Music Theory: Sonic CD's Stardust Speedway

[@AlexYardZone]

Regarding this video’s approach to the USA OST Commentary: Reason #1 An important purpose of these music theory videos is to teach 101-level concepts of music theory and composition. As in any classroom, part of teaching these concepts is calling attention to weaknesses and pitfalls to avoid in the composition process. One important aspect is whether a melody or chord progression is “interesting,” and while there is a bit of subjectivity involved in this idea, there are nonetheless standard guidelines that are discussed in music education settings that may not be the final ultimate word but they are very strong guidelines and suggestions to consider, especially when first starting out. My critiques in this video should not be seen as mean-spirited in nature, because if we can’t critique compositions in service of educating musicians to make them better composers, then they should just shut down all the music theory schools and academic programs and lessons, brought to their knees by the Harrison Bergeron lobby (See: Kurt Vonnegut). Reason #2 
It has been said that comedy is not merely saying funny things, but more about the nuanced nature of funny situations. I personally/subjectively consider the bits on fingerpecking, real-time impressions, and the baby looking out the window to be hilarious. It’s kinda like what Cybershell said about the fakeout VPN ad in his Super Mario RPG video, “Sometimes in life it's important to do things that make no sense from a business perspective, just because it's funny.” So yeah, I’d reasonably expect USA soundtrack fans to keep their cool regarding this video’s approach, for the same reason I kept my cool (and even enjoyed hearing) the game apologist’s opposite (but perfectly valid) opinions on the CD soundtracks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eISonaV5pr95ga8si=Z39v3E_NVKmXDST0&t=1075 Reason #3 I earned it. There isn’t another channel out there quite like mine, for any game series, and ya’ll live in the timeline where a channel like this exists specifically mostly for Sonic. In the course of building this body of work, I call the shots, always, without any pressure to placate the comprehensive public at large. It’s not that I ignore any and all feedback, but these videos are me explaining what the music makes me think about, in order to tell the story of the zone, and impart composition concepts for aspiring musicians. I am just only a single person’s musical perspective, and my comments are never meant to be the final word. Thus, it is with a great smile that I mention PJSim’s video titled “Defending Wacky Workbench's US Music (and Sonic CD's US OST in general)” which has some really excellent, fair, interesting commentary on the merits of the USA OST. I don’t agree with every last point but the entire video was well put together and fair and interesting and at times VERY funny, which made for one of my best moments of my content creation endeavors. And that's definitely the kind of ongoing exchange of ideas that'd be good see more of moving forward. Reason #4 Can’t you take a joke?

[@TonyIsCool45]

Honestly the US one is too chill! I like the Japanese's approach better!!

[@MyoEdiacarov-ui8sk]

I think the US good future track could have worked better for the metal Sonic race. The song has a very "Your so close, give all you've got to win" feel. They probably told the composer about the boss, but left out the detail that only the bad future soundtrack would play.

[@AlinaAniretake]

yet you give Bad future Japan Stardust Speedway a pass, even though it sounds way to energetic and happy to be a Bad future song.

[@CyberWolfDigital]

I'm just here to hear other people's insight on what they think of the music, since people's opinion of these tracks seem to vary immensely. Also, it's kind of funny that you mentioned Jet Set Radio, since I just discovered Bomb Rush Cyberfunk last week.

[@FreshTillDeath56]

​@@MyoEdiacarov-ui8sk But the US good future track DOES play during the Metal Sonic battle!!!

[@aryandairshad]

I know that the Bad Future theme is iconic and Mania reimagined this zone's music really well, but goodness there's not enough love for the Present version of this song. It's seriously one of the funkiest and hype tracks Sonic has ever had. CD really is a different beast when it comes to music.

[@xmesman9844]

Present version is the best song

[@FreshTillDeath56]

WHEN. YOU. FEEL. TIRED. LOOK AT YOURSELF. Oh man, completely goated. It's a shame I never hear that song enough because I always play the ending with the US music. That ending version of Sonic Boom is unbeaten.

[@nyeeeofthestarsz1804]

​@@FreshTillDeath56 cosmic eternity

[@loweni7460]

The past version is my favourite and I'm glad it was remixed in mania it's the best one imo

[@Chokun-Gaming]

_"Hustle! Hustle!"_

[@Sparkys_World-0]

Shakkatak’s “Walk the Walk” was an absolute club staple at the time of this game’s release, to the point that it was considered a cliche. The fact that Stardust Speedway evokes it’s hook so explicitly implies something really unique about this stage: it’s one of the few classic Sonic zones with *diegetic* music. These aren’t just tunes designed for the player; it’s what Sonic is actually hearing as he blazes around the level. Just out of view of the player, a sea of young people are raving the night away, while blasting the hottest club tunes of ‘93, hence all the record scratches and vocal cues. The trumpets littered around the zone reinforce this. 3 of the 4 music themes are loaded with brass instrumentation, as the stage is literally a giant instrument. This exact same kind of audio/visual theming would return in Ristar’s Planet Sonata, except *even more* interactive. The only theme totally lacking in brass is the Bad Future, where you’ll notice the little trumpets (representing the soul of the stage) have been shattered to pieces. Have I mentioned this game is a masterpiece?

[@lucaslugarinho6634]

peak sonic art direction

[@TheMrSONIC4]

Dang man that was beautiful

[@moosesues8887]

I wish we WENT INTO THE CITY TO PARTY WITH THE PEOPLE😔

[@thebreathofwater5206]

This is such a cool little detail I never noticed... Man, CD has some REAL good music and world building.

[@othmancabouni-ot1gg]

Actually Generations have a remix of the US Stardust speedway and sounds really good 👌

[@whiteeeveeangel]

I came to the comments to see if anyone else mentioned this! If not, I was going to myself! Glad other people noticed it too

[@insanefreddyalt7897]

​@@whiteeeveeangelsame honestly

[@fabsmkowo5105]

Yeah but it wasnt composed for generations is a remix that was added as a bonus track

[@whiteeeveeangel]

@@fabsmkowo5105 it was absolutely remixed as a track for generations, not just a bonus. You can choose to play the level with the song straight out the gate if you decided to. It's not even a song that has to be unlocked in the game, it just uses that JP track by default...

[@insanefreddyalt7897]

@@fabsmkowo5105 True, it's not used by default, but it is quite clearly a remix that appears in the game

[@SPineberry35]

0:23 darn that is one good transition

[@ivythay4259]

Always happy to see the inclusion of Mania's renditions.

[@RyansChannel0203]

What about Act 2 in Mania? :(

[@TheKoloradoShow]

@@RyansChannel0203good point actually

[@rashaanvalieslucaskaka14valies]

​@@RyansChannel0203 and metal sonic

[@geothepoly]

I never thought of CD's levels being reimaginings of Sonic 1, that's crazy

[@Ebon_Sean]

I think I might have made that connection, but not consciously.

[@onthedre]

To me it was always there, with Palmtree Panic and Collision Chaos being very obvious GHZ and Springyard Zone.

[@TheT3rr0rMask]

Some sources say CD started as an enhanced version of Sonic 1 before becoming it's own thing. Idk how true it is but checks out.

[@tailzgimer1726]

That’s because CD started out as MegaCD port of sonic one but they changed it down the road in a different direction

[@vreikezen8268]

@@tailzgimer1726Get the man who realized sonic cd should be a separate game a medal.

[@jtg55]

Got to the end of this video expecting to know some new music theory info about one of my favorite Zones in Sonic CD, instead my mind is now blown that Tee Lopes included Star Light's motif in his remix of the past. Good video.

[@SilencePlains]

I never gonna hear the Version of mania at the same form

[@ACamelEmoji]

SAME! Absolute whammy to end the vid.

[@Wattson-ston]

0:23 that transition was SMOOTH

[@TornaitSuperBird]

16:45 NOOOOOO!!!! You didn't mention the second part of the US Good Future... The entire mood changes up and launches right into a spacey, futuristic disco groove! Man, US Good Future is even more underrated than US Bad Future...

[@DubiousDepthsRadio]

18:21 I never realized that It sounds just like starlight! I believe tee lopes did that kinda reference in mirage saloon act 1 with sky chase

[@jurassicarkjordanisgreat1778]

tee also did the same with titanic monarch

[@DubiousDepthsRadio]

@@jurassicarkjordanisgreat1778 yhea he did collision chaos bad future refrence I think

[@ACamelEmoji]

6:50 I'm not going to let that SRB2:Kart Eggmans Nightclub reference go unnoticed. Excellent video. Sonic CD came out in 1993, and in 1992 the song "The best things in life are free" was released by Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross. For the longest time I thought the "HUE" part in Stardust referenced their song.

[@FreshTillDeath56]

I wonder what that sample actually is.

[@ACamelEmoji]

@FreshTillDeath56 The original sample is from "Me and My Baby Brother" by WAR. Most likely the composer got the sounds from a compilation of samples called "Zero G datafile", specifically volume 2, and makes the originals harder to find unless you listen to a lot of 80s music Another example, the "I got the power" sample in the bad future mix is also found in the Zero G datafile albums and often is attributed to "The Power" by SNAP!, but it's actually from "Loves gonna get you" by Joyce Brown.

[@FreshTillDeath56]

@@ACamelEmoji woah no kidding?! Lemme check it out!

[@ACamelEmoji]

@FreshTillDeath56 When you dive into the samples featured in this game, you're gonna find some absolute gold songs.

[@FreshTillDeath56]

@@ACamelEmoji yeah, I'm back from checking the song out and it's a HUGE TUNE!!

[@Hutch2Much]

14:10 they actually did! there’s a US remix you can unlock, and it’s absolutely delightful

[@AlexYardZone]

Yeah, my wording could have been a lot better, I meant it as they didn't bring back any USA OST tracks for actual in-game gameplay zones. Which was kinda the angle on the "first foray into a 5/4 time signature" point in the Chaotix video, it's one thing to tack on a bonus extra to Sonic CD but these videos are much more interested in where the music is applied to hands-on gameplay scenarios/zones. But, I don't want to give the impression that the US remix doesn't exist! So maybe I can make that happen in a future video.

[@Hutch2Much]

@@AlexYardZone haha, i getcha! great video all around :)

[@whiteeeveeangel]

​​​@@AlexYardZonethe track actually is in the game though, not just tacked onto the OST. You can toggle which track plays from the hub world before entering the level, if I remember correctly. That might not be the exact method, but I remember playing that fight with the Generations remix in the background!

[@AlexYardZone]

@@whiteeeveeangel I get that technically you can infinitely customize the music tracks to play on any level you want. in Generations. But the point is that, for example, there's only one Generations theme for Seaside Hill Act 2, and although you could toggle on Palmtree Panic's music for that level, it's not the song that's presented as furthering the story of the zone.

[@steveluvscows2490]

Sonic Frontiers DID bring back the US version of Stardust Speedway's Present theme, and it could not be more fitting for a place as grandiose and vast as the Starfall Islands...

[@FreshTillDeath56]

It doesn't matter when you are or what region you're in, Stardust Speedway ROCKS. What an incredible analysis! Some other notes: I think you're spot on in your observation that everything in the soundtrack builds towards that grand pentatonic walkdown of the JP present. I got that feeling playing for the first time too, like they REALLY wanted to make sure you enjoyed this level. Another thing, in the original US version of Sonic CD, the showdown with Metal Sonic uses the music for whatever future you're currently in, instead of defaulting to the bad future like JP does. It's impressive that both US future tracks work well for metal sonic, as if the good future track is sonic with a smug grin on his face thinkin to himself, "This guy's toast." ;)

[@manuelmakesartz]

I loved your comparison between the Japanese and the American Present theme. The Japanese version is the "star" of the experience, while the American is the "speed" one. Excellent video Alex, I am happy that you mentioned Jet Set Radio by the way!

[@abraveastronaut]

Yeah, my feeling was always that both soundtracks treated "Stardust Speedway" as one word that was what the zone was actually about and one word that was picked just to be alliterative, and the JP soundtrack is for Stardust Zone and the US soundtrack is for Speedway Zone.

[@Nic_2751]

Ain’t it the other way around?

[@knucklepilled]

this feels more right the other way around. like, the us one is more atmospheric, like the "star", while the jp one is more active, speed-ier

[@joaopedropinheiro3904]

The starlight melody at the end blew my mind

[@Foxmosis_]

I just want to say I always look forward to these videos, I know diddily about music theory, but these videos are always interesting to absorb in and appreciate how music is constructed. I also appreciate you taking the time to at least mention the American songs as well. I'm actually of the camp of thinking both soundtracks are fantastic and for me the only thing giving the Japan soundtrack the edge over the USA renditions is the USA versions lacking their own distinct past variants. I actually think there's been some cool fan projects to rectify that. Regardless though, I'm glad to hear these USA originals not get lost in the discussion! Even when you're poking some fun at it, haha.

[@Color_Splsh]

Alex Yard finally uses less than ideal composition as an example in his music theory videos: 😃 Its of your favorite sonic track: ☹️

[@Yoshikid4070]

Surprised you didn't contextualize the "HUEHUEHUUEEHUE"s a bit more, considering all four versions of JP's Stardust Speedway use them in different ways

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Agreed ❤❤❤❤

[@carloseduardoesquivelcaice8102]

I was just watching your older videos and being like "oh man i sure would like an upload from him" Thank you very much :)

[@jez_chill983]

18:18 "Mania remebers * starlight zone jingle plays in Mania's stardust speedway(past) *" This revelation gave me goosebumps. I already liked this song, but now i like it even more.

[@OccasionalGoof]

One of the things I find interesting about these videos about Sonic CD tracks in particular is looking at how cohesive the original soundtrack can be, and how the US soundtrack inevitably sacrifices that, if for nothing else because it kept the past tracks so they'd inevitably be more disjointed. Though my original exposure was the US soundtrack I ended up liking both a lot. While it doesn't always fit, the way it felt to me, the original soundtrack tries to tell you how Sonic is feeling, and the US soundtrack tries to tell you how the area or current situation feels. And Stardust Speedway's Bad Future may be the best example of what I have in mind. The original still has a bounce and energy to it, it sounds ready for a fight, to take the city back, Sonic hasn't lost his groove yet; whereas the US track sounds like an indictment of your failure to save the future and the dystopian environment you have to try and persevere through now as you battle it out with Metal Sonic.

[@KonaKonaKaabisteru]

Damn if I never knew both about the surprising origins behind New Jack Swing and even Starlight Zone-leitmotif hidden in Mania's SS Past. The incorporation of former fact to the nightclub landmark in 4:00 is so ingenious. Phenomenal analysis as always - seeing all the influences inspiring the original tracks while serving influence towards future genres or games made me appreciate Stardust Speedway even more than ever before.

[@SonicOrochi]

18:16 That last bit. I love that Mania is an actual miracle that came to be.

[@BOABModels]

I had no idea you went to St Monty's church of the Holy Grail!

[@SisterRose]

I remember having an MIDI of Stardust Speedway Bad Future as a Kid I was obsessed with, then when I heard the real version it took a while to make the connection as the emphasis was on different instruments but it was even better. IMO it works better as a "Metal Sonic theme" and is possibly the standout track of the US soundtrack

[@dhruvsharma6826]

How best to quickly learn more about different chord progressions in various genres of music (for a non-professional like myself) ? You are my favorite source for this.

[@dhruvsharma6826]

?

[@geminimaxxim]

As a young'n, I was very much a US soundtrack apologist, especially when it came to this zone. The JP soundtrack was silly and out-there, but the US soundtrack was edgy and familiar-- etc etc... Nowadays I've definitely come around, but there's still a part of me that can't help but love those US future tracks. Overly safe or not, they're bangers, the both of them

[@SimnaibnSind]

Sonic CD US has a fair number of good songs. People just like to meme on it.

[@notoriousbagel2486]

The problem I’ve noticed with the US soundtrack during gameplay is that a lot of the tracks have a long buildup, so you will probably finish the stage or time travel before the tracks get to the good parts.

[@terrenceojeda7172]

People keep pole riding the bad future but the GOOD FUTURE is too underated. Its terrorism not just how people dont talk about it but how the sonic team doesnt remix that. They just lean on bad future for metal sonic's sake.

[@BlueCollaredK9]

Agreed it is very criminal. We got remixes of Past and Present with Mania's Act 1 & 2. GF is the only one left out of the fold.

[@ThePurpleCheeseMan]

I see there's already folks that are bringing up the Generations US Bad Future remix, so I just wanna add that for the modern album release of CD, Jun & Cash Cash also did a remix of the Present US theme too! Anyway, fantastic video! I love what Mania did with these themes!

[@n.a.7723]

As a music student way back when- I didn’t know I needed a music theory breakdown of this epic jam until now.

[@TheAlphazoneYT]

I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. This channel is criminally underrated. Of course, the Sonic series was always known for its immaculate soundtracks, but each & every video from this guy provides insightful commentary on the music we grew up loving & gives us new ways to appreciate it! Please keep these going!🔥🙏🏾 P.S. Alex if you’re reading this, I beg you, we need a Sonic Unleashed Music theory‼️‼️‼️

[@bsharpmajorscale]

Yes! A theory analysis of the most epic stage end music in Sonic history. ;P

[@ReadyDude]

Now that I know that you know about Sonic Robo Blast 2, I’m gonna be waiting for the video on the game, however long it takes. That game’s music is amazing! Also as a US OST enjoyer: Your joke was pretty funny and your criticisms are valid, but I’m gonna keep jamming to the U.S. Stardust Speedway Good Future theme. As much as I also love the JP Bad Future theme, and I know how iconic it is, but the U.S. Good Future theme feels more like a race, you know?

[@AlexYardZone]

That is a perfect response to the section! Seeming to understand that the point of those bits was not "no one should like this music because it's bad."

[@VideoGameAnimationStudy]

Editing is on point, as usual. Love that Starlight is included in Stardust Mania Act 1, didn't catch that originally.

[@RizztarSpeedruns]

I'm struggling a little bit to understand when you mention appoggiatura. I always understood them as having the leap before them. Even upon doing research, I find multiple DIFFERENT examples of what an appoggiatura is. One says it's a leap and step in opposite direction resolution. One says it's specifically a grace note... When appoggiatura is mentioned later in the video, are those not the embellishment tones known as suspensions? 9:52 The way you explained it makes me think of a reimagining of syncopation, where it's not really just accenting the off beats rhythmically, but harmonically, as well. That is kinda neat.

[@vaporcranberries]

This was a nice surprise! Just want to thank you for breaking down the music from Sonic CD. It’s my favorite OST in the whole franchise!

[@FSAPOJake]

I love the present versions of both the US and JPN versions and find them to be equal, in different ways. I'm the one that first said the phrase "US = Stardust, JPN = speedway" way back in 2008, on my original KZbin account, and I still stand by that. Good future, I just find the JPN version to be boring. US version is far more interesting to me, and I like that it plays during the metal sonic race, while the JPN version always plays the bad future theme during the race. Bad future, again, equal for both. JPN version is more iconic, but the US version gives me chills it's so good. I can't decide.

[@Argentina_guy753]

The truth is that I always like to come and watch your videos, I know almost nothing about music theory but I like to see how you decompose each part of the music, it makes me see how complex the music is or put it together and also see the parallels that They have some songs with others, and I love that!

[@gusdotd894]

This video is perhaps my most anticipated one of the CD ones.

[@illusion9685]

Thank you. I've been waiting for this since your first Sonic cd vid back in 2022 me thinks. God bless and may this be a great new year

[@RemixSonicosKnuckles]

I love these types of videos, because I really like the references to other songs within other songs. When you mentioned the part of the Star Light Zone notes in Stardust Speedway from Sonic Mania, I had never really stopped to listen, that's why I really think these types of videos are very unique and well done.

[@dggaming2274]

5:42 Something I noticed in this section of the video is that last voice clip, the "oouuua ouuaaa". It reminds me a lot of Sonic Rush's vs Blaze music. Im pretty sure they have the same sample or that they used that song part for the Vs Blaze soundtrack

[@Meronpan420xd]

im sure several people have commented this, but Generations does actually have a remix of US bad future. and it really fleshes out the desolate hopeless feeling of the original. i guess a lot of people didnt hear it though since you have to unlock the track and select it before playing the stage. or maybe you had heard it, smart guy. but did you know that Cash Cash also remixed the US present version of stardust speedway? i think it didnt make it into the game though. it took a track that i didnt find very interesting and made it stand out among all the other stardust speedway tracks. its got a very grand optimistic feeling

[@gigithehedgehog8469]

4:49 Can we appreciate how Tails is looking at the past while moving forward, but then faces forward when we start talking about the future. And again at 6:30 when "we're going back." Great editing! And I never heard that voice clip in Jet Set used in that song. Neat!

[@yoshihammerbro435]

I love how you tend to cover nearly every iteration of a song, especially with sonic CD because there are just so many different versions.

[@strohhutxP]

woah, the ending gave me chills. great work as always!

[@SonicContentplus]

14:36 HE SAID THE THING 😭

[@cloudkitt]

Dang I never knew about the Star Light Zone connection and *definitely* never noticed it in Mania. Awesome. Great video as always.

[@marianomartin3365]

I used to play stardust speedway as a fast track zone. I mastered the routes in order to get to the end of act 1 in less than 30 sec for that sweet 50k bonus points. Now, as an adult, i take my time to explore the scenery, time travel in cool ways, and of course the little details. Trying to keep my ring count intact all the way to the end is also a good challenge. Just like watching your video about this masterpiece soundtrack. Every replay helps me uncover more details. Amazing video Jardín 🏡

[@lazarushernandez5827]

The modern ports of Sonic CD now include time attack modes (with the time travel signs conveniently absent). The crazy thing is you can get through the end of all the non boss zones in under 30 seconds, even that Metallic Madness Zone.

[@thelostmage9242]

Fun fact: Super meat boy's salt factory theme has the same chord progression of stardust speedway's US bad future mix, it is really interesting since both are cities (doomed by the main villain of their respective games) and you have to go through with any kind of dangerous stuff

[@FrostFire425]

I literally did not realize until watching this video that they were All supposed to be reimaginings of the Sonic 1 zones. Neat :)

[@boop53]

me neither!

[@n.a.7723]

Like I was spending all this time jamming out to the sonic CD that theory was the last thing on my mind, it was so good💀

[@anibalayalenmachiman4945]

Finally, one of my favorite zone's music is being analized in this great channel

[@democracy_enjoyer]

im restlessly waiting for the metallic madness video. the transition from starlight to stardust speedway was god tier.

[@BingoClamshell]

Honestly, I really don't understand most of this, but I keep trying and find these fascinating... would love to see you do some Streets of Rage stuff.

[@anwd8646]

I think one of the things which makes me happiest in Stardust Speedway’s good future is seeing the Cathedral from the past replaced the giant statue of Robotnik which appears in construction in the present and is finished in the bad future. In the good future, any evidence that Robotnik was building a statue there is gone, and in it’s place, a reminder to the inhabitants of Stardust Speedway of how their culture started, and how their city was founded. I see that as the city reconnecting to their old culture, and it feels right.

[@ObeliskWithLimbs]

That JSR insertion into the main video was amazing, I didn't think I wanted a JSR music theory video until now

[@grooverchan1600]

Man I love these videos so much. Brilliantly well made and just so interesting, my day is made. My piano teacher enjoys them too! Keep being awesome Alex!

[@backflipdracula]

Love this video, Alex! Stardust Speedway has incredibly fun music, and as iconic as the bad future track is, I honestly love the others just as much and it's great seeing them get the love they deserve here. Plus the starlight bookending is a great touch 😉

[@artkosfilmsco.7578]

I'm soooo happy about the release of this wonderful video, Alex! I mean, specially because I was hoping exactly for a stardust speedway music theory video (curiously, a couple weeks ago I commented on your wacky workbench's music theory video, asking for the stardust speedway one, so that was a huge surprise for me). Thank you sooooo much!!!

[@axlesoar]

Hey just wanted to pop in and thank you for all the videos, I got so excited learning about theory that I started composing a month ago. I have about a dozen tracks at this point and I am very much flying by the seat of my pants but getting to apply all these concepts has been so incredibly fun, and its also changed how I listen to music entirely.

[@AlexYardZone]

Awesome, so glad to hear this - keep at it!

[@itsjustjam4169]

I LOVED that transition from starlight zone to stardust speedway

[@MP4PartyStar]

right at the end, when you made the Star Light connection in mania… my jaw hit the floor. great video!

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

Stardust Speedway US Bad Future is one of my favorite Sonic songs. It so exquisitely captures the intensity mixed with wonder of a hard-fought fast-running duel between Sonic and Metal Sonic on a high roadway under the stars.

[@AwsamNick]

Truly Alex's greatest video to date. 🤯

[@ketchsnup2986]

"This is what we call a vibe" so genius

[@evilalien-h1p]

That transition between starlight and stardust speedway was clean 🥶🥶🥶🥶🍤

[@Johas9323]

I used to have a similar impression of the US good future music for this zone, but after listening to the full song it's one of my favorites. It conveys this feeling of victory and triumph over evil, while providing a faint reminder there's still one zone to go. I also think it fits the metal sonic race very well, especially if the ending chords line up with the ending moments of the race. I honestly don't like the original good future, the beginning is amazing and nostalgic while the rest is a bit lacking, but that's just me

[@spiky_dude]

get funky get funky get funky

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

6:33 - That's right, we're going back in time to the first Thanksgiving to get turkeys off the menu.

[@tytohbird]

Absolutely amazing analysis. I never really bothered to analyze Quartz Quadrant or Stardust Speedway, but your videos on both have renewed my appreciation for these tracks.

[@AlexYardZone]

@@tytohbird thanks so much!

[@DubiousDepthsRadio]

WAIT WAIT WAIT ALEX THAT STARLIGHT REFRENCE WASN'T ACTUALLY BY MANIA IT WAS FROM THE ORIGINAL STARDUST SPEEDWAY PRESENT FROM CD IT ALSO HAS THAT REFRENCE SO I THINK CD IS THE ONE THAT *REMEMBERS~~*

[@juancruzciacci1262]

Man, I thought you were going to love the US good future of this zone :( Great video, as always.

[@AwkwardSegway95]

One flaw of the 2011 version of Sonic CD (and maybe the Origins version too) is that it always used the bad future version of Stardust Speedway for the Metal Sonic race, even with the US soundtrack. In the original US version, it used the good future version if you were in the good future. That was probably done to keep the code the same for both the US and JP soundtracks (since the JP version should always have the bad future theme for that race).

[@Zeoinx69]

Im sorry, i gotta step in and defend the Sonic USA Last track. Its one of the best tracks on the us track! COME ON!!! you can just call it a peck song! >.

[@EnygmaRecords]

As someone with an AAS in Music Industry Communications as well as a Genesis/SegaCD kid, I absolutely love your videos!!! Thank you so much for doing these analysis and putting together these wonderful videos!

[@kingstarscream320]

Great vid. You should consider making another video about gameplay and score. Your “10% of Sonic 3” vid was a masterpiece.

[@AlexYardZone]

Yup, that's definitely in the cards!

[@RyansChannel0203]

Wish you could've included Act 2 from Mania in this video. That remix was god-like.

[@J8KE_creator]

Theres so much detail and care that goes into these soundtracks that can be easily overlooked. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the good work!

[@Visionary1002]

I had no idea all of these musical ideas were all connected thru so many games and versions. And all of your work breaking it down is going to make my future listens that much more enriching! Thank you so much.

[@AlyssaCPA]

i just wanna say thank you so much for making these videos, being a composer myself with a heavy love for classic sonic osts, i love that theres someone that has the same sort of niche that ive been looking for for years. again thank you so much for these videos

[@AlexYardZone]

Thanks so much - you're very welcome!

[@jaredpatterson1701]

Man Sonic CD Stardust Speedway's past music is probably the best in the game. Pure funk!

[@dopemopey]

You know, i can actually hear a little bit of Nights Into Dreams at parts of these tunes.

[@Avery7thChord]

As a composer/musician, these videos inspire me. Thank you for making these videos, Alex Yard! i hope i can one day make music as good as the tracks from the sonic games..

[@RAFMnBgaming]

I love how thorough these videos are.

[@Takato]

One thing you need to remember: SS Bad Future is the only future song you're bound to listen to independently of how you play the game. If you always go for the good future, you may never hear any other zone's track for their bad futures - except for SS, since it plays on the race against Metal Sonic. So this music is basically HIS theme, and makes sense why it fits the race so well.

[@distilt1238]

I love this song for the “turn it up!” sample they used, giving some attention to brass, and the silliness of having the lyrics be “K Y E, E Y E, K Y E, yo hustle hustle!” Sometimes the Past or Mania version gets me through a study session

[@pantsniffler4011]

These music theory videos are always a pleasant surprise in my feed, can never watch one without watching em all!

[@trmus]

Your'e Rocking this content dude, nice Music Theory Analysis and 90' Kids nostalgia included along funk and jazzy vibes. We weren't aware about the quality of OST's.

[@tiles2048]

Metallic Madness next?

[@Scorching_Redcliff]

14:37 well, this aged like milk.

[@AlexYardZone]

When you are ready to say what's on your mind take as much time as you need

[@Scorching_Redcliff]

@@AlexYardZone well, one name: ksi

[@SonicWasTaken]

18:16 thank you so much for this video Alex

[@cubedtothex]

You knocked this out of the park! I never realized the little hidden gem of Starlight Zone in SSZ Past!

[@Pickyjonez]

When you feel tight look at yourself

[@MattLascola]

wow, this video is mega awesome. I love stardust speedway's music and the way you talk about music

[@cgoldhaber]

What a dynamic analysis! What was that...11 different versions of Stardust Speedway? All brought together into a coherent and smoothly transitioning discussion. Reminds me of the level itself, which, though extremely complex, always feels buttery-smooth to run through. Thanks Alex Yard!

[@vizuren]

Love these series so far. Can you do Metallic Madness next?

[@panafa3617]

I never bothered to listen to the Sonic Forces one because I heard it was a USA remix and I assumed it would be boring, that change is really satisfying. I let out a small tear is the final comment of Mania, the game is 6 years old and still surprises me to this day. Thanks for the video

[@JamesR624]

0:06 Oh so Marble Zone remaster "didn't make sense for Sonic's speed" but LABYRINTH did??? Seriously???? (Not criticizing Alex, but SEGA)

[@AlinaAniretake]

is there an actual source for the quote?

[@donnygamer4125]

Up next: metallic madness music theory