Game Music Jukebox #2

With winter descending on Toronto, I've decided to kick-back with the warm, tropical sounds of Super Adventure Island for the SNES.

This was the first game soundtrack that, for me, really bridged the gap between "traditional" music and "game" music. When I started playing this game, I couldn't even play, I was so distracted (actually, more like "entranced") by the music. This, along with the Mega Man games, is one of the defining moments in my appreciation of game music.

Firstly, let's start with Everlasting Summer, the theme to the first level of the game. This track does an excellent job of setting the mood for the game. It's instantly catchy, and you'll be humming along within seconds.

Listen to Everlasting Summer:



Catchy, right? Next is the boss theme. while a bit more repetitive, it is another catchy tune that accompanies a semi-tense boss battle (the bosses in this game aren't terribly difficult).

Listen to the Boss Theme:



Finally, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the Super Adventure Island soundtrack: Jungle Chase. This is the theme to the second area of the game. This is an excellent piece of music that plays like a great pop song. It starts well enough, but builds to a great chorus that is an absolute blast to listen to. Take a listen and here for yourself.

Listen to Jungle Chase:



There are many other great tracks in the Super Adventure Island soundtrack. But I'm sticking with my self-imposed limit of three featured tracks per post.

If you really like this, don't worry, this soundtrack was composed by Yuzo Koshiro, and you'll be hearing more stuff from him soon.

What do you think of these tracks? Do you have any favorite game music that you want to see featured here? Comment and let me know!