |publisher=Rittor Music |date=20 July 2018 |language=ja |isbn=978-4845632671}}</ref> 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—<ref name="OikawaNekoTweet">{{Cite tweet |last=Oikawa |first=Neko |user=oikawaneko |number=1977372410853703722 |date=Oct 12, 2025 |title=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。 |trans-title=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. |language=ja |location=Japan |access-date=18 March 2026 |link=}}</ref> 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.<ref name="NekoOikawaBook"/> The instructions she received were simply to write whatever came to mind after watching the footage.<ref name="NekoOikawaBook"/>

The lyrics for "Soul's Refrain" were not finished until the very day of the recording session.<ref name="AnimeAnimeReport"/><ref name="LisAni Interview"/> 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.<ref name="AnimeAnimeReport"/> 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."<ref name="NatalieEva"/> 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.<ref name="NatalieEva"/> Takahashi has stated that "Soul's Refrain" was significantly 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.<ref name="LisAni Interview"/>

== 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.<ref name="NekoOikawaBook"/><ref name="OikawaNekoTweet"/> Oikawa commented that the opening line, "Watashi ni kaerinasai" ({{Literal translation|Return to me}}), was a slightly indirect phrasing of the more literal concept, "Return to the womb."<ref name="NekoOikawaBook"/> 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.<ref name="NatalieEva"/><ref name="Banzai Interview"/> She noted that Oikawa's choice of the title, combining "soul" with "refrain," a term implying reincarnation or repetition, reflected the lyricist's sophistication.<ref name="LisAni Interview"/> Takahashi has commented that "Soul's Refrain" also conveys a sense of "maternity" or motherly perspective.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tomita |first1=Akihiro |title=高橋洋子/慟哭へのモノローグ【インタビュー】 |url=https://king-cr.jp/artist/takahashi/information/interview.html |website=Yoko Takahashi Official Website |publisher=King Records |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2010}}</ref> 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'').<ref name="NekoOikawaBook"/>

== 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.<ref name="CDJ"/>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン／THANATOS {{!}} 高橋洋子 |url=https://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/g/gKICM-3122/ |website=King Records |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2006}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://anime.eiga.com/news/106030/ |website=Anime Eiga |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=23 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=“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！ |url=https://www.lisani.jp/0000104031/ |website=LisAni! |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=19 May 2018}}</ref>

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''.<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://barks.jp/news/1005571/ |website=Barks |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=4 August 2025}}</ref><ref name="2016LP">{{cite web |title=「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 |url=https://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/g/gNAS-2166/ |website=King Records Official Website |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2026}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Dolby">{{cite web |title=「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 |url=https://www.snrec.jp/entry/report/zankoku-na-tenshi-no-thesis_dolby-atmos |website=Sound & Recording |publisher=Rittor Music |access-date=19 March 2026 |language=ja |date=19 March 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Dolby"/>

== 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.<ref name="GyafunReview">{{cite web |title=［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 |url=https://anime-song.gyahunkoubou.com/tamasii-no-rufuran/ |website=Gyafun Kōbō |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> 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.<ref name="GyafunReview"/>

== Commercial performance == Upon its release, "Soul's Refrain" debuted and peaked at number 3 on the ''Oricon'' charts,<ref name="Oricon">{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン {{!}} 高橋洋子|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/products/142176/1/ |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> selling 141,880 copies on its first week.<ref name="youtaiju">{{cite web|title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」|trans-title=Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Taiju'|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp|work=Oricon|url-access=subscription|access-date=17 March 2026}}</ref> It charted for twenty-one weeks, with cumulative reported sales totaling 631,320 copies.<ref name="youtaiju"/> As for physical copies of stand-alone releases, it remains Takahashi's best-selling single to date,<ref>{{cite web |title=高橋洋子のシングル売上TOP10作品 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/rank/single/ |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> followed by the 1995 release of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" with 490,030 copies sold.<ref name="youtaiju"/>

The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan in March 1997.<ref name="riajphysical">{{Cite web|title=一般社団法人日本レコード協会|url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd_search.html|access-date=13 March 2026|website=www.riaj.or.jp|format=To access, enter the search parameter "魂のルフラン" in the field "作品名"}}</ref> In July 2016, the title track received a triple platinum certification by the RIAJ for over 750,000 digital downloads.<ref name="riajdigital">{{Cite web|title=ダウンロード認定検索|url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/data/hs/search/|access-date=October 17, 2025|website=www.riaj.or.jp|format=To access, enter the search parameter "魂のルフラン" in the field "作品名}}</ref>

== Impact and legacy == "Soul's Refrain" has been deemed one of the most popular tracks associated with the ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' franchise,<ref name="AnimeAnimeReport"/><ref>{{cite web |title=アニメ『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』歴代人気曲をご紹介！ |url=https://news.awa.fm/columns/evangelion |website=AWA |language=ja |date=26 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=【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】 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/research/articles/216220/ |website=NetLab |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=29 May 2021}}</ref> as well as one of the most successful anime songs from the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=【ベスト20】平成30年間のアニソン売上ランキング！ |url=https://www.ragnet.co.jp/japanese-best-selling-anime-songs/4 |website=RAG Music Ranking |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=第20回アニメグランプリ［1998年6月号］|url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1998.html |website=Animage |access-date=18 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173003/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1998.html |archive-date=14 October 2013 |language=ja}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=アニソン大賞 {{!}} 平成アニソン大賞 |url=https://www.anisong-taisho.jp/heisei/ |website=Anison Taishō |publisher=Sony Music |access-date=18 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419131615/https://www.anisong-taisho.jp/heisei/ |archive-date=19 April 2020 |language=ja}}</ref>

== Cover versions == "Soul's Refrain" has been covered extensively by numerous artists. Notable covers include the versions by Megumi Hayashibara,<ref name="Ivarati">{{cite web |title=林原めぐみ / イラーヴァティ <nowiki>[廃盤]</nowiki> |url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/iravati/1197080777 |website=CD Journal |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=1997}}</ref> Masami Okui,<ref>{{cite web |title=奥井雅美 / マサミコブシ～アニメソングカバーアルバム <nowiki>[限定][廃盤]</nowiki> |url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/3203030371 |website=CD Journal |access-date=14 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2003}}</ref> Shoko Nakagawa,<ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン - song and lyrics by Shoko Nakagawa |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/6XakMfsbC87sgHnJJuZn8P |website=Spotify |access-date=17 March 2026 |date=2007}}</ref> Babymetal,<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://barks.jp/news/729023/ |website=Barks |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=13 September 2014}}</ref> and Miyavi.<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://barks.jp/news/956495/ |website=Barks |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja |date=8 November 2022}}</ref>

== Track listing and versions == {{track listing | headline = 1997 single/digital release track listing<ref name="Apple Music"/> | all_lyrics = | all_music = | extra_column = Arrangement | collapsed = | total_length = 20:08

| title2 = Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore | note2 = 心よ原始に戻れ, {{Literal translation|Heart, Return to Your Origin}} | lyrics2 = Oikawa | music2 = Hidetoshi Sato | extra2 = O'mori | length2 = 4:52

| title3 = Soul's Refrain | note3 = off vocal version | length3 = 5:12

| title4 = Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore | note4 = off vocal version | length4 = 4:49 }}

{{track listing | headline = 2006 re-issue single track listing<ref>{{cite web |title=Soul's Refrain / THANATOS - IF I CAN'T BE YOURS - EP by LOREN&MASH & Yoko Takahashi |url=https://music.apple.com/jp/album/魂のルフラン-thanatos-if-i-cant-be-yours-ep/258926435 |website=Apple Music |access-date=17 March 2026}}</ref> | all_lyrics = | all_music = | extra_column = Arrangement | collapsed = | total_length = 28:25

| title2 = Thanatos: If I Can't Be Yours{{efn|Performed by Loren and Mash (alias of Lorrain Briscoe, Martin Lascelles, and Shiro Sagisu).}} | note2 = | lyrics2 = Mash | music2 = Shiro Sagisu | extra2 = Sagisu | length2 = 4:50

| title3 = Kokoro yo Genshi ni Modore | note3 = 心よ原始に戻れ | length3 = 4:50

| title4 = Thanatos: If I Can't Be Yours | note4 = Nine Years After mix | length4 = 8:20

| title5 = Soul's Refrain | note5 = off vocal version | length5 = 5:11 }}

{{track listing | headline = 2018 re-issue single track listing<ref>{{cite web |title=Soul's Refrain / THANATOS - IF I CAN'T BE YOURS - EP by LOREN&MASH & Yoko Takahashi |url=https://music.apple.com/jp/album/魂のルフラン-thanatos-if-i-cant-be-yours-ep/258926435 |website=Apple Music |access-date=17 March 2026}}</ref> | all_lyrics = | all_music = | extra_column = Arrangement | collapsed = | total_length = 18:38

| title3 = A Cruel Angel's Thesis | note3 = off vocal version | length3 = 4:06

| title4 = Soul's Refrain | note4 = off vocal version | length4 = 5:09 }}

{{track listing | headline = 2026 ''Evangelion'' 30th anniversary edition LP track listing<ref name="2016LP"/> | all_lyrics = | all_music = | extra_column = Arrangement | collapsed = | total_length =

| title5 = Soul's Refrain | note5 = 2010 version | extra5 = Sagisu | length5 = 5:53

| title8 = Crime and Punishment: Those Who are Unwilling to Pray | note8 = 罪と罰祈らざる者よ | lyrics8 = Takahashi | music8 = O'mori | extra8 = O'mori | length8 = 4:50 }}

=== Official versions === * "Soul's Refrain" (Tabris mix) — 5:29{{efn|First included on Takahashi's compilation album ''Refrain: The Songs Were Inspired by Evangelion'' (1997)}}<ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン(Tabris Mix) - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/5sb4JTVjyF88k4lRDjHFiT |website=Spotify |access-date=18 March 2026 |date=1997}}</ref> * "Soul's Refrain" (Erato version) — 5:50{{efn|First included on Takahashi's album ''Li-La'' (1997)}} * "Soul's Refrain" (remix for peace) — 6:01{{efn|First included on Takahashi's greatest hits album ''Best Pieces 2'' (1999)<ref>{{cite web |title=高橋洋子 / BEST PIECES2 <nowiki>[廃盤]</nowiki> |url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/best-pieces-ii/3198120523 |website=CD Journal |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=1999}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン（REMIX FOR PEACE） - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/3NuFkvXLkEiZAOBAfUjWby |website=Spotify |access-date=18 March 2026 |date=2005}}</ref> * "Soul's Refrain" (10th anniversary version) — 5:58{{efn|First included on the compilation album ''Neon Genesis Evangelion Decade'' (2005)}}<ref>{{cite web |title=高橋洋子「魂のルフラン(10th ANNIVERSARY VERSION)」-『NEON GENESIS EVANGELION DECADE』収録 |url=https://recochoku.jp/song/S12026920/ |website=Recochoku |access-date=18 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709133943/https://recochoku.jp/song/S12026920/ |language=ja |archive-date=9 July 2014}}</ref> * "Soul's Refrain" (2010 version) — 5:53{{efn|First included on Takahashi's album ''20th Century Boys & Girls'' (2010)<ref>{{cite web |title=高橋洋子 / 20th century Boys&Girls～20世紀少年少女～ |url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/20th-century-boys--girls/4110041463 |website=CD Journal |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2010}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン 2010Version - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/4uM2vXugYMHrv7LtEYxPbn |website=Spotify |access-date=18 March 2026 |date=2010}}</ref> * "Soul's Refrain" (TeddyLoid remix) — 6:03<ref>{{cite web |title=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！ |url=https://gekirock.com/news/2014/09/teddyloid_remix_digest.php |website=Geki-Rock |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja |date=5 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン (TeddyLoid 2014 Remix) - song and lyrics by Yoko Takahashi |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/4iofnML1N9ZbMkyuipseoV |website=Spotify |access-date=18 March 2026 |date=2018}}</ref> * "Soul's Refrain" (2017 version) — 4:43{{efn|Included on Takahashi's album ''Yoko Sings Forever'' (2017).<ref>{{cite web |title=YOKO Sings Forever[CD] - 高橋洋子 |url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/upcy-7259/ |website=Universal Music Japan |access-date=19 March 2026 |language=ja |date=2017}}</ref>}}

== Charts == {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

=== Weekly charts === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Weekly chart performance for "Soul's Refrain" ! scope="col"| Chart (1997) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- ! scope="row"| Japan (''Oricon'')<ref name="Oricon"/> | 3 |- |}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ ! scope="col"| Chart (2018) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- ! scope="row"| Japan Download Songs (''Billboard Japan'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Billboard Japan Download Songs – Week of March 31, 2021 |url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=dlsongs&year=2021&month=04&day=05 |website=Billboard Japan |access-date=17 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 89 |- |}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Weekly chart performance for "Soul's Refrain/Thanatos" ! scope="col"| Chart (2006) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- ! scope="row"| Japan (''Oricon'')<ref>{{cite web |title=魂のルフラン/THANATOS-IF I CAN’T BE YOURS- {{!}} 高橋洋子/LOREN & MASH |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/390186/products/650087/1/ |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 39 |- |}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Weekly chart performance for "A Cruel Angel's Thesis/Soul's Refrain" ! scope="col"| Chart (2018) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- ! scope="row"| Japan (''Oricon'')<ref>{{cite web |title=残酷な天使のテーゼ/魂のルフラン {{!}} 高橋洋子 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/products/1275603/1/ |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 36 |- ! scope="row"| Japan Top Singles Sales (''Billboard Japan'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Billboard Japan Top Singles Sales – Week of June 27, 2018 |url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=sales&year=2018&month=07&day=02 |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 35 |- |}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Weekly chart performance for "Soul's Refrain" (''Evangelion'' 30th anniversary edition LP) ! scope="col"| Chart (2026) ! scope="col"| Peak position |- ! scope="row"| Japan (''Oricon'')<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2026-03-02/p/3/ |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=18 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260318163412/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2026-03-02/p/3/ |archive-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 28 |- ! scope="row"| Japan Anime Albums (''Oricon'')<ref>{{cite web |title=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 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/aa/w/2026-03-02/ |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=18 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304063557/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/aa/w/2026-03-02/ |archive-date=4 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 5 |- ! scope="row"| Japan Top Albums Sales (''Billboard Japan'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Billboard Japan Top Albums Sales – Week of February 25, 2026 |url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=top_albums&year=2026&month=03&day=02 |website=Oricon News |publisher=Oricon |access-date=18 March 2026 |language=ja}}</ref> | 29 |- |} {{col-2}}

=== Year-end charts === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Year-end chart performance for "Soul's Refrain" ! scope="col"| Chart (1997) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| Japan (''Oricon'')<ref name="youtaiju"/> | 41 |} {{col-end}}

== Certifications == {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Yoko Takahashi|title=Soul's Refrain|relyear=1997|certyear=1997|certmonth=3|domestic=true|salesamount=630,000|salesref=<ref name="youtaiju"/>}} {{Certification Table Separator|title=Digital downloads}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|artist=Yoko Takahashi|title=Soul's Refrain|relyear=1997|certyear=2016|certmonth=7|domestic=true|refname="RIAJ-digital"|access-date=2026-03-19|digital=true}} {{Certification Table Bottom | noshipments=true}}

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

Category:1997 singles Category:1997 songs Category:Songs written by Toshiyuki O'mori Category:Songs with lyrics by Neko Oikawa Category:Neon Genesis Evangelion songs Category:Songs written for animated films Category:Anime songs Category:Japanese songs Category:Japanese pop songs Category:King Records (Japan) singles