Forgotten gems in Sonic soundtracks?

[Turbo the Punk]

I'm probably going to get so much shit for this but fuck it.
 

Waking Up - Julien-K

 

I personally think this track is underated by a large extent, mainly due to it being overshadowed by the more mainstream tracks produced by Crush 40, which are great in their own right but different to a fair extent.

 

Anyway, this track seems to create a great balance of Alternative and Electronic Rock and keeps a consistant powerful tone throughout. This is a certain bias of mine, but I found this track to have one of the most kickass bass lines I've played to this day.

 

Lyrically I'd say it ties in better than any of the other closing themes. It adds to the realization had by the main character and protagonist Shadow The Hedgehog, while on the same token signifying the emergance from the situation just experienced, as if you really look at it Shadow is really back to where he started from at the game's conclusion.

 

Overall an awesome track that should get some more recognition now and then.

[Your Vest Friend]

I should think that this was never mentioned, because hardly anyone pays attention to the Mario and Sonic music if they aren't remixes.

To be fair, I think a lot of the original Mario and Sonic pieces are great, especially in Winter DS's Adventure mode, but Polastraits is the best for me simply for how pretty it is, especially the second part. Kind of has small Holoska vibes.

[Neon The Hedgehog]

I find it interesting that every sonic game has some good music. Even the less popular games (like Sonic 2006 and Shadow the hedgehog) always have a nice album to listen to. This is because Sega prides itself with making video game music that gives you the perfect ambiance to have fun playing their games. That being said, I think Sonic 2006 "Dreams of an Absolution" song is worth mentioning. It's one of my favorite vocal Sonic songs and its oddly popular among sonic fans despite the animosity of the game it comes from. There have been about five different versions of the song, not including the many Fan remakes of it. But I think the hidden gem among these is the "Dreams of an Absolution 2011 Version" from Bentley Jones Trans/lation 2 album (which can be found on iTunes).

      Its a strange version of Dreams of Absolution, but in a very good way. My impression of it was, if Silver was a werehog this is how his song would be sung (listen to the beginning and you will get what I mean).  Its definitely the hard rock version of Dreams of an absolution, that I find to be very succsessful.

      Also some of you might already be aware of this, but when your looking for sonic music on iTunes, its best to search the word "Sega" instead of "Sonic". This is because not all of the Sonic games albums have the name Sonic in them. So its better to search for music by the Sega company name. For instance, the Sonic Unleashed album is called "Planetary Pieces" (Which makes no sense to me even though the world is torn apart in the game) and the Shadow the hedgehog album does not come up when you search the word sonic. Also when you search Sega a lot of Sega's other video game music turns up that may be worth getting even if you haven't played the games. For instance, the Nights into Dreams albums are very good. Again, a lot of people may be aware of this already, but I just want to make sure everyone else knows how to find more sonic music.

Edited July 27, 2013 by Neon The Hedgehog

[Amomynous]

For instance, the Sonic Unleashed album is called "Planetary Pieces" (Which makes no sense to me even though the world is torn apart in the game)

Planetary Pieces is a pun, on the fact it's a compilation of musical pieces to do with the planet, which is in pieces.

Edited July 28, 2013 by Amomynous

[Blue Blood]

Sounds like a bit of a faux pas on SEGA's part there. The albums should be listed in a way that includes the game name, "Planetary Pieces: Sonic Unleashed Original Soundtrack".

[spinny]

Colours and Gens fixed that issue and to be fair, I do think Unleashed's soundtrack was called Planetary Pieces: Sonic World Adventure Original Soundtrack, for obvious reasons. Though they should've changed "World Adventure" to "Unleashed" in other languages... this is why I hate name changes in video games. Colours was Vivid Sounds x Hybrid Colors: Sonic Colors Original Soundtrack whilst Gens was Blue Blur: Sonic Generations Original Soundtrack.

[LATER BUDDY]

Though I feel like it's gotten a lot more popular over the last year, I still consider "Jungle Joyride - Night" from Sonic Unleashed to be a HUUUGE overlooked gem in the series. It's extremely brilliant in how it's crafted and it feels extremely epic every time I listen to it. It definitely stands as one of the top favorite Sonic songs for me in Sonic's history.

 

Another would have to be the special stage music from Sonic 3D Blast for Genesis. I don't know what it is about it but I love it a lot, and don't really ever hear it played or talked about much.

 

Lastly not sure if it'd be considered "forgotten" or something but I think "Let's Make It!" is sadly ignored from Sonic Adventure 2. It's the music during the opening cutscene with Sonic before he drops into City Escape. It's just a really fantastic sounding ska/punk song thing. Under the same light would be the battle music from Heroes, but it kinda made a surprise return in Generations.

 

"Reaching for stars" by Wolfblur

 

Oh wow, thanks, haha!

[Mr. Kewing]

I'm sure that in a Sonic board, other people probably have talked about it, but I'll never get tired of saying: Sonic 3D Blast MD is *very* overlooked. While it a slightly different style to the main MD Sonic games, I tink it actually rivals with the big ones practically on the same level.

 

Definitely, this the game where Tatsuyuki Maeda shined the most. A shame he doesn't get to work on music anymore at Wave Master.

[Neon The Hedgehog]

So even though I personally was not a big fan of Jet the hawk and his bird groupies, I still liked the music from Sonic Riders. I know the Sonic Riders music is recent and not necessarily forgotten. But it is certainly overlooked when it comes to Sonic music. My favorite track was Metropolis Speedway. It flows nicely and its always fun to hear vocals in a Sonic level.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiEEYaK3fyQ

       When people think of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game they automatically think of the Green HIll Zone music as their favorite. But there are a lot of other songs from the first Sonic game that I feel don't get enough recognition. My favorite track is from the Star Light Zone level. The purpose of video game music is to create the right ambiance for its game. And I feel like the Star Light Zone music is successful with this. Whenever I play this level in the Sonic game the music makes me feel happy and excited about that level.

[Zavok the SpinningSilver]

Because the general consensus I get from many people is that Shadow the Hedgehog has a largely forgettable soundtrack, I point them to the OST version of Lethal Highway.
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU0NpKd2OfM

 

The game attempted to create a badass feeling. The success of these attempts are debateable, but I couldn't debate the sound of this one. If I could only use just one reason: the motorcycle in the beginning and the end. To me, that screams badass. Pointless in the grand scheme of things, but it's the little things that help.

[GOAT]

This thread is amazing, currently making a playlist via these posts!

[Sonicstitch]

Not shore if it counts But  I really like this
Tails' Nightmare Soundtrack - "Volcano Valley" Remix

[Chaos Incarnate]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9E66ywToGU

 

I don't really have much to say about the Team Chaotix vocal theme in Sonic Heroes. Vector in the background saying " Brain Damaged!" is hilarious, and it's really easy to head bang to. It took a while to grow on me, but I find myself listening to it on several occasions. 

[Neon The Hedgehog]

Ok, I realize that I have posted a bunch of times on this topic. But this is the main reason as to why I joined Sonic Stadium, to talk about video game music  ! So please bear with me.

                   So I know Sonic 2006 had its issues (Cough, the princess, cough). But alot of people posting here agree with me that the music for the game was not one of these issues. It was up to par with the other sonic music out there even though the game was not satisfactory. One of my favorite vocal tracks from the game was Sweet Dreams by Akon and Dreams come true. This remake from the Sweet Dreams song featured in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was rather good. I thought it was cool that the original singers worked with a new singer to make this song better than ever. This is the English version of the song, but there also was a Japanese version as well. I thought it was a shame that this song was only available through the Absolute Absolution Soundtrack, instead of being a part of the video game soundtrack.

                  Since we are nearing the end of Summer, I thought it would be good to include a song from Sonic's sea voyage in the Sonic Rush Adventure game. Sure some of the music from the first Sonic Rush album was a bit hard to swallow. But the sequel Sonic Rush adventure has many good tracks that will not disappoint. My favorite song from this album was the Pirate Island track. In my opinion it has a unique sound that cant be found in any other sonic album. It makes me want to go to a tropical island. But thats not going to happen with my funds so Im going to settle with this song and a snowcone  . By the way, both Sonic Rush albums are available on iTunes if your interested.

Edited August 5, 2013 by Neon The Hedgehog

[Cyanblur]

Ahh who could forget 8-bit You Can Do Anything

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAlRi_mEqK4

Toot toot sonic warrior deep in space and time~

 

Also this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ixg96gKPz8

[Neon The Hedgehog]

                One level I always seem to come back to is Sonic Heroes Casino park. I know Sonic Heroes got mixed reviews, but I still liked this level. The neon lights and Las Vegas feel was cool. What was even better about it was the music. It really captured what the level was about and made you excited to play it. Which is what I feel to be the most important thing a video game song should have. The Sonic team always knows what kind of mood to put into a song for the levels in their games. This song is available in the Sonic Heroes iTunes album.

                 Lets talk a little bit about Crush 40. They have played a big part in the music of Sonic and have made a lot of amazing songs for the series. I feel like they really capture what the blue blur is all about. One song of theirs that I feel is a bit overlooked is the Knight of the Wind song. It has a great blend of Crush 40's usual hard rock, and a symphony of violins that was used in the Sonic and the Black Knight game. Its an awsome song, thats all there is to it. You can get the full version of this song from iTunes under the crush 40 album called, " The Best of Crush 40: Super Sonic Songs".

[spinny]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEGro4NpgCg

 

If you ever meet me, you need to know one thing; I will be constantly putting on Aquarium Park Act 1's music.

 

I love this track so much. It's hyper, joyful and happy. ESPECIALLY when it gets to 1:27 on the video, it feels like you're on top of the damn world.

[Your Vest Friend]

A very small ditty from me;

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__Xl0eTe3y0

 

 

Emerald Ocean from Sonic Drift 2 is short but sweet. It's upbeat with a hint of whimsy to it, quite fitting for a fun ocean drive.

[Neon The Hedgehog]

Wow this topic is getting really successful. Its getting so big that its hard to keep track of all the good music being posted here. I apologize If I am posting songs someone else has already posted. Someone should make a Video Game Fan music or Anime Music topic. Er, but I'm getting a bit off topic here.

             Ok, so Rouge the bat had some pretty snazzy songs in Sonic Adventure 2 (Yes, I said snazzy. No one said my vocabulary was up with the times). For me the individualized music for each character was what made the Sonic Adventure 2 soundtrack so nice. Theres still the same tone from the Sonic levels used for Sonic games to this day. Anyway mostly everyone knows Sonic Adventure 2 music is available on iTunes. I just like to insert shameless plugs to support Sonic music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjPCamvW6V8

            Another good song from Sonic Adventure 2 was Tails theme song, "Believe in myself". If you ignore the fact that Tails Sounds like a girl, this song really captures the nineties awesomeness of Sonic Adventure 2 (I get this game came out in 2001, but it still sounds like the nineties). 

[-blank-]

 

 

This song deserves a lot more recognition than it gets. Seriously, it is an amazing song. I like how it gives me an early ninties vibe, despite being from a game that was released in 2002. Makes me feel really nostalgiac and I love that.

[Metal the Mario]

I have a few.

 

First, although people typically don't spend much time in a game's options menu, I will say that Sonic Adventure had one of the best options menu themes.  The amazing saxophone from the game's soundtrack really shines here.

 

 

While people always remember the "bad future" version of the Metal Sonic race in both soundtracks Sonic CD, I feel like the "good future" track from the US soundtrack isn't given enough love.  It has this great angelic sound while still having the edge from the guitar.  It's equally an amazing track to race Metal Sonic to.

 

 

Finally, this one's another '06 piece.  Unfortunately it plays during a rather finicky "mach speed" section, but the track itself is just beautiful and fits the environment well.  At the same time, its fast-paced nature still conveys the image of Sonic speeding through a towering column of water as the music plays.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_5SMBiJAyA

Edited August 12, 2013 by SuperUsername64

[Neon The Hedgehog]

In todays segment of random instruments found in Sonic music, we will talk about 2 songs that were successful with instruments that have never been used in sonic music before, much less other video games!

     Several instruments from around the world were used to make the Sonic Unleashed soundtrack. In my opinion most successful of all was the beautiful instrument from China called an Erhu used in all of the Chun-nan stages. Some call the Erhu the Violin of China, it certainly makes a very elegant sound that I cant get enough of. I believe that it was also used in the Aquarium park levels of Sonic colors as well. Anyway, you can get the Sonic Unleashed album from amazon or iTunes. Below is the Chun-nan Night area song that features the Erhu, which is also one of my favorite Sonic songs.

     Now lets talk accordions.Yes, I said accordions. Your thinking that there is no possible way for a Sonic song to be successful with this random instrument, that all video game songs need techno beats in the background. May the tune from Sonic 2006 change your mind my friend! It is called, "The Accordion Song" and it is available in the Sonic 2006 itunes soundtrack. This catchy song will make you want to hit the alps or ride the Disney matterhorn. Its that good. Im serious. Its good. Of course, I may be the only one who likes it...

Edited August 12, 2013 by Neon The Hedgehog

[GOAT]

 

This song is so underrated, along with all the other 2player mode maps. I could listen to these all day.

Edited August 20, 2013 by GOAT

[Chaos Incarnate]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKywKqzp5jM&hd=1

 

I think I've seen this song get brought up on this topic before, but I couldn't help it. Worth a Chance is so sad! It helps that I'm already a huge fan of Steve Conte for his work in Cowboy Bebop, but he does a great job singing to the lyrics, and that's one damn good piano. It sucks Sonic and Shahra will never see each other again, as hinted by this song.

[Neon The Hedgehog]

          This is the second installment of Forgotten Sonic music made by random instruments.

          As I said before, it was amazing how Sega did a lot of research to capture the music of the different cultures featured in Sonic Unleashed. When Sega was looking for the right kind of music for their American inspired Empire City, they turned to the most american sounding instrument. The harmonica! Nothing screams good ol' american folk music like this peppy country instrument. Ok, so technically the harmonica was not created in good ol' america. It was actually made by some dude from good ol' Europe named Christian Fredrich Ludwig  Buschmann (Wow, thats a long name.). Despite this the harmonica was a key instrument in American folk music. So grab your cowboy hats folks, if you don't have a cowboy hat then go out and buy one. For its time to listen to the glorious harmonica music featured in Empire City! What I like about the Empire City music is how Sega also put the saxophone in it. The saxophone was also instrumental in American Jazz music (forgive the pun). So this song is kind of a mashup of instruments important to american musical history. Its easy to imagine your in the big apple itself when you hear this song.

             Lets talk steel drums. They come from Jamaica and they are the best kind of drums in my opinion. Because they don't just keep a beat to a song, they have a deep sound that creates an amazing melody. Its the perfect instrument for Sonic to listen to on his tropical island voyage in Sonic Rush Adventure! These drums are also known as Steel Pans because they deceivingly look like a steel pan when in actuality they are an amazing instrument. You have to be very skilled to master the steel drum since you can play it using up to four pansticks (the steel drum version of drumsticks). My favorite song from Sonic Rush Adventure is called "Coral Reef" features the steel drum in full glory. Its interesting how much detail Sega puts into its music, even before they knew they could get a profit from the music of Sonic alone. It shows how much care is put into each game.

                    Are you secretly craving more Sonic Accordion music after my previous post in this topic? Don't worry my friends, theres surprisingly more accordion songs in the world of Sonic. Just check out all the different versions of the Spagonia themes featured in Sonic unleashed.

                    All these tunes are featured on iTunes folks, so go and support the amazing music of the blue blur today!

Edited August 21, 2013 by Neon The Hedgehog