Dynamite (Control)
One of my favorite moments in video games period. Late in the game, Dr. Darling, a member of the Federal Bureau of Control, sings a song directly to protagonist Jesse, introducing himself with a surprise music video. Dr. Darling is here to support you, and sing a little song is enough to get you pumped up for your fight against the Hiss. This thing is beautiful in its vibrant cheesiness. I love it.
Field Of Hopes And Dreams (Deltarune)
Deltarune: Chapter 1 is only a sneak-peak at the full Undertale sequel, but there’s already a wealth of great music from series composer Toby Fox. The most memorable track for my money is ‘Field Of Hopes And Dreams’ which remixes one of the best themes of Undertale, adding a Chrono Trigger MIDI sax, and introducing the first explorable area with an incredibly catchy bit of music.
Death Stranding (Death Stranding)
A major musical act drops into the list! CHVCHES is no stranger to video game tracks, but ‘Death Stranding’ is their best. A wistful track with peppy energy that matches the game’s uniquely positive outlook on the apocalypse. It might be in the standard CHVCHES mode, but I’m a fan. Any video game song that gets play on the late night circuit deserves some recognition — especially when it’s for a game this blatantly uncommercial.
Main Menu (Cadence of Hyrule)
Cadence of Hyrule is a rhythm game that’s full of awesomely composed remixes of classic Legend of Zelda music, and that makes it enough to belong on this list. You should play (and listen) to the whole thing, but I think the Main Menu track does a good job of introducing this unique Crypt of the Necrodancer / Legend of Zelda mash-up. The entire game is worth it if you’re into remixed arrangements of nostalgic melodies.
Garden (Untitled Goose Game)
Here’s a track you won’t put on in your car, but you’ll remember long after the game is done. The plinky piano tuned specifically to your playable goose’s mischevious antics is a perfect accompaniment, and one of the most ingenious interactive OSTs of the year. Every time you’re chased, steal an item, or scare a schoolchild, the music will match your latest prank with wonderful precision. It’s terribly wholesome, completely British, and one of many reasons Untitled Goose Game took over the internet in 2019.
There’s a load of incredible music that isn’t on this list — I haven’t heard everything out there, and I need to be informed! Share your favorites with us.
