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We kick off Sonic Month with some awesome, chiptune Genesis-style themes!

More than any video game series, the Sonic series had a dramatic change in its music. The classic Sonic games (Genesis) are typical chiptune themes (and very awesome), but with the rise of 3D gaming, Sonic games suddenly changed to a more hop/rock style with lyrics! So I decided to chop the Sonic music into two categories: Classic Sonic themes and Modern Sonic themes. Today we're going to enjoy some awesome classic themes from the Genesis days. Sure, they're old, and the sound quality of the Genesis is weird, but these themes are awesome nonetheless. Sonic music has always been upbeat, fast, and fun, and that's what we get to enjoy today. 

Green Hill Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog/Composed by Masato Nakamura

This theme, which is the very first level in Sonic 1, is the World 1-1 theme for Sonic. In other words, it's iconic and memorable, just as the World 1-1 theme was for Super Mario Bros. It's simple, pleasant, upbeat, and very fun to listen to. It has just enough going on to keep it from being boring, and the length, while short, is the perfect length. It's certainly a good way to start. 

Emerald Hill Zone from Sonic 2/Composed by Masato Nakamura

Just like the previous song, Emerald Hill Zone is the very first stage of Sonic 2, kicking off the game with a solid theme. It's once again upbeat, pleasant, and enjoyable. It has a smooth pace, not too fast or slow, and manages to keep that pace throughout very confidantly. We often forget how pleasant classic sonic music is because we're used to the hardcore and lyric-singing music of today, but there was a time when Sonic music was simple and awesome. 

Mystic Cave Zone from Sonic 2

This awesome theme sticks out due to its myserious vibe. It sounds like it fits right into Scooby-Doo, and that's awesome! This one has some grooving mystery spunk. The bass is solid throughout, with different instruments taking the lead, keeping the song interesting. This is a stellar theme. 

Ice Cap Zone from Sonic 3/Composed by by Brad Buxer, Cirocco Jones, Sachio Ogawa, Masaru Setsumaru, Yoshiaki Kashima, Tatsuyuki Maeda, Tomonori Sawada, Masayuki Nagao, Jun Senoue, Miyoko Takaoka, Masanori Hikichi, and (supposedly) Michael Jackson

This one kicks off with a simple start, but delivers with a constant beat and melody that might get stuck in your head. There's not much to this one, but you can't complain; it's upbeat, fun, and memorable. Believe it or not, this is one of the most beloved themes by fans for Sonic 3. 

Flying Battery Zone from Sonic & Knuckles/Composed by Sachio Ogawa, Masaru Setsumaru, Yoshiaki Kashima, Tatsuyuki Maeda, Tomonori Sawada, Masayuki Nagao, Jun Senoue, Miyoko Takaoka, Masanori Hikichi, and Howard Drossin

Wow, this song is a work of genius! It's so upbeat, driving, mysterious, catchy, grooving, and totally awesome! The bass doesn't let up for a second. The first half of the song is mysterious, while the second half comes in and delivers the knock-out punch. Definitely one of the "cooler" themes from any of the Sonic games. 

Sandopolis Zone from Sonic & Knuckles

This one starts off with an Egyptian flare, but then kicks it into high gear. It sounds Egyptian throughout, but remains upbeat and very mysterious due to its minor chord progression. Once again, the bass is always there, supporting the whole thing. It's simply another theme that is very fun to listen to. 

Rusty Ruin Zone from Sonic 3D Blast/Composed by Jun Senoue, Tatsuyuki Maeda, Masaru Setsumaru, and Seirou Okamoto

This one starts off with a great driving beat, and holds that beat throughout. The melody is not as strong, making this one more atmospheric. But don't get me wrong, it's a grooving theme that never lets up. It has an air of mystery, but not as much as some of the songs we've already heard. It's solid nonetheless. 

Palmtree Panic Zone from Sonic CD/Composed by Naofumi Hataya, Masafumi Ogata (Japan/Europe); Spencer Nilsen, David J. Young, and Mark "Sterling" Crew (North America)

Let's end on a high note. This theme is from the Japanese/Eropean version of Sonic CD. Due to the CD format, the music was able to have a major upgrade (which is obvious listening to this song). This song is full of spunk, personality, and a fun beat that totally never lets up. You can tell it's Japanese because kid voices say "yay!" in the song (very Japanese). This is an awesome theme, even if it does sound a little too hyper.