Sonic the Hedgehog‘s 20th anniversary has arrived, and many gamers are taking the occasion to look back at how the titular icon has changed over the years – and what made him so great. He started off as Sega’s competitor for Mario – inciting the first video gaming war. He was involved in some classic games back in the day, but with the fall of Sega as a console-making company, Sonic went through a very dark time period, and is only now starting to come out of it.
However, whether it was an up or a down, one thing can always be said about Sonic games: They have great music. To that end, we counted down our top 10 favorite Sonic The Hedgehog tracks.
Whether the result of signing good bands, working with legendary pop stars, or just being really good at what they do, Sega’s music has always been top-notch, especially with the Sonic franchise.
Remember, music is subjective, so you’ll probably disagree with something on this list. Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments below.
Honorable Mention: Chemical Plant Zone (Sonic 2)
As always, it was hard to narrow down the list to ten. This one just barely makes the list because of its catchy tune and unique sound.
-
#10.) Sonic Boom (Sonic CD)
Every Sonic fan knows this song (especially anyone who attended the Sonic Boom party at E3 2011). In addition to being the theme song for one of the few good games on the Sega CD, it’s a cool song – low-key and still exciting at the same time.
-
#9.) Live and Learn (Sonic Adventure 2)
Live and Learn is one of the two songs that sort of define the “Dreamcast Era” for Sonic. It’s a bit more aggressive than older Sonic songs, but it’s still fast-paced – which is what Sonic is all about.
-
#8.) Flying Battery Zone (Sonic & Knuckles)
This song doesn’t get as much love from Sonic fans, but it should. It’s incredibly energetic, which fits the setting – as you’re running through a large plane-like structure, trying very hard not to fall off.
-
#7.) Open Your Heart (Sonic Adventure)
“Open Your Heart” is the other defining song of the “Dreamcast Era.” It’s very similar to “Live and Learn,” and comes down to a matter of preference – regarding which one is “better.”
-
#6.) Scrap Brain Zone (Sonic 1)
This song fits the setting of the zone perfectly. You’re blasting your way through Robotnik’s fortress, the final area just up ahead, and this alien and slightly foreboding tune bolsters the action.
-
Continue reading our list of the Top Ten Sonic The Hedgehog Songs for choices 1-5…
Electronic Arts Discontinues Online Pass Program 
‘ZombiU 2′ Prototype in Development; Will the Sequel Include Co-op? 
Lionhead Job Listings Hint at ‘Fable 4′ ‘Reimagining’ the Franchise 
‘Deadpool’ Box Art Answers the Question: What Does ‘Awesome’ Look Like? 
Loading ...
I have no idea what it’s called, but the Sonic CD track with the “la la looo” background singers was fantastic.
I remember all the bad press Sega and Spencer Nielson got for changing the game’s Japanese soundtrack for its American release, but I always loved the score, and the fidelity afforded by it being CD based was unmatched at the time.
Metropolis zone is still amazing after all these years. What about Sonic and Knuckles Doomsday zone. Flying as super sonic felt so epic
WOW I love sonic!
Couldn’t agree more with the top two. God I love those two songs. I’d only say that I think Hill Top zone from StH2 has some of the best music in the entire catalog of games and deserved at least an HM.
Chemical Plant Zone has a great music track…it is perhaps my favourite.
Live And Learn I hadn’t heard until I found this article. It’s an amazing song.
I REALLY don’t wanna like Sonic Boom…but I do.
I don’t agree with every chosen song in this countdown…but it’s a great article. Really glad I found it.
I’d give an honorable mention to the Hidden Palace Zone from Sonic 2. Granted, it wasn’t used in the game since the level was scrapped, but it was still in the sound test and was hauntingly beautiful.