2. Ultimate Bowser
Super Mario 64
Bowser absolutely deserved a top spot on this list, but I struggled to choose which of his themes was the best. Every Bowser battle in the Mario series is accompanied by climactic and dark music, but Bowser’s final theme from Super Mario 64 is just bone-chilling. The themes from New Super Mario Bros. and the Galaxy games are loud, awe-inducing, and epic; this one is subdued, frightening, and villainous. I had nightmares about the final Bowser battle in Super Mario 64 as a kid, and I think it still remains as one of the toughest boss fights in the entire series. Plus, it uses freakin’ organs! With an anthem like this, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bowser and Ganondorf shared diabolical theme song sheet music. If you look at the trends of Bowser’s boss music throughout the years, it starts with rock music, goes to organs, and ends up with choral accompaniment today. What’s next for Bowser? Opera, perhaps?
Great list, Kyle! I’m a little sad to see that this wasn’t on the list, though! ;) (or the Bowser’s Lava Lair version from Super Mario Galaxy 2!)
Couldn’t agree more about Wind Garden, though. Easily the best Mario song ever composed. Hearing Super Mario 64‘s Main Theme in Super Mario Galaxy 2 was also one of my favourite moments in the entire game, so I’m very pleased to see that at number three too! :)
(PS: is it weird that I’m also quite partial to the Mario Paint theme? Probably…)
Hmm, got to say i didnt like your list that much, i tought it will be just super mario (main series) music. But, i have to agree with you on the number one spot. For music lovers that particular track is just mind blowing. Gusty garden is my favourite levwl of the galaxy series, and i think that the music is the main reason why i keep coming back for more. Hands down the greatest mario theme ever.
Why would you list other Mario games besides the main Mario titles? Mario Kart and RPG outings shouldn’t be lumped in also. You could seriously have a top ten list from just Galaxy 1 and 2, so this list is very short sighted.
I wanted to go for variety here, otherwise it could have just ended up as a Top Ten overworld theme list! I also couldn’t forget about the RPGs which are near and dear to me and have great music that is even better than the main series at some points.