Saturday, November 19, 2011

Top 20 Legend of Zelda Theme Songs Part III Finale


Welcome back to my Top 20 Legend of Zelda theme songs.

Well, finally time to wrap up this countdown. Let's jump right into it.

#6. Main Hyrule Castle Theme


This is a tune that has made it into a number of different games. The whole song always doesn't make it into the games, but that intro is very recognizable. When you generally hear this tune, it means it's time to rescue Princess Zelda. The original theme from Link to the Past gives it more of a strong feeling, while other games take a different approach. My favorite version of this theme comes from Wind Waker. There is two versions in WW. I am referring to the second one.

This tune plays as you finish the game. I don't want to spoil too much about how Wind Waker ends, but let's just say the music is very appropriate to the scenes. A very moving piece of music to say the least. The Wind Waker version my be my favorite, but the Link to the Past version is no slouch either. Weither you call this an epic or emotional tune, it definitely leaves an impression on any Zelda fan.

#5. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess-Midna's Lament


Probably one of the best songs on a piano I've ever heard. It gives you a sense of urgency of having to save a life. Well, this definitely fits the scene that transpires when you hear this tune. One of my biggest problems is how the game designers created this part. When you hear this tune, it keeps going until you fulfill a certain task. In the meantime, random enemies show up and the battle theme comes in. It's like "Get that s*** out of here, I want to hear the moving piano music". For the most part, I try to avoid enemies when this music plays. I remember hearing this music for the first time in Twilight Princess and thinking NOW we are getting into a good part of the game. I know I said that Gerudo Desert is when the game takes off, but Midna's Lament is the part where the storyline really kicks in. A very moving piece in what could be Midna's darkest hour.

#4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time-Gerudo Valley


I'm not sure what to say about this one. It's a really catchy tune. Now I can see why Ganondorf couldn't find Zelda for seven years. Because he was distracted by this awesome music. This music also has one of the more epic shots in the game. If you have Epona and the bridge is still out, you can jump over the bridge with Epona. Some people dread going into Gerudo Valley. Maybe it's because of the mini game, maybe it's because of the desert, maybe it's because of the fortress, maybe it's because you have to go through the Spirit Temple.....twice. Then again, when you have music as kick ass as this, who cares. Bring it on!!!

#3. Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past-Dark World


You know. Say whatever you want about Ganondorf. Yeah, he's the lord of all evil. He holds the Triforce of Power. Yeah, he wants to rule the entire world and enslave all of humanity. Yeah, I get all of that, but you can't doubt his taste in music. Yeah, it certainly seems the lord of evil makes sure you remember his role in the game. I remember hearing this tune the first time you enter the dark world (second time if you count the bunny transformation). You are walking down a pyramid, moblins are trying to kill you and you have no idea what the hell is happening. I really felt THIS was the point where I loved Link to the Past. Up to this point, you had a bunch of kiddy dungeons. Not anymore. Now, you're in the Dark World, and these dungeons are a little more complex than the previous ones. I also felt this is the part of the game where it got really good. My favorite track from LTTP and very worthy of holding the #3 slot on this countdown.

#2. Zelda's Lullaby


Many people think this theme was introduced in Ocarina of Time, but it was in Link to the Past first. What more can I say? It's Zelda's theme. It's so soft and moving, but it gives you sense of royalty. I'm not sure if you're happy or sad when you hear this tune. On one hand, you will meet Princess Zelda, but she normally tells you bad news. Great, more monsters to kill. Just what I wanted. There are many versions of this song, but each one leaves an impact on you as a gamer. Hard to really say which one is my favorite, but I really like the one that got combined with the opening/ending theme in Wind Waker.

Because of that, I guess you can include the opening/ending theme from Wind Waker in this category. I might be cheating since it can stand alone as it's own theme, but this is my list and I can do whatever the hell I want with it at the end of the day. Anyway, I also like the multiple versions you hear in Ocarina of Time. Especially in the ending credits of the game.

Damn, this can bring a tear to your eye.....BRINGS YOU TO TEARS, MAN!!! Okay, I'm good now.

Time to reveal #1. Before we do that, let's rundown the first 19. If you want to listen to these tunes, go back to Parts I and II.


#20. Gerudo Desert-Twilight Princess
#19. Mini Boss Battle-Wind Waker
#18. Song of Storms
#17. Opening Theme-Ocarina of Time
#16. Fairy Fountain Theme
#15. Hyrule Field Theme-Ocarina of Time
#14. Serenade of Water
#13. Dragon Roost Island- Wind Waker
#12. Tal Tal Heights-Link's Awakening
#11. Opening Title theme- Legend of Zelda (NES)
#10. Palace Theme- Zelda II: Adventure of Link
#9. Hidden Village-Twilight Princess
#8.Hyrule Field Theme-Twilight Princess
#7. Death Mountain- Link to the Past
#6. Hyrule Castle Theme
#5. Midna's Lament-Twilight Princess
#4. Gerudo Valley-Ocarina of Time
#3. Dark World-Link to the Past
#2. Zelda's Lullaby/Theme

So, those were 19 amazing theme songs, but there can only be one #1. Are you ready? If you aren't, too bad.

#1. Original Overworld Theme


I think the #1 theme song might have been a little too predictable. Then again, who cares? Just like many other themes in the series, this one has been remade countless times. Then again, I think this is well worthy of the #1 slot. Why? Because it is arguably the most recognizable theme song in the entire Zelda franchise. The second you hear the first few notes, you think "Oh yeah, that's freakin' Zelda". Just about every Zelda game has its own version of the original overworld theme. Majora's Mask had a variation of the theme.

I kinda like it. It makes you feel like you are in a marching band. The version in Wind Waker was pretty good, which is known as the Great Sea Theme.

Again, since it's the same, it is included in the same category. This theme has also had a ton of remixes over the years from other musical artist. One of my favorite remixes is CarboHydroM's version, which is called Sword of Hope.

If you have never checked out CarboHydroM's music before, you should check him out. He has a bunch of other amazing video game tracks. There have been other music artist who put their own spin on this theme (Brentalfloss is another one to check out if you're into parodies), which I think should be a testament into how iconic this theme is.

Despite all the remixes, there is just something magical about the original 8-bit theme. Every time I hear this tune, I am reminded of the phrase "It's dangerous to go alone". Then again, maybe that's a good thing.

And that finally does it for the Top 20 countdown. I realize there will be some disagreements with a top list, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. The Legend of Zelda is one of my favorite video game franchises, which is why I wanted to put together this list. I had a lot of fun putting this list together and reminiscing about a great video game franchise. Not sure what Skyward Sword will bring to the series, but there hasn't been a bad Zelda game yet.....if you choose to ignore the CDI games. Either way, I am sure Skyward Sword will have its own great music and the franchise will continue to rise. Thank you Shigeru Miyamoto for creating for one hell of a masterpiece. Thank you Koji Kondo, Akito Natatsuka, Asuka Ohta, Hajime Wakai, Kazumi Totaka, Kenta Nagata, Mahito Yokota, Michiru Oshima, Tora Minegishi, and the many other composers who made the Legend of Zelda one of the most reckonizable soundtracks in video game history. I'm the WrestlingNerd, and I'll see you next time.

5 comments:

  1. I know this isn't related to Zelda, but I didn't see a Smackdown 11/19/2011 review. If your not gonna do it then what's your rating of smackdown, like TNAish, bad, filler, average, or good?

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  2. Nice list. I really should play some of the later Zelda games, I couldn't get enough of the first two back in the day.

    Also, what other tracks of CarboHydroM would you recommend?

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  3. I didn't watch Smackdown. I did say in the TNA review that I most likely wasn't going to do one. If I don't respond right away, just assume that I am busy. I do have a life outside of these reviews.

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  4. I really like Rising Sun (Kingdom Hearts), If I had Wheels (Mario Kart 64), White Feature in the Storm (Super Mario Galaxy), and a few of his Mega Man tracks. He has a website and a Youtube page. Very easy to find whenever you have the time.

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