You (and everyone else) missed another connection. Part of the melody just before the loop of Act 1 is elongated in Act 2 It goes E A C B G A. The first four notes are identical between both acts.
It's not often I advocate for a redux of a video, but I think Lava Reef Zone really warrants it. The complex yet distant relationship between acts one and two needs further exploration by somebody of your talents. And the last section of act one.. that explosion of sheer, unbridled joy before going back to the lava flow theme... UGH it gets me every time! 16bit sonic music is like a symphony in miniature, imo.
yep, I do agree with this too. the way its sounds from action pack and pump up vibe from Lava Reef act 1 to a sudden change becoming a mysterious, calm, and somewhat a sacred sounding in Lava Reef act 2/Hidden Palace is quite fitting with the story that's happen during the stage.
Yep, definitely intentional. Hidden Palace is within Lava Reef, and even uses the same aesthetic, so it's fitting as well as intentional. They wanted to act like nothing unusual was going on, before surprising the player with Knuckles fighting Sonic personally, Robotnik's betrayal, and the theft of the master emerald.
Honestly as a kid I had a lot of trouble getti ng past flying battery and sandopolis so my mind was blown when my mom played for me and the master emerald shrine music played in the level it made me go “oh shit where is this” so it def felt like it told a lot
Whenever I got to this, it always gave me a feeling, like we're almost there, things are setting up, anticipation to the end, what are we gonna discover sfter running through this plsce, it's so peaceful but...threatening.
You said the music is shaped like an eruption, and you may have been more right than you know. If you think about it, the WHOLE SONG is a literal representation of a musical volcanic eruption. The opening chorus and bassline sounds like bubbling lava. The ending melody that circles back to the starting chorus is the actual eruption that ascends all the way to the 11th note before settling back down to the starting section of bubbling danger. It sounds happy but in reality, it's only happy in the sense that it's awe-inspiring. More "Wow!" than "Yay!"
I always thought I was musically dumb for not recognizing the connection between act 1 and 2 when I was a kid. When I was 23yo attempted listen those two tracks in sequence trying to see a connection in the melody and then was amazed that it was in the background. I feel better now knowing that much more people think they are completely different compositions.
3:33 I was LITERALLY about to come to the comments to say "wait, no, literally that trickling bit is super prominent in Act 2" but decided to wait it out just in case, haha
Lava Reef and the Hidden Palace on Angel Island are connected the same way the Mystic Cave/Dust Hill mines are connected to the Hidden Palace of West Side Island. They are sister shrines of the ancient civilizations that ended when Perfect Chaos went on his rampage.
Lava Reef 1, 2, and Hidden Place feels more connected than any other set of stages in the two games. The music of act 1 has a innocent wonder to it where act to is more awe. As you move through the volcano in act two it slowly hints and turns to Hidden Palace.
So, I've been watching this whole series, and went in level order ('cause I'm weird like that.) I have to say, I'm incredibly flattered you mentioned Freedom Planet! Keep up the good work!
Nope. I knew about Act 2’s melody being the same as Act 1 the moment I heard it. I was 6 years old when I finally made it to Lava Reef and instantly made the connection. I’m 31 now. Also, I did stand there on Sonic 2’s Death Egg after dying a few times. Then I went to the sound test to listen to it longer.
I just recently decided to watch one of your videos I’ve been seeing them flew around the Internet for years and always thoughg “ oh it’s for musical people who know about scale and all that fancy music stuff.” But you really do break it down and make it almost in Laymans terms I’m really digging these videos!
what the hell, ulililia is making music theory videos now? i would NEVER have expected this but this is very welcomed by me i would like to see more music theory videos from you
I did make that connection as a kid! And I always figured it shares a tune with Hidden Palace because they're in almost the same location on the Floating Island.
3:10 I'm glad you mentioned Glissandos for the other songs. In Hydrocity Zone especially, I always though they sounded like bubbles swirling, which really completed the song. I once tried to play the song without Glissandos, it sounded incomplete and awkward.
"When you were young did you ever hang out in the Death Egg hallway so you could just listen to the entire song?" Yes, absolutely! I loved it, it's just the right kind of screwy for the occasion.
I feel like Lava Reef 2 is more of a mysterious theme rather than bleak. You're learning new things about the world and feeling like something is drawing near. Something epic, for sure, but you're not sure what, which is the most fascinating thing about it. But I suppose it can also be scary in a way.
Question. Do composers think in terms of melody like you explain them like oh I should put a major 3rd here so it sounds a certain way or do they just come up with melodies that sound good and optimize them by trying different versions?
Great question. The reality is that both types of composers exist - both the "deliberate theory" types and the "intuitive/trial and error types." The cool thing is, even someone who doesn't have a deep music theory background can use the intuitive/trial and error approach and compose stuff that sounds great, and then someone with music theory background can analyze that music and figure out "why" it sounds so good, even if the composer wasn't aware of the theory-based reasoning behind it. After all, the ultimate goal is to make sounds that are pleasing to the ear, which can of course be accomplished without music theory training. However, music theory knowledge helps the composer approach composition with more versatility/flexibility, and they're able to make deliberate theory-based choices to achieve a certain effect. Like, "I need to make a spooky sounding song for a haunted house level, let me try out some of the spooky sounding scales and chord progressions that I'm aware of." Also, if there is a part of the song that "needs work" you can sort of diagnose why it's not working and can brainstorm lots of deliberate options for changing it. Whereas the intuitive/trial and error approach is a bit of guesswork, trying different things until it clicks, without knowing much about the "why."
So I have been watching through most of the channel and have been saving this lava reef theory for a special occasion. Boy am I glad I waited. What a damn good video. This is my entire nostalgia muscle being flexed every time my good sir. Just excellent!
After re-watching this video a couple of times, I now realize that the accidental used in the beginning of the song (The #4), is actually a b5, which is the "blue note" coming from the minor blues scale, probably used to give the song a jazzy/bluesy flavor
I don't know anything about Music Theory, but your Sonic Music Theory videos make me feel like I do! I love these videos. Please keep doing them, I'd actually love to see a music theory video for all 3 classic Sonic games songs. Anyway thanks for making these videos!
Love these videos. I've always felt like I've had an intuitive understanding that these pieces of music were pretty clever without really being able to formally express it. You mention the Death Egg zone music briefly - any plans to make a video about that track? Pretty please? I find it super interesting in its dissonance, with the cheerful main melody and bizarre backing melody jumping around in, I guess, augmented fourths?
I know basically nothing about sheet music but I love sonic music and this got recommended, and this was actually really fascinating to watch. Star Light City from Sonic 1 please!
I know this is from a while back, but man I love this video! Also, I got to say that the lava level music in all Sonic games tend to be my favorite. Volcano Valley from 3D blast is so good, specifically Act 2!
As a huge sonic fan I am just amazed by this channel and the sonic content I am no music expert but I understand somewhat what you are saying and it’s amazing
I’m one year late but, the happy thing you explain at 1:53 also appears in Maya’s Theme from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, which is a really happy music, and it came immediately to my mind when I heard the reimagined version you made just after your explanation!
Binge watching these awesome videos now! The complex breakdown is something else. People always underestimate the power of video game music. In that case you have to cover these Sonic songs for a comprehensive break down as well: Spring Yard, Scarp Brain Chemical Plant, Aquatic Ruin, Oil Ocean, Mystic Cave Hydrocity (Both Acts), Ice Cap Present, Good Future theme and All Bad Futures from Sonic CD (Japanese) Rusty Ruin, Puppet Panic, and Volcano Valley Leaf Forest, Hot Crater, Music Plant and Techno Base Lava Powerhouse and Showdown
I'm just in love with your channel. I can't wait to see the Hydrocity Zone video! Also, I know you've been focusing on S3&K and you'll probably prioritise the other games from the franchise (S1 and S2), but I'd love to see the analysis of some songs of Sonic 3D Blast (Genesis, as the Saturn version sucks ahahah), specially Volcano Valley Zone. The songs in this game are fantastic and very overshadowed by the game's lack of success. Anyway, I'm already subscribed. Keep up the good work! :D
"When you were young, did you ever hang out in the Death Egg hallway so you could just listen to the entire song?" Actually... yes? Is that weird? 'Cause I did.
3:30 I was genuinely staring at my phone with disbelief when you said it wasn't the same song or a remix. But then again I didn't hear these tracks until I was teenager
Yes. Yes I did hang out in the hallway of Sonic 2’s Death Egg Zone just to hear the music. It was so interesting and you only otherwise got to hear it for a few seconds. As a side note, I actually started to learn to play Death Egg Zone’s music on the piano (you can find it on MuseScore), and the treble notes up top are much more complicated and random than I originally thought.
These music theory videos about Sonic music is more interesting and easier to comprehend than 95% of the music theory videos on RUclips, so thank you!!!
(Watching through all these videos for the first time, love 'em) One thing I have to say about this music is that whenever I get to it in Soninc 3 & Knuckles or Sonic Mania, I instantly feel *tired*. Like, somethign about it just perfectly encapsultes "It's a lazy Sunday afteroon and so far all you've done with it is play lots ad lots of Sonic levels." Which in a weird way almost makes me want to stop playing? It's a good save point to change gears with, at least.
About death egg zone and Sonic 2, there was originally supposed to be a whole level but it was scrapped, which is why an entire song was composed for it.
Act 1 and 2 always had a similar sound to me, even when I first played this game as a kid. I thought everyone noticed it. Probably because this has always been one of my favorite tracks from the game.
i never forget the feeling of elatedness when i 1st made it to this level and heard this theme. its incredibly nostalgic n perfect . i dont care what level ti originated from..this is the best version by far
Yeah I'll be honest, I kinda heard the similarities between Act 1 and Act 2's music, but it didn't click at first. Probably because at that point I'd never played any Sonic games before and only knew about Sonic 3 & Knuckles, so I just assumed Act was a reuse of the theme used for the next zone, Hidden Palace. I heard a bit more of a similarity when I heard Mania's soundtrack and player the game myself, but it still didn't fully click. It took a mashup of Lava Reef Act 1 and Act 2 to really bring it home, though I think the repeat of that last section of Act 1 in Mania compared to S3K's version really helped in that regard. Now thanks to this I can't unhear it and I'm so happy about that. Also thanks to reminding me the name for "Glissando," that's one of my favorite parts of Act 1's theme when I hum it
So, I found out about Sonic Mania from this video. Started playing it. What a trip. Oh god, the turtles riding turtles are back. What a travesty that was in sonic 2. But they made it work. Sometimes I wonder what fraction of the acid consumed during the making of this game they were able to write off as a BUSINESS EXPENSE.
Dude, I totally connected the act one and two music... Back then... The second act's song STARTS with the same back melody as the first... Perhaps it's because I always played with headphones on...
Ill never forget the day we finally got to lava reef zone. dad was trying to make pancakes that morning but i was so excited to watch my brothers play i just shoved them in my mouth whole and ran back to the action.
5:14 YOU DID NOT JUST REFERENCE ZEAVOTOWN'S MYSTIC CAVE LYRIC VIDEO. ARE YOU FOR REAL? DUDE THAT SHIT USED TO BE MY JAM AND I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS SO OBSCURE. God I feel like I'm the only person in this comment section that got that reference and it feels darn surreal.
I don't know if someone mentioned this already, but I'd like to point out a few things about the mania renditions of lava reef. Firstly, for act 1, if you listen closely in the third section of the song, there's a Quartz Quadrant Leimotif. This to me, probably relates to the conveyors in the zone, that were reused from Quartz Quadrant. Next in act 2, the opening of the song to me, correlates to when you first see the city/factory background. It sorta gives of a mystical vibe, as if you're discovering something completely new. Something under the lava reef. That's all I wanted to share. I know it's been 2 years but whatever. Have a good one.
You (and everyone else) missed another connection. Part of the melody just before the loop of Act 1 is elongated in Act 2
It goes E A C B G A. The first four notes are identical between both acts.
The PSG Channels do that in Act 1, but in a more complex way
Oh no sonic cd is more darker
It's not often I advocate for a redux of a video, but I think Lava Reef Zone really warrants it. The complex yet distant relationship between acts one and two needs further exploration by somebody of your talents. And the last section of act one.. that explosion of sheer, unbridled joy before going back to the lava flow theme... UGH it gets me every time!
16bit sonic music is like a symphony in miniature, imo.
I guess I'm more musically aware of compositions than others.
@@Origamiisthebest :(
My mind was actually blown to pieces when you described the shape of the music being like lava.
Yes same
agreed, i never realized they paid that much attention to detail when writing the music for this game
Lave Reef Act 1 reminds me of Rude Buster from Deltarune..
@@abneryates4304 it's brad boxer he is a music legend
@@Nakedjackfrost Brad may have worked on Sonic 3, but he was gone by Sonic & Knuckles (which is where Lava Reef Zone is).
I don't think it was laziness that made them reuse the music in Hidden Palace. I think it was storytelling.
I agree
yep, I do agree with this too. the way its sounds from action pack and pump up vibe from Lava Reef act 1 to a sudden change becoming a mysterious, calm, and somewhat a sacred sounding in Lava Reef act 2/Hidden Palace is quite fitting with the story that's happen during the stage.
Considering the Hidden Palace is INSIDE Lava Reef, it's fitting, too.
Yep, definitely intentional. Hidden Palace is within Lava Reef, and even uses the same aesthetic, so it's fitting as well as intentional. They wanted to act like nothing unusual was going on, before surprising the player with Knuckles fighting Sonic personally, Robotnik's betrayal, and the theft of the master emerald.
Honestly as a kid I had a lot of trouble getti ng past flying battery and sandopolis so my mind was blown when my mom played for me and the master emerald shrine music played in the level it made me go “oh shit where is this” so it def felt like it told a lot
I always thought act one and two sounded linked. This is the first I’ve ever heard of people thinking they were unrelated compositions!
Thank you, I'm glad I wasn't the only one. Yes, the introduction is quite different, but later on it sounded like a variation on act 1 to me.
Same, I thought everyone knew that /lh
Similar here. When i first heard the 2 tunes i thought there must be some link and listened closely to both of them and then found the link.
That’s because there are times where people don’t know what the main melody is.
Act 2 of Lava Reef is certainly where the whole act 1-act 2 reimagining thing is stretched the furthest.
Lava Reef Zone Act 1 is hands down, my favorite piece of video game music ever created. I can blast that stuff for hours.
2:05 I would 100% listen to this if it was fully made. It's epic
Same
@Doctor Butler ???????
Whenever I got to this, it always gave me a feeling, like we're almost there, things are setting up, anticipation to the end, what are we gonna discover sfter running through this plsce, it's so peaceful but...threatening.
Lava Reef's music was the first piece of game music that I was obsessed, it's so good. That bass line.
I've always felt like Sonic & Knuckles was darker than most other Sonic Games
I think CD is the darkest
i think waku waku patrol car is the darkest
@@qwertyiuwg4uwtwthn lol
No it is the ‘brightest’ lol.
IMO
You said the music is shaped like an eruption, and you may have been more right than you know. If you think about it, the WHOLE SONG is a literal representation of a musical volcanic eruption. The opening chorus and bassline sounds like bubbling lava. The ending melody that circles back to the starting chorus is the actual eruption that ascends all the way to the 11th note before settling back down to the starting section of bubbling danger. It sounds happy but in reality, it's only happy in the sense that it's awe-inspiring. More "Wow!" than "Yay!"
Lava reef's theme really slaps though. I can't really stop listening to this song.
Never will we ever hear something so brilliantly made again...
Music will never be the same
I always thought I was musically dumb for not recognizing the connection between act 1 and 2 when I was a kid. When I was 23yo attempted listen those two tracks in sequence trying to see a connection in the melody and then was amazed that it was in the background.
I feel better now knowing that much more people think they are completely different compositions.
Boy, that old yamaha chip sure can sing.
I always associated Lava Reef Act 1's theme as "Thank God I'm finally fucking out of Sandopolis!"
Totally agree!
Did not expect to see this from this channel. Cool dude. Keep it up.
3:33 I was LITERALLY about to come to the comments to say "wait, no, literally that trickling bit is super prominent in Act 2" but decided to wait it out just in case, haha
I love that 25+ years on and we can still form conversations about the music from a level in a Sonic game.
When I was young, I actually stood still in Death Egg to hear the whole song, a lot of the time. I loved that song.
I think that having hidden palace share a melody was a way of conveying that hidden palace was within lava reef, rather than being a separate location
Lava Reef and the Hidden Palace on Angel Island are connected the same way the Mystic Cave/Dust Hill mines are connected to the Hidden Palace of West Side Island. They are sister shrines of the ancient civilizations that ended when Perfect Chaos went on his rampage.
Lava Reef 1, 2, and Hidden Place feels more connected than any other set of stages in the two games. The music of act 1 has a innocent wonder to it where act to is more awe. As you move through the volcano in act two it slowly hints and turns to Hidden Palace.
To me, act 1 is more confident and fun whereas act 2 is more stressful and serious.
I always loved that in act 2, the first 4 bars was in 6/8 and then it just abruptly swaps to 4/4 but yet at the same time it’s unnoticeable.
My God you're right... How did I never notice that!
This along with Mystic Cave Zone from Sonic 2 are my favourite Sonic themes. Both have that melancholic sense of menace and foreboding.
So, I've been watching this whole series, and went in level order ('cause I'm weird like that.) I have to say, I'm incredibly flattered you mentioned Freedom Planet!
Keep up the good work!
Nope. I knew about Act 2’s melody being the same as Act 1 the moment I heard it. I was 6 years old when I finally made it to Lava Reef and instantly made the connection. I’m 31 now.
Also, I did stand there on Sonic 2’s Death Egg after dying a few times. Then I went to the sound test to listen to it longer.
I grew up playing Sonic on Sega Genesis and I've listened to the music throughout my life. I love it. I'm turning 40 this year. Great video!
Tee Lopes’ Lava Reef Act 2 is the high point of my play through of Sonic mania. Loved it!
You're amazing on breaking down the music.
5:46 - That composition also reminds me of the type of music Streets of Rage 1 had, specially the intro. Pure magic!
I just recently decided to watch one of your videos I’ve been seeing them flew around the Internet for years and always thoughg “ oh it’s for musical people who know about scale and all that fancy music stuff.” But you really do break it down and make it almost in Laymans terms I’m really digging these videos!
what the hell, ulililia is making music theory videos now?
i would NEVER have expected this but this is very welcomed by me
i would like to see more music theory videos from you
I did make that connection as a kid!
And I always figured it shares a tune with Hidden Palace because they're in almost the same location on the Floating Island.
3:10 I'm glad you mentioned Glissandos for the other songs. In Hydrocity Zone especially, I always though they sounded like bubbles swirling, which really completed the song. I once tried to play the song without Glissandos, it sounded incomplete and awkward.
My favorite level in all of the Sonic games because of the music of both acts.
"When you were young did you ever hang out in the Death Egg hallway so you could just listen to the entire song?" Yes, absolutely! I loved it, it's just the right kind of screwy for the occasion.
I feel like Lava Reef 2 is more of a mysterious theme rather than bleak. You're learning new things about the world and feeling like something is drawing near. Something epic, for sure, but you're not sure what, which is the most fascinating thing about it. But I suppose it can also be scary in a way.
I didn't stop you because this is the first video of yours I've ever seen and also I know nothing about music... so I learned heaps.
Question. Do composers think in terms of melody like you explain them like oh I should put a major 3rd here so it sounds a certain way or do they just come up with melodies that sound good and optimize them by trying different versions?
Great question. The reality is that both types of composers exist - both the "deliberate theory" types and the "intuitive/trial and error types."
The cool thing is, even someone who doesn't have a deep music theory background can use the intuitive/trial and error approach and compose stuff that sounds great, and then someone with music theory background can analyze that music and figure out "why" it sounds so good, even if the composer wasn't aware of the theory-based reasoning behind it.
After all, the ultimate goal is to make sounds that are pleasing to the ear, which can of course be accomplished without music theory training. However, music theory knowledge helps the composer approach composition with more versatility/flexibility, and they're able to make deliberate theory-based choices to achieve a certain effect. Like, "I need to make a spooky sounding song for a haunted house level, let me try out some of the spooky sounding scales and chord progressions that I'm aware of." Also, if there is a part of the song that "needs work" you can sort of diagnose why it's not working and can brainstorm lots of deliberate options for changing it. Whereas the intuitive/trial and error approach is a bit of guesswork, trying different things until it clicks, without knowing much about the "why."
@@AlexYardZone Thanks for the detailed answer. You have great content I subbed. Have a nice day, or night wherever you are from :D
@@milltonmanakeeper53 there is no such thing as night or day
So I have been watching through most of the channel and have been saving this lava reef theory for a special occasion. Boy am I glad I waited. What a damn good video. This is my entire nostalgia muscle being flexed every time my good sir. Just excellent!
Great new content concept. I really appreciate the refinement of the presentation commentary, graphics, and style.
After re-watching this video a couple of times, I now realize that the accidental used in the beginning of the song (The #4), is actually a b5, which is the "blue note" coming from the minor blues scale, probably used to give the song a jazzy/bluesy flavor
I don't know anything about Music Theory, but your Sonic Music Theory videos make me feel like I do! I love these videos. Please keep doing them, I'd actually love to see a music theory video for all 3 classic Sonic games songs. Anyway thanks for making these videos!
I actually did hear that Act 2 using the melody structure of Act one. This is the first I'm hearing of people thinking it was totally separate music.
Hey first video on your channel, and first video about music theory that I can actually sorta understand. Nice video!
Love these videos. I've always felt like I've had an intuitive understanding that these pieces of music were pretty clever without really being able to formally express it.
You mention the Death Egg zone music briefly - any plans to make a video about that track? Pretty please? I find it super interesting in its dissonance, with the cheerful main melody and bizarre backing melody jumping around in, I guess, augmented fourths?
This is my favorite in your sonic series.
When I listen to the first act. I hear and feel freedom from everything that binds me. Thank you for this video.
I know basically nothing about sheet music but I love sonic music and this got recommended, and this was actually really fascinating to watch. Star Light City from Sonic 1 please!
"When you were young, did you ever hang out in the Death Egg hallway just to listen to the entire song?" Yes I did, Alex :)
I know this is from a while back, but man I love this video!
Also, I got to say that the lava level music in all Sonic games tend to be my favorite. Volcano Valley from 3D blast is so good, specifically Act 2!
2:30 Is it just me or am I seeing the Endless Mine rhythmic motif in here?
It's almost the exact same spot
The Commentary in this video was so good I was shock that it’s over.
The bro is back! Hope to see more coming our way! FINISH!!
I picked up the common notes in Act 1 and 2 back in the day and it blew my mind
Something that gets explained and i didnt even know i needed
As a huge sonic fan I am just amazed by this channel and the sonic content I am no music expert but I understand somewhat what you are saying and it’s amazing
Love how you think abt music bro🔥🙏🏼earned a sub
I’m one year late but, the happy thing you explain at 1:53 also appears in Maya’s Theme from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, which is a really happy music, and it came immediately to my mind when I heard the reimagined version you made just after your explanation!
*chokes in ace attorney*
Binge watching these awesome videos now! The complex breakdown is something else. People always underestimate the power of video game music. In that case you have to cover these Sonic songs for a comprehensive break down as well:
Spring Yard, Scarp Brain
Chemical Plant, Aquatic Ruin, Oil Ocean, Mystic Cave
Hydrocity (Both Acts), Ice Cap
Present, Good Future theme and All Bad Futures from Sonic CD (Japanese)
Rusty Ruin, Puppet Panic, and Volcano Valley
Leaf Forest, Hot Crater, Music Plant and Techno Base
Lava Powerhouse and Showdown
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THESE VIDEOS!
Love your analysis of these classic tracks. Subscribed!
3:22 When you said this, I was like "wait, that can't be true...?"
You just earned a new subscriber :)
I'm just in love with your channel. I can't wait to see the Hydrocity Zone video!
Also, I know you've been focusing on S3&K and you'll probably prioritise the other games from the franchise (S1 and S2), but I'd love to see the analysis of some songs of Sonic 3D Blast (Genesis, as the Saturn version sucks ahahah), specially Volcano Valley Zone. The songs in this game are fantastic and very overshadowed by the game's lack of success.
Anyway, I'm already subscribed. Keep up the good work! :D
This is easily my favourite level music on Mania. I had noticed the shared melody by the way, just wanted to let you finish 😅
Man what a channel
"When you were young, did you ever hang out in the Death Egg hallway so you could just listen to the entire song?"
Actually... yes? Is that weird? 'Cause I did.
That hallway is literally asking to be waited in.
I'm so excited for the next episodes!!!
That's my favorite tune from that game.
Fun fact: Lava Reef is actually located inside of the volcano shown in the Sonic & Knuckles title screen.
3:30 I was genuinely staring at my phone with disbelief when you said it wasn't the same song or a remix.
But then again I didn't hear these tracks until I was teenager
Yes. Yes I did hang out in the hallway of Sonic 2’s Death Egg Zone just to hear the music. It was so interesting and you only otherwise got to hear it for a few seconds. As a side note, I actually started to learn to play Death Egg Zone’s music on the piano (you can find it on MuseScore), and the treble notes up top are much more complicated and random than I originally thought.
3:42 I did! and I made act 2 feel more ethernal.
Nice video man. I respected this track but I never really listened to it much, but now I want to remix it! New sub btw.
Lava Reef has always been my favourite Sonic music, both act 1 and 2
These music theory videos about Sonic music is more interesting and easier to comprehend than 95% of the music theory videos on RUclips, so thank you!!!
You are awesome I love the cheeky attitude
This song is my ringtone!
(Watching through all these videos for the first time, love 'em) One thing I have to say about this music is that whenever I get to it in Soninc 3 & Knuckles or Sonic Mania, I instantly feel *tired*. Like, somethign about it just perfectly encapsultes "It's a lazy Sunday afteroon and so far all you've done with it is play lots ad lots of Sonic levels." Which in a weird way almost makes me want to stop playing? It's a good save point to change gears with, at least.
Lava reef hands down my fav tune from S&K and I never heard the full death egg tune as a kid until I went to the sound test mode lol
About death egg zone and Sonic 2, there was originally supposed to be a whole level but it was scrapped, which is why an entire song was composed for it.
Act 1 and 2 always had a similar sound to me, even when I first played this game as a kid. I thought everyone noticed it. Probably because this has always been one of my favorite tracks from the game.
i never forget the feeling of elatedness when i 1st made it to this level and heard this theme. its incredibly nostalgic n perfect . i dont care what level ti originated from..this is the best version by far
Yeah I'll be honest, I kinda heard the similarities between Act 1 and Act 2's music, but it didn't click at first. Probably because at that point I'd never played any Sonic games before and only knew about Sonic 3 & Knuckles, so I just assumed Act was a reuse of the theme used for the next zone, Hidden Palace. I heard a bit more of a similarity when I heard Mania's soundtrack and player the game myself, but it still didn't fully click.
It took a mashup of Lava Reef Act 1 and Act 2 to really bring it home, though I think the repeat of that last section of Act 1 in Mania compared to S3K's version really helped in that regard. Now thanks to this I can't unhear it and I'm so happy about that. Also thanks to reminding me the name for "Glissando," that's one of my favorite parts of Act 1's theme when I hum it
And so the legend was born
i have no idea how to read music or about music theory... these videos are just nice to watch
The notes at the end of the jubilantly happy bits also look like a smiley face.
This video resumed: extremely good analisis + having no idea about music theory= Fricking good music
So, I found out about Sonic Mania from this video. Started playing it. What a trip. Oh god, the turtles riding turtles are back. What a travesty that was in sonic 2. But they made it work. Sometimes I wonder what fraction of the acid consumed during the making of this game they were able to write off as a BUSINESS EXPENSE.
Dude, I totally connected the act one and two music... Back then... The second act's song STARTS with the same back melody as the first... Perhaps it's because I always played with headphones on...
Ill never forget the day we finally got to lava reef zone. dad was trying to make pancakes that morning but i was so excited to watch my brothers play i just shoved them in my mouth whole and ran back to the action.
This entire Zone is as horrifically chilling as it is mesmerizing.
Great musical analysis on this beautiful song, sometimes I get the urge to listen to this song throughout the years
5:14 YOU DID NOT JUST REFERENCE ZEAVOTOWN'S MYSTIC CAVE LYRIC VIDEO. ARE YOU FOR REAL? DUDE THAT SHIT USED TO BE MY JAM AND I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS SO OBSCURE. God I feel like I'm the only person in this comment section that got that reference and it feels darn surreal.
Nope, you're not alone, it took my a minute to realize cause I thought that sounded familiar
I always knew Lava Reef Act 2's music shared that part with Act 1. And I was in fact about to correct you. :P
I don't know if someone mentioned this already, but I'd like to point out a few things about the mania renditions of lava reef.
Firstly, for act 1, if you listen closely in the third section of the song, there's a Quartz Quadrant Leimotif. This to me, probably relates to the conveyors in the zone, that were reused from Quartz Quadrant.
Next in act 2, the opening of the song to me, correlates to when you first see the city/factory background. It sorta gives of a mystical vibe, as if you're discovering something completely new. Something under the lava reef.
That's all I wanted to share. I know it's been 2 years but whatever. Have a good one.
Unforgettable stage music. Omg!!
Yes! I just sat there in the hallway and listened to the death egg music as a kid!
Not sure I got here but I'm glad I saw this before my life ended