Sonic Song Selections

Last time, we started looking at music remixes inspired by the most recognizable video game series around. Now it's time to crank up the Blast Processing, violate our consoles with bulky plastics, and jack in our headphones for the other contender of the 16-bit wars, Sonic the Hedgehog.

If Sega had won the console wars.

Sonic the Hedgehog set the stage for a new chapter in gaming. The gameplay was innovative for its time (“Holy what? Loop-de-loops?”), the graphics were pretty, and it wasn't Nintendo. It doesn't hurt that the music is still regarded as some of the best in video game history.

No really. I cannot stress enough how cool this music is. The original Sonic the Hedgehog game had admirable music with a variety of themes, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ramped up the music (and everything else in the game, for that matter) masterfully, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 had music composed for it by Michael Jackson himself. I couldn't make that up if I wanted to. Check out the comparison of the music from Sonic 3 with some of Michael Jackson's songs; it's compelling stuff.

Before I dive into my picks from OC ReMix, I would like to share one of my favorite Sonic renditions... from a Nintendo game. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Sonic the Hedgehog crossed the once insurmountable console boundary to battle the most iconic characters Nintendo had to offer. Because each character in the game joined the battle with their own recognizable themes, this game is chock full of amazing remixes.





Of some interest, the Angel Island arrangement was contributed to Super Smash Bros. Brawl by Jun Senoue, who is no stranger to Sonic soundtracks. He is probably best known as the guitarist for the band Crush 40 (which is notable for its work in Sonic Adventure 2). Depending on whether or not you still think Ray-Bans and Rubik's Cubes are cool, this may or may not be a good thing.

We're not done with Sonic 3 yet. The music in Sonic 3 was remarkable because each zone was divided into two different acts – each with their own variant on the level theme. I've included music samples from both acts in the Hydrocity Zone (both in one YouTube video) to show how this was used to great effect.



I had a hard time choosing my preferred remix of Hydrocity Zone because a couple of the songs on OC ReMix represent it very well. However, Walk on Water takes full advantage of both versions of the Hydrocity Zone theme. The transition at 2:40 pushed me over the edge. (I still suggest checking out Down to the Hydrocity's Nightclub though.)



My favorite remixes are a result of taking a song that is forgettable and turning it into something altogether different. The Marble Zone theme isn't bad, but it's boring. It probably doesn't help that the entire level is composed of pushing blocks and walking. Walking. In a Sonic game.

“He's the fastest thing aliiiiive!”

Turns out I've just been listening to it the wrong way. This arrangement manages to take a stony song and squeeze out epic juice.





This next song comes from arguably the best game in the Sonic series, Sonic and Knuckles. The Sky Sanctuary Zone theme accompanies a pivotal point in the game, and the triumphant finale reprises this song. It deserves the soft, melodic performance it receives here.





And now it's time to turn the speakers over to the persistent Dr. Robotnik. I like to imagine him listening to this next tune with his own over-sized headphones while cramming furry little critters into tin cans with appendages, humming along.





This next remix is genius, and it nails the dread that should accompany any death-machine Robotnik threatens Sonic with. The heavy riffs are completely justified here.





There are loads of good Sonic remixes that I left out. OC ReMix has entire albums dedicated to Sonic games, such as Hedgehog Heaven. And while you're busy with that, I'll be pulling out remixes for another legendary blue champion.