Sonic Unleashed OST Review

 

Summary

Sonic Unleashed was panned in its time for having "horrendous Werehog stages" but now it's a beloved fan favorite and called one of the best. 

Along with praise for the story, balanced script, world-travel, and even the change in gameplay, the music has gotten a lot of attention and is often called the best in the series. With good reason. 

The inspiration of different settings have contributed toward the atmospheric and steady hub world day/night music. The cultural influences also affect the stages which are a bit more peppy. In addition to Sonic-typical rock and guitar, this OST also uses a lot of jazz themes and horn. There is a clear separation between day and night.  

As with most games of the era, it has a main vocal and vocal-closing theme. Like with the preceding game, Sonic Colors, it also has a common instrumental theme which is considered the Main Title or World Map.

Like with Colors and Lost World, the Main theme seems a bit overused. Although it seemed pretty climatic in the game, but the cutscene music in general was a bit disappointing.

Eggman's theme from 06 is used often. Several samples/melodies/etc seem to be in reference to past games. I believe the Tornado music is remade from the past as well. 

Best Song: Eggmanland Day 

Runner-Up (s): Jungle Joyride Day/Night, Rooftop Run Day/Night, Windmill Isle Day/Night, Aird Sands Day/Night, Cool Edge Day/Night, Dragon Road Day/Night, Skyscraper Scamper Day/Night, Savannah Citadel Day, Eggmanland Night, Adabat Day/Night, Atopos Day/Night, Shamar Day/Night, Hoolska Day/Night, Tornado Defense 2, Egg Dragoon, Vs Titan, Vs Perfect Dark Gaia, Always

I'm not entirely sure what makes this one stand out so much. Could be due to Eggmanland being Eggmanland. There were so many good choices, and a great deal of competition (especially from Adabat--and including Eggmanland Night). 

First, I like the pace. There is a sense of urgency but not with out a dramatic, dangerous undertone. The piano makes it kind of creepy and there is a part that sounds out of Zero Gravity. I really like the effects they used to make it seem like the sounds drift left and right, kind of disorienting. It raises the stakes and even just musically lets the player know this level is going to be different. 

Worst Song: Empire City Night

Runner Up (s): Empire City Day, Boss Battle

It sounds very nice at first, but that...what is that, a harmonica? It's so loud and kind of ruins it. In the Day version it's at least a bit catchy, but this is slower. Then there's that out-of-now-where horn. 

I like the bongos or whatever the percussion is near the second half, but overall I'm not a huge fan. 

Best Vocal Song: Endless Possibilities

Runner-Up (s): N/a

Pure Sonic 2000s energy, this song has attitude but also confidence and a love of life. It's positive and happy but not over-the-top. The style is not trying to update Sonic into something more modern or something he's not. At a quick pace, it has a free spirit and feels genuine. 

Usually it's very hard to have any song rival the legacy of Crush 40, but this one delivers. There's even a brief guitar solo.  

Worst Vocal Song: My Dear Friend

Runner Up (s):N/a

"My Dear Friend" was sad but not too memorable to me. However, listening, paying more attention to the lyrics...ow, it's not just sad, it's...it's...I don't know, emotional. A sweet ode to a friendship that can't last and yet in a way always will. 

It's not bad, but it's not "Endless Possibilities." 

Final Ranking: S

I knew this was going to be a high-ranking OST, and it soon became clear the S would be a given. All of the songs are not only good, but better. I can easily agree to it being one of the best. They just went the extra mile with this one, and it shows.