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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
i really love the fake-out at the start of your discussion of act 2XD the first time i saw this video, i was screaming and about to throw my ipad when you said "completely different composition! i'm glad i didn't throw my ipad and just kept listening :-]
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!
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
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.
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.
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 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
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 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!
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?
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
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."
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!
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
"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.
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 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!
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...
"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.
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!!!
To comment on the whole Doomsday music being written for Sonic and reused for Knuckles, I noticed that the Doomsday seems to fit the mood and timing for Knuckles boss better than Sonic's, but similarly the Final Boss theme is better fitting and timed appropriately for the Death Egg Robot that Sonic faces before the Doomsday. Its interesting.
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.
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
(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.
4:19 There are people that never did this? I remember trying to determine when the song loops, and was amazed that the loop point was somewhere after the 2 minute mark for a song that is for such a short level
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 noticed that melody in Act 2 was the same. The thing I missed in Lava Reef is the Death Egg lodged in the ceiling. It's in the background the whole time but not particularly noticeable until you're close up near the end.
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.
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.
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
@@LowTierSp00k_MB Brad may have worked on Sonic 3, but he was gone by Sonic & Knuckles (which is where Lava Reef Zone is).
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.
I'm amazed that anybody would say they're not linked.
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
2:05 I would 100% listen to this if it was fully made. It's epic
Same
@Doctor Butler ???????
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.
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
I always associated Lava Reef Act 1's theme as "Thank God I'm finally fucking out of Sandopolis!"
Totally agree!
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
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.
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.
Did not expect to see this from this channel. Cool dude. Keep it up.
Boy, that old yamaha chip sure can sing.
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.
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.
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!
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.
@@robokill387 I can hear that.
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
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!
Tee Lopes’ Lava Reef Act 2 is the high point of my play through of Sonic mania. Loved it!
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!
This along with Mystic Cave Zone from Sonic 2 are my favourite Sonic themes. Both have that melancholic sense of menace and foreboding.
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.
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!
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 love that 25+ years on and we can still form conversations about the music from a level in a Sonic game.
Hey first video on your channel, and first video about music theory that I can actually sorta understand. Nice video!
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.
i really love the fake-out at the start of your discussion of act 2XD
the first time i saw this video, i was screaming and about to throw my ipad when you said "completely different composition! i'm glad i didn't throw my ipad and just kept listening :-]
Love your analysis of these classic tracks. Subscribed!
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!
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
5:46 - That composition also reminds me of the type of music Streets of Rage 1 had, specially the intro. Pure magic!
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.
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.
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.
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
You're amazing on breaking down the music.
And so the legend was born
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
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 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
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?
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
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
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!
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
"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.
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.
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!
You just earned a new subscriber :)
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*
The bro is back! Hope to see more coming our way! FINISH!!
Man what a channel
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...
When I listen to the first act. I hear and feel freedom from everything that binds me. Thank you for this video.
This is my favorite in your sonic series.
"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.
This song is my ringtone!
The Commentary in this video was so good I was shock that it’s over.
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!!!
To comment on the whole Doomsday music being written for Sonic and reused for Knuckles, I noticed that the Doomsday seems to fit the mood and timing for Knuckles boss better than Sonic's, but similarly the Final Boss theme is better fitting and timed appropriately for the Death Egg Robot that Sonic faces before the Doomsday. Its interesting.
I'm so excited for the next episodes!!!
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.
3:42 I did! and I made act 2 feel more ethernal.
3:22 When you said this, I was like "wait, that can't be true...?"
You are awesome I love the cheeky attitude
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
This is easily my favourite level music on Mania. I had noticed the shared melody by the way, just wanted to let you finish 😅
"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 picked up the common notes in Act 1 and 2 back in the day and it blew my mind
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
(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.
love your videos and personality so much man you have no clue lol!
Holy shit, these videos are blessings.
i have no idea how to read music or about music theory... these videos are just nice to watch
Fun fact: Lava Reef is actually located inside of the volcano shown in the Sonic & Knuckles title screen.
I love these videos man
Mr. Zone, have you also noticed that the second two notes in Lava Reef 2/ Hidden Palace are the notes from the "SEGA" jingle?
Perhaps, but as a two note sequence, you're bound to find it everywhere!
Great musical analysis on this beautiful song, sometimes I get the urge to listen to this song throughout the years
4:19 There are people that never did this? I remember trying to determine when the song loops, and was amazed that the loop point was somewhere after the 2 minute mark for a song that is for such a short level
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
These are so freakin good!
I noticed that melody in Act 2 was the same. The thing I missed in Lava Reef is the Death Egg lodged in the ceiling. It's in the background the whole time but not particularly noticeable until you're close up near the end.
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
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
5:54 You should totally get around to doing some of Freedom Planet's music at some point
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.
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.