USA vs JAPAN: Quartz Quadrant

Quartz Quadrant was a level with convertibles and greenish quartz.

Japanese Versions 

Present

It begins with a mining, working sound that quickly erupts into a positive, cheery one.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 9/15

Bad Future 

Quick, this version is notable for it's echo-y piano.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 9/15

Good Future

This version is far more relaxed but keeps up it's beat. Reminds me of Sonic Advance...

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 5/5
Total: 12/15

American Versions 

Present

Also keeping in line with the "working theme," it has sharp sounds that are aided by an enveloping edgy tune.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 10/15

Bad Future 

This snaky version bares a resemblance to the others, but seems repressed and desperate.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 10/15

Good Future

Slow at first, the tune quickly picks up and portrays a happy, almost angelic future. 

Tune: 5/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 5/5
Total: 13/15

Mesh with the past? (Y/N)
Again, a hesitant yes. Luckily the present was intense, otherwise it would be a no.

Conclusions? 

Another win for North America, who is the first to win a complete zone (3/3). Since both were pretty good, it was a narrow win, though.

Winner: USA

USA vs JAPAN: Tidal Tempest

Tidal Tempest was Sonic CD's water level.

Japanese Versions 

Present

Streets of Rage vibes again! Playing with the underwater theme, it balances both mysterious and positive moods. 

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 5/5
Total: 13/15

Bad Future 

Starting with a spacey (Kim Possible?!!!!) vibe, the destruction caused by Robotnik/Eggman seems prevalent.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 10/15

Good Future

It has a quiet, slower sound that creates a sparkling picture. 

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 9/15

American Versions 

Present

North America provides a snazzy tune with vocals with a background that tries to convey the plunge into water.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 10/15

Bad Future 

The situation is far more desolate and creepy. Some people have been quick to make fun of the "breathing," but it keeps the tune steady and hints at a need for air (drowning). 

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 12/15

Good Future

Now there is an exploratory focus with an upbeat tone and an awesome guitar.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 5/5
Total: 11/15

Mesh with the past? (Y/N)
Once again, a hesitant yes. Since there is a bit more of a notable difference across the American tracks, the differences seem more normal.

Conclusions? 

The first win for North America, who won with its futures. While the Japanese songs--especially the present--proved tough opposition, it's replaced soundtrack (for Tidal Tempest) ended up being better.

Winner: USA

USA vs JAPAN: Collision Chaos

Collision Chaos was Sonic CD's second level, where Metal Sonic abducts Amy.

Japanese Versions 

Present

It has a snazzy, back and forth with some tech-y effects.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 2/5
Total: 10/15

Bad Future 

While maintaining the previous tune, the sounds are more experimental in nature. 

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 8/15

Good Future

It reminds me of a Streets of Rage level. Overall it's now smooth and casino-like. 

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 2/5
Total: 9/15

American Versions 

Present

It has a stressed mood alongside beautiful sounds that remind me of stars.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 9/15

Bad Future 

The guitar amplifies the chaotic setting with a serious tone, backed by the hopeful "starry" effects.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 9/15

Good Future

The tension is now paramount, although it does seem to acknowledge perseverance.

Tune: 2/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 7/15

Mesh with the past? (Y/N)
I'm giving this a very hesitant yes. The Japanese tone is slowed just enough that the connection is passable, but barely.

Conclusions? 

Score two for Japan, who won both the Present and Good Future. I'm not a huge fan, but the tune is flashy like the level and just fits the "pin-ball" setting better.

Winner: Japan

USA vs JAPAN: Palmtree Panic

Palmtree Panic was Sonic CD's first stage and set the tone for the levels that would follow.

Japanese Versions 

Present

It is a very upbeat track with some tropical vibes. Sounds sunny. It is accompanied by the occasional "Yeah!"

Tune: 5/5
Level Relevance: 4/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 13/15

Bad Future 

The background is now robotic and the cheers have become demented and taunting. It sounds corrupted. Intense, but as if someone was manipulating the world.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 5/5
Total: 12/15

Good Future

The tune is made higher and happier, with some unique sounds and the continued cheers. It seems sort of like an awards show at points, and has more of a buzzy sound at others.

Tune: 2/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 8/15

American Versions 

Present

This version also hits the tropical stance very well, opting for a slower pace. It's beat gets more interesting as it progresses, but keeps the tone laid-back.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 5/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 12/15

Bad Future 

Although it has similar tone, it is now more ominous. The added vocals seem worried.

Tune: 4/5
Level Relevance: 2/5
General Likability: 3/5
Total: 9/15

Good Future

The rack now becomes more mystic, with some jungle-like vibes. The vocals can now be heard gently in the relaxed song. Reminds me of Unleashed at points.

Tune: 3/5
Level Relevance: 3/5
General Likability: 4/5
Total: 10/15

Mesh with the past? (Y/N)
Actually, since they both are tropical, yes. It's not perfect, but it fits alright.

Conclusions? 

Japan wins Palmtree Panic in general, winning both the Present and Bad Future. While the American songs were appropriate for the levels, they did not have the same energy as their predecessors.

Winner: Japan

USA vs JPN: CD's Main Themes

Japanese

"Toot Toot Sonic Warrior/You Can Do Anything"

General:

I remember the first time I went to play Sonic CD...it was a release, so Japan was the default. And I looked to the opening with glee and then..."WTF." That's what I thought when I heard "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior." I think I must have seen the American opening online before or something because it was not what I was expecting and I found it ruined the opening for me.
Edit: Apparently the version I disliked was an instrumental version of the song.

However, revisiting what I vaguely remember, I realized it's not that bad. It's background is lively and upbeat. It gets better with the female vocals. Actually, it's the the male's that I dislike the most--it sounds forced and awkward...not very "Sonic-y." Overall kinda' has a weird anime sound that I'm hesitant to like.

While very catchy, I'm still mystified by the whole "Toot Toot" thing. "Toot" usually brings nasty, smelly thoughts, and "Toot Toot"...maybe a train? Just seems odd.     

Tune: 5/5
Background: 4/5
Lyrics: 2/5
Relevance: 2/5
Likability: 4/5
Total: 17/25

American

"Sonic Boom"

General:

Okay, I have to be honest. It's really hard not to be biased about this. "Sonic Boom" (long before the TV show was a thing) always seemed epic, and when paired with the animation and the fact that Crush 40 and Cash Cash made a cover...I'm trying to set nostalgia a side, but even at the first seconds I immediately recognize it.

I think the background gives an edgy feeling that perfectly applies to the blue hero. It starts slower and builds intensity, a more familiar structure. The vocals are encouraging, positive. 

The lyrics make sense and are perfectly timed with the opening. For example "When you use your mind" is cleverly lined up with Sonic looking forward.

Tune: 4/5
Background: 5/5
Lyrics: 4/5
Relevance: 4/5
Likability: 5/5
Total: 22/25

Title Screen

The Japanese version is an interesting instrumental version of "Toot Toot," while the US is just a shortened "Sonic Boom." Typically this is something I'd stay neutral on, but since I have to pick, Japan. While each make sense, it's just refreshing to have something that sounds a bit different.

Endings

Japanese

"Cosmic Eternity/Believe in Yourself"

The game's ending is slower, with a magical sound that quickly turns into a song similar to the main theme but with different lyrics more focused on believing in oneself and "Cosmic Eternity." While it is a separate song, it's not quite as catchy as "Toot toot."

Tune: 3/5
Background: 4/5
Lyrics: 4/5
Relevance: 4/5
Likability: 3/5
Total: 18/25

American

"Sonic Boom"

This one also has a slow but edgy beginning as the lyrics to the song begin to build up. There are added lyrics and a part about "Mr. Bad." The chorus now has an outro-like sound to it, now being a bit calmer but confident as the game comes to an end.

Tune: 4/5
Background: 4/5
Lyrics: 4/5
Relevance: 4/5
Likability: 5/5
Total: 21/25

Conclusion

As far as the main theme is concerned, North America wins. Though "Toot Toot Sonic Warrior" had a nice beat and "You Can Do Anything" fit the game's theme, "Sonic Boom" proved itself epic as both an opening and ending in an unbeatable way.

Winner: USA

USA vs JAPAN: Sonic CD's Music

So Sonic CD had two soundtracks, an original version and a different one for North America. I generally say I prefer the US version, but I know some of the Japanese tracks are good as well.

In fact, I find it surprising that fans get so hostile over which is better. There are a lot of people who like the Japanese version and don't give its replacement a chance. On the other hand, those who were used to playing with the NA version naturally are more attached to it. In either way, it seems like people stick to their favorites for nostalgia's sake rather than deciding which was better in for the game itself.

That being said, I'm giving both a shot and I will try be less biased. From past experience, I liked both, but I'm interested in seeing if it's just that I like a few tracks so much that they overshadow the others, or if I like one as a whole better. 

Note: Just as a reminder, the past is the same in both versions. I will try to take into account how well the US matches or doesn't.

Quote of the Month

"Please, Shadow, do it for me. For all the people on that planet. Give them a chance to be happy. Let them live for their dreams, Shadow...I know you can do it...
"Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."
--Maria Robotnik, Sonic Adventure 2