As far as video game music, it doesn’t take much convincing to conclude that The Legend of Zelda can easily be heralded as showcasing some of the best video game music of all time. Up there with Final Fantasy, Mario, and Sonic, The Legend of Zelda series is brought musically to gamers by composer Koji Kondo and has not failed to satisfy gamers since its first inception in 1986.
Some music themes from the Legend of Zelda series are more memorable than others, but one constant that’s certain is that the musical quality accurately represents the popularity and personality of the Zelda gaming franchise: at times quirky, other times engulfed with emotion, and yet, rudimentary arcade music quintessentially. WhetherOcarina of Time,Majora’s Mask, or Twilight Princess, these are some of the top Legend of Zelda music themes.
7 Faron Woods (The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword)
First on this list and last in rank, the “Faron Woods” theme is, in short, a remarkable example of video game music. Released for the Nintendo Wii, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a high-definition Zelda game that was introduced for the Wii and Nintendo Switch. With a unique and quirky sound, this particular musical theme creates a sense of taking something apart and putting it back together again.
This musical theme is not kidding around, despite its whimsical qualities. Even including the faint sound of a triangle, simple chords lower in pitch are accompanied by a multi-layered melody with horns and flutes in the higher register. To top it off, a syncopated rhythm to boot means that the “Faron Woods” music theme made it on this list as one of the best.
6 Lost Woods (The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time)
Not surprisingly, Ocarina of Time made it on this list more than once. This specific highly recognizable melody, “Lost Woods,” has been catching the hearts of gamers ever since Ocarina of Time hit the video game scene. With playful tones reminiscent of a mischievous circus, and simple but effective harmonies, it should go without saying that this theme is one of the best that the Legend of Zelda has to offer.
This cute and infectious video game melody keeps gamers hooked for longer than many would be likely to admit. While many Legend of Zelda themes showcase rising tension and prominent horn sounds, this theme doesn't boast with pretense. Rather, "Lost Woods" remains a classic Legend of Zelda staple in its own right, a song in which the melody scurries along as the player follows with eager delight.
5 Clock Town – First Day (The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask)
Surprising, funky percussion enters this song less than half a minute in, and then a fun-loving melody throughout. The best word to describe this theme is "fun." In many ways, this song is reminiscent of Animal Crossing. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, when it comes to this particular musical theme, if going for a walk could be represented by music, this would be it.
The words joy, lighthearted, and playful all come to mind while listening to this piece, and with good reason. Yes, it's repetitive, but many good video game songs are. This one, "Clock Town - First Day" from Majora's Mask, is worth paying attention to during gameplay. Some of the best video game music is easy to remember and evokes an adventurous spirit, and this theme certainly does that.
4 Woodlands (The Legend Of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes)
The quality of this particular musical theme is quite high, as The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes does not disappoint when it comes to musical soundtrack and musical themes. This particular theme consists of unique percussion, and strings, then wood flute, sounding like a legitimate classical ensemble, with a superb shift toward the end with male vocalists.
Sounding like a fusion of video game music and a modern classical concert, "Woodlands" is a top pick that made it on this list. The tension is enjoyable, especially toward the end with the violin and female vocalist sounds. Tri Force Heroesis an impressive game that's worthwhile engaging with, and so is its musical score.
3 Hyrule at Peace (The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds)
This melody includes variations that are pleasant, warm, and delight musical and nonmusical gamers alike. The percussion has a Spanish quality to its rhythm, and the string sounds are strong and deliberate. "Hyrule at Peace" arrives as a respite from the rest, and gamers welcome this.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worldswas released for the Nintendo DS in 2013, a game which tasks gamers to play once again as Link as he saves Hyrule and maintains peace. There are many songs in the Legend of Zelda franchise that are memorable, and this is surely one. The quality of Zelda music indeed only improved over time.
2 Midna’s Lament (The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess)
"Midna's Lament," from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, is a brilliant piano rendition and so it's not a surprise for one moment that it made it on this list. Second from the top, this song includes memorable string sounds. While the sounds are synthetic, the facsimile is much closer than most of the other Zelda games, making Twilight Princess truly exceptional.
The arpeggiated chords and sweet melody on the surface is relaxing and calming, as if the music is meant to mimic the rhythm of waves of water. There is some variation but for the most part, the music repeats itself several times. This is not a bad thing, as repetitive and memorable music can create certain ambient effects for gamers.
1 Windmill Hut (The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time)
Last in order and first on this list is "Windmill Hut" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This whimsical and farcical melody is reminiscent of fairground and carnival sounds, a polka that is both memorable and entertaining. What's more is that this is one of the songs Link plays on the ocarina, so gamers tend to remember this theme longer and aren't afraid to whistle or vocalize long after the credits.
Players control Link as he jumps around the windmill as the music plays. This song demonstrates that the Legend of Zelda music composer Koji Kondo is talented, respectable, and a worthwhile music maker. Any Zelda game truly does not disappoint in the area of musical quality.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases on May 12, 2023, on the Switch.