Sonic 3's Mushroom Hill: Music Theory

[@DeltaSpaceDweeb]

You could even say that the military feel of Act 2 sets us up for the next level, the most military Zone in the game, Flying Battery!

[@KaiserMattTygore927]

The Snares are probably why Flying Battery is my favorite theme in Sonic 3 & Knuckles

[@alchemistofsteel8099]

Laughs in playing the stages in the beta order

[@shlokwaghela9560]

@@alchemistofsteel8099 Ahh sheeeeet, you just destroyed him

[@jaywarudo]

@@alchemistofsteel8099 laughs at proto launch base

[@harrybest2041]

Flying Battery Zone was supposed to take place after Carnival Night Zone.

[@Cybershell13]

2:16 whoooa I never noticed that! Another banger vid.

[@KageNage]

Sonic 3 Bonus Video Bonus Video?

[@kray2373]

Sonic 3 Bonus Video Bonus Video Bonus Video?

[@KageNage]

@@kray2373 nah das too many

[@someobscuremusicchannel]

its got that same swing rhythm to it

[@GodittoC]

69 likes, likes, make a wish!

[@EasyCartoonDrawingTutorials]

I never noticed the drum beat in Mushroom Hill being so similar to the Knuckles theme. What a nice touch.

[@robbiewalker2831]

So really, Mushroom Valley, Knuckles’ drum solo and the Act 1 Boss theme were all connected to Knuckles.

[@josephfox7068]

I never noticed that until I listened to the cover done by super soul brothers

[@MadameSomnambule]

I never noticed that either! That's kinda genius! Now that I think of it, I can kinda hear a variant of that beat in Knuckle's other theme in Sonic & Knuckles played at a higher tempo (not counting the beta theme. on a side note, I'm not as big of a fan of Knuckles' beta theme compared to the two official ones he got)

[@jjb2058]

This series explains exactly why I really enjoy this games soundtrack, every song fits its zone perfectly while also all being great songs in their own right

[@squiddog8933]

This is like 8-Bit Music Theory but a lot more easy to understand and still just as interesting

[@jackfalcon5125]

Yeah both channels are amazing

[@KBMaximus]

Never heard of it. I'll head over once im done here.

[@LuanMazi]

I can see that, 8-Bit goes a lot more in-depth into the juicy nerdy music theory aspects, while Alex mostly outlines things he finds interesting about the arrangements, and where they might be connected to other songs, rather than stuff like in-depth Harmonic Analysis like 8-Bit sometimes does. Both channels are Goated and serve their purpose really well.

[@Emezie]

These are so well made! This is like candy for a Sonic fan, music fan, and Sonic music fan!

[@ohiorushbaby]

It's absolutely incredible how much depth is in Sonic's music. I can't get over how much they use music to mirror or strengthen the narrative storyline in the game.

[@IronicSonic83]

As someone just find this series, I'm in awe with all this insight. Amazing content

[@SuzukiCabs]

@@IronicSonic83 you played sonic forces first?

[@IronicSonic83]

@@SuzukiCabs I mean the Sonic Music Theory. I play Sonic since 1992

[@gigithehedgehog8469]

7:00 Such frequent reoccurrence of these Mario chords reminds us that Sonic is a revision of Nintedo’s formula. 7:07 And the thing about revisions….they tend to improve upon the first draft. 🔥 OH SNAP!!! 🔥

[@VideoGameAnimationStudy]

Man your videos always make me smile, you explain them so well, and it's always slightly mind blowing! Also, not if they're custom or not, but your subtitles are very neat!

[@lucakoddsy3000]

I love your channel! Hello :)

[@IkesDaddelbox]

Act 2 was actually the first beat I used to practise more complex drum patterns on my cajon. It's so much fun once you get the hang of the pattern.

[@ChromaNyan]

i'd imagine the reason knuckles' theme is present in mushroom hill is also partly because when you play as knuckles in s&k alone the level serves as more of a tutorial for how to control him

[@Jargonfox]

The way you break down the songs is amazing. I'm too dumb to understand music theory and scales etc (or uh, just not that interested in it) but yeah these are a perfect mix of theory and examples. Whenever you compare the melodies or rhythms or whatever else to other songs it just makes me smile

[@RedReagle]

Oh my god the revelation at 4:57 is absolutely genius, it really does give such a feeling of "Welp, here we go again". This shit blows my mind! I never understood the depth of genius of this soundtrack, but I'm now realizing that's why it was just so notable and always on everybody's tongue: because it was a mastercraft in musical storytelling.

[@peachtoast2293]

I think my favorite part of these videos is the great attention to detail in the editing. All the little sonic animations and clips to better explain the music theory are amazing.

[@retro3188]

I love the “Mario Cadence”-it just feels so satisfying. And I love your analogies! (I don’t know why, but I’d like to hear some analysis on jingles.)

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

This really makes me appreciate why I loved Sonic 3 and Knuckles so so much when I was a kid. There's a huge amount of depth in this music.

[@sonicslayton]

The ending with the live demonstration of the percussion that was is so influential in the track not only helped drive home your point but..was just very cool~

[@WeeklyTubeShow2]

Great series. Also, please let these people know that Masato Nakamura still goes in.

[@BladeShadowWing]

I love how you went into detail with the drum parts. I never really noticed the toms, since they're a bit hard to hear, but it really compliments act 1 nicely.

[@RedReagle]

Yeah I almost didn't even consider them, but in a lot of ways, they're like the main character of the songs, really driving it along with a snap

[@Rushiryu]

1:50 "It's a fun invitation to the Sonic & Knuckles experience that spotlights the series' awesome new character." *Knuckles immediately bugs his wall animation* What an awesome video. I don't know anything about music theory but the way it's delivered and explained with the graphics makes it understandable for even a music illiterate like me. So interesting to watch! You make the subject so captivating. This is the first time I subscribe to a channel upon watching my first video of them. Good content, man.

[@RClayFM]

I never realised that a remix of Knuckles' theme was the drums for act 1

[@krimzonnebula9341]

Knuckles drums are also used in the sonic 3 miniboss

[@chilliorganism]

@@krimzonnebula9341 except there, it’s much more noticeable, as it’s more directly sampled.

[@stephthestar90]

I didn't ether until now

[@SparkyMK3]

I didn't even catch that callback to Emerald Hill in this music until you pointed it out! That is such an awesome touch! Great analysis vid!

[@JamesR624]

Wow, I already figured Mushroom Hill in name, asthetics, and tone kinda felt like SEGA was just going "Eh, do what Nintendo's doin'", but even the music. Heck, out of all the types of Mushrooms in the zone, they stick with the spotted kind VERY similar to what you'd find all over the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mushrooms and 1-ups.

[@tenzaemtade6146]

The mushroom hill music has nothing to do with Mario

[@atigerclaw]

I'll say this as a player who grew up on this game: The chromatic tumble never once made me think of Death Egg. To me, it was falling leaves.

[@jonathansmall4969]

I always loved the music from the original Sonic games. But hearing your breakdown of all of these really gives me a new appreciation. Thanks for sharing!

[@darylcastillo1439]

A work of genius is usually something that takes several watches or listens to fully understand and appreciate it for what it is. I did not get Mushroom Hill's theme at the beginning, but then I understood how it enhanced the fat, round, bounciness of the level with its arrangement. This video makes me appreciate it even more.

[@zayman40]

I never really got what made sonic music, or music in general, sound so good! This video is awesome please make more

[@Pyromancers]

All the detail work in these vids like little graphics and sound effects to make points clear really add to the production value.

[@Jurtaani]

The fact that you got the exact same impression from the song and how it tells you how death egg came stumping down from the sky and whatnot. It just shows how brilliantly they managed to make those songs not only great sounding on their own, but that they fit into their levels perfectly.

[@SuperCosmicMutantSquid]

The intro of Mushroom Hill is amazing with the kick drum. That's what makes it stand out on terms of the typical idea of a Sonic first level which is usually always 'tropical green beach place'. This is mellow, autumn and bouncy.

[@courseprism1017]

1:50 I really like Knuckles, and this made my day. Wonderful video as well.

[@lovestarlightgiver2402]

The Mario references are interesting, and a part of the music for Hydrocity Act 2 sounds similar to the song that plays when Mario gets a star.

[@RedReagle]

Dude yeah, the realization that it felt like a true direct descendant and revision of mario was really fascinating.

[@azuresonic69]

You have quite the talent, interpreting all these fantastic soundtracks as the stories they were intended for. I appreciate your skills in the realm of music theory, composition, and phrasing. Kudos!

[@vaporwaveskeleton9224]

Your use of metaphor and visuals alike to explain abstract music concepts in a fun way is both second to none and genius, Love this series.

[@shadow479]

this level and music in underrated. I always loved these. Amazing drum performance, I nevrr thought I'd see someone playing that.

[@MakriaMicronation]

This is like an annotated version of my fav songs lol, great background noise

[@EggOnBeansOnToast]

You blew me away with 2:10 I've been playing these OG games since they released, and I never could put my finger on the familiarity of the Mushroom Hill track. Amazing. Liked and subbed.

[@Part_Time_Fox]

Its pretty insane how much you could get out of the music, it's really given me a new appreciation for one of my favorite games of all time.

[@LeoSuperChamp]

Mushroom Hill, Bloody hell! Should’ve known it!

[@matthewfunk6435]

These videos are so detailed and amazing. I’ve been applying the use of swapping maj and minor 7ths in my compositions like an earlier video explained and it’s really been an inspiration. Keep making more! I want to learn more

[@AstroTom]

Random person: This guy overthinks music! Intellectuals: Oh my goodness, it's all coming together! Great video. I was introduced to the franchise by Mega Collection Plus as a kid so these music theories hit right home.

[@geminimaxxim]

This very quickly became one of my favourite educational series on the Sonic franchise. It's so charming and interesting! And can't wait so see where it branches out after S3K is covered

[@beyondfragoh]

I love you SO MUCH! Your content is brilliant! Thank you for taking the time and effort to do these videos.

[@transitcity]

It’s so amazing how you did deep research into the sonic songs down to beats to instruments to samples to melody. I would have never even thought or even deep research this type of stuff. It’s really amazing.

[@transitcity]

There is so much more to be said but this is incredible, I’m definitely subscribing!

[@nossir]

Your videos are a always a joy to watch

[@BackPalSA]

You know what? I've never seen this before, but a cybershell comment, a video that genuinely kept me interested in the music and didn't overwhelm me with terms I don't understand, while explaining in layman's terms things that might be too complex otherwise. This is incredible, and you've gained not only a sub, but I'm going to be sharing your channel with EVERYONE I know. I'm gonna brag about how I subbed when you only had 12k. Keep it up, and please knock it out of the park again like this, I love it!

[@s-idney]

I don't know what he's talking about but it makes me feel smart listening.

[@jakecreighton9039]

Always an immediate like for this channel’s videos. Can we get him going viral please people? Like is cybershell the sonic lore master and 8 bit music sharing him and stuff? I need this man to blow up so he can quit his job and make these videos weekly.

[@XaaviieerH]

4:33 In the Background, When Tails hits Eggman, the Eggman we see has the "Damage taken" animation.

[@Elec.Balloon]

Found it hard to believe Mushroom Hill had any swing in it, until you explained it. Makes a lot more sense to think of it as three segments. Also, pretty sure Deltarune's "A CYBER'S WORLD?"/"Welcome to the City" uses the Mario Cadence, so it's nice to learn that a ton of other songs use it as well. Nice work on these videos! :D Edit: forgot a word

[@althejazzman]

Your use of sprites and sound effects from the game in your animations is so incredible. Not wasted at all.

[@thebwoods15]

4:50 - Proof that Eggman is the evil Sonic Universe variant of Mario.

[@cubedtothex]

This is honestly your best theory video yet! You are always able to bring new lights and findings to compositions I’ve had on repeat for decades! The drum example at the end is the chef’s kiss here and I hope you continue to include that moving forward.

[@edmn]

It even changed seasons as it progressed to act 2. Brilliant!

[@elcuervodhaedo]

Excellent video as always. Incredible the number of Sonic songs where you found that harmonic progression haha ​​and very intentional rhythm analysis, it makes you really want to play the drums.

[@pirajacinto4]

That ending was so freakin cool. So chill and relaxing!

[@viridian7054]

I love how when the drummer changes from Mushroom Hill act 1 - 2 the bushes in the background change from green to orange. What a nice little nod!✨️

[@pAirA_]

I love all the easter eggs you've put in. The fact that the drummer's background changes to autumn like the level, you putting Mario in the section referring to the Mario cadence in 8:51 (which I'm totally calling it from now on btw) and Sonic opening the capsule and landing in sync with the beat in 8:53. I bet there are many more I've missed as well 😂 Amazing video man, learnt a lot from this one. Mushroom Hill was always the one that intrigued me the most in the Sonic 3 soundtrack

[@seronymus]

What a professional analysis. This series is like pure candy, I love it. Please don't stop, it's a huge inspiration to me too! I love how you break down the whole melody revealing the sonic genius.

[@ChaddyFantome]

9:49 I always here a sort of evolved version of the Sonic 2 title tune here, like the level is calling back to new beginnings but in a new context since it isn't rally a new beginning but a continuation.

[@johndeer4936]

so many references to the other songs!! i love how you not only get to go back and relive those memories when watching these videos, you also learn a lot!! such a great series!!!

[@dgamer5075]

The subtle dashes of Minor 3rds in the melody with the swing rhythm gives me major "Blues" not "minor" vibes - the context definitely separates the feel from sheer darkness.

[@NikSoren]

This channel is awesome and I really, really hope you end up analysing all Sonic songs, at least from the original trilogy (and if I'm lucky from the Adventure games as well). 💁🏻‍♂️

[@J_Ciner]

There's a lot of really great music theory channels out there, but I love how you present it in a very approachable way that relates to the lore and stories of the games, it makes me appreciate the songs and games a lot more

[@joshuasanderson7359]

This deserves more views.

[@OrganicGreens]

The sheer number of parallels in this one track is really impressive. Glad I found your channel.

[@LynnXternal]

The quality of your videos keeps improving every time you upload, and I'm living for it

[@getBlackbird]

I found your channel last night and am honestly blown away by how thoroughly you’ve deconstructed the soundtracks of some of my favorite videogames. As someone who is just starting down the road to learning music theory, these videos have been really eye-opening and inspiring.

[@rightwing707]

This just popped up in my recommended tab and I have to say it made for a great listen. Think I just found a whole new series to burn through in my spare time.

[@Emcy]

I already have such a deep affinity for this song, because I loved playing Sonic & Knuckles on the Sonic Mega Collection I had for GameCube, and I heard this song all the time considering I could never get past the first boss either. But now I have an even deeper appreciation for it.

[@lyxpup]

Gotta say, this video flowed very neatly. Loved the drum insights!

[@GoodnightwithGlomstad]

Howard Drossin is the 16-bit GOAT. All his stuff is so funky or catchy or vibey.

[@williamwade2674]

bro you are blowing my mind with this stuff. I have never heard music been described so accurately to how it actually feels to listen to it.

[@PanPakapon]

Ooooo I’ve been waiting for this one. After composition class, this is going to be a treat!

[@PacoTheeTacoo]

I’ve never studied music a day in my life but your videos are absolutely fascinating. I love learning what makes some of my favorite games so good

[@Vestigial__]

This got me through a minor block I've been having with my music. Appreciate the insight :)

[@Selxis]

This video was very well put together. You highlighted many elements I hadn't noticed. Especially interesting how many times the Mario cadence is used! I subscribed.

[@davidogunmodede2032]

I really liked it when you decided to do Mushroom Hill zone and the drums as a remix, it just sounds really damn good.

[@ahd4415]

LET'S GOO NOTIF SQUAD

[@sanicmaniac]

🔔

[@Lunatic89097]

Present!

[@LeoSuperChamp]

🛎 dingdong🛎

[@theboiremastered3055]

I'm not here

[@ep5659]

Just want to say you earned my sub within the first 40 seconds of this video. I don't know where this has been all my life, but I know I'm gonna binge watch the heck out of it, now.

[@TwisterTH]

Dude, I just checked the series today and gotta say, that you did an outstanding job! I know nothing about music theory, but listening you explaining though information and visuals like this, truly feels like edutainment. In other words - I absolutely love it. (:

[@lopinjop]

Incredible breakdown of what's going on in these tracks. Your detailed explanations and perfect visuals are extremely captivating.

[@jerdure]

I am just discovering your work right now, the analysis and knowledge are incredible ! I thought I knew these songs like the back of my hand, I was wrong !

[@arthurvenger]

your sonic music theory videos are amazing! really looking forward for the next one! keep it up man!!!

[@live_monkey2485]

Thank you for these theory videos. Some of the best video game music I've heard is from these original sonic games, and your videos are not only very well made, but they are also very educational.

[@nthgth]

This is eye-opening. Thank you so much. I have a music theory background and love video game music (especially Genesis Sonic) and this is so much more than I would've thought of in a thousand years.

[@spazzwazzle]

Man, your videos always leave me speechless. I'm tearing up at the genius of this soundtrack; you're putting into words what my ears found so intriguing

[@ShinobiWan1]

I wasn't the biggest fan of Mushroom Hill's music, but this definitely gives me more appreciation for it. Really cool to see all the inside stuff

[@Metacious]

Why am I finding this channel just now? This helps a lot to understand music theory in ways I didn't know yet. Thanks

[@SeveredLegs]

The animations on your videos make this so great. Such amazing work.

[@AwkwardSegway95]

You deserve more subscribers. These videos are great.

[@gdkey8025]

never understood why DR Robotnik changes the seasons but it is a cool colour pallet effect

[@FLYNN_TAGGART]

I think the trees are dying because of robotnik's machines, not because of seasons. That's why it goes back at the end when you destroy it before the Act 2 boss.

[@IronicSonic83]

I just love this series. Want to learn music since I saw this videos. Also your editing is just top notch. Congrats!

[@thunderbro7]

Great video as always. The editing is getting better every episode too! Also honestly, with my limited music theory knowledge, you make it very easy to understand and digest too. Also love the comparisons to other tracks in the series (and outside of it).

[@bloodykenshiro8218]

Honestly, music in the classic Sonic series is so carefully and artistically constructed that you have to wonder why people even badmouth the Megadrive sound chip at all. Thanks for the nostalgia rush. Watching your videos is kinda like learning the recipe of one's favorite dish, instead of simply eating it.

[@nictouris6054]

Wow the editing is so good too! These videos are absolute perfection

[@zebimicion9739]

I'm loving this channel.

[@budgoodrich6000]

Every video is more brilliantly done than the last. I love your work!

[@WilhelmFang]

This is very validating to me. I think as time has gone on music in video games has become a bit of an afterthought, probably because we rely on advanced visual graphics to tell stories now, so music isn't really playing such a big role anymore... I still think music is one of the key elements to the lasting power of a game. Thanks so much for this video.

[@Mtaalas]

Thanks for using the term "Mario cadence" I've used it since forever and it has never stuck with music lingo of people around me :D

[@slkdfjklasasdfasdf]

This series is amazing! I can't wait to hear your analysis of Chrome Gadget if/when you get to it.