Speedy hedgehogs, two tailed foxes and derpy echidna. Sonic the Hedgehog turns 30 years old this year! For three decades, SEGA have served up incredible Sonic adventures and, well, not so incredible Sonic adventures. One thing that has remained constant, though, is the amazing Sonic sound selection. Beautiful, driving basslines, synth loaded pop melodies and devious boss riffs. Thank you, SEGA!
The Best Classic Sonic Music
To celebrate 30 years of Sonic, let’s explore some of the best classic Sonic Music! The lovely Suzie GeeForce celebrated 30 years of Sonic with a hashtag challenge – #SoundsLikeSonic – an amazing tribute to our favourite Sonic tunes. These are our favourites – from Chemical Plant Zone to the multiplayer Chrome Gadget. Enjoy!
Chemical Plant Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
This is one of the best bops from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with a strong synth melody that draws you into this futuristic factory world. With a chunky, phat bass, we’re instantly looping through this production plant and dodging the dreaded pink water. Sets the tone in the game and one of our favourite retro Sonic songs!
Chome Gadget (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
Some of the lost gems in the Sonic the Hedgehog sound selection come from the awesome two player Competition mode in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Chrome Gadget is definitely one of the highlights from the game, bathed in a futuristic jingle, luring you to an anthemic chorus and down again as it loops. A great stand-out track that could have easily been used for a regular zone!
Mushroom Hill Zone – Act 1 (Sonic & Knuckles)
As the first act in Sonic & Knuckles or the first in the transition if locked onto Sonic 3, this track as a literal bop! You end up wandering about a lush forest full of bouncing mushrooms and windy creatures. A refreshing take on the classic green-hill opener! The best bit? The really chunky, phat bass that pulls you along, complemented by a soaring lead that fits the level design and mood perfectly.
Flying Battery Zone – Act 2 (Sonic & Knuckles)
Do all second zones in classic Sonic games have the best music? One of the most iconic tracks from Sonic’s 16-bit era has to be Flying Battery Zone. In particular Act 2. A delicious, stomping rock ballad that takes you through the heart of a massive airship. What I love about this act is the build-up – it starts off mysterious with a chunky bass, jumping into that familiar lead line and back into it’s sort of spy film melody. A true Mega Drive classic!
Oil Ocean Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
This is where Sonic the Hedgehog 2 started to get hard. Scorching heat, sticky oil and an air of mystery – welcome to the Oil Ocean Zone! The game had so many incredible songs and this zone is definitely one the standouts. Swinging, driving bass brings you into the groove, with an alluring, middle eastern inspired lead that draws you perfectly into the vibe of the level. All brewed perfectly together with the galloping snares and complimenting low synth notes.
Marble Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)
It’s hard to believe how much power the Sega Megadrive or Genesis soundchip had. Listen to this absolutely banger of a song from the second zone in the debut Sonic game. An absolute monster, groovy bass line with a romantic, slightly exotic synth line that swings along the top. Then suddenly a tittle 80s disco not plods along in the middle of the song, jingling away as Sonic tries not to get squashed!
Ice Cap Zone – Act 1 (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
How can you make an ice and snow level even cooler? Add a SEGA track with a sprinkling of supposed Michael Jackson genius and we get Ice Cap Zone. An incredible 80s sounding disco beat with galloping bass and a frosty cold synth lead that brings it all together. The zone was a challenging and tricky area to navigate, but this sweet groove definitely helps get through it!
Doomsday Zone (Sonic & Knuckles)
We couldn’t be talking about classic Sonic songs without a boss theme! One of the most epic Sonic songs, well, ever has to be Doomsday Zone. At the very end of Sonic 3 and Knuckles, you end up in a galactic space fight – it is deadly. An iconic scene of good against evil, Sonic soars through space to try to catch the devious Dr Robotnick. It’s a staple of the Sonic playbook these days, and first started in the 16 bit era with this absolute bop – insane bass, a sense of tension and a climatic finish – it is epic!
Mystic Cave Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
Oh, so spooky! Another absolute bop from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has to be the Mystic Cave Zone. We’re lead into an eerie, scary cavern with an absolutely meaty bass line, churning away with an absolutely delicious groove. Then kicks in the spooky synth line that sounds like a perfect 90s horror mix, with a sprinkling of mystery and dance. A perfectly magical beat that’s a definite highlight!
Final Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)
Zero rings and the devious Doctor Robotnik and slight – it’s the final track and the aptly named Final Zone. Still one of the hardest final boss battles, this is an absolute monster. You can really feel the tension through the stirring synth lines and complimenting lower notes that drive it. Armed with marching drums and grungy bass, it’s time to get dirty and save those Chaos Emeralds!
What are your favourite classic SEGA / Sonic tunes?
