Beyond the Controller: Top 25 Soundtracks 2011: Number 8

Number 8: Sonic Colors

Sonic Colors was a soundtrack that I knew was going to do well on this list before it even came out. In part due to the success of another game on this list (Sonic Unleashed), but also because even the early teasers the game offered of its soundtrack just clicked right. So it was that Sonic Colors became one of the last games I reviewed, largely because the soundtrack didn't officially hit until a few weeks before this list was supposed to be done. But when I finally found the time to sit down and listen to it, I knew the wait had been worth it.

The funny thing was, a few weeks later I was sitting there and looking at the score and wondering to myself how it had scored so high compared to the other soundtracks on the list, and so I sat down and listened to it again. Then I remembered why.

Sonic Colors is, without a doubt, one of the most smile inducing soundtracks I have ever listened to. Some soundtracks make us smile in a wistful way because they dredge up fond memories, or in a determined way because they get us ready for a challenge. Sonic Colors does this, but only to a certain extent. But it really just makes you smile because its so freaking happy. Not an annoying happy, but a can't-stop-the-grin-on-my-face sort of happy. The last time I remember being so happy listening to music like this was when I was a kid.

Which really fits if you think about it. Sonic Colors was aimed squarely at the younger crowd with special attention given to making you feel like a kid again, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the games catchy up-tempo music brings that same measure of fun along with it.

But it's not just the games grin inducing quality that gives it such strong appeal. Like all Sonic games, the music's quality is excellent. Much like Unleashed, Colors draws from the composition skills of a large variety of composers, which gives each unique world its own flavor and style. They're all catchy and upbeat, but the difference between Aquarium Park Act 2 and Terminal Velocity Act 1 is startlingly clear. At the same time, Sonic Colors once again takes effort to weave central themes and motives into itself much like Unleashed did, creating an experience that draws the soundtrack together.

Sonic Colors is an incredible soundtrack, and if it wasn't for the sheer volume of the soundtracks on this list, it could have very well taken itself to one of the top spots on a roller coaster of sound. As is, Colors is one of the soundtracks that I can say will be in the top ten for years to come. Crud, it might even climb a few spots! As soundtracks go, it's one of the best examples of why Sonic games continue to thrive, and if you pass up the chance to listen to this one, you're really missing out. Take a bow Sonic. You deserve it.

Sonic Colors
Enjoyment: 4.5

Stand Alone Quality: 4

Composition: 4

Emotional Reaction: 4.5

Non-Gamer Enjoyment: 1

Nostalgia: 0

Total: 4.5

Number 8--Sonic Colors by Kenichi Tokoi, Tomoya Ohtani, Fumie Kumatani, Mariko Nanba, Hideaki Kobayashi, and Cash Cash.

Number 9--Command and Conquer by Frank Klepacki

Number 10--Final Fantasy: The Crystal Chronicles by Kumi Tanioka

Number 11--Planetary Pieces by Various

Number 12--Donkey Kong Country 2 by David Wise

Number 13--Mirror's Edge by Solar Fields