Summary
- Sonic the Hedgehog has consistently produced high-quality and diverse music throughout its 30-year history.
- The music of Sonic games, ranging from hard-rock to orchestral and vocal songs, has left a lasting impact on fans.
- Crush 40, an in-house band of SEGA, is particularly popular among the fan base, and their music has become iconic within the franchise.
Since the Blue Blur's debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has built up a solid fan base and game library. However the games may have performed critically and commercially, it's safe to say that the music accompanying them is consistently of a high standard. Throughout Sonic's history, fans have been treated to a diverse array of music, from hard-rock, bossa nova and electro-pop, to thrilling orchestral and vocal songs. SEGA has consistently collaborated with mainline music groups, and also has an in-house band, Crush 40, who are very popular among the fan base.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Modern-Era Soundtracks, Ranked
If there's one thing the Sonic franchise is known for, it's the music. These modern-era games each sport unique and memorable soundtracks.
In 2021, the "30th Anniversary Symphony" was live-streamed, made up of both orchestral and rock performances of the mainline series' most iconic tunes. Currently, the "Sonic Symphony: World Tour" is underway. It's clear that Sonic has a large musical presence and following, from over 30 years of gaming history. These themes, from home-console releases, live on in players' memories as a way to define each Sonic game from the main series.
1 Green Hill Zone
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Released
- June 23, 1991
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Sega Genesis, Switch
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
The simple yet upbeat melody first welcomed players to Sonic’s homeland over 30 years ago. Despite the limitations of the Genesis hardware, Masato Nakamura was able to craft a sweet-sounding tune that remains beloved to this day. It’s one of video gaming’s most iconic songs, well-liked for its joyful sound, and is hard not to bounce along to its tune.
The whole original Sonic soundtrack is iconic in its own right, but another favorite stand-out song is “Star Light Zone.” The relaxing happiness of the melody is a fan favorite, and was even remixed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games’ opening ceremony!
2 Chemical Plant Zone
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic 2’s second level has one of the most funky and chaotic themes in the series. The almost aggressive sounds and fast-paced melody complement the increased difficulty in this zone. The melody is harsh, yet extremely catchy. The fact that the zone and its music have been reused in Sonic Generations and Sonic Mania is a testament to how iconic they are.
Like its predecessor, Sonic 2’s soundtrack is well-loved, and themes from the funky “Casino Night” to the intense “Death Egg Robot” are notable iconic tunes.
3 Stardust Speedway Bad Future/ Sonic Boom
Sonic the Hedgehog CD (1993)
Sonic CD
- Released
- November 19, 1993
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
This game is famous for having two soundtracks. The original release has many beaty tracks, with Stardust Speedway’s “Bad Future” being arguably the most well-known. The iconic image of the Blue Blur racing the villainous Metal Sonic through a glittering night city with Dr. Eggman’s laser behind him pairs perfectly with the slapping base and iconic distorted vocals.
The main theme, "Sonic Boom," is the US version's most iconic theme, performed by the jazz trio Pastiche. This energetic yet chilled track is a fan favorite, and memorable among the many vocal songs in the series.
4 Ice Cap Zone
Sonic 3 and Knuckles (1994)
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Released
- February 2, 1994
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Platform(s)
- Sega Genesis, PC
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Of all the Classic-era games, Sonic 3 is most well-known for its soundtrack, since a fair amount of it was composed by Michael Jackson. "Ice Cap Zone" features the iconic scene of Sonic snowboarding down the mountain to one of the funkiest and most legendary Sonic themes. Ice Cap's melody has a strong beat, yet is also quite soothing.
Best Sega Genesis Games, Ranked
The Sega Genesis featured numerous video games that are still considered shining examples of the medium.
"Hydrocity Zone" is another extremely funky track, and as Sonic runs through the cloudtop ruins of "Sky Sanctuary", the piercing beauty of its theme also stands out as memorable.
5 Green Grove Act 1
Sonic 3D Blast (1996)
Sonic 3D Blast
- Released
- January 1, 1996
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team, Traveller's Tales
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Adventure
Just like Sonic CD, this game had two soundtracks, being released on both the Genesis and Saturn consoles. Though the Saturn soundtrack was original, fans may recognize certain songs from the Genesis version. This is because Jun Senoue composed them, and being limited by the hardware, revisited certain tracks for the first full 3D title, Sonic Adventure.
The Saturn version was composed by Richard Jacques. There are many good songs in both versions of the game, but the most iconic is "Green Grove Act 1", being the first level. The Saturn version is a remix of the title screen theme, and the Genesis version became Windy Valley's theme in Sonic Adventure.
6 Azure Blue World
Sonic Adventure (1999)
Sonic Adventure
- Released
- December 23, 1998
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Platform(s)
- Sega Dreamcast, PC, PS3, Xbox 360
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
The first game to have Jun Senoue as Sound Director left a lasting legacy on Sonic. He and his team crafted many incredible hard-rock melodies. Station Square's hub-world theme is iconic due to the fact players hear it frequently. The main theme "Open Your Heart" was the first of Crush 40's epic "butt-rock" songs.
As for stage themes, "Azure Blue World" is instantly memorable. Upon starting, the drum beat and short electric guitar segment is absolutely thrilling. Then, the electric sitar’s melody takes over, captivating and carefree, reflecting the chilled scene of sun, sea and sand as Sonic crosses Emerald Coast.
7 Escape From The City
Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)
Sonic Adventure 2
- Released
- June 19, 2001
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team USA
- Platform(s)
- Sega Dreamcast, PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
This game boasts one of the series’ strongest soundtracks, well-known for its hard-rock music. "Escape from the City" is the theme of Sonic’s first level, and it doesn’t cease to blow players away with its catchy vocals and melody, as Sonic ‘snowboards’ through the city streets. The vocals, performed by Ted Poley and Tony Harnell, reflect Sonic’s carefree nature as well as his escape from GUN pursuit.
Other iconic tunes are Crush 40’s beloved song “Live and Learn”, an epic hard-rock anthem with lyrics resonating both in and outside the game. "Knuckles’ Rap Music" is cheesy, but iconic for its uniqueness.
8 Sonic Heroes
Sonic Heroes (2004)
Sonic Heroes
- Released
- December 30, 2003
- Developer(s)
- Sega
- Platform(s)
- GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox (Original)
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Racing, Fighting, Action-Adventure
Bright and cheery, this song is one of Crush 40’s most iconic tracks. The catchy lyrics, combined with the band's unique rock style, make it a fan favorite. It’s been featured numerous times in the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games series, a testament to how well-known this song is.
"Seaside Hill" also has a memorable tune, being the first level in the game. It shares the same upbeat rock style that "Sonic Heroes" has, reflecting the lightheartedness of the game as a whole.
9 His World
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
- Released
- November 14, 2006
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Platformer
This title has an undeniably fantastic soundtrack. Its theme, "His World,” which recurs throughout the game, has become one of the most iconic songs of the entire franchise, known for its thrilling hybrid of rock, orchestral and rap music. It was written and performed by the group Zebrahead.
Orchestral rock is the backbone of the game's score. "Crisis City" blends a tense violin melody with a slapping drum pattern, creating a sense of urgency. 'His World' appears in remixed form for the final boss battle against Solaris. Both 'Crisis City' and "Solaris Phase 2" are fan favorite tracks.
10 Rooftop Run (Day)
Sonic Unleashed (2008)
Sonic Unleashed
- Released
- November 18, 2008
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Beat 'Em Up
This game has a truly amazing soundtrack, full of diverse instrumentation. The "Day" variant of "Rooftop Run" stands out as truly iconic, and was remixed in Sonic Generations. It’s also an unlockable track in the Olympics spin-off series. Composed by Tomoya Ohtani, the thrilling blend of rock guitars and violins makes for a mesmerizing and engaging musical theme.
10 Most Emotional Songs from the Sonic the Hedgehog Games
Sonic the Hedgehog is known for his speed, but the games are also known for harboring some emotional songs that could make the players shed a tear.
The whole soundtrack boasts such quality, and the wide range of classical instrumentation orchestrated into such captivating tracks is commendable. The upbeat main theme "Endless Possibility" also stands out as one of the series' most iconic vocal tracks.