As Sonic 4 advances ever steadily upon us, we're getting more and more lipservice paid to the prospect of a retro revival in the franchise. Looking at the things that "made" classic Sonic, I'm firmly convinced that the soundtrack will contribute quite markedly to how much of a retro feel will be had. Indulge my curiosity, then: what were some of your favourite Sonic music tracks from the retro age (1991-1998) and why?
Mine, in chronological order:
1. Labyrinth Zone - it never really struck me as fitting for a water zone per se, but I always found it to be a strangely charming tune. Starting off slow and building up without ever getting tense, the music is relentlessly pacific. I suppose that soothing calmness was what always struck me as so pleasant about it. Truly, a track of solid gold that pays lasting tribute to Masato Nakamura.
2. Star Light Zone - everything about this music came away as perfect from the moment it reached my ears. At once calm yet energetic, Star Light has a unique feel of establishing a wondrous setting. That dichotomy between tranquillity and energy, though, always brings me back to this music; the tinkling melody is inspiring of moving faster and faster while the bass line adds a sense of harmonic relaxation. Green Hill Zone could never hold a candle to this.
3. Chemical Plant Zone - for me, the quintessential Sonic 2 track. Whereas the Sonic 1 soundtrack was mostly gentle and pleasant, Sonic 2's soundtrack branched out into different styles and moods. The music's sense of powerful urgency worked wonderfully with the frenetic pace at which I would race through the zone. The mood it generated was one that was futuristic and slightly harsh, as if I were getting a feel of what to expect if I didn't defeat Robotnik. That cements a place with me for Chemical Plant.
4. Stardust Speedway Present (Japan/Europe) - it was terribly tempting to just put the whole of the Stardust Speedway opus down as one and leave it at that. If I had to pick just one, though, the Present sets an amazing mood. Creatively employing sound effects in the music, SS Present goes the full distance with turntable scratching and sirens complemented by hip-hop style vocals. Okay, the lyrics, "Get it right here/Get it right here/Get it right here/Your power stone, power stone" don't really have any meaning, but I can't even readily think of video games in 1993 trying to implement vocals and sound effects like this in their music. Its amazing beat was absolutely stellar, and still bests a great deal of modern Sonic music for me.
5. Metallic Madness Good Future (Japan/Europe) - all the proof I would ever need that Naofumi Hataya never gets enough work. The entirety of the Hataya/Ogata soundtrack I find to be innovative for
where video game music was at the time, but I'd think it cheating to enter the entirety of the soundtrack. In any case, MM Good Future sets out to accomplish one thing and one thing only: convince me that I have reached the promised land, and it does just that. The Star Light Zone style tinkling, the lively woodwinds, the dramatic percussions, and the background synthesizer reminiscent of an angelic chorus leave me with zero doubt that I have made it to the finish line.
6. Toxic Caves - Sonic Spinball gets a bad rap for many things, but the music shouldn't be one of them. Toxic Caves, and its subsequent remakes on Sonic the Hedgehog Boom and Virtual Sonic, won me over to Howard Drossin even more than his work in Sonic 3 and Knuckles. Toxic Caves has such a delightfully sinister feel to it, as though I'm really wading through the muck and mire of some unsavoury dump. No other music really had this sensation of making me think I was wandering in a real rathole. The simple beat, meshed with high-pitched interludes, remains a fantastic track for me.
7. Hydrocity Zone Act 2 - I wouldn't have even made the connection between this track and Act 1's track if I didn't know better. This music is so radically different from its alternate form and evokes a completely different mood. It was at this point in Sonic 3 that I got the feeling that I wasn't meandering through another string of zones, but places that were unique in and of themselves, mostly because this track elicited a sense of tragedy and long-forgotten memories. It's not merely running through some underwater place again, but traversing the remnants of some ruined civilisation.
8. Sky Sanctuary Zone - like any music for a wondrous setting, Sky Sanctuary's fit perfectly. It is little wonder that its Project Chaos remake was entitled "Breathtaking Vision", for the music gave a sense of soaring over the clouds. It also gave a sense of being so close to victory, just requiring that last little bit of effort. To paraphrase Sonic CD, it generated the feeling in me that I needed to reach beyond my limitations, and to do that, all I needed was the will to take that first step...and fly.
9. Midnight Greenhouse - Knuckles' Chaotix looks like a game I wouldn't actually enjoy playing, but I'll be blighted if it doesn't have delightful music hidden in it. The music to Botanic Base is a kind of late night chill anthem, not trying to be unduly pretentious with a lot of riffs or unseemly uses of the amen break. No, Midnight Greenhouse relies on moderately-paced percussion and the kind of gentle tinkling heard in Star Light Zone to convey a sense of coolness that's been all but forgotten in the franchise these days.
10. Special Stage (Saturn Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island) - straight from the glorious fanfare inception, this music blasts me right off into a whole new world and embodies the superior quality of the Saturn version's soundtrack. No, it's not just a matter of hardware, nor is it a matter of my disapproval for Jun Senoue's music; on the contrary, I think Senoue's soundtrack was decent. I find that Richard Jacques can almost tell a story with his music, and this was most fully demonstrated in Sonic R and the Saturn version of Sonic 3D Blast. Jacques already had me at Spring Stadium Act 2, with his utilisation of hilarious sound effects going every which way, but the Special Stage music epitomises his range of instrumentation ability and charged me up with no end of vitality in my race for the Chaos Emeralds.
For me, the greatest concentration of awesome was in Sonic 3. Ice Cap, Launch Base, Flying Battery, Lava Reef (just act 1 though), Sky Sanctuary, Death Egg... good stuff. Despite its shortness, Lava Reef is my stand-out favorite of the pack. Perfect hook tune.
My favorite would be the pre-boss music of Sunset Park. I love that music.
My fave is chemical plant zone in Sonic 2 always loved the music.
My fave is chemical plant zone in Sonic 2 always loved the music.
Sorry, I could only reduce my favorites down to 20, so I'll keep my descriptions short so as not to make this post too long.
These are all in chronological order as opposed to a "chart rundown" type list.
1) Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Drive)
After the title screen , this is your first step into the world of Sonic, and it instantly sucks you in. (How you could omit this from your list Rapidfire, I have no clue.)
2) Mystic Cave Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Mega Drive)
My favourite piece of music from Sonic 2. Its really sinister "circus" interlude is always unsettling. This whole hip-hop/house style track is great to listen to just on its own, without the zone context.
3) Green hills Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Game Gear)
Compused by Naofumi Hataya, this is the original incarnation of "Sonic - You Can Do Anything" and sounds just as good (if not better) in it humble 8-bit form.
4) Collision Chaos Zone Present (Sonic the Hedghog CD JP & PAL, Mega CD)
For similar reasons as Rapidfire's Stardust Speedway selection, this track is way funkier than its past and future incarnations, and its intro just sells it for me.
5) Sonic Boom (Sonic the Hedghog CD US, Sega CD)
Composed by Spenser Nilsen and performed by Pastiche, this is a rather self explainitory selection. It just kicks every arse in its path. (If you haven't seen heard the A Cappella version by FrnkFly on YouTube, go find it now!)
6) Palmtree Panic Zone Present (Sonic the Hedghog CD US, Sega CD)
IT'S FIESTA TIME! The guitar solo one minute is my favourite part of this track, and would sit very nicely amoung the tracks from Sonic Unleashed.
7) Stardust Speedway Zone Bad Future (Sonic the Hedghog CD US, Sega CD)
I'm going with a Stardust Speedway track too, but again from the US soundtrack over the JP & PAL. The pounding drum along with the twinkling piano and the "Star~dus~t, Yeah-y-eah, Yea~y~eah~y~eah!" vocal sound just set this apart from all other Sonic CD tracks for me. And with its dystopian tone, it's the only way to face Metal Sonic.
Dr. Robotnik (Sonic the Hedghog CD US, Sega CD)
This totally unsettling boss music which features the sound of Robotnik actually laughing at my lack of skills has a real effect on me as I play. Its not the catchiest song, but its eerily random sound manages to do what few Sonic tracks manage and have an emotional effect on the player.
9) Toxic Caves (Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball, Mega Drive)
A favourite of mine largely due to awesome the slap-bass line that drives the entire piece, and makes for a great start the game that doesn't quite the par set by this track.
10) 2-Player Menu (Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mega Drive)
A very simple and short little track, with another great bass line, its such a shame that its tucked away in a menu screen that I hardly ever visit (lets face it, Sonic 3's 2-Player mode isn't worth much).
11) Angel Island Zone Act 1 (Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mega Drive)
Another opening zone track. I chose this one over the Act 2 variant beacause its much more straightfoward and simple sounding, compared to a somewhat busy second Act version. Plus I love the remix made of it for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
12) Hydrocity Zone Act 2 (Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mega Drive)
For the similar reasons as Rapidfire, the echoing melody feels much better for this enclosed underground zone. Like Angel Island Zone, this Act 2 variant is a lot more complex, but whereas the former suffers, the latter gains from it.
13) Final Boss (Sonic the Hedgehog 3/Sonic & Knuckles, Mega Drive)
Another great sinister sounding track, but unlike Sonic CD's boss music, this is a lot more enjoyable to listen to. When you hear the intro, you just know your in for it.
14) Lava Reef Zone Act 1 (Sonic & Knuckles, Mega Drive)
Psxphile already touched on this one. This jazzy organ infused number is my favourite original track for Sonic & Knuckles, just beating Mushroom Hill Zone
15) Sunset Park Act 3 (Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble, Game Gear)
Originally conceived in the making of Sonic Chaos, this is a hidden gem in the otherwise mediocre tracklist from the two "Sonic & Tails" games
16) 'Seascape' - Marina Madness Zone (Knuckles' Chaotix, 32X)
My favourite track from Chaotix, and for the reasons Rapidfire gives for 'Midnight Greenhouse', and then some. This is such a cool and mellow piece that suits the Maria setting so well and makes you want to order up a Pina Colado and just enjoy. Screw the game itself, this is all I need.
17) Green Grove Zone Act 2 (Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island, Mega Drive)
While the Act 1 version was later reused in third part of Wind Valley from Sonic Adventure, its Act 2 that gets my vote. Again, like Act 1, bit with a little extra which greater adds to the arrangement.
18) Diamond Dust Zone Act 1 (Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island, Mega Drive)
This song was actually remixed and used as theme for the Central City area in the recent Sonic Chronicles game. Another hidden gem which demands a sence of enthusiasm unlike its dreary Saturn counterpart.
19) Super Sonic Racing (Sonic R, Sega Saturn)
I liked the music used on Sonic R, but this song blows them all out of the water. This powerful track is great stuff, and the instrumental solo two-minutes in proves that Richard Jaques knows his way around a keyboard.
20) Drowning (Various)
Again, how this hasn't been mentioned yet is beyond me. The single worst thing you can experience playing Sonic, and this music makes it 1,000 times more terrifying. QUICK! I NEED AN AIR BUBBLE! *drowns*
Rapid, thanks for starting this topic. I've been meaning to start a music discussion, but wasn't quite sure how to structure it, but this works fine.
Your list actually inspired me to go back to the Japanese soundtrack of Sonic CD, and while on my first listen I didn't think much, I now have a much greater appriciation for it, especially the Stardust Speedway Present track.
I can't let a music topic pass without a word from me. Many of my favorites have already been said, but some are so good they really need to be said again! My repitoir of Sonic games is small compared to some on here, so I can only pick from the games I've played, but there's plenty from them alone.
Star Light (S1)
Cool, laid back, and very smooth. You wouldn't think it'd fit a Sonic game, but somehow it does and then some!
Mystic Cave (S2)
The very definition of groove! My brother even started writing a song to this at one point, about a fictional night club called the 'Mystic Cave'. "Well they call it rap, they call it rave, but you can move to the groove at the Mystic Cave" Daft, perhaps, but the music just deserved it!
Metropolis (S2)
Yeah, I know that now it sounds a little cheesy with the synth guitar and all, but back in the day when I was young it was majorly cool! And even though I now recognise it's flaws, it still has that charm about it from my childhood days that makes it a firm favorite.
Death Egg (S2)
Can't believe nobody has said this yet! Even though it's on the game for all of 5 seconds unless you wait around to hear it, this is one creepy piece of soundwaves, and deserves to be recognised for it's genius and chilling, eerie atmosphere any day!
Azure Lake (S3 Two Player)
Someone above mentioned the 2 player options screen music, but how come
none of the zones have gotten a mention yet? The music on some of those
levels was better than some of the tunes in the single player game!
Gene Gadget and Endless Mine were particularly special, and Azure Lake
was absolutely brilliant - it really gave you the feel of open
countryside, miles and miles of savannah to race through as the music
echoed across the plain.
Sandopolis [Act 2] (S&K)
Act 1 was a great tune, really atmospheric in theme with the desert surroundings, and the rumbling bassline added into act 2 was just the icing on the cake. Sneaking round a dark, creepy temple with that echoing in the background was just win all over.
Lava Reef [Act 1] (S&K)
This is a possible candidate for my favorite Sonic track ever. The atmosphere the music creates, especially when coupled with the backgrounds and makeup of the Lava Reef level, is just utterly mindblowing. That mix of suspense, trepidation, determination and bravery that the tune evokes makes it unforgettable.
Rusty Ruin [Both Acts] (S3D - Megadrive)
Both of these tunes were amazing for different reasons. The first one was for the strength of the main riff in that hissy choral synth voice - groovyness abounds majorly. And as for the second, while the main riff of the first act was toned down more into the background here, the second act had one of the best bass shread solos in any music track ever, let alone any Sonic track!
Diamond Dust [Act 1] (S3D - Megadrive)
Another contender, along with Lava Reef, for the greatest Sonic tune of all time. If you close your eyes and listen to this, your mind instantly thinks of snow capped mountains and craggy peaks, even if you've never seen the level to go with the track! Again, the atmosphere the music creates is simply perfect.
Diamond in the Sky (Sonic R)
I like the voice of the woman who sang this, and that bit at the beginning with the spacey keyboard riff and her initial 'Wo-o-oah' sends shivers down my spine.
Grand Metropolis (Sonic Heroes)
Am I the only one who liked the music tracks in SH as well? In the case of this level, I'm just a sucker for a squelchy synth 
Casino Park (Sonic Heroes)
Now this is a real gem hidden away in the middle of the game. My brother commented that this could be made into a song too, and I've even started to write one to the tune. I can listen to this one over and over again.
Bingo Highway (Sonic Heroes)
This just has to be mentioned here simply for the freaky retro synth computer game twist in the middle. That is one of the coolest things I've heard in ages.
Wraith the Echidna wrote:
Grand Metropolis (Sonic Heroes)
Am I the only one who liked the music tracks in SH as well?
No you your not. I could have easily included music from after 1998 onwards, but the OP specified 1991-1998. Had it been more open, my list might have been extended to 50 tracks XD
Limiting to the Classic and Saturn Eras:
Sweet Sweet Sweet(Sonic 2 Ending Theme), though I must say I prefer the Japanese Vocal version(which I am currently listening too) to the in-game instrumental.
Toot Sonic Warrior(Sonic CD Japanese Opening)
Sonic Boom(Sonic CD US Opening and Ending) I personally prefer the combined version.
Super Sonic Racing (Sonic R Opening)
Expanding into the Dreamcast and Modern Eras:
Open Your Heart(Sonic Advanture Main Theme)
What I'm Made of(Sonic Hereos, Metal Overlord Battle Theme)
Seven Rings in Hand(Secret Rings)
If I had to choose any retro tune that I enjoy the most I'd have to go with Sweet Dreams.
...okay, so that isn't the original version, but I really like that one.
I'll probably have a more lengthy post tomorrow if I'm not suffering from a massive headache.
Wraith the Echidna wrote:
Grand Metropolis (Sonic Heroes)
Am I the only one who liked the music tracks in SH as well?
No you your not. I could have easily included music from after 1998 onwards, but the OP specified 1991-1998. Had it been more open, my list might have been extended to 50 tracks XD
Yaknow, I just didn't notice that specified timeframe at all o.O Sorry, didn't mean to pull the thread mildly off-topic.
Extraordinary, truly extraordinary. It's funny that you said we'd have to agree to very different tastes, Blue, because here are a few tracks I specifically cut from my list in order to condense it to ten:
Collision Chaos Present (Japan/Europe) - as I said, the irrefutable proof (apart from everything he did in NiGHTS Into Dreams... and Burning Rangers) that Naofumi Hataya does not get enough work composing. As I iterated before, I find the use of vocals and sound effects to be incredible for the time, and Collision Chaos Present delivers in spades, with the, "Three, two, one: kick it!" opening and frequent, "Yeah!" shouts to the funky techno sounds coming at you every couple of seconds. Also, the bass line that becomes especially prominent sixty-six seconds in is made of solid gold.
Lava Reef Zone Act 1 - I cut this, correctly anticipating it would get mentioned anyway so that I could give laudations to Sky Sanctuary. Indeed, though, this music speaks volumes. The beat almost deceives the ears into perceiving a faster tempo than there actually is, establishing a (well-founded) sense of urgency.
Seascape - truth be told, this was the first musical exposure I had to Chaotix, and I still love it to pieces. Like most of that game's better music, it was a chill anthem (that was totally wasted on an obscure and possibly subpar game). Its relaxing tone defies words, really.
Considering that's three right there, plus our concurrence on Toxic Caves and Hydrocity Act 2, we may have reached more consensus than you think. I admit I forewent Green Hill Zone simply because I'm indifferent to it; I never thought of it as being in league with Labyrinth or Star Light, frankly, despite its iconic status (perhaps the slowness of the PAL version I grew up with as opposed to its faster NTSC counterpart explains that though). Now I'll be indulgent and add another seven to the above three, bringing me up to twenty as well (hell, limiting this strictly to the retro age was supposed to be helpful...):
Credits (MegaDrive Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island) - ;_; This song makes me tear up every time I hear it, perhaps because of the hindsight symbolism it holds for me. Here was the beginning of the end, as the Blue Blur began his long slide into mediocrity. But damn it all, we still identified him as that lovable mutant woodland animal without hesitation; there was no cringe-worthy voice acting or terrible story-telling or any of that malarkey. No, there was Sonic, being...unusually slow and theoretically making possible the idea of treasure hunting...but we still knew him! This was the last hurrah of that Sonic, riding off into the sunset in a musical piece that felt just like that: a farewell ride into the sunset. For this, I tip my hat to Jun Senoue.
City in the Clouds - perhaps an oblique reference on Howard Drossin's part to Sky Sanctuary, though the two sound nothing alike. From his own album Virtual Sonic, Drossin produced this astonishingly masterful work that packs a whole range of emotion into a mere two minutes. With the jazzy sax, the strangely haunting strings, and the underplayed percussion, "City in the Clouds" is all kinds of love to my ears. It leaves me with a good chill up my spine.
Digital Manual - oh yes, time to break out the music from Sonic Jam. Back when tSFM still ran on Live365, I heard this one afternoon after school and immediately fell in love with it. Normally, I'm preferential to songs with a downplayed percussion and that have a calm quality to them, but this is one of my exceptions. The bombastic drums get me energised and excited, making me wonder why music with such vitality was given to the part on reading manuals. The excited synths in the background remind me of what Hataya/Ogata did in Wacky Workbench, and it is glorious.
When we reach for you ~Could it be right~ - another reach into obscurity. From the vinyl record of the divinely-inspired album Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix, this was the single greatest thing I heard this past summer. A reimagining of Hataya's closing to Sonic CD, "Cosmic Eternity - Believe In Yourself", this song makes any words attempting to describe it appear weak. The lyrics are slightly difficult to discern, considering Takenobu Mitsuyoshi's not adept at English, but part of the fun for me was piecing together the words. Even without the lyrics, the classic synthesizers, the terrific use of drums, and the masterful piano solo demonstrate that Hataya and Ogata had no shortage of craft reworking this song.
Love you "Sonic" - as with everything else from Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix, an amazing performance from the Hataya/Ogata/Mitsuyoshi trio...and this song didn't even make the cut in the game! I'm 95% sure this is actually the original title track to Sonic CD, as heard in the 510 beta, with a different tempo and completely different flavour. I give this song its due for no other reason than supreme creativity. Even if it were just an original work, this song has a killer saxophone to back up Mitsuyoshi, and that alone is sufficient.
Spring Stadium Act 2 (Saturn Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island) - best not be talkin' smack about this song. 
In case it weren't yet perfectly clear how much I appreciate sound effects interlaced into music, there's this selection from Richard Jacques: a hilariously goofy romp through the second part of Spring Stadium Zone. Sure, Act 1 had Richard tinkling beautifully on the ivories, but it is a testament to this version that I prefer it over the jazzy Act 1 variant (jazz being my favourite musical genre). This whole song is laden with wa-wa-wa-wacky sound effects straight out of Looney Tunes, climaxing in a relentless thirty-second streak of cartoony audio. This song is just plain fun, right down to the last bounce.
Living in the City - augh, picking just one Sonic R song is like eating one crisp. For me, the theme of Radical City just narrowly edges out Diamond in the Sky. There's just something about the grandeur of that piano launching into the song that is inspirational. No less amazing is the lively percussion, and when coupled with the techno synth, it's hard not to want to move to the music. I'll never understand how anyone could dislike TJ Davis's vocal performance either, but I guess it simply comes down to "haters gon' hate". Sonic R may have been a fairly uninspired game, but there was no way to go wrong with Richard Jacques composing.
Lastly, about the drowning music: could there be anything more frightening than that? That music is seriously the reason why an underwater section of any video game freaks me out. If I dreamt about Chuckie and that music in one nightmare, I'd need to change my sheets the following morning. 
Here are my contributions, then, in no particular order.
The Final Fight - Sonic 3D (Mega Drive): Oh my gosh. This still frightens me every single time I play this game's final boss. The atmosphere of being in a deep black void at the time as well... first time I made it this far I was seriously tensed up.
Chemical Plant Zone - Sonic 2 (Mega Drive): Heck yes. THE quintessential track from Sonic 2. I loved this one so much I made my own arrangement of it (which I can post up if anyone's interested). This is probably the track that really got me interested in video game music, if I'm honest.
Launch Base Zone Act 1 and Act 2 - Sonic 3: These are just so darned funky, and unusually relaxing for a final level's music. Of course, considering that originally it wasn't going to be the final level of the game, that maybe has something to do with it.
Flying Battery Zone Act 2 - Sonic & Knuckles: The intro to this is wonderful, and the soaring synths in use in it are indescribably wonderful.
Sandopolis Zone Act 1 - Sonic & Knuckles: The wonderfully Arabian feel of this track suits its level perfectly, and yet it also has just enough of a hint of spookiness to hint at what's in store for Act 2. I really felt it fitted the feeling of exploring ancient ruins in the desert perfectly.
Death Egg Zone Act 1 and Act 2 - Sonic & Knuckles: THE BASS. The bassline in Act 1 is perfect in how it's just constantly droning along, and yet throwing in the odd irregular lick every few beats. It's what drives that track. And then Act 2's simplified version of the previous track suits the more outdoor theming of the level perfectly. it gives a more grandiose feeling, which is fitting as you have a view of the planet below.
Stardust Speedway, Good Future - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): This is so wonderfully chilled, I just love it. The synths carrying the main melody, the laid-back rhythm... it's all so relaxing.
Wacky Workbench, Present - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): Right from the get-go, this is a rousing track. From the initial BOOM of drums, to the rising siren-like synth, and the count-up "One, two, three!". The track doesn't let up for a second, introducing the lead synth right afterward. Also, the break at the 0:47 mark is a perfect bit of punctuation to lead into the second half of the track. An awesome job.
Wacky Workbench, Good Future - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): If there's one thing I love in music, it's thematic variation - and Sonic CD has it in spades. "Perfect. Techno." Dunno if I agree with the track on that, but it is a treat to the ears. It's a wonderfully optimistic take on the original.
Tidal Tempest, Present - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): This, as far as I'm concerned, is the quintessential underwater ruins level music. The slow, reverential beginning, with the synth choir coming in - it's beautiful. The track manages to very wonderfully elicit the feeling of an underwater wonder-land.
Invincible! - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): I love how this one starts, I love how it continues, even if it's very short. Though perhaps my favourite feature of this one is the very helpful countdown it has, warning you when your unstoppable charge won't be so unstoppable any more ;p
Tidal Tempest, Good Future - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): Again, I love thematic variation. This one, to me, sounds very much like an audio representation of some kind of dreamy hallucination of the original track. Which is why I love it.
Quartz Quadrant, Present, Good and Bad Future - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): OK, first off, the Present mix. As a drummer, I adore the intro for this track. It starts out the way it means to go on, with a solid beat the whole way through and some beautiful snare work. And if that wasn't enough, the call-out and reply format of the piano and trumpets, and then the trumpets and the sax synth in the second half of the song really hits the spot.
Now the Good Future mix - again, thematic variation is my crack. I love how this one starts out really nice and gentle in comparison to the solid snare beating at the start of the Present. The gently thrumming bass carries things nicely. I'm also certain this is where Hataya got inspiration for After The Dream in NiGHTS. There are a lot of similarities.
As for the Bad Future version: again, thematic variation I love, and this is a brilliant take on its base material. So much more frantic and panicky than the Present mix, it really sets the mood and doesn't let up, especially towards the end where it gets faster and faster and faster before finally relenting and returning to its normal pacing.
Casino Night Zone - Sonic 2 (Mega Drive): This is one of Sonic 2's greatest assets. It sets a precedent for music for casino themed levels for years to come. The intro and the cheeky break with the descending bass line are what make this tune. Also, the distinctive swing rhythm, the big band/jazz feel of the track... it's exactly as you'd expect to find in a classy casino.
Scrap Brain Zone - Sonic 1 (Master System): By far and away one of the greatest 8-bit Sonic tunes in existence. I prefer this way more to the 16-bit version's tune. The pulsating bass, the swelling square waves and of course the eerie melody all contribute to make this a wonderful chiptune. It has a very strong feel, to me, of a computer going over the same program again and again, steadily making repeated attempts at the same thing. In this case, that thing is Sonic's demise - or perhaps it's just steadily pushing him further along toward the final encounter.
Sky Base Zone - Sonic 1 (Master System): One of, if not the most, fear-inducing tracks of the 8-bit Sonic games. Certainly the first one in the series to really send a chill down my spine. It doesn't help that the level itself is Robotnik's personal airship, and the slightest wrong move results in instant death. It's a very eerie track, with pitch-bending synths and a constant, repeating melody.
Jungle Zone - Sonic 1 (Master System): This is so wonderfully upbeat! It has a very nice tropical feel to it - the composer did an admirable job of emulating steel drums with the Master System's limited sound hardware. It fits the environment it's set to very nicely as well. This is probably my second favourite from the 8-bit Sonic 1, after Scrap Brain.
Sky High Zone - Sonic 2 (Master System): Wonderfully captures the feeling of gliding through the clouds, high above the mountains. It has a very lofty and airy feel to it. Definitely one of my favourite 8-bit tracks.
Scrambled Egg Zone - Sonic 2 (Master System): Probably my favourite track from this entire game. The fast-paced beat barely lets up, and the frantic synth work in this track all add up to make a brilliantly fitting accompaniment to the crazy mesh of pipes and platforms you find yourself spinning through. The seemingly random notes belted out on the synth at the start are a very fitting introduction to what is quite definitely the most confusing and head-spinning level of the game.
Sleeping Egg Zone - Sonic Chaos (Master System): I must stress the Master System version is my preferred mix of this track, as it has some very slight differences to its Game Gear incarnation. I like this track primarily as, again, it fits its level very nicely. It's constant, steady, but has enough twists and surprises in its melody to keep you on your toes - just like the level has its hidden traps and surprises to do likewise.
Gigalopolis Zone - Sonic Chaos (Master System): Again, this is the Master System version I'm referring to, as it's a very different track from the Game Gear incarnation for some reason. I like the techno-ish feel to it. Not much more to say, other than the synth work in the intro is very nicely done.
Aqua Planet Zone - Sonic Chaos (Master System): Master System version again. The intro to this track is a treat, and the same synth is later used for the majority of the melody. It's a solidly-bult track with not a lot of variation to it. It has three very distinct sections to it though, and transitions nicely between each one.
Boss Battle - Sonic Chaos: This music is the same in both versions of the game, and I think it's a fantastically done track. Not least due to the way the intro is a gradual build-up, which suddenly explodes into the full melody. It's very fitting of the way the majority of the game's bosses make a gradual entrance before launching into a full scale attack, and the way the track continues fits the struggle between Sonic and the powerful boss robots perfectly.
Final Boss - Sonic Chaos: Another spine-chiller, at least for the intro. And the way it goes on really has you on the edge of your seat, getting the adrenaline pumping. Not least because this final boss is DEADLY, having the unique ability to obliterate Sonic in a single hit, regardless of whether he had any rings or not. It's quite a chaotic track, very fitting of the final boss.
Metal Sonic! - Sonic Triple Trouble: This one, when accompanied by in-game events, is quite frightening. Picture this. You start rocketing along theough a nice wide corridor on a set of rocket shoes (or via hyper-flight as Tails). Suddenly this music starts up, with a disconcerting synth intro... and METAL SONIC comes belting along behind you. You can't escape, and he strikes you down... then arcs round and comes back to finish you off in a fight to the death! The music is reminiscent of some kind of alarm system going off, which is very fitting indeed. It's also quite frantic, again fitting of the desperate struggle against the most deadly robot ever created by the Doctor.
Wing Fortress Zone - Sonic 2 (Mega Drive): After the brief relaxing interlude of the dulcet melody Sky Chase Zone gives you, your ears are treated to this glorious militaristic fanfare. From the very grand beginning to the marvellous crescendo at the track's conclusion, this track paints a picture of military might and grandeur. It's not too difficult to picture a military parade taking place to the accompaniment of this track.
Gene Gadget Zone Act 1 - Sonic 3D (Mega Drive): The thumping bass intro to this and the synth work that follows it are the stuff of legend. This is an excellent example of what the Mega Drive's sound hardware can do. the bass, the drums and the synths are all spot-on. This one gets my feet tapping every time.
Final Zone - Sonic 1 (Mega Drive): Fitting in every way to Sonic's final confrontation with the rotund would-be dictator. From the dramatic intro on to the repeating sustained high synth notes, you have a very real feeling of how much rests on this final battle, and how much rests on you, the player, to get it right.
Metallic Madness, Bad Future - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): I love this track for how deliciously over the top it is with the negativity. "You can't do anything, so don't even try it. Get some help. Don't do what Sonic does. Sonic, dead or alive, is mi-mi-mine." These phrases, interspersed with the same diabolical laughter heard during the boss battle music, and the rest of the melody, make this a most memorable track indeed.
Super Sonic! - Sonic 2 (Mega Drive): I sincerely wish they had kept the theme of using a separate theme tune for the supercharged version of the characters in the proceeding games. The fact that Super Sonic had his own separate theme tune in Sonic 2 really gave you the feeling of how much of a special and unique thing he was. The music itself also fitted the chaotic nature of him having constant invincibility and enhanced speed - it does elicit an image of the out of control nature of the golden flash.
Cosmic Eternity - Sonic CD (Jap/EU version): Say what you will, but in my opinion this is a far superior track to that of the US release. It really captured the feel of the game, and that refreshing feeling of having beaten it. "If you gotta do something--gotta do something!--believe in yourself. Yourself. Yourseeelf! Hey!" Also, the instrumental break towards the end is wonderful.
Marble Zone - Sonic 1 (Mega Drive): I swear this track is burned permanently into my memory. This is not a bad thing though, as it's quite a laid-back one, and yet the tempo is quick enough to ensure you don't dawdle around anywhere too long. That said, for the few sections of the level where you are left standing still, it's rather relaxing background music. The feeling that this track elicits would later be successfully replicated by Sonic 2's Aquatic Ruin Zone, and then far more so by Sonic & Knuckles's Sandopolis.
Back in Time - Sonic R: While it's a given that Super Sonic Racing is pretty much my favourite off this game, this track, the BGM for Regal Ruin, holds a special place in my heart. Not only is this because of the lovely, faraway feel to it and the somewhat fitting lyrics, but also because years ago I played the balloon battle mode on this level with a friend of mine. Both of us had four balloons each. We spent nearly two hours trying to find that elusive final balloon. It was me that eventually located it, by which time the track had played over so many times that we both knew the lyrics by heart.
(You're My) Number One - Sonic R: I'm guessing I must be a sucker for synths and T.J. Davies's lovely voice, because this is by far and away just about my favourite anthem featuring both, topped perhaps only by Super Sonic Racing. This is the credits song from Sonic R, and I absolutely love it.
Rusty Ruin Zone Act 2 - Sonic 3D Blast (Sega Saturn): It's impossible to listen to this track without the intro sending a shiver through you. It absolutely perfectly captures the feeling of exploring the ruins of an ancient and mysterious civilisation, even moreso than any of the other tracks I listed which achieve this. Hats off to Jacques for a stunning track.
...and I think that about wraps up my list for the time being. If I think of any more I really love that I somehow failed to list, I'll add them later.
I guess then, Rapid, that our tastes only begin to divide when we get beyond 1998 XD (and, since our tastes here are so apparently similar, I'm going to take a wild guess that Jazz being your favourite music genre stems from Cowboy Bebop like mine does. And if thats right then that'll be pretty epic for me XD). Actually, a couple of those additional tracks you listed would have been in my list if I knew that the Vitual Sonic and Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix albums were included - I thought it was just in-game music, but this opens a whole new can of peaches.
(hell, limiting this strictly to the retro age was supposed to be helpful...):
C'mon. There's, what, approximately 400 tracks from 1991-1998 alone? Plus, its Sonic - one of its biggest praises comes from the music, so trying to pick a limited number of favourites was always goign to be a hard challange - especially for someone as indecisive as me.
Speaking of which, time to add some more from the non-in-game soundtracks.
Super Sonic Dance Attack (Overtime Edit) [SUPER SONIC DANCE ATTACK] - I prefer this version just because its longer. But in both this and the "16-bit Version" you get and ultimately fun house/dance/rave remix of the Sonic 1 title theme mixed in with loads of sound effects and robo-voice samples ("I. Kill. Doctor. Robotnik."/"I. Fight. Super. Boss."), and for some reason some Streets of Rage (2, if I'm not mistaken) samples. Just purely smile inducing.
Love you "Sonic" [Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix] - From the organ intro to the various sax movements dotted throughout, this is one powerful, high energy song. Its engrish vocal performance is just so bold and draws you in. From the parts I can understand, I always believed this was a song about Amy Rose. The title and lyrics like "She's waiting for you~oh", "She will be yours now and forever", "There isn't anything she wouldn't do, for you - Sonic!" tell a story of obsessed love which fits Amy perfectly - it even has a similar sound to "My Sweet Passion" in some places. Prehaps it became an inspiration for the latter. Either way, its a cracker of a song.
Miracle Blue~Little Planet~ [Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix] - While SilverShadow expressed his love for Quartz Quadrant Good Future (JP/PAL), I much prefer the slower remix. It has a nice acoustic guitar melody in this version and, once again, its so smooth and relexing, and suddenly gaining this funky background moog bass sound at the 1:50 mark, only to come down to a more stripped down sound towards the end with some tropical bird sound effects. A beautiful track.
Sonic Stream [Sonic the Hedgehog - Remix] - After hearing this track, I was 100% sure that Hataya/Ogata composed the music for Phantasy Star Online - based only on its similarity to the music used on the Character Customisation screen. I have since found that this is not the case, but everytime I hear it I still think that this could be a possibility. Despite its up-tempo percussion, its got quite a mellow, and at times somewhat alien, sound. Its something I really enjoy despite not really knowing why I enjoy it.
Theme of "KNUCKLES" [Sonic & Knuckles (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)] - The S&K soundtrack album (credited to Akinori Minami) modifies the game tracks to extended and upgrade the 16-bit in-game music (although said upgrade makes the songs rather weak sounding). Knuckles's theme is extended beyond what you hear in the game to include a folk Japanese interlude - one that sounds a bit "The Steel Samurai" theme from the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney series. With this song Knuckles adds Japanese to the mix of Australian (echidna), Jamaican (dreadlocks) and Aztec/Incan (heritage). It also sounds quite good.
Return to the Toxic Caves [Virtual Sonic] - I've already stated Toxic Caves, but Howard Drossin's expansion lays on funk and improves on the original by a great deal.
Robotnik's Revenge [Virtual Sonic] - A 90's hip-hop track that sounds more at home in Samurai Champloo than on a Sonic concept album, but it's just so brilliant despite being quite a short and simple track which includes in-game sound effects to great effect (most notibly the sound of the gravity tunnels from the Death Egg Zone (S&K), and if you listen closely at 1:45, the sound of Eggman zooming off during the Marble Garden Zone boss fight). There's also the vocal inserts. Just 'Oohs' and 'Uhs', y'know - funky grunts. But given that this is 'Robotnik's Revenge' I can only think of these sounds coming from Eggman himself, and that just cracks me up each time. There's also a female "Yeah" vocal. Trust me, if you listen to it you can only make the assumption that Robotnik is a fantastic lover.
Metal Sonic [Vitual Sonic] - Howard Drossin channels the spirit of Kurt Cobain in this fantastic grunge rock track. Honestly it sounds just like Nirvana (I even manages to fool some friends into thinking it really was Nirvana), if not better. In great Cobain fashion, the lyrics are almost completely incoherent bar the last words "He's put together the wrong way." It's just pure awesomeness from start to finish. The ultimate theme for Metal Sonic.
City In The Clouds [Virtual Sonic] - This is one great slow melancholy jazz track. The lilting guitar, the flutes and that oh-so-sexy saxophone, they all come together in perfect form to create a perfect mellow and epherial mood.
Although I haven't mentioned it, I totally agree with SilverShadow's Jungle Zone (Sonic1GG) choice. I wanted to included it the first time round, but left it out to limit my list to 20. It's such a great tune, and I always find myself whistling it.
I also just want to break the rules here and suggest a track that comes post-1998:
Music Plant Act 1 [Sonic Advance 2, GameBoy Advance] - Yes, I know. Generally, most of the GBA Sonic soundtrack sounds like a train wreak (don't make me link Sonic Pinball Party's version of 'Open Your Heart' again). However, this track is, for me, one of the very best zone tunes. I bring this track up because, for some reason, I think it's more on par with 1991-1998 stuff. It may be hard to tell but had this been a 16-bit track using the Mega Drive's technology I doubt anyone would be able to tell that it comes from a different chapter in Sonic History. This song blew me away when I first heard it - I can only assume that's down to the mediocrety of the other 'Advance' titles music that I was just shocked that here was a track that had the same jazzy/funky sound found in more traditional Sonic music. Excusing the technology, this is a very well arranged and composed song.
Before I end this post, does anyone else get annoyed when you google Sonic music and most results are for Sonic Youth? >_<
Hmmm, interesting. Well I love so many of them but I'll go with the top 5
1. Casino Night Zone (2 Player mode) Sonic 2: Both tunes for Casino Night are good but this one stands out a bit more to me. It's a bit more relaxed and less energetic which is funny considering its for the usually chaotic 2 player mode but I like the contrast.
2. Death Egg Zone Act 2 (Sonic and Knuckles): I don't know why but it just works
3. Balloon Park (Sonic 3): Garish, energetic and just fun in general. I kind of wish this were an actual zone.
4. Star Light Zone (Sonic 1): Is there any doubt this tune would show up?
5. Spring Yard Zone (Sonic 1): You'll notice there is a general theme to my list...
Honorable mentions: Chemical Plant Zone, Carnival Night Zone Act 2, Sandopolis Act 2, Mushroom Hill Act 2, Casino Night Zone, Sonic 3 Final Boss
Why was Sonic Chaos different on Master System to Game Gear? Aqua Planet & Gigalopolis are far superior on the MS - I was rather disappointed when I heard the Game Gear versions on the Sonic Classic Collection 
People who are much better at writing about music than me have done this topic proud, but here's my tuppence worth (and in no particular order, I can never choose favourites!):
Aqua Planet - Sonic Chaos MS
Mystic Caves - Sonic 2 MD
Sunset Park (that bit on the train) - Sonic Triple Trouble
Back In Time - Sonic R (just love the sentiment - so take me away from this, 'cos this place I'll hardly miss)
Sonic Boom - Sonic CD
Toot Toot Sonic Warrior - Sonic CD
Green Grove Act 1 - Sonic 3D MD (if that's the one that was remixed in Windy Valley - The Air)
Lava Reef Act 1 - S3&K
Sandopolis (either Act) - S3&K
Carnival Night - S3&K (love the beat of silence before everything kicks off again - a very pleasing tune to have in the background while you pull your hair out in frustration at the barrel)
And may I echo SilverShadow's views on Scrap Brain Zone MS? Although I do also like the MD version, they are two very different pieces.
DW
Ice Cap Zone
Carnival Night Zone
I LOVE them. They pwn.
