First off, Skyward Sword defines perfection in video game music. When you listen to the game's soundtrack and then try to listen to another game's, there just isn't any comparison. Nintendo does right the wrong it did before with all-MIDI music, and Kondo and the team bring the grandiose and beauty of the series into the soundtrack. The backwards Zelda's Lullaby in the Skyward Sword theme was a nice Easter Egg, but even Zelda's Lullaby pales in comparison to the brilliance of the SS theme's composition.
1. Staff Roll
I hate to choose a single theme in particular to be my favorite, since Skyward Sword easily has the best soundtrack in any Zelda game (or in any video game, period). It's best to think about it this way: the staff roll always takes the best music from the game, from the series and remixes them to perfection. That is why the music played during the staff credits will always be my favorite. Several different pieces are compiled into one seven minute long fully-orchestrated masterpiece. There is nothing more satisfying in the world than hearing the Skyward Sword theme, the Skyloft theme, the original Zelda theme, Song of the Hero and much more being played by one of the world's finest orchestras.
The best part of the staff roll would have to be the buildup to the original Zelda theme. Afterwards, the familiar Skyloft theme plays once again. Then everything is brought to a close with music similar to that in the beginning of the credits, but accompanied by a magnificent choir.
2. Demise Battle (Second Version)
The combination of snare drums, an eerie choir and and a large group of strings makes for the most unforgettable final boss theme in the franchise's history. Did you think Twilight Princess' final boss music was amazing? Or Super Mario Galaxy's? They all sound like nails across a chalkboard when compared to the Demise battle theme in the second half of the battle.
Darkness, despair and demise - these three Ds are portrayed very vividly in the composition. It gives the player the sense that this is the climax of the game. That feeling is increased exponentially due to Demise's difficulty. It may take most gamers three or more tries to take down the titan! Demise is intimidating enough already, but the music really amplifies that fear enough to make the player **** their pants.
3. Ghirahim (Final Version)
Although the melody of Ghirahim's battles never changes, extra layers are added in the second and third versions to make him seem more menacing. As always, the melody is played by a group of strings and several different brass instruments. And much like the final battle with Demise, a voice choir is present to give the music an epic feel.
4. Earth Temple
The Earth Temple doesn't really embody earth at all, but instead fire. For some reason, strange acoustics make for a very "tribal" atmosphere, and the Earth Temple theme delivers with striking elegance. Though some sounds may seem random, it just adds to the brilliance of the piece. Yes, there are even rattlesnake sounds.
5. Ballad of the Goddess (Original, Harp + Fi Version and 25th Anniversary)
All of the versions of the Ballad of the Goddess are masterful. Each is special in its own way. The original theme is very simple and beautiful, but eventually transitions into an epic full-orchestra piece. The song transitions from quiet and beautiful to adventurous and loud. Nothing bad can be said about any of these versions because they are all so tear-jerking. This song in particular proves that Skyward Sword has some of the greatest video game music in the history of the industry.
6. Lanayru Mining Facility
Much like the Stone Tower Temple, Lanayru Mining Facility is very sandy and overall has a beige hue. They both have two different versions, and the themes vary with the changing of the dungeons. But very much unlike the Stone Tower Temple, the Lanayru Mining Facility can look very lush in vegetation and sport several different colors when an area is transformed into its past version. The theme adapts wonderfully to this change while maintaining its clear Egyptian-inspired style.
7. Ancient Cistern
The echo effect is used intelligently in the Ancient Cistern theme. The ringing of chimes echoing through the dungeon leaves a huge impression on the player, and it suits the dungeon well. The Ancient Cistern may very well have the largest open space of any dungeon in Skyward Sword, so the echoing through the large circular chamber fits the dungeon.
8. Skyview Temple
Did we ever anticipate the strange combination of instruments in Skyview Temple? Of course not. Perhaps the eerie music is what makes Skyview Temple seem so... eerie. The main melody appears to be played by an oboe, which is certainly different, to say the least. And when the player progresses to later parts in the dungeon, the full orchestra kicks in and makes the theme ever more intimidating.
9. Faron Woods
This piece is so simple but effectively uses maracas and other instruments that would be associated with a "forest". Faron Woods' music is decidedly upbeat, but probably one of the only themes in Skyward Sword that can actually be distinguished as such. Most themes aren't so happy, but more of a mix between dark and mystical. The happy feeling that the music exudes might also be to underline how carefree Link is at the beginning of the game - before he knows what perils lie beyond the woods. That's precisely why Faron Woods is so endearing.
10. Koloktos/Moldarach
The Koloktos/Moldarach music gives the player a sense of urgency. The music is fast-paced, stunningly powerful and perfectly fits with the two more "hands-on" bosses in the game.
