The 10 best Zelda songs EVER

Features
By published

It's a bigger controversy than you think

Well now, can't imagine you were expecting this song at the top, were you? Here's the rationale: it's 1985 and every other game is about jumping on shit, collecting coins or getting a better score. Zelda challenged you to find a reason to play, and the further you dug, the greater your rewards. In the days of no internet, no faqs and no maps, finding even the first underground labyrinth was a miracle. Then, upon entering, you're inundated with a relentless, claustrophobic tune that repeats forever. Its unnerving, rhythmic bass line felt as though it were reverberating through the halls, adding layers of dread with each passing loop. No other game at the time was even remotely scary - with this track, Zelda became the first NES game to make us feel unrest.

Zelda: The Music has the labyrinth tune (or "underground" or "underworld"), plus it's loaded with lots of other songs as we mentioned before.

Remixes of note

Swedish rock band Game Over belts out a ton of Zelda-related lyrics in Hyrule's Angel, and after four minutes you'll finally reach the labyrinth tune. And it's just as creepy when cranked out by pure metal.

wRenchpilot offers a more literal translation, featuring nothing but the brief ditty looping for four minutes in UnderWorldPressureCooker. But, like its name suggests, the mix keeps piling on more with each pass. A great listen.

Finally, Neskvartetten delivers an authentic bayou sound with LinkGoestoNewOrleans. It's a convincing scenario, a jam band sitting on the docks, cranking out an improvised homage to the greatest Zelda tune of all time.

Think we're completely and utterly insane for leaving out the Windmill Theme or something from Ages, Seasons or Minish Cap? Believe us, there were plenty that started on the list, then fell off as considerations changed. If you want to keep the discussion alive, head to our forum for more.

Mar 4, 2008

Brett Elston
Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.