Top 10 SNES Soundtracks
Memory lane never sounded this good. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 SNES Soundtracks.
For this Top 10, we're looking at the soundtracks that really pushed the system to its limits: the ones that achieved a richness that went beyond our expectations of a 16-bit console and are still talked about today. We're only considering soundtracks that got an official Western release, so as fantastic as Seiken Densetsu 3 or Secret of Mana 2's soundtrack was, it'll have to sit out this time around.
Special thanks to our user kermitthefrog87654 for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 10 SNES Soundtracks
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Memory lane never sounded this good. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 SNES Soundtracks. For this Top 10, we’re looking at the soundtracks that really pushed the system to its limits: the ones that achieved a richness that went beyond our expectations of a 16-bit console and are still talked about today. We’re only considering soundtracks that got an official Western release, so as fantastic as Seiken Densetsu 3 or Secret of Mana 2’s soundtrack was, it’ll have to sit out this time around.
#10: “Super Mario World” (1990)
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Our favourite plumber’s first original adventure on the SNES came jam-packed with – yet another – iconic soundtrack in the Mario series. Mario’s jaunt through Dinosaur Land to rescue the Princess is kept upbeat and energetic with Koji Kondo’s classic songs, with some tracks still popping up in levels in the latest Mario games! This was also the first game to star Yoshi, and the wicked percussion track that plays whenever Mario hops on him for a ride, which is sure to pump up any player. Shout-out to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, which continued the trend of A+ Mario music.
#9: “Castlevania Dracula X” (1995)
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Originally released as “Castlevania: Rondo of Blood” for the PC Engine, this somewhat obscure SNES port is a bit of a black sheep in the Castlevania series – but those that played will remember the soundtrack. Not only were there remixes of Classic Castlevania tunes, but a few new additions that went on to be classics in their own right. Whether you want haunting and eerie or upbeat and energetic, Dracula X’s team of composers put together a soundtrack that keeps your run through Dracula’s castle lively… despite, y’know, all the undead.
#8: “Secret of Mana” (1993)
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When an RPG invites you to spend hours upon hours of your time in its world, you’ve gotta expect some fantastic music to help the adventure along. After all, killing hundreds of Rabites for that sweet level up can get old pretty quickly – thankfully, Hiroki Kikuta’s masterful soundtrack does the job. It’s as mystical and atmospheric as the world of Mana itself, but knows when to crank up the speed for the game’s many high-tension boss battles. Whatever Kikuta’s secret is, we sure are glad he shared it with Secret of Mana.
#7: “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” (1991)
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What is it with Nintendo and making soundtracks that stick with us forever? Koji Kondo got to flex his skills in a new, more serious way with the dramatic soundtrack of A Link to the Past, breathing all new life into Hyrule. Some of our favourites from the entire series originated from this cartridge: Zelda’s Lullaby, The Fairy Fountain, Kakariko Village… So many classics! This is a soundtrack that needs no ‘link to the past’, since it still stands the test of time today.
#6: “Megaman X” (1993)
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Capcom decided to rock out with this iconic soundtrack from one of the best Megaman games in the series. In typical Megaman tradition, each of the boss’ stages has a personalized track that carries you through a long series of robotic enemies and traps – but good luck picking a favourite. Each track is heavily rock-influenced, making for intense, non-stop excitement as you blast away. Fan favourites include the iconic “Storm Eagle” song, and the heavy “Sigma Stage 1” – and there are so many other gems to enjoy.
#5: “F-Zero” (1990)
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If F-Zero is to be believed, by the year 2560 we can look forward to flying racecars, intergalactic networks, and thankfully, really awesome music . This futuristic racer that set the standard for all racing games was known for its solid gameplay, but it was also years ahead when it came to its music. It’s a quick listen, but a great one: Iconic tracks like “Mute City” and “Big Blue” came from here, and added a whole lot to the already epic race tracks of the F-Zero tournament. Those five laps just fly by thanks to Yumiko Kanki and Naoto Ishida’s stellar soundtrack.
#4: “Final Fantasy III” (1994) aka “Final Fantasy VI”
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Whatever name it goes by, when people talk about the music in this game, you know they’re talking about a whole new level of musical craftsmanship. We’re talking 20-minute final battle themes, character themes for the game’s huge cast of 14, a whole freakin’ opera squeezed through your TV’s speakers with simulated vocals. Nobuo Uematsu was not screwing around with this soundtrack, and it’s still considered one of his greatest masterpieces today.
#3: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time” (1992)
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From its 16-bit-tastic rendition of the famous TMNT theme song, to the toe-tapping “Sewer Surfin’”, Turtles in Time brought a whole lot of rock & roll to its soundtrack. There’s no doubt that some of these tracks could have fit right into the Saturday morning cartoon; they’re just overflowing with the kind of 90s radness that the Turtles embodied. Be prepared to have this soundtrack stuck in your head for a long, long time to come.
#2: “Chrono Trigger” (1995)
Speaking of time travel, here’s one of the most timeless soundtracks in video game history. This RPG epic takes us from the prehistoric era to the bleak, dystopian future – and it has a unique, memorable track for every single moment. The somber and mysterious ‘600AD theme, the Rick Astley inspired ‘Robo’s Theme’, the mystical and ambient ‘Corridors of Time’ – there are literally way too many classics to list, and they’re all fantastic. If only we could time travel to 1995 to experience it all again for the first time. Before we reveal our top pick, here are some honorable mentions: “Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars” (1996) “Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals” (1995) “Earthbound” (1994) “Super Metroid” (1994)
#1: “Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest” (1995)
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Who could have guessed that two young monkeys’ quest to rescue their banana-crazy friend from a pirate crocodile would end up having one of the best damn soundtracks ever? Barreling into our #1 spot is David Wise’s finest work ever – an easy pick for anyone who’s played this monstrous game that pushed the SNES to all of its limits, surpassing the awesome music of its predecessor, which already was an amazing compilation to begin with. The premise of the game might be cartoony, but the soundtrack has some of the most poignant, atmospheric music you’ll ever hear – as everyone who’s ever shed a tear to ‘Stickerbrush Symphony’ can agree with. Do you agree with our list? What other soundtracks are still stuck in your head, two decades later? For more awesome Top 10s posted daily, subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
