There are so many I want to mention — I'm listening to Graeme Norgate's exemplorary work on the TimeSplitters series at this very moment, and Marty O'Donnell's soundtracks for the Halo series are almost beyond description, then there's David Wise's music for the Donkey Kong Country franchise, F-Zero GX, Jeremy Soule's masterworks for Morrowind and Oblivion... Christ, I could keep going — but when it comes to the crunch, my all time favourite soundtrack is that of Spyro the Dragon by Stewart Copeland.
Copeland's work on all three PS1 Spyro games is excellent, but the first stands out the most. I can't even think of how to explain what I love about it so much. Obviously, the tracks are just flat out good with not a single lull in quality, but there's something intangible beyond that. The way he maintains an overall consistent theme and tone despite giving each of the six regions a distinct flavour and texture, the way he weaves so many layers together in subtle mixes that reward an attentive listener, the way the music draws you into a beautiful world of colour and magic and gives the game a sense of flow even when you're standing still...
It's an amazing soundtrack to listen to for concentration, too. Any time I write, this is my go-to background music. Most of the time I read, this is on. Whenever I'm having a bad day, it never fails to perk me up. I love this soundtrack. I am in love with this soundtrack. If I ever met Stewart Copeland I'd tell him what an impact this music has had on my life and then politely ask if I can kiss him once on the mouth.
'Lofty Castle', 'Dreamweavers' Home', and 'Stone Hill' are some highlights.