Sonic the Hedgehog/Awesome Music

"It's no secret. Compared to the Super Nintendo, the Genesis wasn't exactly a killer in the sound department. It was fueled in part by what soundtracks really caught your ear, but for a real classic, you didn't have to look any farther than the Sega mascot."

- Screw Attack's Top 10 Video Game Themes Ever

Everyone's favorite hedgehog speedster has had quite a number of notable themes over the years which cements that although the ride has been rocky with plenty of ups and downs, there's one thing that everyone can agree on, the music is almost always awesome.

And you can now get a lot of this music on iTunes!

Sonic the Hedgehog

 * Star Light Zone.
 * Spring Yard Zone was always a favorite of mine.
 * The classic Robotnik boss theme.
 * Definitely worth mentioning: Green Hill Zone and Marble Zone.
 * The Scrap Brain Zone theme (especially the first part) is one of the best tracks ever written to give the impression of "prepare for insane difficulty". Notably it, along with Star Light Zone, was reused as the music on the option screens for Sonic Advance. Furthermore, Scrap Brain Zone's theme, along with Green Hill Zone's music, were both included in Super Smash Bros Brawl's awesome soundtrack.
 * Labyrinth Zone. Most people associate it with the infamous drowning theme.
 * Final Zone. The tune is more epic than the battle is.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

 * The Sonic 2 final boss music. Quite possibly the most epic final boss battle in the series.
 * The Death Egg Zone theme is, for a 16-bit era track, an eerie, haunting piece of genius, with an undercurrent of madness. You normally only hear a couple seconds of it as you run to the right and face Silver Sonic, but if you stand there and wait for a little while you'll start getting thoroughly creeped out.
 * Bonus points for the top melody sounding like some sort of deranged lullaby.
 * Casino Night. Or Chemical Plant. Or Mystic Cave, or Emerald Hill, or Metropolis, or... yeah, This Troper has a thing for the Sonic 2 soundtrack... except for Oil Ocean, anyway.
 * Blasphemy. Oil Ocean can hold its own just as well.
 * If you're going to mention so many individually, Aquatic Ruin has to be among them.
 * No variant on the boss music is complete without a reference to the real boss theme. Where the original game had its own unique flavor and Sonic 3 would later aim for straight-up intensity, this is too iconic to go unmentioned.
 * Hidden Palace Zone's Beta music (a sped up version of 2 player Mystic Cave) is really good, the final version's soundtrack, not as much. some would beg to differ.
 * Actually, Hidden Palace's music is really a slowed down version of the Special Stage from Sonic the Hedgehog.
 * The Super Sonic theme in itself is almost enough incentive to get all the Chaos emeralds. It's similar to the invincibility theme (itself a feel-good sound) but rocked up and really gets the impression of "powering up". Also, unlike the Sonic 3 version, it's not just a loop of a few seconds.
 * Sky Chase Zone.
 * Wing Fortress Zone.
 * Casino Night Zone is alright, but the 2-player version is just awesome.
 * Emerald Hill Zone (2-player) is pretty good as well.
 * Special Stage.
 * It's been said three times before, but it needs its own section. If you are not loving Chemical Plant Zone, you are not living. Ten-minute extended version in link.
 * The Hidden Palace Zone Track.
 * The Two Player Results tune is a fairly happy and epic way to finish a 2 player stage.
 * The ending theme must be mentioned. For a young troper who had to bust his ass to beat the final boss, this theme seemed more than fitting a celebration for beating the game. All the more awesome that it's actually an arrangment of a song Masato Nakamura, the composer for Sonic 1 and 2, did as part of Dreams Come True.
 * Mentioning everything except the catchy beat of Hill Top Zone?

Sonic 3 & Knuckles

 * Hydrocity Zone is a level with a lot of water. However, its Act 2 music largely makes up for it.
 * Act 1's pretty damn good too.
 * The music from Flying Battery Zone.
 * The well-known, well-loved Ice Cap Zone theme.
 * The Doomsday Zone. This one set the standard for all future Super Sonic battles.
 * That's good, but I prefer the immediately preceding "final boss" theme.
 * I'd like to place emphasis on the above Final Boss theme. This song first shows up in Sonic 3, and it marks the first - and one of the only times - that Super Sonic is NOT invincible. A grab attack from this boss will outright knock you clean out of your super form. This is the first time that Robotnik's REALLY a true threat, and this music really knocks it home.((This troper would like to add that this was supposedly a glitch, according to many people at Sonic-Retro. Think about this, why doesn't it happen in Sonic 3 with Knuckles (Sonic 3 attached to Sonic and Knuckles) when you play that level? Also, it should be noted that getting to that fight as Super Sonic is very difficult, thanks to the two boss fights and long cut-scene that precede it. Still, for a glitch, it's a fairly impressive one))
 * Freaking Lava Reef Zone, including the second act (which shares its theme with Hidden Palace Zone) AND it's epic remixes.
 * Sky Sanctuary Zone is my favourite. It really gives me a "Yeah, we're gonna go save the world!" feeling. Also, the Act 1 boss theme. "COME ON!"
 * The Act 1 boss music in Sonic & Knuckles also deserves a mention.
 * Launch Base Zone.
 * Angel Island, Hidden Palace and Death Egg zones (remixed in these links) are nothing to scoff at either.
 * The Sonic 3 ending credits.
 * And the beta version of it that was Dummied Out, which plays like the other Sonic credit tunes in the Mega Drive series.
 * The Robotnik theme! DADADA DADADA DADADA daaa daaa!
 * Azure Lake, Balloon Park, Chrome Gadget, Desert Palace, and Endless Mine. From Sonic 3's two-player competition mode, which gamers largely ignored in favor of the the one-player mode. Sonic Team had to have known this would happen, in which case, I gotta admire the composers for writing kickass songs for levels that would barely ever get played.
 * The Sonic & Knuckles opening screen theme. I've still got it stuck in my head to this day...
 * It's Fanfare-like reprise in the very end of the Ending Credits will always make this troper weep nostalgic tears.
 * The Special Stage theme. This is the version heard ingame, where it gets fast and unbelievably awesome. That surreal blend of chirpy and mysterious at high speed is glorious.
 * Thank you. This troper loves the beat that's going on.
 * No mention of Sandopolis Zone at all? Tropers, how could you?
 * This troper freaking loves Carnival Night Zone. Just the sound of that synthesized refrain as the deep bass and beats jam... so cool.
 * Michael Jackson was the influence for almost the entire soundtrack of Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Ice Cap was influenced by Who is it? (or Smooth Criminal), and Carnival Night has riffs from Jam in it. Perhaps the most noticeable, the beats of the BGM in in the Marble Garden zones (Act 1)were heavily influenced by Remember The Time.
 * Knuckles' theme only makes a brief appearance in Sonic & Knuckles, but MAN, is it catchy.
 * The Sonic 3 version is no slouch, either.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD

 * Where to begin? First, the music shared between both soundtracks: the 'Past' music.
 * The tropical sounding music for Palmtree Panic, which is more laid back than the present music
 * Collision Chaos, which has a more subdued version of the beat from the JP soundtrack's present track
 * Tidal Tempest, which is calm to go with the fact that there's still time to fix the future when you're there
 * Quartz Quadrant, which like Collision Chaos has a subdued version of the beat from the JP present music
 * Wacky Workbench, a Western-sounding track that goes with the wide open space around the area that can be seen in this time period's less developed version of the factory
 * Stardust Speedway, which takes the "Hey, hey, hey, hey!" lyrics from the JP version's tracks and makes them and the main track more quiet
 * Metallic Madness, which has the urgent beat of the Japanese present soundtrack and unlike that version is instrumental

JP/EU soundtrack

 * You Can Do Anything, Little Planet, and Cosmic Eternity. The first 30 seconds could also qualify as a Tear Jerker, but Your Mileage May Vary.
 * The Boss theme, which starts with a younger man and an older man laughing as if they're making fun of how Robotnik's machines are always broken apart by a few bashes against them by Sonic, and it is also more easy-going and upbeat than its American counterpart, getting your heart pumping as you work that sucker (Robotnik) to death. Its lyrics even say " Work that sucker to death! Come on now! Work that sucker to death!"
 * Palmtree Panic: the upbeat Present and Good Future. The former seems good for a day at the beach, while the latter is fitting for an outright beach party.
 * Collision Chaos: the Ear Wormy Present and Good Future.
 * Tidal Tempest: the ever-so-ambient Present.
 * Quartz Quadrant: the catchy Present, the chaotic Bad Future, and especially the Good Future.
 * Wacky Workbench: the chaotic, fast-paced techno Present and the bright, mechanical Good Future.
 * Stardust Speedway: the funky Present, the darker Bad Future, and the much brighter, calmer, and peaceful-sounding Good Future. Note that the Bad Future music plays during the Metal Sonic race even in the Good Future.
 * Metallic Madness: The urgent Present, fitting for the final level, the you-screwed-up-big-time Bad Future complete with with sinister-souding instead of jolly versions of the laughing men from the boss track and a robotic voice in the background saying stuff resembling anti-Sonic propaganda from Robitnik (e.g. "You can't do anything, so don't even try it," "Don't do what Sonic does," and finally, "Sonic, dead or alive, is mine"), and the a-winner-is-you Good Future that takes the instruments from the intro of the urgent present music and uses them for an upbeat background instrument.
 * Special Stage. Enough said.
 * Final Fever, when it's finally time to drivethe man himself from the Little Planet once and for all.

NA soundtrack

 * Sonic Boom, and the ending version.
 * The Crush 40 remix from the new Sonic CD (remake) music album simply surpasses the original.
 * Palmtree Panic: the tropical Present, the darker Bad Future, and the calm and mysterious-sounding Good Future.
 * Collision Chaos: the atmospheric Present, the Bad Future, and the incredibly mellow Good Future.
 * Tidal Tempest: the haunting Bad Future, the funky Good Future.
 * Quartz Quadrant: the upbeat and catchy Present, the somewhat heavier Bad Future, the angelic Good Future.
 * Wacky Workbench: Starting of course at the awesomely funky Present music, you then have the Bad Future, and, as with the JP/EU version, the bright (yet still mechanical) Good Future.
 * Stardust Speedway. Stardust Speedway. Present, Bad Future, and especially the Good Future. Note that during the race with Metal Sonic, the Bad Future music plays even in the Good Future.
 * Metallic Madness: the suitably metallic-sounding Present, Bad Future, and the Good Future, which is upbeat yet still mechanical as with the Good Future music for Wacky Workbench in both soundtracks.
 * The Boss and Game Over themes, despite being Nightmare Fuel, certainly qualify.
 * And of course, the Special Stage music.

Sonic Adventure / DX

 * Open Your Heart in the original Sonic Adventure
 * While we're speaking of "Open Your Heart", the Bentley Jones Remix is also made of utter awesome.
 * It gets a pretty good remix in Sonic Pinball Party as well.
 * Also from Sonic Adventure comes the Casinopolis level. While it may not be anything special, the Ni GHTS pinball area music is quite a joy to listen to.
 * It Doesn't Matter.
 * And the second part of Perfect Chaos also qualifies. It actually changes the mood of the battle from power-up awesomeness to a dramatic climax.
 * Awesome non-vocal tracks include Azure Blue World, Windy and Ripply, and Pleasure Castle.
 * The Casinopolis "Main Lobby" music. Is there anything equally as good as this when it comes to casino music?
 * Mechanical Resonance.
 * While we're at it, the metal version of Resonance with Crank the Heat Up! which is just epic.
 * The aforementioned "Twinkle Park" (Twinkle Cart) and "Windy Valley" (The Air), remixed from 3D Blast.
 * Twinkle Circuit and Mystic Ruins' theme.
 * "Calm After the Storm", a relaxing, upbeat number that ostensibly serves as the music for the Egg Carrier after it crashes into the ocean, but for whatever reason, doesn't get used for this purpose. It's only used once in the game, during a cutscene of E-102 Gamma boarding the ditched carrier.
 * And speaking of the Egg Carrier...
 * What about Mt. Red: A Symbol of Thrill:
 * Looping sound test version
 * OST version
 * The second Red Mountain theme, "Red Hot Skull", is even better.
 * Running through the Speed Highway from the first Adventure.
 * Snowy Mountain from Ice Cap (not to be confused with Sonic 3 of course).
 * Good ol' Sky Deck.
 * Tikal's theme.
 * Crazy Robo, E-101 Beta MkII's theme.
 * What, you people don't love how epic and at times, depressing E-102's theme is? It... it's beautiful. Combined with the fact that an equally as awesome remix plays during  It deserves a place here!
 * Widely considered one of the best boss themes in the series: "Militant Missionary", the theme for the Egg Viper and Egg Walker.
 * Fishing. Even if you hated Big's story mode, there's no denying how awesome this theme is.
 * Tails's Theme.
 * Want some Lazy Days
 * Sweet Passion.
 * Be Cool, Be Wild, And Be Groovy remixed for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS.

Sonic Adventure 2 / Battle

 * Live And Learn.
 * Hunnid P's works are pretty good. The fact that most of his raps (no matter how cheesy they might be) mesh perfectly with the jazz hip-hop fusion that is Knuckles only serve to bolster the musical diversity of the Adventure series. For starters, Kick The Rock!, A Ghost's Pumpkin Soup, Dive Into The Mellow, Deeper, Space Trip Steps, and of course, Knuckles' theme Unknown from M.E..
 * Also from Sonic Adventure 2, Throw It (All) Away, Supporting Me, It Doesn't Matter, and E.G.G.M.A.N. are just SOME of the awesome songs in this game.
 * E.G.G.M.A.N remixed for Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing DS.
 * Fly In The Freedom.
 * Escape From the City.
 * Rhythm And Balance.
 * Soarin' Over The Space.
 * Trespasser.
 * While not being all powerful, manly or exciting like most music here in this page, Chao Garden on Sonic Adventure 2 is the most relaxing (and cutest) piece of music around. It's awesome in its own way.
 * For True Story.
 * The Biolizard has "Supporting Me" in Sonic Adventure 2. Compared to everything else on the soundtrack, the Soundtrack Dissonance only heightens both awesomeness and creepiness factor. Even if you do want to strangle the lizard with your bare hands because it's already cost you 20 or so lives.
 * Someone remixed "Supporting Me" in the Sega Genesis soundfont. It was awesome.
 * Mr. Unsmiley (Sky Rail), Vengeance Is Mine (Radical Highway), On The Edge (Eternal Engine), I'm A Spy (Security Hall).
 * Dry Lagoon ("Bright Sound").
 * Mission Street. Upbeat and dreamy.
 * That's The Way I Like It and Rumbling Highway.
 * Don't forget Keys the Ruin.
 * Or Won't Stop, Just Go!, and Scramble For The Core.
 * Tails's Theme, while it isn't as great as the first adventure's theme, is still awesome enough for a spot here.
 * Shut Up Faker.
 * Way To The Base, very stylish and makes you feel like a total badass.

Sonic Heroes

 * The final boss theme What I'm Made Of is pretty darn great, whether one likes the game itself or not.
 * This troper believes that the Title Theme Tune rocks, too. (heard here)
 * Sonic Heroes is the only 3D Sonic game where one gets the Chaos Emeralds via a minigame rather than through the story. And you get to do it to really cool background music.
 * Besides the Emerald Challenge, there's also the music for the Bonus Challenge special stage, which is probably even better.
 * Of course, unlike some of the other 3D games (SA2, for example), it didn't give names to the stage tracks. I'll recommend BINGO Highway's.
 * This song is so awesome, it got an official remix on the OST
 * Oh there's more examples than that. Team Chaotix, This Machine, We Can, and even the Main Theme, are some great tracks from the game.
 * Follow Me.
 * Call me effeminate, but that song is just so... heartwarming... I can't help but love it.
 * I love the fact that it sounds like Tails' Theme from SA2; it shows that Amy has grown from that annoying girl to a legitimate sidekick of Sonic.
 * Let's not forget Grand Metropolis' theme or Seaside Hill theme.
 * Mystic Mansion. Without it, this page would be a heaping pile of failure.
 * Hang Castle was pretty awesome too. Well, at least the default, non-inverted version of the theme.
 * Egg Fleet? And compared to most of the other tracks in the OST, which were happy and rocking, Final Fortress is no slouch either, with its definite intensity, cementing it as the final stage indeed.
 * Ocean Palace.
 * Rail Canyon and Bullet Station.
 * Egg Emperor's theme has to be the most rock-heavy song to ever grace a Final Boss in Sonic history. Hot diggity damn!
 * One of the more esoteric songs of the game, Lost Jungle.
 * Really? No Metal Madness? For shame.
 * Casino Park. Instant Awesome Just Add Broken Piano.
 * Power Plant's theme is suitably epic for, well, a power plant.
 * Don't tell Me I'm the only one who loves Frog Forest I mean it has such a relaxing fast paced feel to it, it's music actually inspired a location in an original story of mine.
 * Somebody remixed several of the songs here for the DS version of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. And boy is it 'AWESOME'. Exhibit A: Final Fortress and Seaside Hill.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)

 * One of the redeemable qualities of Sonic '06 was its phenomenal soundtrack, which ironically was done mostly by Mariko Nanba (Aquatic Base ~Level 1~, an ambient IDM song and White Acropolis ~Snowy Peak~, her doing techno), Tomoya Ohtani (Crisis City ~The Flame ~ Skyscraper ~ Whirlwind ~ Tornado~, a progressive d'nb song, End Of The World, one of the most beautiful tracks in the game), and Hideaki Kobayashi (Almost all of the event and boss music; most notable would be Mephiles & Mephiles Phase 2, both of which are reminiscent of his PSO works).
 * While we're at it, His World. Sure, the game it's from sucked, but the song itself? Awesome in a can.
 * This troper liked the Zebrahead version better.
 * Which one?
 * His World orchestrated for the final boss.
 * And let's not forget the E3 version.
 * Not to mention the Summer of Sonic remix by Richard Jacques and Lee Brotherton
 * Speaking of Solaris, his first boss theme must be mentioned here.
 * And let's not forget his second boss theme as well.
 * And I've always been partial to the results screen music too
 * Silver's theme from '06, Dreams of an Absolution and the remix from none other then Jun Senoue is considered to have the best lyrics of any Sonic song. (It's pretty strange that one of the most unloved characters in the series gets the Crowning Music of Awesome in the game.)
 * Now with Blaze remix.
 * And now Bentley Jones himself has remade the song for his second solo album.
 * Both Wave Ocean tracks, The Water's Edge and The Inlet are pretty damn cool.
 * Mostly everything is awesome, of course, but this is still missing Flame Core.
 * Some Eggman love: The Egg Cerberus music was pretty epic and made even more epic with the Egg Wyvern.
 * Or how about this eerie tune played during Eggman's plan? Sure it isn't exactly subtle as it builds, but it's still pretty sweet.
 * Kingdom Valley. Especially the Water part.
 * Oh how could anyone forget Sonic's ending theme? It was originally the ending song for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Mega Drive; it was called "Sweet Sweet" Sweet" and was performed by the Japanese band Dreams Come True. For Sonic06, they actually did a remix of this song for Sonic's ending, and they did it with Akon! The Japanese version is "SWEET SWEET SWEET -06 AKON MIX-" and the English version is "Sweet Dreams". Pretty smooth tune, even if the English lyrics are disturbing when one thinks about Sonic's, uh, kiss.
 * Though, it should be added that, while both versions can be listened to in-game, neither one was included on either the official soundtrack or the Vocal Traxx album, for God knows why.
 * How 'bout some event music? Mephiles' Whisper is supremely creepy, yet epic at the end as well. You Are My Companion (though not totally fitting for Silver's Ending) is a nice piece to set a tone of "I WILL get through the next character's story."
 * Crush 40's All Hail Shadow Remix from the game. It's one of their better covers of another bands song which actually manages to be better than even the original from Magna-fi just listen here which technically the Crush 40 remix first appeared in this game rather than Shadow the Hedgehog.
 * This song right here, which plays at the end pf Shadow's story. It was actually part of the track "Showdown with Mephiles," for whatever reason.
 * Is this troper the only one who will stay on the main menu for hours just listening to the looped menu theme?
 * Everyone needs to take at least one look at Dusty Desert. Seriously, if you don't listen to any of the other Sonic 06 tracks at all, please take a moment to listen to this one.

Sonic Unleashed

 * Unleashed has a rather impressive soundtrack. For starters, there's the Super Mario Galaxy-inspired World Map music.
 * Which is nothing compared to the full, orchestrated version of the same song.
 * And the Gaia Temple music. Absolutely beautiful.
 * Endless Possibilities, and the obligatory Final Boss remix.
 * How can you forget Dear My Friend?! That song brought tears to many an eye.
 * Let's run through (no pun intended) the day stages:
 * Windmill Isle (Day).
 * Cool Edge (Day).
 * Rooftop Run (Day) is practically the definition of awesome music.
 * Dragon Road (Day). Sheer awesome.
 * Jungle Joyride (Day).
 * Eggmanland (Day). Enough said.
 * Savannah Citadel (Day) A remix from the Master System/Game Gear version of Sonic 1, even!
 * Skyscraper Scamper (Day) Fantastic sax in this track!
 * Arid Sands (Day) Everyone's favorite.
 * This list needs more Night Stage love. Hence, Dragon Road (Night)
 * In that same vein, Cool Edge (Night).
 * Rooftop Run (Night) mixes some truly groovy funk guitar with, of all things, an accordion.
 * Jungle Joyride (Night). Yes. A thousand times yes.
 * Arid Sands (Night).
 * Skyscraper Scamper (Night) is incredibly jazzy.
 * Eggmanland (Night) is an alright song, but the guitar is just badass. And in the Xbox360 / PS 3 version, it's not even interrupted by the battle theme.
 * Really? No love for Windmill Isle (Night)? It sounds so relaxing...
 * Even hub music is often catchy! That's saying something.
 * Case in point, Empire City (Night). Such a relaxing tune...
 * You want relaxing? Chun-Nan (Night). Woodwinds and piano come together to give you the ultimate ambience.
 * Also, Holoska (Day); simply beautiful. Holoska (Night) is also quite lovely.
 * Shamar (Day), which mixes a vaguely Middle Eastern melody with flamenco guitar and some big band swing horn.
 * Empire City (Day) ain't too shabby either. Feels just like walking across a street performer with a harmonica and some backup, don't it?
 * Ahem. Opening - Sonic's Assault on Eggman's Base.
 * The Egg Dragoon music, easily the game's crowning boss theme.
 * In its own Stylistic Suck way, the Result E music is a condensed note of Epic Fail which must be heard to be believed.
 * Tornado Defense Act 2 Sonic CD, anyone?

Episode I

 * First, Sega released the theme for the first level of Sonic 4, Splash Hill Zone, and it is good.
 * Arguably, Splash Hill Zone Act 3 is better than Act 1, being more upbeat within the same atmosphere.
 * Casino Street Act 1 is incredibly catchy, too.
 * Mad Gear Zone Act 1 is rather tense piece of music.
 * Mad Gear Zone Act 3 is pretty good when Advancing Wall of Doom is right behind you.
 * E.G.G Station Zone.
 * Lost Labyrinth Zone Act 2
 * Lost Labyrinth Act 1 is also great.

Episode II

 * Metal Sonic's theme.
 * Sylvania Castle ~ Act 2.
 * Sky Fortress ~ Act 1, a great track for a stage where you finally use the Tornado again.
 * Have a listen to Sky Fortress ~ Act 3.
 * The Genesis-ish rendition of Stardust Speedway's Bad Future.

Sonic Colors

 * We would say DAMN NEAR EVERYTHING, but that doesn't seem to do this soundtrack justice. Where to begin?
 * I guess we should begin with the orchestrated rendition of the main theme.
 * There's the opening theme Reach for the Stars sung by Cash Cash.
 * Ditto the ending theme Speak with your Heart in all its ear worm-y glory.
 * The main world map theme.
 * Tropical Resort-- A suitably catchy first level, with map music to match.
 * Sweet Mountain-- A jazz-filled map theme, an Ear Worm Act 1, and a unique spin with Act 2.
 * Starlight Carnival-- One of the best map themes, and then this. What more is there to say?
 * Planet Wisp-- Some lovely map music, and then sheer bliss with an unforgettable piano and a wicked bassline.
 * Aquarium Park-- The Wutai-styled map music, a fast-paced, yet relaxing Act 1, and a piano-heavy Act 3.
 * Act 2
 * Asteroid Coaster-- Some eerily badass map music, and while Act 3 carries a lot of energy, Act 1 alone is absolute rock, pun not intended.
 * The final level, . Perfect for fast-paced endgame action. The second act, while, adds an extra layer.
 * Three words: Orchestrated drowning music.
 * There are no words to adequately describe the final boss music. Just listen. Also note that the first phase may very possibly be the only final boss music ever to feature taiko drumming.
 * Even the Result music is fantastic. Consider it an epic reward for making it through a stage.
 * And that was just a short rendition of the Title Screen music. That song gives you the thrill that you're about to embark on a grand adventure!
 * The special stage theme from the DS version.
 * The boss music for both Tropical Resort and Planet Wisp (Vs. Rotatatron/Refreshinator), as well as for Starlight Carnival and Asteroid Coaster (Vs. Orcan/Skullian).
 * Sweet Mountain/Aquarium Park (Vs. Captain Jelly/Admiral Jelly)
 * From the DS version's exclusive Super Sonic final boss there is the  music which is another instrumental version of "Reach for the stars" only this time it plays like old school style game music but that doesn't stop it from being awesome.
 * Continuing the trend of awesome final boss themes, phase 1, sounding doomier than ever, and phase 2, once again an orchestrated version of the main theme, and sounding more victorious than ever.
 * Game Land 3, a remix of Starlight Carnival Act 1's music using the Game Gear's chiptune sounds. It definitely sounds like something straight out of that era, and it's beautiful. Not that the other Game Land songs aren't great either.

Sonic Generations

 * The game's remix of Emerald Beach is Made of Win.
 * To start with, the Hub World Music. ALL of it, especially the way the music transitions based on what stage/rival/boss you're near. For best results, try spindashing or boosting back and forth through the hub world at least once. It'll blow your mind
 * Green Hill Zone was awesome when it was first composed, and it's Classic and Modern versions are just as awesome.
 * City Escape's remixes are 2 very different takes on the original track:
 * The Classic version is a catchy synth-pop affair (courtesy of Alex Makhlouf of Cash Cash) using Tony Harnell's vocals from the original song. A degree of auto-tune is also used to work in a small melodic reference to the Endless Mine 2-player stage from Sonic 3.
 * The Modern version sees Tony Harnell and Ted Poley returning to provide a new recording of the original track, complete with new vocals and very different instrumentation. The resulting track sounds notably faster-paced than the original and more fitting with the Modern gameplay, whilst also managing to work in a solo using the melody of It Doesn't Matter from Sonic Adventure 2.
 * The Big Arm boss music from the Nintendo 3DS version of the game may be Cash Cash's (and Jun Senoue's) finest BGM work ever.
 * Some surprises, including the use of a remix of Heroes main menu theme for Generations options music.
 * Mushroom Hill's music for the 3DS has been released. And it is awesome. Very very faithful to the original.
 * The ending medley is a whirlwind multi-stop tour of Sonic's musical history.
 * Classic Remix of Crisis City is made of awesome.
 * Modern's Remix is very beautiful.
 * It is impossible to NOT be cheered up by the Classic Remix of Rooftop Run.
 * Modern Rooftop Run somehow topped the original. The Kirbys Epic Yarn-like piano certainly helped.
 * No matter if you're on the Japanese or US side, Stardust Speedway's themes are pure awesome.
 * How about the Death Egg Robot boss fight, which has three stages of increasingly frantic awesomeness? First stage is all brass, the second phase adds more rock, and the final phase adds a psychotic drumbeat.
 * Shadow's boss fight theme. Shadow's fight actually switches between multiple CMOA. If Sonic and Shadow are neutral in the boss fight, "For True Story" plays. If you're winning the boss fight, "Live and Learn" will play. If Shadow's winning, "All Hail Shadow" plays instead.
 * Silver's boss battle theme, which is the theme used in Sonic '06 whenever you fight him, Shadow or Sonic in the three storylines. Now it's given a darker more badass revamp to fit the stage.
 * The Modern Remix of the Time Eater battle. Ominous Latin Chanting at its finest.
 * The Modern Remix of Sky Sanctuary Zone.
 * The Casino Night Zone DLC remix.
 * In truth, both the Classic and Modern versions of Planet Wisp ended up just things of sheer beauty.
 * Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you Chemical Plant Modern Remix, which just screams "Time to kick some ass!"
 * The Open Your Heart - Perfect Chaos Boss Remix is actually face-meltingly good.
 * The remix of Door into Summer that plays in the collection room. Knuckles Chaotix fans rejoiced.
 * The Mission music, a beautiful remix of the Sonic 3D Blast Saturn title theme.
 * Balloon Park from the two player mode of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 gets remixed twice for the mission mode: first, with the Quick Race song from Sonic Heroes, second, a more straightforward adaptation.
 * Despite being infamously inferior to its home console counterpart for various reasons, the Nintendo 3DS version of the game has (among equally notable redeeming qualities) its fair share of awesome music, and therefore it can't go unmentioned on this page.
 * Modern Casino Night gives the song an upbeat, jazzy feel to it. Truly Casino Night as you imagined it.
 * Modern Mushroom Hill.
 * Classic Emerald Coast, now performed with actual guitars instead of electric sitars, and guaranteed to bring a nostalgic tear to your eye as the song brings back memories of 1999.
 * Modern Emerald Coast.
 * Classic Radical Highway - (Modern doesn't quite count).
 * Modern Tropical Resort, THE most ear-gasmic remix in the entire game. It's basically Classic Tropical Resort with a faster rhythm. For the win.
 * Supporting Me.
 * The Skill Shop theme has probably the most unlikely of songs to remix for it, but it fits.

Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (Genesis)

 * Exercise Mode's music is a treat to the ears.

Sonic the Hedgehog

 * Bridge Zone and Labyrinth Zone. There has been an effort to convert some of the songs into the Genesis version, so here's the same songs in that style (note that the latter uses the Sonic 3 drums).
 * The new Scrap Brain & Sky Base music is great too.
 * How about the Act 2 Sky Base? Sure it loops after only about 15 seconds, but so did quite a few tunes in the Mario Universe.
 * It also helps that the soundtrack was composed by none other than Yuzo Koshiro, who did the impossible with the Genesis sound card by crafting the most epic video game soundtracks, EVER!
 * Jungle Zone is a nice song. It has a real Disney vibe to it.
 * The ending theme is possibly the most upbeat and happy ending song I've ever heard.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

 * I would like to name here the Green Hills (yes, that's hills with an S) Zone tune from the Sega Master System version of Sonic 2. What's special about it, you may ask? Well, I didn't think there was anything at first, until it reached a certain point... and then I froze, my eyes widening in amazement, and then laughed and began to sing along: "Toot toot Sonic warrior, toot toot Sonic warrior..." It's "Sonic - You Can Do Anything" from the Japan/Europe version of Sonic CD!!! Even better is that Sonic CD was made way after the Master System version of Sonic 2, so for Sonic CD they took a tune from a (probably) lesser-known Sonic game and turned it into a song. THAT is awesome.
 * Don't forget the outstanding Game Gear version of the Boss Theme became THIS
 * The Sonic 2s and Sonic CD were actually all in development at the same time (Sonic CD was originally meant to be the SEGA CD version of Sonic 2), so it's not surprising that there'd be some links like that.
 * BEHOLD! The two wed in glorious union!
 * And it was given an awesome remix as Mecha Green Hill Zone in Sonic Chaos!
 * Underground Zone from the Game Gear version (from the first stage of the game, at that) is a great track that really exemplifies the speed of the series.
 * Scrambled Egg Zone
 * Aqua Lake.
 * Bad Ending. *sniff*

Sonic Triple Trouble

 * The Sunset Park Act 3 music from Sonic Triple Trouble, on top of being awesome, caught off guard many players, this troper included, who completed Act 2 and didn't expect the game to immediately segue into Act 3, with no end-of-stage bonus screen or title card in between.
 * I think that the boss theme, Robotnik Winter, Atomic Destroyer and the Final Boss theme also deserve mention, especially if you enhance the PSG using an emulator.

Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball

 * The Boss Theme tends to be overlooked but it's quite catchy!
 * Lava Powerhouse. Holy shit. Oh and the very catchy Toxic Caves, which is a great piece of music to start the first level with.
 * The options music often gets a bad rep, but it's still a great song.

Tails Adventure

 * Poloy Forest.

Knuckles' Chaotix

 * The music in Knuckles' Chaotix makes the game worth playing-- case in point: the intro level theme, Door Into Summer.
 * Marina Madness' mesmerizing music, Seascape.
 * Combination
 * Midnight Greenhouse, the theme for Botanic Base.
 * The Hub Level, version 4: Evening Star.
 * Needs more Surging Power. Best invincibility music ever.
 * How could you miss Speed of Sound, Speed Slider's theme?
 * Beats me. This literally made the game for me.
 * So am I the only one here who loved This Horizon? I mean I thought it was a really great theme for the title screen and even think it would be worthy of someone creating and singing lyrics for it (not that I could plus My vocals aren't that great).

Sonic Blast

 * Red Volcano Zone has a catchy tune with a sweet hip-hop rhythm that was pulled off pretty nicely despite the limits of the Game Gear/Master System sound chip.

Genesis/Mega Drive

 * The 16-bit version, soundtracked by Jun Senoue, had some tunes just as good as the technically superior Saturn version:
 * Panic Puppet Act 1 and both acts of Green Grove were awesome enough that they got rearranged into Sonic Adventure's Twinkle Park, Emerald Coast, and Windy Valley, respectively.
 * ...Whoa. Never noticed that Green Grove 2 was Emerald Coast. I think I'm gonna cry over SA's soundtrack again...
 * And the final boss theme was just epic.
 * Diamond Dust. That is all.
 * Rusty Ruins Zone Act 2. At least this game had some awesome music, even if it wasn't the most fun of the Genesis Sonic games.
 * Volcano Valley Act 2 matches the atmosphere of the zone with a dark, foreboding memory and pulsating drums.
 * Don't anybody forget the boss themes. What can I say, I have a weakness for boss music.
 * Let us not forget the epic Gene Gadget

Saturn & PC

 * The Saturn/PC versions of Sonic 3D Blast have an incredible soundtrack. Highlights from this troper include Green Grove Act 2, Rusty Ruin Act 2, and Volcano Valley Act 1. Simply put, Richard Jaques is a phenomenal composer.
 * Gene Gadget. And yes, this troper finds these to be perennial favorites.
 * The boss music which is just made all the more epic by Robotnik's laugh in the background. And I suppose I'd have to include the final boss theme as well.
 * Panic Puppet Zone, Act 2. Once this theme plays, you know shit's gonna get real.

Sonic R

 * Sonic R brought us tracks such as Living In The City and Super Sonic Racing.
 * Say what you will, This Troper loves the whole soundtrack from that game. Especially Can You Feel the Sunshine and Back In Time.
 * The game has an amazing soundtrack, but the best track has to be Work It Out.
 * Why hasn't anybody brought up Diamond in the Sky yet?
 * Sonic R's soundtrack is an interesting case, as the vocal tracks are particularly Love It or Hate It. The instrumental tracks are a different matter entirely. (Living In The City, Super Sonic Racing, Can You Feel The Sunshine, Back In Time, Work It Out, Diamond In The Sky)
 * Could have had a bigger impact on players had they been fixed, having vocals only in GP mode and instrumental in the other modes.
 * The DS version of Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing brought us this awesome remix of "Can You Feel the Sunshine".
 * Sonic Generations remix of Super Sonic Racing with a very approrpate tech update.

Sonic Shuffle

 * What about this one? It wasn't a great game, but it did have some pretty good music; Blizzard Coast for example.
 * Go With V-Train
 * A Silver Drop
 * Wave Taste and Pig City. Fun Fun Sonic and Sonic DJ respectively, two of the small handful of unique minigames that even the Mario Party series can't compete with.
 * Fourth Dimension, natch.

Sonic the Fighters

 * Metal Sonic's theme for this game, Never Let It Go, is one of the lesser known and more underrated themes in the franchise.
 * Lovers sets the player up for a good ol' brawl.

Sonic Advance

 * The original Sonic Advance may have been largely forgettable, but the same cannot be said of the Egg Rocket Zone.
 * The Egg Rocket's Zone's "Act 2," the Cosmic Angel Zone, kicks it up a notch. BAM!
 * Secret Base Zone Act 1
 * There's also Casino Paradise Act 1 and Act 2. Dig the awesome jazz piano solos.
 * Angel Island Act 1.
 * Act 2 was pretty jamming too.
 * Ice Mountain, and a remix of the first actor another remix of act 1.
 * Neo Green Hill Zone Act 1 from the first game oozes with nostalgia. Act 2 is just plain awesome.
 * Theme for the Final Boss in 1. Triumphant and powerful.
 * The theme for Mecha Knuckles. Definitely gives you a sense of urgency, huh?
 * Also, the music for the final boss in X-Zone. Why they didn't put this on the in-game soundtrack is anybody's guess.
 * The special stage theme.
 * The opening theme.
 * Sonic Advance Invincibility. Sound familiar? Interestingly, they were going to use a different Invincible song, but they decided to go nostalgic, and instead it went to be used in Sonic Advance 2 and 3.

Sonic Advance 2

 * More from Sonic Advance 2: Here you go, gentlemen...
 * What about Techno Base and Egg Utopia?
 * Leaf Forest Act 1 was essentially Sega telling you to gear up for one HELL of a game. Sky Canyon Act 1 gives off a very fitting "high-flying" feel.
 * Music Plant. MUSIC PLANT! It was like Electroplankton before Electroplankton even existed!
 * The opening theme.
 * Ice Paradise Act 2. Best song in this game, it makes you feel like it's Christmas, but with a catchy groove!

Sonic Advance 3

 * Sonic Advance 3. "Sunset Hill". Sound familiar?
 * "Twinkle Snow"
 * Chaos Angel (acts "1", 2 and "3", and "the" "final" "bosses". Sheer awesome, and very good at conveying the sense that you are gonna die. Frequently. Imagine what they could have done with better sound quality...
 * What about Toy Kingdom's music?
 * The special stage theme.
 * The opening. Words don't do it justice.
 * Here's an alternate version of that opening, that plays before the true final boss. Better than the original, in my opinion.
 * The theme of the Boss Battle. The Pinch version was just as great.
 * Ocean Base Act 3.
 * Cyber Track Act 1.
 * Everything for the final zone of Advance 3, Chaos Angel, is pretty good...and yes, this includes Wasted Song Altar Emerald right before the final boss.
 * The map themes for Ocean Base and Cyber Track are really cool, even according to someone who doesn't usually like 8-bit music.

Sonic Battle

 * Emerald Beach
 * Chao Ruins
 * Club Rouge
 * Central City
 * Holy Mountain and Holy Summit.
 * The Chaos battle theme.
 * Emerald Town
 * Green Hill Zone strikes again!
 * Amy's Room.
 * The Library/Cream's battle theme.
 * Emerl's/the Coliseum stage's theme.
 * Lastly, Eggman's and  theme.

Shadow the Hedgehog

 * Say what you want about Shadow the Hedgehog, but it also had great music. I Am All Of Me, Never Turn Back, Chosen One, and Waking Up are just some of this editor's' favorites.
 * I like All Hail Shadow too.
 * There's also the Magna Fi version.
 * And then there's the Hybrid Mix.
 * "E.G.G.M.A.N." received a pretty sweet remix.
 * The Doom is ridiculously awesome, as are Lost Impact and Cosmic Fall.
 * Westopolis is the very first level, and it definitely gives This Troper the vibe of wanting to run away very quickly. Considering the surroundings it succeeds very well.
 * And Lethal Highway also wins in terms of wanting to make you do the opposite and chase something down.
 * Rounding out the list with Digital Circuit, Central City, GUN Fortress, Black Bull... Oh hell, this is taking too long... just go look up all the stage themes or something. Chances are unimaginably slim that you'll find one that isn't awesome, let alone a bad one.
 * Sky Troops! Air Fleet! Space Gadget! The Ark! Lava Shelter! Circus Park.
 * It's easy to miss this one. Prison Island is great, though, arguably, the music doesn't quite match the level.
 * Don't forget Death Ruins and Mad Matrix.
 * Don't forget Almost Dead by none other than Powerman5000!
 * You have to include the LOST TRACKS too! Broken by Sins Of A Divine Mother was to be used, but since they couldn't find one of the members to get permission, two of the others formed A2 and did Chosen One. Magna-Fi also had another song Who I Am.
 * Not to mention m-flo's remix of Tripod Baby to promote the game.
 * What about the song that plays during the battles against Black Doom?

Sonic Rush Series

 * The soundtrack was composed by Hideki Naganuma of Jet Set Radio fame. This troper's favorite tracks include "Back 2 Back", "Get Edgy", "What U Need", and "Wrapped in Black". And yes, for those who haven't played it, that's the actual in-game music from a DS game.
 * Special mention goes to Wrapped in Black. Who else but Sonic would be awesome enough to sample Malcom X in his music?
 * Jeh Jeh Rocket, Metal Scratchin', and A New Day are awesome, too.
 * Vela-Nova. Played during the Duel Boss between.
 * Aw, heck, since we've covered all the other boss themes, throw in "Bomber Barbara" as well.
 * Right There, Ride On. Ska Cha Cha (Sonic Ver.). Theme of Sonic. Metamorphosis.
 * Blaze's version of Get Edgy.

Sonic Rush Adventure

 * Sky Babylon.
 * Whisker and Johnny.
 * The Boss Theme.
 * Ghost Titan.
 * Coral Cave Act 2. Techno!
 * Pirates' Island.
 * Machine Labyrinth is win.
 * Waterbike. Haunted Ship. Blizzard Peaks.
 * Deep Core.
 * Buster Poindexter LIVES ON!

Sonic Riders

 * The main theme, "Sonic Speed Riders".
 * Sand Ruins
 * SEGA Carnival
 * Digital Dimension
 * High Flying Groove
 * Egg Factory.

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity

 * Another main theme, "Un-Gravitify", as well as the Electro Extended Mix.
 * Aquatic Time
 * Sealed Ground
 * Dive Into Gravity
 * The Core. So much.
 * Multi Attack

Sonic Free Riders

 * This game's main theme, "Free".
 * I raise you the Crush 40 version.
 * I'm Still a Believer

General

 * Jet's theme, "Catch Me If You Can". (Riders, Zero Gravity)
 * "Theme of Babylonian" and "Legend of Babylonian", the latter of which was reprised multiple times in Zero Gravity':
 * The Divine Wings
 * Give Me the Power

Sonic and the Secret Rings

 * Sonic and the Secret Rings's Arabian-themed music was off the hook, especially the main theme, Seven Rings In Hand.
 * Then there's the Sand Oasis theme, Let The Speed Mend It-- awesome from start to finish.
 * Evil Foundry's fantastically fiery theme, The Place That Was Found. WHO'S GONNA ROCK THE PLACE? PLACE? PLACE? 
 * The boss theme for the Ifrit Golem, How It Started.
 * The music for Levitated Ruin, High and Broken. Easily the best track in the game.
 * No Way Through, the theme for Pirate Storm.
 * Unawakening Float, an epic track for Night Palace.
 * It Has Come to This, for the Erazor Djinn bossfight.

Sonic and the Black Knight

 * Sonic and the Black Knight's soundtrack brought the return of Crush 40, who didn't fail to impress. Then again, Jun Senoue is the composer and part of the music department for Sega in general, so...
 * Knight of the Wind is an epic mix of guitars and violins.
 * The acoustic version.
 * The most awesome remix of "It Doesn't Matter" ever.
 * The most beautiful remix of "It Doesn't Matter" (SA2 version) ever.
 * Misty Lake-- essentially an all strings version of "Knight of the Wind". With epic violin.
 * Camelot Castle.
 * The Zelda-esque Deep Woods theme.
 * Then we have the insanely awesome Molten Mine music by Tommy Tallarico... which is itself a rearrangement of the "Action Theme" he composed for the completely-unrelated-to-Sonic game Black Dawn. Not that it's a bad thing.
 * Fight the Knight.
 * Through the Fire.
 * Knight's Passage.
 * Dragon's Lair.
 * Shrouded Forest.
 * Faraway Avalon.
 * Sir Percival Appears.
 * The music used for the transformation into Excalibur Sonic.
 * Then there's the actual final boss theme with guitar work from ex-Megadeth bandmate Marty Friedman. With Me.
 * Of course, Crush 40 covered it as well.
 * Last, but certainly not least, the credits theme-- another Crush 40 song --Live Life.

Sonic Rivals

 * Forest Falls
 * Colosseum Highway
 * Crystal Mountain
 * Death Yard (vs. Metal)
 * Meteor Base
 * The credits theme, Happy.

Sonic Rivals 2

 * Race to Win. It's short, but great.
 * Sunset Forest
 * Neon Palace
 * Mystic Haunt
 * Chaotic Inferno

Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood

 * From Sonic Chronicles comes Super Ix. Unfortunately...
 * At least there's the mid-boss version.
 * The entire soundtrack was a wasted due to the terrible sound compression. The remixes from both the US and Japan Sonic CD soundtracks, as well as both the Genesis and Saturn versions of Sonic 3D Blast, and Doomsday from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 would've been good.

General

 * The medleys that played over the credits of most of the 16-bit games.
 * This troper has heard numerous themes and countless remixes, but even though it's been over a decade since I first heard them, the original boss themes from Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles still remain the perennial favorites.
 * The drowning music.
 * That's more Drowning Music of Trauma.
 * The Opening Theme to Sonic Mega Collection is a fan favorite and even got rehashed for Generations.

Fan Remixes
"You are now﻿ imagining Solaris as an angry little girl spraying fire danmaku everywhere."
 * This Classic remix of Bullet Station.
 * Suicide From Above, a remix of Flying Battery Sone found on the Newgrounds audio portal.
 * Charles Fucking Hamilton and Wiz Khalifa before he became famous.
 * Spring Yard Zone: of course, a remix was inevitable.
 * Hip-hop remix. Now if you'll excuse me, it's sunset, and I have this urge to put the top down and just cruise down the street...
 * The Robotnik boss theme from the original game is great, but this remix brings it way into awesome territory.
 * Sonic 2's boss theme got this treatment here
 * A high octane remix of both Green Hill and Marble Zones!
 * And this awesome remix of Green Hill Zone.
 * Or this one, which sounds like it would be more at home in Touhou.
 * The metal version! MegaDriver - Hedgehog Metal (Green Hill Zone)
 * On the subject of remixes and the Marble Zone, nothing - and I do mean nothing - beats Marble Dash. If you think otherwise, you weren't listening to it right.
 * The Sonic 2 Final Boss remix "Eggshell Bolero" by zykO (formerly available on VGMix.com, but now only available here) makes it even better by stretching it out to a hypnotic ten minutes.
 * This troper enjoys MaxieDaMan's version. It feels like if you don't beat Robotnik this time, he's gonna take over the world.
 * Speaking of S2, this remix of Oil Ocean.
 * Worth Mentioning the OCRemixes of the Boss Battle Theme and Chemical Plant Theme.
 * This remix ain't bad, either.
 * What about this orchestral remix of the boss theme?
 * The Project Chaos remix of Hydrocity is basically the best thing ever.
 * Ice Cap Zone's music has been remixed by fans a couple times.
 * This remix from Project Chaos takes the original Doomsday Zone theme and makes it even better.
 * As a bonus, the guitar riffs at the very end are lifted directly from Judas Priest's "Electric Eye."
 * Doomsday aside, the preceding boss music also has some face-melting remixes.
 * And once more, Project Chaos's "Breathtaking Vision" remix of Sky Sanctuary is bloody glorious.
 * Quite possibly the greatest OC Remix in existence. Headphones on, cranked up to epic. Just wait till that riff kicks in at 2:21. My favorite song ever now.
 * Last hurrahs from Project Chaos: the Special Stage, and Sandopolis. I think my head just exploded from the sheer epicness.
 * Knuckleduster. Just about the only remix in the project with lyrics, and it works!
 * Angel Island's remix, Divided from Grace, is the most underrated song in the album.
 * In addition, Three Ring Nightfall
 * At the risk of adding the entire album, Hidden Palace's remix, The Secluded Stronghold, qualifies here easily as well.
 * Another piano theme, Beneath The Ashes, is one of the best songs in the entire album.
 * What no love for Dead Batteries? That has to be one of the most awesome remixes of Flying Battery Zone anyone has ever created.
 * 8-Bit and MIDI versions of "Live and Learn".
 * This Live and Learn remix by Chesderman, used as the soundtrack at 0:26 here.
 * "His World": 8-bit.
 * I see your chiptune, and raise you some ZUN-tunes: His World, Touhou Edition.


 * "Dreams of an Absolution is a great example of "remix frenzy": Here is an 8-bit mix, an acoustic arrangement, the Nightlight remix, the K-Klub remix, and the Starry Night remix (uploaded by yours truly), along with an instrumental beta version and a remix of the aforementioned beta.
 * Sonic Unleashed: This PERFECT fusion of "Endless Possibilities" and its Final Boss version.
 * Speaking of, what happens when you mash up the themes for Deep Core and the Egg Dragoon? THIS.
 * Icecap Zone + Smooth Criminal = orgasmic bliss for your ears.
 * Not to mention The World Adventure merged with Sonic the Hedgehog's Master System ending!
 * And MIDI and 8-bit remixes.
 * Obligatory fan remixes of "How it Started": 8-bit, MIDI.
 * Someone decided it would be a fun idea to combine Black Knight's main theme, "Knight of the Wind", with the game's Faraway Avalon music. The ensuing mashup works on so many levels.
 * The "Sonic 4 Jazz Scat" remixes
 * The entire soundtrack of Sonic 1, rendered in the soundfont of Pokémon Black/White. Who'd have thought?
 * Reach For The Stars MIDIfied
 * This remix of Lava Reef Zone, complete with acoustic guitars and a solo.
 * Here is a rather cool remix of Splash Hill Zone.
 * Nah...here's a Super Nintendo soundfont remix of Splash Hill!
 * Oh God. This mash-up of Rusty Bucket Bay and Ice Cap.
 * How about a mash-up of Dreams of an Absolution with Stardust's "Music Sounds Better With You"?
 * Not only did their hit song "Sweet, Sweet, Sweet" get turned into the ending for Sonic 2 for the Genesis, Dreams Come True later took songs that Nakamura composed for the first two games, and turned them into hit songs!
 * Green Hill Zone became Marry Me?
 * Star Light Zone became Million Kisses
 * Labyrinth Zone became The Swinging Star
 * Chemical Plant became Love Unlimited
 * Sonic 2 Final Boss became Yasashii Kiss O Shite
 * His World has already been acknowledged on this page. But what happens when you mix it... with Final Destination?
 * Ethereallurtz has been gaining some fame for mashups of final boss music from the console games. Live and Learn/Solaris Phase 2 and What I'm Made Of: Seven Rings in Hand.
 * PrototypeRaptor's "Open Your Heart" remix is amazing.
 * The holy union of final boss remixes for "His World," "Endless Possibilities," and "Reach for the Stars."
 * Nemesis Theory's remix of Sonic 3's Ice Cap.
 * Olivier Sirois delivers numerous awesome remixes, including the iconic Green Hill Zone and the Final Boss theme from Sonic 3.
 * For those wondering how the original trilogy's music would have sounded like on the good old NES, Danooct1's 8-bit VRC 6 remixes of Sonic 1 to 3 & Knuckles's OS Ts are about as accurate-sounding as they'll ever be.
 * What would happen if someone combined Act 1 of Planet Wisp from Colors, with its Sonic Simulator and Generations versions? Let's find out...
 * This is the best Planet Wisp mashup of all time, and I will fight anyone who claims otherwise.
 * Wizards of the Sonic by Westbam, a German techno DJ, samples the boss music from Sonic 2 (see above).
 * This guy has made some fantastic mashups of Wisp power-up musics and level musics. Cubed Asteroid Coaster and Hovering Planet Wisp in particular sound heavenly.
 * This remix of Doomsday Zone that mashes it up with This Day Aria
 * This one tells us how Sunset Hill Zone would sound like in Sonic Generations.

People

 * Crush 40. Full. Freaking. STOP. Also, this troper prefers pretty much every remix the band has done of theme tracks originally done by other artists.
 * Sonic Team has featured a fantastic set of composers throughout the years. Let's throw a few names in, shall we?
 * Jun Senoue (Crush 40 guitarist; one of the main composers from Sonic 3 onward.)
 * Tomoya Ohtani (Sound director for '06 and Unleashed.)
 * Kenichi Tokoi (Sound director for Colors.)
 * Fumie Kumatani
 * Richard Jacques
 * Mariko Nanba
 * Yutaka Minobe
 * Hunnid P. If it's Knuckles, he did it.
 * Julien K ("This Machine", "Waking Up")
 * Bentley Jones is coming out nicely, what with his soothing tunes and remixes.
 * My Chemical Romance in the City Escape trailer for Generations. Yet more proof MCR are One of Us.
 * Not to mention Kele in the original trailer.
 * For shame all of you...all this talk 'bout the love of classic Sonic music, and no one bothers to put MASATO NAKAMURA on this list?! the man who gave us the -original- Green Hill Zone and started a franchise trend for Music of Awesome. Sonic the Hedgehog would not be the same if it weren't for his original compositions for the start of this series.
 * How in the hell did My Chemical Romance end up on here before Michael Jackson?!
 * Cash Cash should at least be mentioned for their theme for Colors, as well as their work remixing stuff for Generations. Their auto-tuney power-pop sound fits in the series quite nicely.
 * Zebrahead provided two versions of "His World".

Non-Game media

 * Robotnik's theme from Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.
 * Also the upbeat main theme.
 * The SATAM theme
 * Look-a-like, the theme of the Sonic OVA.
 * The South Island theme is the only reason this troper even watched the movie.
 * Look-A-Like actually made it onto the True Colors album!
 * The Land of Darkness, easily one of the best non-game Sonic songs.
 * There's also Sonic X's Japanese opening, Sonic Drive.
 * The Dub's opening isn't half bad either, I give you Gotta Go Fast
 * The Japanese ending is sad enough without lyrics or context. When you remember what events "Hikaru Michi" underscored, it becomes an automatic Tear Jerker.
 * Sonic Underground's theme.

Misc

 * How awesome is Sonic music in general? Awesome enough to have one of the most popular internet radio stations on the entire web.
 * Before any piece of the Sonic Colors soundtrack was heard besides trailer music, props to whoever made this concept music which perfectly captures the tone of the game!
 * Not sure where else to put this but the Super Smash Bros. Brawl Remix of Sonic 3 & Knuckles' Angel Island Zone composed by Jun Senoue is pretty awesome.
 * This Asteroid Coaster level mockup song.
 * Sonic Boom 2011. Half an hour of live Crush 40 audio bliss.
 * "Golden Rings", a Sonic Generations tribute.
 * This fan-made concept for a song designed around interactivity
 * Youtube remixer DJ MAX-E (aka Maxie Da Man) has been going around creating Jimmy Hart versions of classic Sonic tunes, and they sound amazing. Behold, Combat Night Zone, Eggman Empire Zone, and finally, Atomic Waste Zone. You can find more in the related videos.