Time for something slightly different. Some people look down on music in video games (VGM) and consider it to be not "real" music. In my opinion, they can be iconic, memorable and evoke strong emotions, years later when the music is heard again - this to me, is what music is all about. I want to showcase 10 really great VGM covers from talented artists and musicians on Youtube. Let me know how many of these you recognize!
1. Music by Nobuo Uematsu. Final Fantasy IX ReMix by AndyP & Fishy: "Vamo alla Django" [Vamo alla Flamenco gypsy jazz]
First up is a really enjoyable remix from the OverClocked Remix VGM community, transforming the original synthetic flamenco sound into a fun gypsy jazz guitar sound. You don't need to have played Final Fantasy IX to appreciate the musicianship and toe-tapping goodness here!
2. Dire, Dire Docks (Super Mario 64)
Music by Koji Kondo. Arranged and performed by Patti Rudisill & Paula Bressman
This is an incredibly calming version of a Super Mario 64 track, elevated using strings, with the harp adding a wonderful tranquility.
3. Zora's Domain (from The Legend of Zelda series) [Koji Kondo] // Amy Turk, Harps
Amy Turk creates a whole variety of different sounds with her harp in this serene Zelda cover, taken from her Zelda cover album, Song of Time.
4. Music by Koji Kondo. Super Mario Bros. Ragtime Piano Medley - Scott Bradlee
This ragtime piano medley is sure to bring a smile to anyone who has ever played Mario - it's really entertaining!
5. Fight On! (Final Fantasy VII Boss Theme) ~ violin + cello
Music: Nobuo Uematsu. Violin/Editing: ViolinistBAKA. Cello: Mark Bassett
If you've ever played Final Fantasy VII then you know how iconic this boss-battle tune is! These musicians do a great job recreating that energy and excitement on violin and cello.
6. World Revolution (Chrono Trigger)(Zohar)(Yasunori Mitsuda) Piano played by Kara Comparetto.
Continuing the theme of boss battles, I have never even played Chrono Trigger on the SNES, but I really enjoyed the epicness of this piano cover.
7. Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Main Theme "Sword of Destiny"
Vocal Cover by Jillian Aversa feat. Erutan. Original Composers: Marcin Przybyłowicz & Percival
In addition to being a great cover of an iconic track, a lot of attention has been lavished on the cosplay as well!
8. Bazelgeuse OST - 飛来せし気高き非道 - Ru's Piano Cover / Monster Hunter : World
Composers: Akihiko Narita, Zhenlan Kang
When you hear this music in Monster Hunter: World you know it's time to dive for cover! Bazelgeuse is one of the most annoying bosses in the game, who will show up when you are in the middle of another boss battle, carpet-bombing the area and generally being a complete troll. Ru has attempted to recreate the orchestral power of the original tune on just one piano and I think it's pretty good!
9. NieR『カイネ/救済』-Kaine/Salvation- FingerStyle Guitar: Yuran.
Composed by Keiichi Okabe, Kakeru Ishihama, Keigo Hoashi, Takafumi Nishimura.
A wonderfully reflective piece of fingerstyle guitar by Yuran that evokes a sense of melancholy.
10. Corridors of Time - Chrono Trigger / 時の回廊 - クロノトリガー
Performed by: moonbowmusicmovie. Composed by: Yasunori Mitsuda
In my opinion this is a stunning transformation of the original track that was full of synths. The delicate performances give this track a very emotional feel. You don't need to know anything about the game to appreciate this cover as a work of art.
Honourable mention:
[Chrono Cross] Yasunori Mitsuda & Millenium Fair - RADICAL DREAMERS
This is an official reimagining of a Chrono Cross track into an emotional, cinematic love ballad. Unfortunately there isn't an official version available on Youtube.
OK so what did you think of these video game music covers? Do you have any particular favourites that I haven't mentioned? Leave your comments below!