Number 10
Alright, now we're in the top 10. The cream of the crop, the elite of the elite, the magnum opuses of Sonic's musical career. These songs help to define Sonic as a series, and are, in my opinion, reflective of some of the defining moments of his franchise. So, what song gets the honor of the Number 10 spot? The answer may surprise you.
#10 Live Life (Sonic and the Black Knight)
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the Sonic Storybook games have the best characterization for Sonic in the entire franchise, which leads to some of his best theme songs. Take this song, for example. Sonic wholeheartedly knows that everything must have a natural end, and he will work tirelessly to make sure everything stays that way. This is relatively new for the franchise, but this song combines itself with his traditional "I'm my own boss" mentality. Not to mention some beautiful guitar work and vocals being used in this song, and you have one of only two Sonic songs capable of making me cry.
Number 9
Fun fact: this song was originally going to be the theme song for Sonic Heroes, but Sega decided that it was a bit too dark for the game they wanted, so we got the actual Sonic Heroes song instead. While that song is still pretty good, I can only imagine what would have happened if they had kept this as the main theme.
#9 What I'm Made Of (Sonic Heroes)
Many people may say that Solaris Phase 2 or Perfect Dark Gaia are the best final boss themes in a Sonic game, but I personally have to vouch for this song (plus Wrapped in Black and a few more songs yet to appear). Unlike most final boss themes in Sonic, this gives at least Team Sonic a good reason to be royally ticked with Metal Sonic, and the result is beautiful. Lyrics that perfectly capture the anger of all the combatants, awesome guitar work, cool background instruments, and that sense of urgency that I do love in video game music. Is there anything this song cannot do?
Well, it probably can't make you lunch.
Number 8
And people say that Crush 40 should be the only band making Sonic songs.
#8 With Me (Sonic and the Black Knight)
If you are having trouble with the final boss of Sonic and the Black Knight, you are both lucky and unlucky. You are unlucky because, in all honesty, the boss is pretty easy, but you are also lucky because you get to hear this song in all its glory. Many people have said that this song has a "dual perspective" in that both Sonic and Merlina could be seen singing it, which does truly help with how much I enjoy it. Ultimately, though, the vocals are what sell this song. The singer manages to hit just the right notes to make you get lost in the music, which is something most songs, especially battle songs, want to accomplish. Shame that the actual battle isn't nearly this cool.
Number 7
I know that some people are going to get at least a little bit upset since this isn't the "original" version of the song, but honestly, there's no such thing as a bad version of this song.
#7 Escape From the City (Classic) (Sonic Generations)
Some of you are probably thinking, "But Sonicfan114, don't you know that the original version is obviously the best? 'Standing around at the speed of diagonal,' and all that?" Well, I do get why some people prefer the modern remix or the original SA2 version. Quite simply, this version is my cup of tea the most. The techno feel of the song doesn't detract from the song's catchiness in any way, and neither does the autotune. While a Sega Genesis version of this song wouldn't have nearly this good quality due to technological limitations, this version is still an awesome example of what a Classic Remix should be.
See, Sonic Generations? You can make a good vocal song.
Number 6
Quick question: who doesn't like a good villain song? Nobody, because they're awesome. Unfortunately, most video games don't give their villains songs apart from their traditional leitmotifs, so it's refreshing when a video game villain actually gets his or her own theme.
#6 E.G.G.M.A.N. (Sonic Adventure 2)
Right from the start, you know that this is going to be a pretty awesome song. The style of this song is unique among the Sonic music collection, so you can think of this as a good time for a change of pace. Some lesser Sonic fans might have a hard time with their ability to take this, but I personally really like everything about this song, from the epic solos to the wonderfully hammy lyrics. I'd love to see more songs like this because you know what they say, the more the merrier! And if you're one of those unreasonable Sonic fans I mentioned earlier, I'll just tell you to get a load of this!
Alright, I'll stop now.