THE 8 GREATEST KINGDOM HEARS SONGS
Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts soundtrack has set the standard for what a great video game soundtrack should sound like. It mixes lighthearted and serious music. You have probably heard the soundtrack at least once, or, if you are like me, it is a daily routine.
It was difficult to narrow down the list to 8. There are so many great songs from the series’ almost two-decade-old history. It was difficult to narrow down the list because there are so many great songs throughout the series’ nearly two-decade-old history. However, it is safe to say that these songs are well worth the effort. Here are eight of the best franchise songs, because sometimes we love to cry.
1. “Dearly Beloved”
It’s 2002. You just got home from work or school. Now you are ready to play this game. Most fans will recognize “Dearly Beloved”, the most memorable Kingdom Hearts song, as it is one of the most emotional and powerful video game soundtracks of the 21st Century.
“Dearly beloved” is a beautiful score. It features slow piano notes and gentle strings that will make even the most dedicated gamers weep. This song will be enjoyed by all, regardless of whether you are a fan or not.
2. “TRAVERSE TOWN THEME.”
Traverse Town is the hub of the first Kingdom Hearts. There is a lot that happens in Traverse Town, including Sora meeting his beloved companions Donald and Goofy. The accompanying score is perhaps the most important aspect of this map.
This theme evokes nostalgia for me with its smooth sax, which makes me want go to a late-night jazz concert. Maybe the next game will be based on Pixar’s soul and then we’ll get more relaxing jazz.
3. “LAZY AFTERNOONS” (TWILIGHT TOWN THEME)
This Kingdom Hearts IIclassic has become my favorite in the franchise. It is partly because it was the first Kingdom Hearts track I ever heard. This opening track has a lot to offer.
It introduces Kingdom Hearts fans to Twilight Town, a map that is a staple map in the game. Roxas, the beloved protagonist of the game, is introduced in the song. The player controls Roxas for the entirety of the first chapter. The gentle flute sound of “Lazy Afternoon” is a beautiful melody that leaves me speechless every time I hear it.
4. “SIMPLE AND CLEAN” – ORCHESTRAL
The theme song “Simple and Clean”, which was first published in Kingdom Hearts, was written and performed by Utada hikaru in an anime-style music video. While the original song is great and should be enjoyed, the orchestral version that has appeared in titles throughout the series (and in Sora’s reveal) creates an aura full of magic and lifts spirits.
The collaboration of orchestral instruments creates a cinematic presence that is as beautiful as any other composer. It’s not hard to see why fans were so emotional during Sora’s Smash reveal, with this tearjerker playing.
5. “ROXAS’ THEME
Who cuts the onions? Who is cutting the onions?
There is no more sad story in the Kingdom Heartsuniverse that Roxas’, and this melancholic music perfectly captures this. Everybody who has fought against Organisation XIII in Kingdom Hearts II final Mix will feel the real sadness and pain when they realize that the music is actually the same Roxas theme song from earlier in the game. This song is so effective at conveying Roxas’ sadness and tragedy.
6. “DESTINY ISLANDS THEME.”
This is one of the most innocent and uplifting songs in the franchise. It perfectly captures the spirit of joy, innocence, and friendship that has been a constant theme throughout the series. Destiny Islands is the franchise’s first world. It makes sense to begin strong. Square Enix did this here.
This song’s purpose is to portray a time in the protagonist’s life when everything was fine and they could enjoy each day like a vacation. They captured it so well that I could listen to it on a school vacation. This song is a favorite of mine for a long time. It brings back memories of my youth and transports me to simpler times.
7. “DESTATI”
Like “Dearly Beloved”, the song “Destati” is a classic throughout the series. There are many variations. However, unlike “Dearly Beloved”, “Destati” takes a more choir-esque direction. It appears at the beginning of the first Kingdom Hearts and it does a great job creating an “awakening” atmosphere.
The most important thing about the song is that it immediately tells the player that this game is not just an RPG. It’s a complex narrative with a young boy who will become the hero of the world. It was a hit and became a standard in the series.
8. “THE AFTERNOON STRESTS”
Another great Twilight Town song is “The Afternoon Streets”. It sounds almost as fantasy-like and playful as it gets.
This song has a unique Twilight Town theme. It is used when Sora wakes up from his chamber. While it’s a shame that “Lazy Afternoons”, the main Twilight Town theme, was not included in Kingdom Hearts III, I could not think of a better song to replace it.
