Theme - Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode (NES)

Cyril: Much like yesterday's Devil's Crush theme, this music from Golgo 13 feels influenced by popular media. In this case it's spy movies and TV shows of the era. The song opens with a riff that is ripped straight out of the Inspector Gadget opening, and it only becomes more derivative from there. But just when I'm about to write the theme off, suddenly it breaks into a playful melody. You hear quick staccato notes chirping back and forth and a chorus that is surprisingly moving. None of this makes the song feel less derivative, but I definitely liked the back half more than the intro. When I close my eyes I can see Ethan Hunt and the rest of the Mission: Impossible crew hatching a plan. Sadly, when I open them again I'm left with Golgo 13.

Kevin: It feels like I've complained many times about these theme songs having bland bass lines. Golgo 13 will have none of my griping in that regard. After a five note lead intro, the bass kicks in at breakneck speed. The lead doesn't stop, and the drums join in at the same time with a matching disco beat, but the busy bass is the first thing I notice. It's not just a momentary thing either, it lasts through the entire theme. The lead, despite being fairly sustain heavy, is still quite clearly carrying the melody despite the bass being so active. The two parts work together very tastefully, while feeling as if anyone playing those parts is going to be having a blast. Unfortunately, the drums are still left in the cold holding down the beat. I get the feeling the NES couldn't handle more input from them.