Ranking Sonic games by their main vocal themes
I've always fucked with the lyrical Sonic themes, I do enjoy butt rock. A lot of the best lyrical Sonic songs aren't even the main themes, but that's for another list, I'm just talking about the main ones here.
A few games I feel like you could argue on if they're the "main" theme or not, but I'm not gonna split hairs over it. I also decided I'm gonna leave out Sonic Rush. Love that game's soundtrack, but all of its songs are pretty much one sentence mixed in various ways, including the main theme.
Shoutout to the YouTube user that made the playlist I used for this, CutieMonica, it was very helpful. They will likely never see this.
A few games I feel like you could argue on if they're the "main" theme or not, but I'm not gonna split hairs over it. I also decided I'm gonna leave out Sonic Rush. Love that game's soundtrack, but all of its songs are pretty much one sentence mixed in various ways, including the main theme.
Shoutout to the YouTube user that made the playlist I used for this, CutieMonica, it was very helpful. They will likely never see this.
24 Games
Open Your Heart
Ugh, I don't think I need to explain, this one just fucking rocks. Maybe I'm easy to impress lyrically (uh, actually, I know I am), but I've always loved this one so much. Really sets the stage for the circumstances it plays in-game, but it's also great as a solo song.
Ugh, I don't think I need to explain, this one just fucking rocks. Maybe I'm easy to impress lyrically (uh, actually, I know I am), but I've always loved this one so much. Really sets the stage for the circumstances it plays in-game, but it's also great as a solo song.
1
Endless Possibility
Holy shit, they got the Phineas & Ferb theme singer for this one... holy fuck.
This song honestly can make me feel so motivated when I listen to it. Maybe I should listen to it more when the executive dysfunction hits. I feel like some people might find the voice of Jaret Reddick kind of annoying (I don't, but I can see it), but if you push past that, this is fantastic. This is a sleeper hit for me, I often forget it exists, but really? It might be my favorite overall? I'm not gonna put it at the very top right now, but I would say it makes me actually feel more than the rest.
Holy shit, they got the Phineas & Ferb theme singer for this one... holy fuck.
This song honestly can make me feel so motivated when I listen to it. Maybe I should listen to it more when the executive dysfunction hits. I feel like some people might find the voice of Jaret Reddick kind of annoying (I don't, but I can see it), but if you push past that, this is fantastic. This is a sleeper hit for me, I often forget it exists, but really? It might be my favorite overall? I'm not gonna put it at the very top right now, but I would say it makes me actually feel more than the rest.
2
I Am (All of Me)
I know most people will scoff or laugh at how high up this is, but my fellow Shadow truthers know this song fucks. That's right, I said "fuck" cause this isn't some baby shit baby game.......
Really though, people love to make fun of this song, but I just love to listen to it. It's perfect for the story and themes of the game, but it's also a nice power fantasy song in its own merits. This is the kind of song you imagine your OCs fighting to or some shit idk
My even hotter take is that this is better than All Hail Shadow and Never Turn Back.
I know most people will scoff or laugh at how high up this is, but my fellow Shadow truthers know this song fucks. That's right, I said "fuck" cause this isn't some baby shit baby game.......
Really though, people love to make fun of this song, but I just love to listen to it. It's perfect for the story and themes of the game, but it's also a nice power fantasy song in its own merits. This is the kind of song you imagine your OCs fighting to or some shit idk
My even hotter take is that this is better than All Hail Shadow and Never Turn Back.
3
His World (Zebrahead)
The main theme if it wasn't slow af and was made by a Christian rock band (Zebrahead might be a Christian rock band, idk)
The main theme if it wasn't slow af and was made by a Christian rock band (Zebrahead might be a Christian rock band, idk)
4
Live and Learn
I've personally always been more partially to Open Your Heart, but I absolutely get why this is the more popular one. Uh, other than just coming from the more popular game. It's catchier, its lyrics aren't as glued to the game it comes from, and something about Shadow.
The funny thing is that Sonic Adventure 2's soundtrack is so good and so filled with lyrical song, that this barely cracks the top five of SA2's lyrical tracks for me. To be fair, Open Your Heart isn't my favorite lyrical song in the first game, either.
I've personally always been more partially to Open Your Heart, but I absolutely get why this is the more popular one. Uh, other than just coming from the more popular game. It's catchier, its lyrics aren't as glued to the game it comes from, and something about Shadow.
The funny thing is that Sonic Adventure 2's soundtrack is so good and so filled with lyrical song, that this barely cracks the top five of SA2's lyrical tracks for me. To be fair, Open Your Heart isn't my favorite lyrical song in the first game, either.
5
Free
Once again shocked to learn that the Crush 40 version of a song isn't the main theme? I'm not gonna make it a separate entry this time cause it's similar enough to this version, but I do like it more.
This game absolutely did not need its own lyrical theme, but here we are. And you know what? It's pretty dang good. This one feels like they asked Sonic himself to write it, I like to think of it from that perspective, it makes it more fun.
Once again shocked to learn that the Crush 40 version of a song isn't the main theme? I'm not gonna make it a separate entry this time cause it's similar enough to this version, but I do like it more.
This game absolutely did not need its own lyrical theme, but here we are. And you know what? It's pretty dang good. This one feels like they asked Sonic himself to write it, I like to think of it from that perspective, it makes it more fun.
6
Knight of the Wind
God I wish With Me was the main theme, it would launch this song even higher. This is a good song, too, but I can help but feel it's a little too on the nose and campy even by Sonic standards. The Black Knight soundtrack is wicked, though, and the main theme delivers on that, too. It very much fits this game.
Shoutout to Fight the Knight and Through the Fire. They're such good butt rock tracks.
God I wish With Me was the main theme, it would launch this song even higher. This is a good song, too, but I can help but feel it's a little too on the nose and campy even by Sonic standards. The Black Knight soundtrack is wicked, though, and the main theme delivers on that, too. It very much fits this game.
Shoutout to Fight the Knight and Through the Fire. They're such good butt rock tracks.
7
His World (Crush 40)
I can see myself flipping on this one for the actual main theme of 06, but right now, I'm thinking it's higher. I like that it's a bit different than the other two.
I can see myself flipping on this one for the actual main theme of 06, but right now, I'm thinking it's higher. I like that it's a bit different than the other two.
8
Seven Rings In Hand
This one would probably be higher if the game itself didn't spam it everywhere. You'll be in the level select for three seconds and just hear "MAKE BELIEVES RE-", rinse and repeat a hundred times. Plus, it's just not my favorite Ariana Grande song.
Actually, that all sounds a lot more negative than I actually feel about this song. I do like it quite a bit, but I've heard it so many times.
This one would probably be higher if the game itself didn't spam it everywhere. You'll be in the level select for three seconds and just hear "MAKE BELIEVES RE-", rinse and repeat a hundred times. Plus, it's just not my favorite Ariana Grande song.
Actually, that all sounds a lot more negative than I actually feel about this song. I do like it quite a bit, but I've heard it so many times.
9
Un-Gravitify (Crush 40)
This is the version I actually know. Might just be me being easy to impress again, but I like it. It's not as unique as the non-Crush 40 version, but more of a song I would (and sometimes do) listen to.
This is the version I actually know. Might just be me being easy to impress again, but I like it. It's not as unique as the non-Crush 40 version, but more of a song I would (and sometimes do) listen to.
10
Fist Bump
I think this is great as a power anthem. I know people meme on it a lot, but it pushes its message in every line, and I respect the hustle. They got the lead singer of Hoobastank for this, which is simultaneously funny and kinda cool to me, I think he did good.
I think this is great as a power anthem. I know people meme on it a lot, but it pushes its message in every line, and I respect the hustle. They got the lead singer of Hoobastank for this, which is simultaneously funny and kinda cool to me, I think he did good.
11
Reach for the Stars
Don't really have commentary on this one. It's good, it fits, it sounds nice and has a good (albeit surface level) message.
Don't really have commentary on this one. It's good, it fits, it sounds nice and has a good (albeit surface level) message.
12
A New Venture
Oooh it's so feel-good, I like that. It could use a few less "A new venture"s, but I can't deny this tune makes me feel a bit sunnier, which is probably exactly what they wanted.
Oooh it's so feel-good, I like that. It could use a few less "A new venture"s, but I can't deny this tune makes me feel a bit sunnier, which is probably exactly what they wanted.
13
His World (Theme of Sonic)
I feel really stupid right now because I kind of forgot this version existed. The Zebrahead version is the one I always think of, and I enjoy the Crush 40 version of this song. I think this is the main main theme out of the three, and it's a bit lame compared to the other versions. It's still good, though.
I feel really stupid right now because I kind of forgot this version existed. The Zebrahead version is the one I always think of, and I enjoy the Crush 40 version of this song. I think this is the main main theme out of the three, and it's a bit lame compared to the other versions. It's still good, though.
14
Un-Gravitify
stupid name
Uh, I had no idea the Crush 40 version of this song wasn't the main one. Or that there was another one. I kind of like how the vocals sound somewhat distant until the chorus where it breaks through. I prefer the Crush 40 version, but still worth a listen, it's pretty unique amongst other Sonic themes.
stupid name
Uh, I had no idea the Crush 40 version of this song wasn't the main one. Or that there was another one. I kind of like how the vocals sound somewhat distant until the chorus where it breaks through. I prefer the Crush 40 version, but still worth a listen, it's pretty unique amongst other Sonic themes.
15
Sonic Boom
This is probably a lot lower than other people will put it. Idk, I've just never been the biggest fan of this one. This feels like it would be one of the most likely Sonic themes to be on the radio, though, I can imagine hearing this at the mall.
I will admit, I don't really have an attachment to Sonic CD. In fact, I kinda didn't like it when I played it, so that might have to do with it. The higher songs on this list I do have a personal attachment to. Don't get me wrong, though, this is good!
This is probably a lot lower than other people will put it. Idk, I've just never been the biggest fan of this one. This feels like it would be one of the most likely Sonic themes to be on the radio, though, I can imagine hearing this at the mall.
I will admit, I don't really have an attachment to Sonic CD. In fact, I kinda didn't like it when I played it, so that might have to do with it. The higher songs on this list I do have a personal attachment to. Don't get me wrong, though, this is good!
16
Super Sonic Racing
I know there are a lot of people who hold this soundtrack in high regard. I totally get why, it's good stuff, but this kind of music I can never really just sit and listen to. I think this one really works in the context of Sonic R or in general a racing game, but not one I would listen to by itself.
I know there are a lot of people who hold this soundtrack in high regard. I totally get why, it's good stuff, but this kind of music I can never really just sit and listen to. I think this one really works in the context of Sonic R or in general a racing game, but not one I would listen to by itself.
17
I'm Here
I didn't listen to the Frontiers soundtrack before the game came out, so when I got to the bosses and heard screaming vocals in boss music, I was so taken aback. It was so cool, even if the songs didn't really stick with me very much.
Uh, that's not what this song is like, just a little story of my first time playing this game.
This song is... underwhelming. The chorus hits hard, but the rest of the song I'm not really big on. Which is a shame because the rest of the game's lyrical songs are pretty cool and a new frontier for Sonic music (obvious pun is intended). I'm sure they did it to not alienate people who hate songs with screaming, but I hope the next game they just say fuck it and let some screams on the leading song.
I didn't listen to the Frontiers soundtrack before the game came out, so when I got to the bosses and heard screaming vocals in boss music, I was so taken aback. It was so cool, even if the songs didn't really stick with me very much.
Uh, that's not what this song is like, just a little story of my first time playing this game.
This song is... underwhelming. The chorus hits hard, but the rest of the song I'm not really big on. Which is a shame because the rest of the game's lyrical songs are pretty cool and a new frontier for Sonic music (obvious pun is intended). I'm sure they did it to not alienate people who hate songs with screaming, but I hope the next game they just say fuck it and let some screams on the leading song.
18
Sonic Heroes
I used to listen to this song a lot, but I think my enjoyment of it has fallen a bit over time. I like it still, just not as much as I used to, I probably wouldn't listen to it in a Sonic music binge. I wish that What I'm Made Of was the flagship theme of this game cause it's so much cooler.
I used to listen to this song a lot, but I think my enjoyment of it has fallen a bit over time. I like it still, just not as much as I used to, I probably wouldn't listen to it in a Sonic music binge. I wish that What I'm Made Of was the flagship theme of this game cause it's so much cooler.
19
Green Light Ride
I remember when the trailer for this game came out, there was a big ole theory on how the main theme was from Crush 40 and they were hyperanalyzing the notes to prove it and... god damn, they were right. They must have felt so cathartic when that was confirmed. And I was really excited for that because it had been so long since Crush 40 was the headliner for a Sonic soundtrack!
Too bad it's kinda mid. This really brings to mind Crush 40's non-Sonic music. Feels like they made this song separately from Sonic and whipped it out when they were brought in for a Sonic racing game. It's ok, not their best, both for Sonic and apart from Sonic.
I remember when the trailer for this game came out, there was a big ole theory on how the main theme was from Crush 40 and they were hyperanalyzing the notes to prove it and... god damn, they were right. They must have felt so cathartic when that was confirmed. And I was really excited for that because it had been so long since Crush 40 was the headliner for a Sonic soundtrack!
Too bad it's kinda mid. This really brings to mind Crush 40's non-Sonic music. Feels like they made this song separately from Sonic and whipped it out when they were brought in for a Sonic racing game. It's ok, not their best, both for Sonic and apart from Sonic.
20
So Much More
Had no idea this song existed before this list. This reminds me of the europop dance music meme from 2023.
Had no idea this song existed before this list. This reminds me of the europop dance music meme from 2023.
21
Sonic Speed Riders
I considered not even counting this one cause it's pretty forgettable. I don't really think of this as the Riders theme, but more the theme of the opening animation of Riders, if that makes sense. It's not bad, just not one I'd search out.
I considered not even counting this one cause it's pretty forgettable. I don't really think of this as the Riders theme, but more the theme of the opening animation of Riders, if that makes sense. It's not bad, just not one I'd search out.
22
You're My Hero
I did not know that the Saturn version of 3D Blast had a lyrical theme before making this list. It's certainly not one that needs it lol.
Honestly, this doesn't feel like it was made with Sonic in mind, it's just kind of the general idea of a hero.
I can't explain what I mean by this, but I think Celine Dion fans will love this one.
I did not know that the Saturn version of 3D Blast had a lyrical theme before making this list. It's certainly not one that needs it lol.
Honestly, this doesn't feel like it was made with Sonic in mind, it's just kind of the general idea of a hero.
I can't explain what I mean by this, but I think Celine Dion fans will love this one.
23
Race to Win
I'm gonna be merciful to you guys and link to a shorter version of this song that doesn't loop cause the playlist I've been using uses a five and a half minute loop of this. This song sucks ass bro, it feels like it was made as a slogan that they were forced to make into a full song and bleh. I have no interest in the Rivals games because they look really boring to me, and honestly I think this song motivates me even more to stay away.
Is it BAD? I guess not, but it only serves to get stuck in my head and be annoying.
I'm gonna be merciful to you guys and link to a shorter version of this song that doesn't loop cause the playlist I've been using uses a five and a half minute loop of this. This song sucks ass bro, it feels like it was made as a slogan that they were forced to make into a full song and bleh. I have no interest in the Rivals games because they look really boring to me, and honestly I think this song motivates me even more to stay away.
Is it BAD? I guess not, but it only serves to get stuck in my head and be annoying.
24
12 Comments
@DeemonAndGames I'm pretty sure the first one I ever heard was Sonic Heroes. I owned that game before any other 3D Sonic, if I remember correctly. Though I heard Live & Learn and Open Your Heart way more as Heroes got broke and I played those two much more.
I am should be number 1 no question and I’m sorry but you could switch unleashed and heroes tbh
@The_Gaming_Dog12 but.... the possibilities......... are never-ending!!
Still think endless possibilities is cringe as hell, but I listened to it again and I still sang along to it 😭
dont care for sonic too much but still, i will not tolerate endless possibilities SLANDER
Yeah Endless Possbility (Live from the symphony) and One Way Dream are like my top 2 sonic songs because of the hope they instill, and Nathan Sharp voice like harmonizes with those themes perfectly. just fucking cried listening to the chorus of One Way Dream right now
Extremely good list, would read and like again.
I gotta ask though: where does Sonic CD (JP)'s vocal theme "You Can Do Anything" rank? Are ya a Toot Toot Sonic Warrior fan?
I gotta ask though: where does Sonic CD (JP)'s vocal theme "You Can Do Anything" rank? Are ya a Toot Toot Sonic Warrior fan?
@zeroesandones I haven't really fully listened to it before. Reminds me of the Pokémon 2.B.A. Master album lol
It'd probably go between Team Sonic Racing an S&SASR if I remember to add it later.
It'd probably go between Team Sonic Racing an S&SASR if I remember to add it later.
@electrode This comment is how I found out that the words "Pokémon 2.B.A. Master album" are my MK Ultra activation phrase for nostalgia. I've still got some horrifically low quality early 2000s MP3s of this album buried on my music server if you can believe it. Currently bumping "Pokémon (Dance Mix)" at frankly irresponsible levels of volume. Thank you for unearthing these wonderful Y2K vibes for me my friend 🫶
@zeroesandones tfw feeling when youre on the road to viridian city 😳
DeemonAndGames
14 days ago