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The 10 BEST Legend of Zelda Soundtracks

The 10 BEST Legend of Zelda Soundtracks
VOICE OVER: Johnny Reynolds WRITTEN BY: Johnny Reynolds
Music is extremely important to "Zelda," and these soundtracks are the peak of what Nintendo's composers have given us. For this list, we're judging each “Zelda” soundtrack as a whole to see which entries stand the tallest. However, as much as we love the “Cadence of Hyrule” remixes, we're only including games from the mainline series. Our list includes “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (2011), “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” (1992), “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” (2003), and more!
Script written by Johnny Reynolds

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re showcasing the 10 Best Zelda Soundtracks. For this list, we’re judging each “Zelda” soundtrack as a whole to see which entries stand the tallest. However, as much as we love the “Cadence of Hyrule” remixes, we’re only including games from the mainline series. Which “Zelda” soundtrack do you think reigns supreme? Share your thoughts in the comments!

“The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes” (2015)


“Tri Force Heroes” is often regarded as one of, if not the weakest entry in the “Zelda” series. This is probably the only “best” list we’ll ever put it on, because while the game is mediocre, the soundtrack is still another great entry in “Zelda” music. Composed by Ryo Nagamatsu, most tracks are upbeat and bursting with life to match the game’s more light-hearted and silly nature. Nagamatsu relied on a lot of string instruments, like guitars and violins. The accordion is the central instrument in many tracks, giving this OST its own distinct vibe. Whether you’re in a town or a dungeon, the soundtrack seeks to display the cheerier side of fantasy.

“The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks” (2009)


Like “Tri Force Heroes” and its accordion, “Spirit Tracks” has a central instrument used throughout many tunes. In this case, it’s the pan flute, which also ties into gameplay as Link plays the instrument for certain mechanics. However, it’s far from the only woodwind beautifully showcased by the game’s composers. From the toe-tapping theme for Aboda Village to the energetic Overworld theme to the warm and welcoming Anouki Village theme, the soundtrack is a display of delightful toots and whistles over catchy beats. Although its dungeon and boss themes don’t reach the same highs, “Spirit Tracks” is an overall wonderful score that makes great use of the DS’s sound quality.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” (1992)


“A Link to the Past” is classic “Zelda,” from its story and items to its music, composed by the genius Koji Kondo. Despite the older hardware, every piece still sounds incredible, and undoubtedly brings up fond memories for players whenever they hear them. Not only does it still sound great, but it gave us many tracks that have been updated and reused for years. “Zelda’s Lullaby,” the “Hyrule Castle Theme,” “Kakariko Village,” the “Dark World” theme. Every one of them has the capability to get stuck in your head instantly. Naturally, it doesn’t feature as much music as later entries, and we prefer some of the updated tracks over the originals. But credit where credit is due, and it is definitely due here.

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017)


Music takes a more subdued, backseat role in “Breath of the Wild.” And while some may argue that makes it lesser than others, we’d argue it’s actually quite beautiful. Nintendo wanted the game’s focus to be the player alone in nature, and so most of the music you’ll hear while adventuring is soft piano and other ambient sounds. But important story moments and locations are still accompanied by stand out tracks. “Mipha’s Theme” makes our hearts hurt for the late Champion. And even though it’s been years, the Guardian music can still stress us out like the first time we encountered one.

“The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” (2000)


In order to get “Majora’s Mask” out quickly, Nintendo had to cut some corners. Not only does the music sound similar to that of “Ocarina of Time,” but some actual tracks were reused. While this makes part of the overall OST a bit unoriginal, the new tracks are more masterpieces from Kondo. The “Clock Town” theme is endlessly catchy, yet changes tone and instruments for each day in the cycle. The “Stone Tower Temple” theme is genuinely one of the best dungeon themes in the series, being both melodic and melancholic. “The Song of Healing” is simple, yet gorgeous and makes you ache with sorrow. Then there’s the music used for Skull Kid and the Final Hours, dark and ominous to match the story.

“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (2011)


“Skyward Sword” was the first entry to use a full live orchestra, and it absolutely shows. Every piece sweeps you off your feet, sucking you into their respective environments. Strings dance along with their incredible melodies, horns blast in time to powerful moments, and percussion booms loudly underneath. “The Ballad of the Goddess” holds an awesome Easter Egg of being “Zelda’s Lullaby” backwards, but it’s also enchanting to boot. “Fi’s Theme” is ethereal and otherworldly to fit with the mysterious being. “Ghirahim’s Theme” is malevolent and playful, just like the villain. While the game isn’t without its faults, hearing such lush, full arrangements is almost enough to make us forgive all of them.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” (2013)


Before composing “Tri Force Heroes,” Ryo Nagamatsu worked on this pseudo sequel to “A Link to the Past.” He updated many of Koji Kondo’s original tracks and, no disrespect to Mr. Kondo or the Super Nintendo, made significant improvements on them. This is especially the case for the “Kakariko Village” and “Dark World” themes, which go from simple catchy dittys to varied arrangements with magnificent guitar and violin. Nagamatsu’s original tracks are nothing to sneeze at either. Every encounter with Yuga brings a certain blustering energy, with punctuating horns and eerie vocals. The stand out track is the theme for Lorule Castle, which adds more instruments the higher you climb, and is catchier than most dungeon themes, which is saying a lot.

“The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” (2006)


Of all the “Zelda” soundtracks, it’s “Twilight Princess” that perhaps captures its game’s atmosphere the best. Each arrangement flawlessly sounds like what their respective area looks like. This atmospheric focus extends into key story moments as well. “Midna’s Lament,” with short piano notes and sorrowful strings, heightens an already tense moment as Link’s ally clings to life. Every piece linked to Ilia invokes feelings of childhood peacefulness and lounging outdoors on lazy days. For being able to capture the tone so well, composers Toru Minegishi and Asuka Ohta deserve praise.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” (1998)


“Zelda” has always had great music. But it was “Ocarina of Time” that showed how big of an impact music could have on a game’s world and story. This soundtrack is Koji Kondo’s magnum opus as every single area comes to life through his arrangements. Whether it be the scorching Gerudo Desert, the enigmatic Forest Temple, the bustling Hyrule Market, or literally any other location, the music is often the most memorable facet. Music was even more vital by being built into the gameplay; playing songs on the ocarina had different effects. And despite being short and simple, they were just as catchy. All it takes is for us to hear “Song of Storms” or “Saria’s Song” once and then it’s in our heads for hours.

“The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” (2003)


Simply put, there’s no track in the “Wind Waker” that doesn’t make us want to collect our gear and head out on our own adventure. Many tracks are inspired by traditional Irish music, such as the title theme, which encapsulates the call of exploring the unknown before you even begin to play. Central location themes are also some of the best songs in the series, such as the bouncy theme for Windfall Island and the unforgettable theme for Dragon Roost Island. While many compositions are joyous and adventurous, most boss fight themes blend the upbeat style with a nice dose of danger. It even updates some classic tracks dynamically and beautifully, making for highly unique renditions. There’s not a single track that isn’t fantastic.
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