Daily Debate: Which Zelda Soundtrack Has the Most Staying Power?

The Zelda series has some great music. It’s inspired countless musicians, composers, and arrangers. It’s played in concerts around the world. And while not everyone likes every piece that’s come from the series, many adore much of it.

Not all Zelda music is equal (as we’ll see in the Musical March Madness), and neither are the scores of the series’ games. For today’s Daily Debate, we’re asking you which Zelda soundtrack rises above the rest to stand the test of time. Which has the most staying power?

This isn’t about the one you prefer more than the others or which has your favorite song. Instead, we’re looking for the one that encapsulates Zelda music, the one without which the series wouldn’t be the same. Does it have the strongest compositions? Has it influenced the series’ music since its debut?

With a gaming franchise as storied as The Legend of Zelda, every title’s score is a serious contender for the one with the most staying power. My initial instinct was to pick Skyward Sword’s soundtrack as my selection. But after a quick reflection, I realized that the game’s score is just my favorite in the series. I don’t think it will stand as the most time-tested one.

My choice has to be A Link to the Past. So many of the series’ iconic musical motifs made their debut in that game. These include “Princess Zelda, Rescued” (which became “Zelda’s Lullaby” in Ocarina of Time), “Kakariko Village,” “Hyrule Castle,” “Fairy Fountain,” and “Ganon’s Message.” It also features the all-time classic “Dark World.” I can’t imagine where Zelda would be without this title’s music.

What do you think? Which Zelda soundtrack has the most staying power? Tell us your pick in the comments!

John Lortie

John’s been a Zelda fan since he was seven years old (which was a good few decades ago). He loves the last three months of the year, analog media, his family, and Tolkien. His favorite Zelda game is Breath of the Wild and his favorite game is Night in the Woods.