Sonicis known for having some of the greatest songs in gaming. Video game music is one of the most underappreciated genres and rarely gets the mainstream credit it deserves. Games are just as capable of producing breathtaking and gorgeous melodies as any other art form.Sega’smascot is the prime example of the immense creativity and talent that goes into composing scores for video games.
RELATED:Best Original Songs In Video Games
The Blue Blur has suffered a bit of a bumpy road over the course of his career. Still, throughout his highest achievements and most embarrassing mistakes, one thing has stayed consistent: Sonic games almost always have memorable and uplifting soundtracks that motivate you to keep going.
10Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn) Has An Underrated Score
The Sega Saturn is home tomany spectacular games, and Sonic 3D Blast is worth playing for the music alone. This port of theGenesisclassic features an entirely new soundtrack, and while the original tunes get the job done just fine, this new hidden gem of a score runs circles around its predecessor.
From the upbeat Bossa Nova-style Green Grove Zone to the delightfully jazzy Spring Stadium Zone, these songs are a treat to listen to and offer a wide variety of genres to keep things feeling fresh. Just like the Saturn itself, Sonic 3D Blast’s music is often overlooked, but it packs quite a punch.
9Sonic Frontiers Marked A New Era For Sonic Music
Sonic Frontierswas a fresh start for the series in many ways. Sonic music is usually up-tempo to match his speed, but the Blue Blur’s first open-zone outing takes a slightly different approach. As you explore the game’s islands, you’ll be treated to calmingBreath Of The Wild-esque piano melodies that compliment the more grounded and introspective tone.
RELATED:Sonic Frontiers: Every Island Ranked
Frontiers is not without fast-paced tunes, however. New to the series are the metalcore tracks that play during boss fights, blending metal and punk rock elements to form epic fight themes. Undefeatable shines as the game’s stand-out tune. This was a refreshing soundtrack to usher in a new era of the fastest thing alive.
8The Original Sonic The Hedgehog Features Legendary Songs
There’s a reason why Sonic is one ofthe best Sega characters of all time, and it all started here. This was the game that gaveMarioa run for his money, and with it came some of the most famous tunes in gaming.
While modern Sonic soundtracks lean more toward the rock genre, the score from the first game stands out with its dream-like pop melodies that give the levels a whimsical feel. Green Hill Zone, Starlight Zone, and the special stages are good examples. This style of songwriting evokes the feeling of stepping into a magical fantasy world, which perfectly reflects the game’s more lighthearted tone and colorful atmosphere.
7Sonic R Has A Unique And Upbeat Soundtrack
Sonic R is an enigma, simultaneously creating the nightmare-inducing Tails Doll creepypasta and the most uplifting score in the series. Even though this is not the greatest racing game in the world, it features an incredibly distinct soundtrack.
RELATED:Best Racing Games For Beginners
The best part about Sonic R is its use of vocal pop songs. As cheesy as these tunes are, they are ridiculously catchy and contain positive messages. Super Sonic Racing and Can You Feel The Sunshine are fan favorites. Each track was sung by Teresa Jane Davis, whose gorgeous vocals enhanced these fun and upbeat melodies.
6Sonic CD Has Two Incredible Soundtracks
Sonic CD is known for many things, including the time travel mechanic and itsexcellent special stages. It’s also famous for having different soundtracks depending on the region. While the Japanese and European version is the most popular, the North American score shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
Part of what makes Sonic CD’s music so interesting is the variations of the songs. If you get the good future, you’ll be rewarded with celebratory upbeat music. Get the bad future, however, and the music turns sinister and intense. This is a clever way to incentivize you to get the best outcome and plays a large part in what makes Sonic CD special.
5Sonic Rush Has The Funkiest Music In The Series
The music for Sonic Rush is unmistakable, largely thanks to one of the game’s composers Hideki Naganuma, who also wrote the music for Jet Set Radio. ThisDSclassic features all the same funk and hip-hop elements as Jet Set Radio, giving this game a refreshing and distinct sound from the rest of the series.
Songs like Back 2 Back and Right There, Ride On are great examples of this game’s fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping tunes that blend well with the introduction of the boost mechanic. This score was impressive for the DS’s sound chip and still holds up as one of the catchiest in the series.
4Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Is As Iconic As It Gets
If Sonic 1 was the birth of the series,Sonic 2was the growth spurt. This beloved sequel improved upon its predecessor in every way, including the music. This soundtrack is bursting with personality. Every song is instantly recognizable and nails the feel of the level.
RELATED:Best Sega Games Of All Time
The ominous melody in Mystic Cave Zone makes you feel like you’re walking into a dark and spooky cavern, and the up-tempo funky tune in Chemical Plant Zone encourages you to run fast to escape from the poisonous water. Each level song does a great job of conveying a specific emotion and plays a big part in what makes Sonic 2 so iconic.
3Sonic 3 & Knuckles Has The Best Music On The Genesis
Almost everyone knows that Sega commissioned Michael Jackson to write songs for Sonic 3. While it’s a shame these beloved tunes are missing fromSonic Origins, there are still many outstanding tracks to jam out to while you run through some ofthe best levels in the series.
Sonic 3 & Knuckles was the first game in the series to feature music by Jun Senoue, who is now synonymous with Sonic music thanks to his work on the Sonic Adventure titles. This soundtrack cranks it up to eleven with classic songs, including Hydrocity Zone, Flying Battery Zone, and Sky Sanctuary Zone. This was an incredible start to Jun Senoue’s career, and it would only go uphill from there.
2Sonic Adventure 2 Produced Some Of Gaming’s Greatest Songs
Sonic Adventure 2 is widely considered to be one of the best 3D Sonic games ever and featuresa fantastic lineup of songs. This is some of Jun Senoue and Crush 40’s best work, providing many fan favorites, including Escape From The City, A Ghost’s Pumpkin Soup, and Live And Learn.
In addition to excellent level songs, Sonic Adventure 2 is known for its character themes. New renditions of It Doesn’t Matter and Believe In Myself breathe new life into these classics, while new themes like Throw It All Away and E.G.G.M.A.N. have become iconic in their own right. This is a timeless score that is still a thrill to revisit.
1Sonic Adventure Has The Best Soundtrack In The Series
It’s hard to overstate what a massive breakthroughSonic Adventurewas for the series. This score introduced many elements that are now series staples, including the use of vocal rock tunes during the final boss. This was Jun Senoue’s first time as lead composer for a Sonic game, and it introduced the world to Crush 40, whose epic song Open Your Heart makes for one of the best boss themes of all time.
The music in Sonic Adventure finds the perfect balance of whimsical melodies, like in Windy Valley and Twinkle Park, and fast-paced rock songs, like in Speed Highway. It’s not too cartoonish, yet it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the perfect soundtrack for one of the best Sonic games ever.
