Favorite Final Fantasy Songs

[Luminaire]

So, I am above all, a fan of the music of the series. I'm a musical person at heart and have always stayed connected to the franchise wether currently playing or not, and despite whatever phase of my life I found myself in just by the beautiful compositions that have come out of it. Before I even played, I would hum the repetitive tunes next to my brother for hours while I watched him play. My group of band nerd friends in high school were all about it, and to this day, i listen to it. I've also attempted to play more than a few tracks with mediocre piano skills over the years. My fascination with the compositions has never waned.

I'm interested in knowing not only what your favorite albums were, (as there is a thread on the topic already,) but what individual songs have captured you. In my opinion, how could you choose between them all based on game if it came down to it? No limitations here. talk about as many or as few selections as you like. Be sure to elaborate on why you like it so much. I'd love to hear more in depth about what these tracks do for you. I didn't yet see a thread on this topic yet, and it's one I'm very passionate about. If there is, I do apologize.

So my list is as follows. I'll probably add more as this goes on:

* TERRA (VI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjgwVSDAmP4
I have to start with my very favorite track. The one I'd end up choosing if it were life and death only. If I could have only one Final Fantasy song for the rest of my days. I'm pretty sure it was one of the first I'd ever had the pleasure of hearing as this game was my first. She was also my first favorite character. It's such a perfect Main Theme, reflecting in it's percussion/staccato a sense of oncoming urgency and a sweeping melody to accompany that which makes the heart swell with the feeling of an epic journey unfolding right around you. It's the epitome of epic if you ask me and I love it.

* MAIN THEME (IV) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MT1X5RZ3HY
Going back in time is another Main Theme that is my favorite. It strikes me as not only as epic as a FF Map Theme should be in my eyes, but is also just so energizing with it's sweeping quality.

* CELES' THEME (VI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2ddgMrhfYM
Of course I have to adore her theme! I'm a singer, and she sings her aria at the opera house to this melody. I remember vividly the lyrics you had to choose from and probably played the Opera sequence over and over again as a kid just to hear it again and again. The internet and other audio devices were not available as they are to me now, then. ; ) For me, though the lyrics are so hopeful, it still feels so sad. It's the sensitive side of Celes that I just love to know that comes out in this theme.

* DANCING MAD (VI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNq-8IBerXQ
Where to start. I cannot believe how complex the composition is with this Final Boss theme. It's seemingly random note professions, odd timing, and distinctly unique sections are astounding to hear. It's a musical journey in itself. Just this one single track, and you could pick it apart for forever it seems. Just as complex and "mad" as the villain himself. I just love how appropriate it is for him. Fun fact: I named my WoW main DanciingMad.

* OPENING/BOMBING MISSION (VII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8NGDsnv34M
Aaand, there was no doubt that this game would be something incredible after being introduced with these tracks that go hand in hand. I can almost smell the compromised air of Midgar as the sound of a train rolls by. And immediately after your heart is sent racing into urgency as it plays on. It just grabs you.

* AERIS' THEME (VII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIqKWLkm2-g
This track reminds me of her kindness every time I hear it. It paints a picture of strength in resilience kept within a delicate package. But some of the strongest best things come in those, don't they? I want to cry every time I hear it to this day because I love her so much. Crazy how a single song can be so sweet and intense at the same time. As was her story...

* STILL MORE FIGHTING (VII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGnJWKyBak
I'm pretty sure that this is my very favorite boss battle theme music. It's crraaaazy! All over the place and never gets old. Well... ; ) But really, it's seems like the most intricate and complex boss battle compositions out there. and the "guitar" adds so much grit to the feel of it all. Just try to follow all the notes as you hum to it. Seriously. Try. So fun!

* TURKS THEME (FFVII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxpcEH9DUDI
Yeeeea... because it's hilariously awesome. The end.

* INTERRUPTED BY FIREWORKS (VII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pi9xgOXvTs
Because I feel like I'm in fairy land. So pretty and perfect for the moment with your date with whoever you ended up with. It just makes me happy.

* ONE WINGED ANGEL (FFVII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7wJ8pE2qKU
So I've always said that they better have made the following villains theme just as epic as Kefka's. No small feat honestly. And of course, they did. So ridiculously dangerous and strong. There aren't enough words to describe how terrifyingly brilliant this composition is. Overplayed? Yes. Understandable? Yes.

* LIBERI FATALI (FFVIII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfd9krEsr-k
This entire album was a bit more macabre if you ask me, but the sweeping strings and vocals/staccato accompaniment of the flutes, as well as the varied dynamics executed in this piece really get you going. It's one of the more intense of the FF openings in my opinion and really painted the picture perfectly from music to CGI sequence. It really is just an epic creation.

* THE LANDING (FFVIII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v6BtJaBQmo
Heart pumping the entire way through. from the expectant slower quality in the beginning to the in your face progression that follows. It really drives home a feeling of urgency and I loved it.

* JULIA (FFVIII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAQqxUsXWqQ
The first song I ever learned all the way through on the piano. Ever. I adore the story behind "Eyes on Me" and of course, this is you very first introductory version to it. Without giving anything away, I love what it represents in such a simplistic way.

* THE SUCCESSOR (FFVIII) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeuzZsGj45E
Sad, Dark, Hopeful. This song to me is many things and I think it's one of VIII's best. I feel like I'm listening to a flower grow out of the ashes or something. Weird analogy but something about it always grabbed me.

* YOU'RE NOT ALONE (FFIX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tog9GjczJVE
This track is just as epic as any Map Theme but it reflective of a changing world. Something not quite as peppy and uplifting. Without giving anything away, it's perfect. It's rhythms are golden. It's one of my favorites of the game.

* VILLAGE OF DALI (FFIX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbwqTgJjtE0
I FINALLY felt like I had returned to the olden times of Final Fantasy towns with this song. So warm and welcoming. Calming and peaceful. I was just so happy with how this game took us back to our roots and this song is the perfect example in terms of music.

* THE DARK MESSENGER (FFIX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si3C1EtGo4c
This villains theme was so brooding and I looooved it. Almost as if the character didn't need to be as charismatically intense as his successors but he'd get you anyways if you weren't careful. The organ brough me back to the days of Kefka, but it still held it's own uniqueness as a whole theme.

* VAMO' ALLA FLAMENCO (FFIX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6w7atxi0BI
Freaking awesome! Such energy and I love the apparent cultural inspirations. A-W-E-S-O-M-E

* TO ZANARKAND (X) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-0G_FI61a8
I think that this is probably one of the prettiest songs ever composed for Final Fantasy. It is so delicate and gorgeous. It sweeping note progressions take you away into the sensitive and beautiful world of X more and more as they build. Grow and them wane. Like the ebb and flow of the tides of time and space across your heart. As cliche' as it sounds. This is probably one of my favorites.

* SUTEKI DA NE (X) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mehqQhSmjUM
Just so sweet and romantic. And of course, as a hopeless romantic, reminds me of one of my favorite cut scenes in Final Fantasy. Shhh! No spoilers! ^.^

* TIDUS' THEME (X) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsNclYkSWDE
I hadn't before heard a main hero's theme play out like a lullaby quite like this one. Tidus' theme makes you feel like you're at home. I feel like I'm staring up into a sea of stars every time. I really love the tranquil quality of his song. Refreshing.

* ENDING THEME (X) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZIpDJUE-tc
This track takes you on another journey. It's moving, heartfelt, and incredibly dynamic. I don't think any song makes me cry quite like this one from the entire series considering what we'd just been through. Not even Aeris' theme. It's also amongst my favorites.



OKAY, That's all I have for now. I guarantee I could talk on this subject forever so post away if you are a fan of the greatness of Final Fantasy Music. I'd love to know what you love too! ^.^

 

[Linnaete]

There is likely more to the list, but the two themes from the top of my head that will always remain with me are:

Wanderer of Time (FFVI) [as voted FFF's FF choice song from this year's Birthweek event]

Vocals: Risa Ohki

As you can instantly tell, this is the vocal version of Terra's theme. I usually have something more substantial to say, but I don't think I can properly elucidate why I feel this song is as close to perfection in the whole franchise as you can find. It does not detract from the iconic instrumental version itself and the choice of voice is sublime. Barring the Japanese lyrics, this can be played in the Wiener Stadthalle (in Vienna) and I wouldn't bat an eyelid.

Answers (FFXIV)

Vocals: Susan Calloway

What can I say about this song that I haven't already said?

They nuked FFXIV 1.0 with this cutscene and this song played over it. It's easily one of the most well-composed CG sequences ever made by Visual Works and a massive kudos to the team for doing it. What a way to send out a troubled MMO, hail the arrival of a new era, and do it in a meta way.

Answers is about the cyclical destruction of Eorzea and its many subsequent rebirths and its composition is a masterfully done reflection of something so cataclysmic that not only are the inhabitants of Eorzea dying, but they're so jaded and broken by these senseless cycles of death that they're calling out to Hydaelyn, the ultimate matron deity of the world to help them. And what does Hydaelyn do? Nothing much! The cycle of death and empires falling only for it to start all over again just continues. Answers conveys the feeling of tragedy, of a cataclysmic climax and of despair beautifully. How I would have loved to be in the T13 fight of the Final Coil of Bahamut to have heard this play in the very final boss fight.

 

[iSmiff]

So i'll just post my post from a similar thread I made: http://www.finalfantasyforums.net/threads/58875-Greatest-FF-music?highlight=

Honourable mention - Off The Edge Of Despair - FF7
Playing through my first ever Final Fantasy, I already felt connected and enthralled in a game like never before with FF7 and this music hit home particularly hard to a young Smiff. Especially with the squeek of the wheelchair (albeit a tad annoying) it really hit home how lost our hero really was; and Tifas helplessness. There are some tracks that you will never forget and I can safely say that this is one of them, although I imagine I will be saying that about the next 10 too..

10th Place - Challenge - FFX
Sure, it takes a while to get going; but when it does this makes a great boss battle theme. I could've easily picked Seymours battle theme instead but for some reason this one just clicks with me more. I think Seymours have more of a holy vibe going on whereas this one is more rugged, almost mechanical.

9th Place - Force Your Way - FFVIII
The final fantasy with the best collective group of battle themes in my opinion. I can still hear Ifrits roar in my head when I listen to this. I have found myself listening to the extended version (30:00m+ version) of this on YouTube many times, tapping on the desk with my fingers. It's great.

8th Place - Tifas Theme - FFVII
To me this is the main theme of FF7. I've never been big on the whole Aeris v Tifa side of FF7 so it's nothing to do with that. It's not my favourite piece from FF7 but it's the first thing that comes in to my head when I think about the game. The piano version from Advent Children is dreamy, and the original is equally as good. I think the sign of good music is one that evokes a variety of emotions within the space of a couple of minutes. Nobuo Uematsu is a freakin' genius. I love that guy.

7th Place - Aurons Theme - FFX
As the FFs progressed so did the technical quality of some of the tracks. This theme just suits Auron down to the ground. It's so laid back and awesome; and has the crispness that some of the older FF titles music lacked due to technological restraints of the time. Sure, Alot of ff7s tracks have been remastered over the years but those arent the tracks you fell in love with; so i'm glad this one was a higher quality to begin with. I'm not really sure what else to say other than I love it.

6th Place - Maybe I'm A Lion - FFVIII
I really think Square (or whatever they were called back then; Squaresoft?) missed a trick with this track. They ended up using it in one of the final boss battles. It was OK there, but I think it is the PERFECT end credits theme. I know the tradition of the FF series dictates that the prelude accompanies the ending or whatever but I imagined that after the final FMV had rolled; the screen goes black and at around the 0:09 moment of the song just 'FINAL FANTASY VIII' slashes up on screen and the credits roll I get way too into this stuff...

5th Place - One Winged Angel - FFVII
Perhaps some of you are surprised this isn't higher, although at the same time I know some of you in the SB aren't too fond of it so are probably happy it isn't higher after all. The worst thing i've ever heard said about this piece is 'It's ok, it's not my favourite' or 'I don't like the chanty choir part' which is fair enough. On the other hand i've heard this track called the greatest piece of video game music, greatest boss battle theme etc etc and I can understand why. It suits the final battle of the FF7 epic down to the ground. I'm not big on Sephys final boss render model but this song + Super Nova =

4th Place - Liberi Fatali - FFVIII
FF8 is by no means my favourite of the four FF titles i'm picking music from; but it has its moments that are just EPIC. The opening FMV + this theme is one of those moments. The first time watching it I remember getting goosebumps, and I still do when I listen to this from time to time. I can picture exactly what is going on in my head just by listening to it and don't need to watch the video. I think that's the sign of a great piece of music, especially from a video game soundtrack. Lucky for Squall facial scarring is less frowned upon than it is in reality.

3rd Place - You're Not Alone - FFIX
Zidanes self doubt. Even the title of the track is perfect. His nightmare has just been realised. Zidane? Yeah, I was called that once.. As the thoughts and words of his companions and friends flash through his mind; the music plays and it just feels natural. What starts out as Zidanes battle to find himself slowly becomes the realisation he's not alone, and never has been. You are who you are, not who someone else wants you to be. Ahh, this song makes me all philosophical. Despite Quina trying it's utmost best to ruin a good moment; this is where Dagger really came of age for me as a character that I liked, Steiner too..

2nd Place - Great Warrior - FFVII
This is the most emotionally evoking music in FF in my opinion. I think this scene is the closest i've ever been to tears playing a video game as a kid. The whole scene is perfect, and the music even more so. The moment; "I am Nanaki of Cosmo Canyon! The son of the warrior, Seto! I'll come back a warrior true to that noble name! So please, Grandpa..." The feels-train has well and truly left the station

CHAMPION - Cids Theme - FFVII
And on the other side of the coin from the feels you get from 'Great Warrior'. Cids theme; wow. It fills me with a sense of pride. I really thought i'd have much more to say considering it's my #1 . I think it's partly due to the way Cid is and the way his backstory is written. I can't help but think of 'hopes and dreams'.... Now someone get me my goddamned TEA

Thank you all for pretending to read .

 

[Rey]

Mitsuki I think I am almost done here with these hats.

I have TOO MANY favourite Final Fantasy songs but I'll try to think of the ones I like the most.

I. Kiss me Goodbye (Angela Aki) FF XII.

I LOVE this song. The first time I completed FF XII and this song played at the end, it was just so beautiful and I started listening to it a lot. Angela Aki is also a really cool mix of Japanese/Italian and American. I think the song is a great ending to Final Fantasy XII because it is a happy ending. I could say more about this but I think the song brilliantly conveys the ending of the game.

II. Dancing Mad. (FF VI)

This song is nothing but pure evil and annihilation as Kefka becomes a God. It had a huge effect on me when I first finished Final Fantasy VI. I felt like this song perfectly conveyed the world ending by an evil devilish clown. We have to remember that Kefka is INSANE as hell. I felt the tension during the final battle and it was a little overwhelming at times! I didn't really feel that any final boss battle in the FF games even compare to the evilness of Kefka.

That will do it for now. I'll post more later because I know there are others I love over others but then I go back to listen to them and I can't decide For instance, I really love Wanderer of time, To Zanarkand, etc but I can't decide which I like better.