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Sonic the Hedgehog was debuted in 1991 by the Japanese video game giant SEGA. Three decades of SEGA’s favorite blue misfit have produced a ton of video games, movies, and television shows. The popularity of Sonic the Hedgehog has spread globally. Many people regard Sonic to be among the greatest cartoon characters of all time. But an element we’ll focus on today is the songs featured in many Sonic games.
The success of Sonic is due in part to a number of its featured songs, including “Open Your Heart”, “Knight of the Wind”, and similar tunes. Hard rock and punk rock are the genres that make up the bulk of Sonic songs. For video games to be successful commercially, their soundtracks must be catchy. SEGA made sure to not only include songs that are the most exuberantly enjoyable but also give off a spunky vibe.
Since his debut, Sonic has had a number of video games, including Sonic Heroes (2003), Sonic Unleashed (2008), Sonic Colors (2010), Sonic and the Black Knight (2009), and more installments. There is a possibility that you will recognize a Sonic game’s songs if you have ever played it. Music to My Ears will inform you of the best Sonic songs from the entire franchise.
1. “We Can” (Sonic Heroes)
Team Sonic’s anthem in Sonic Heroes from 2003 is “We Can” by Ted Poley and Tony Harnellis. This 3:18 long alternative rock track serves as the theme song. With lyrics like “Can’t stop this party till we save the world,” “Everyone can do something special,” or “And as a team we can become even stronger,” the song has a very positive undertone that invigorates the player. “We Can” is a catchy track that’s identical to an opening theme song for an anime show. I’d recommend checking out this song at your earliest convenience.
2. “I Am All of Me” (Shadow the Hedgehog)
Sega Studio USA released Shadow the Hedgehog in 2005. Due to their similarities, Shadow and Sonic are often compared by gamers. Shadow, however, is less of a cliché hero and more of an anti-hero. For unrelated reasons, the game received a poor to mixed response. This 3:51 industrial rock song that plays during the game helps to add suspense.
3. “Reach For The Stars” (Sonic Colors)
The main theme song for 2010’s Sonic Colors is Cash Cash’s “Reach for the Stars.” Sonic Colors was released solely for the Wii U on October 29, 2012, in North America. The song’s length of 4:02 helps to emphasize the game’s primary theme of colors. The prelude begins rapidly, and the song never slows down, adding to the impression that Sonic is a fast hedgehog. If you’ve never heard “Reach for the Stars”, I’d advise you to check it out now.
4. “Live and Learn” (Sonic Adventure 2)
Crush 40’s “Live and Learn” is the main theme song for Sonic Adventure 2, which came out on June 19, 2001. “Live and Learn”, like Sonic Adventure 2, is a classic installment in the Sonic franchise. Crush 40 contributed 4:28 of uproarious singing to make this track a banger. “Live and Learn” is known as one of the greatest Sonic songs of all time. Typically the song is used in-game with Super Sonic and Super Shadow, as it plays when they power up and when they fight Finalhazard in Sonic Adventure 2.
When Sonic and Shadow enter Super mode, they turn yellow and become more aggressive, as shown above. Invincibility is also associated with this alter ego. In other words, the characters are practically untouchable once they’ve reached this altered state. When you can, I’d advise you to go on ahead and listen to “Live and Learn.”
5. “Open Your Heart” (Sonic Adventure)
The final Sonic song on this list is “Open Your Heart” by Crush 40. The song serves as the main theme song for Sonic Adventure, released on December 23, 1998, by SEGA. It has a catchy metal undertone, like many of Crush 40’s Sonic songs do. Most Sonic fans are aware that this is one of the most legendary Sonic songs available. As a result, I’m not going to disclose any more details about this song. Simply go ahead and check it out for yourself.
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Great list, these are some classic themes! It’s a little obscure but another sonic adventure song I love is “Mechanical Resonance” from the Final Egg stage.