How Shadow of the Colossus' Music Works

[@henrique88t]

One of those videos that when you see on your feed your eyes pop out and you cancel all you appointments to watch it asap.

[@tss3393]

Straight up calling into work for this one.

[@jacobramos6408]

Real

[@comfortable.and.furious]

Exactly what I did

[@yungmentalproblems]

I waited 3 days cause I got shig to do

[@dropdedgothish]

@@tss3393 honestly imma just be late, missed my bus any how. (shrug)

[@jasonblalock4429]

It's funny, hiring a kaiju movie composer to write music for a giant monster game must have seemed so obvious... but even then, Kow Otani really knocked it out of the park.

[@Bozeman42]

This game, as a whole, is truly art.

[@Stand00Alone97]

It's a medium defining game. One of the best ever made.

[@andyghkfilm2287]

4:20 the thing is, the jaws theme is a “big thing lurking” theme, and the reverse is a “small thing lurking” theme. You say it conveys there’s there something terrible lurking in the darkness-that’s Wander. We’re inside the Collossus’s house, stalking it

[@TheTubePoweredOne]

Fun fact: Kow Otani has composed for two of Japan's big G franchises. He's done both Godzilla _and_ Gundam music.

[@TheTubePoweredOne]

For anyone who's interested, the Godzilla film he did was "Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack," and the Gundam series he worked on was Gundam Wing (along with the sequel OVA, Endless Waltz) as its sole composer. He also did several Gamera films, which is arguably one of the other big G franchises of Japan, but I figured that was less recognizable to people who weren't already kaiju fans or MST3K fans.

[@devinco1]

@@TheTubePoweredOne I realized last year that he composed Gundam Wing and was surprised by how many people around me were just unfazed.

[@detectivedewitt9536]

Bro's a specialist when it comes to making music to big creatures on camera

[@ElleRoni]

My friend you missed Gamera

[@TheTubePoweredOne]

@@ElleRoni I made an addendum mentioning Gamera in the first reply :P

[@WanArk86]

When the music "The Opened Way" started to creep in, I can really feel that emotion of "I just need a bit more push" welling up.

[@AManChoosesASlaveObeys]

And the music is that push. Absolutely fantastic!

[@ThatRedHusky]

The thing I absolutely adore about the music is that when you're getting the upper hand on the Colossi, it switches to that triumphant mode but definitely not a complete victory tune. It literally feels like it's saying "Listen, you're succeeding but this is NOT over."

[@cryoshakespeare4465]

So much of my childhood was spent listening to this kind of music, that nowadays, despite having a good ear, I have a hard time telling if something is out of key, just because I am so used to chromatic embellishments being a beautiful part of dissonance in music that it just feels natural and right to me. Freaking love this game, thanks for covering it!

[@akemifo]

I think it is important mention that after resolving to the tonic (11:57) the rest of the track with that reverse Jaws motif is not revealed until the very end of the game. Great video as always!

[@n7sorcerer419]

It’s hard to compare video games over so many years but I don’t see any other game reaching the level of love and respect I have for this game anytime soon. As you said, it doesn’t do *a lot* but what it does, it absolutely does to perfection. And when I say perfection, I literally mean it is perfect at what it does.

[@Dancinglemon]

This game is literally a masterpiece. It may not be a game that suits everyone but it’s so deliberately crafted and beautifully unique that I still think about it 10 or so years after playing it for the first time. I’ve never played a game that’s so melancholic and even listening to you talk about it gets me super hyped to play it again even though it’s a really sad game. God I love it lol

[@DallasCrane]

14:00 the pan flutes are a nice touch for the llama colossus. Very Peruvian. The Phrygian mode of the soundtrack also leans Spanish, which no doubt comes from the developer’s initial goal of making SOTC a sequel to ICO (TICO).

[@Dinuial]

That run of "silence" before the music kicks in might make for an interesting video, and there would probably be a lot of good examples from games. The only one in film I can think of is Hitchcock's The Birds. Most people think it's unscored because the only traditional music in it is the children's song but every caw, scratch, and wing flap were carefully composed from synthesized samples and basically amounts to of hell of an avant-garde score. Might not be a good fit for 8-bit, but someone has to be set up for a serious essay on composed foley and soundscapes as score.

[@Kyrbi0]

The timing on this is unreal. I have wanted to play this game for over a decade but never got around to it... Until a month or so ago when I realized I could get it on my PS4. Played it with my kids & beat it a few weeks ago; a powerful experience. And now this! Excellent.

[@Zephyros500]

Genuinely sad to see this video end, I wanted more. MORE.

[@GreasyDaddy]

Everything about this game just moves me every single time.

[@nepesilva2284]

It’s impossible for me not to tear up every time I hear the music that plays after you kill a Colossus. It’s so beautiful, haunting and filled with immense melancholy, like I just committed an unspeakable sin for my own gain and ultimately, my own demise. This game is something else.

[@Lunar_Leit]

some of the must underrated music in gaming

[@alexzaze1407]

I always loved to think that the feeling that a game's OST gives you represents what the protagonist is feeling at that moment.

[@StarTropicsKing]

Shadow of the Colossus is easily my favorite non-Nintendo video game soundtrack! It just checks all the boxes for a masterpiece collection of tracks, almost making it a movie-like quality from the golden era of film.

[@cjwatso]

I hadn’t realized how good the voicing is until now. That part where the melody is passed down before the bird colossus is so elegant for a video game. It kinda reminds me of the soundtrack to Journey. Thanks for your great analysis videos!

[@KINGOFPIZZA92]

finally someone who talks about one of the most important elements of the auditory experience of this game: SILENCE.

[@Kazamuki]

I've never hit the like button so fast! This soundtrack is one of my top favorites and I love to see your breakdown of how it works! So cool.

[@techdeth]

20 feet bro that thing bigger than 20 feet!! 😂😂😂 amazing video for an amazing game bud❤

[@spencerstone7696]

My favorite OST of all time. The scope, and feelings this score puts you through. I literally just started last month diving into the chords and progression as I'm putting together sheet music of my own. Thanks for creating and sharing this!

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

It says a lot that I've only heard this soundtrack once before because I watched a playthrough, and it was still instantly recognisable to me.

[@Sector_VII]

Once again, incredible video! I'm so glad you did an analysis on Shadow. The "reverse-Jaws" phrasing is perfect for what the music does in that particular part. One thing I've alway loved about this game is how the music tells the story! Going from a somber and ominous tone, to a grandiose and exhilaration feeling in the music is just pure perfection 🤌 WELL DONE!

[@ArchivistShepard]

I can never follow along with the terminology and aspects of composition, but I have long since appreciated you being able to break how these tracks accomplish what they're gunning for. Appreciate your work, and always appreciate more Shadow of the Colossus in my life! 🎉

[@jelyse14]

I remembered going through this entire soundtrack noting that "reverse Jaws" motif in every single track I could find it in

[@Gorilogro]

I've seen an increasing amount of SotC content recently. As a big fan of this game, I'm extremely happy.

[@BraedonHovinghoff-dt6hp]

Thanks for all the vids❤! They've brought many feelings of nostalgia and joy...

[@jonathanrobinson8926]

My all-time favorite video game. Been waiting so long for this. 🤩

[@zacharywong483]

Incredibly professional and informative video, as always! Terrific work!

[@cloudkitt]

Absolutely adore this soundtrack, thanks for the analysis as always :)

[@rodrigoff7456]

It always brings tears to my eyes. Such masterpiece

[@deepstaria0868]

hands down the best video game soundtrack of all time, nothing can change my mind.

[@sVieira151]

Yesss i need more videos on this music. Its interesting because my favourite tracks in the OST are the quieter, not battle tracks that are only played at very specific points. My favourite OST of all time by far imo. Its also interesting hoe that reverse jaws motif is originally introduced by the flutes in the prologue/intro cinemantic piece "To the Ancient Land", which makes it even more unsettling when you hear it the first time getting close to the first colossus.

[@ReticentXS]

This game was such an epic classic. The score accentuated the amazing experience. Thanks for your analysis. Always appreciate your videos when they come out.

[@PatrickGann]

One of your best videos to date!! Loved the breakdown here, and the "reverse Jaws" motif you've identified. The two big swells (I forget track titles, but one is the minor scale climb and the other is the triumphant D major bit) are two of the peak pieces of music. Thank you so much for making this one, 8bit!

[@Cah00ts]

Thanks for covering this soundtrack! This is one of my absolute favorites, so it was great to see your analysis applied to it.

[@CommodoreBlubbers]

Ive waited 18 years for this video. Immediate watch. This soundtrack defies all the tropes expected from game music at the time and elevates the game to a legendary level. edit: Woulda killed for an analysis of "Prayer". Gonna have to make my first patreon purchase ever for those transcriptions.

[@XxImaFunGuyxX]

Thank you for doing a deep dive on this masterful piece of work. One of my favorite OST's in a video game.

[@TheNormalUniverse]

wow really awesome breakdown, thank you

[@bizzy5439]

Well done, one of the greatest games ever made and my favorite video game OST ever

[@emberwickart6856]

i really appreciate you making these videos

[@indyfan9845]

It would be so cool for an orchestra to live-accompany someone playing one of the fights in this game.

[@ArcherKet]

The music that plays when you are able to start climbing the colossus's back is called "The Opened Way" and it's one of a couple of tracks I listen to all the time as it's a favorite of mine.

[@nunchukGun]

I love this soundtrack. I listen to it when I'm working a lot

[@BlueDragon407]

Thank you thank you thank you! I've been hoping for an analysis of SotC's music from this channel for YEARS!

[@Resewnio]

Damn dude, it's been more than a decade since I listened to this games tracks, and I still remembered that sixth session from the first colossus by heart. And even then I still freaking cried when it came out under your analysis. Such a powerful musical moment.

[@TechMetalRules]

I've been waitin' for this one!

[@bleachelf]

I'd forgotten this game's music, but the moment the 'turning the tide' part came up I distinctly remember how that felt. :O Great video!!

[@aviserig]

And people say I'm crazy for having this as my favorite soundtrack of all time.

[@superhoop4358]

I was just listening to the sound track the other day for inspiration! The Last Guardian would also be an incredible soundtrack to do a video on. Different composer but similar goals are achieved.

[@andredelacerdasantos4439]

Perhaps the most beautiful episode yet

[@Ars_Fabula_TTRPG]

Easily my favorite OST, it never gets old.

[@BeanzimusPrime]

This is the video I’ve been waiting for since the dawn of 8bitmusictheory ❤️ incredible work breaking it all down for us!!

[@roienn777]

Oh man I have waited for this

[@Absquatula]

I just replayed this game for a friend to watch and still, many years and consoles removed, that soundtrack still moves me to tears. Many games can generate a strong connection between the player and the controller and, my god, the R1 button was being pressed as hard as Wander held on for dear life.

[@iscarvalho]

For me, the masterpiece of video game music. Ko Otani made a soundtrack that completes the game, and tells a story using only emotions, without words. Absolutely incredible. SOtC wouldn't be the same without this soundtrack.

[@hippyhobo6285]

Quite a coincidence that this video was uploaded today, as I had just purchased the game digitally for my PS3 yesterday. I am quite excited to experience the music alongside it's gameplay, and see how the use of composition compliments the gameplay and storyline.

[@AaronGeo]

Alex Yard and 8 bit music theory uploading half an hour apart? OMG

[@hyperlinkblocked5659]

@AaronGeo Too bad Alex had a mask off moment in today’s upload. I considered myself a fan of his channel, but the bad-faith, pedantic arguments, presented in this extremely snide way was seriously painful to watch.

[@AugustBurnsSam]

I saw his community posts a while ago talking about it but i never could find anything specific to reference. Glad i can actually hear his case and the music itself and form my opinion.​@@hyperlinkblocked5659

[@Babelfish112]

No game has reached the emotional heights of playing SoTC for the first time. Truly an eternal masterpiece

[@roffie]

This video made me cry and I laughed so hard that I cried at 5:45 "nothing but a sword and a very cool poncho" 😂 Thank you 8-bit music theory for covering a game that means so much to me!!

[@michaelmarshall7725]

My grandmother loved this game! If I couldn't come over to play it with her, she would bully the shit out of me lmao

[@blar2112]

i had to rewatch the video 5 times becasue i was getting lost on the score every time. SotC is such a masterpiece, thanks for the analysis.

[@galadrielpokracki8153]

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS MUSIC ANALYZATION?!?! LET’S GOOOOOOOO

[@TrypKingsley]

I'm currently writing a fiction podcast including tons of thematic elements found in the story of this game. I'll be scoring it myself, and without a doubt, if anything is going to light a fire in me to learn music theory, this game is it.

[@YoshinoYosh]

I just got my sixth tattoo, the Colossus Sigil, last week and it’s almost fully healed. Blessed be the algorithm, long may it nourish us

[@simondanielssonmusic]

The soundtrack to this game reminds me of the Princess Monoke soundtrack in a a lot of ways. The colossus battle music has similar orchestral elements and flourishes as "The Demon God".

[@AtomizedSound]

Now you are speaking my language. Fantastic game with many good memories of when I first played it when it came out. I’ve met Kow Otani too and he is a humble and amazing composer.

[@8bitMusicTheory]

From the short interview I found with Kow Otani he seems like such a thoughtful and humble guy, very cool that you got to meet him!

[@SimplyDad]

the soundtrack to SotC was way ahead of its time i feel like ppl take it and the game for granted

[@MrTrotta2010]

man, I love this game.. one of the best ever!

[@beegbomba]

Beautiful.

[@umukzusgelos4834]

I have nothing witty or clever to say; t´was sublime to watch

[@0mni42]

17:15 The end of Revived Power will always be one of my most magical gaming moments, because the first time I played the game, I delivered the finishing blow on the bearded Colossus at exactly the end of the music, so it didn't loop back afterwards. Just a perfect little piece of audiovisual storytelling.

[@DanielDugovic]

I wonder... it seems this soundtrack alternates between ambiently following voice-leading rules and deliberately breaking them, in order to maximize dissonance or tension.

[@sketchasaurrex4087]

This makes me wanna go beat the game again.

[@CrookedKingTV]

I wish someone doing an in depth Shadow of the Colossus music thing would pick Messenger from Behind because that's one of the tracks I most wanna hear about from someone who actually understands music.

[@richardmaia8732]

YEAHHHH, The opened way was the First music that I ever analize it ! In my first composition lesson

[@TheAlchemistOfMythos]

What you broke down in the beginning, is JUST grotesque figures (first battle theme) and it's good, but I want to hear your take on the Dirge's theme, and "A Violent Encounter" Thennn, Argus's theme "Guardian of Castle Ruins" and Malus's "Demise of Ritual"

[@rw8160]

We love a raunchy flat A. But seriously who let the SOTC ost go so hard???

[@whoopzreal]

HOLY SHIT 8BIT VIDEO ON PEAK

[@whoopzreal]

AND A WEEK BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY TOO THIS IS AMAZING

[@AubriGryphon]

Revived Power is one of my favorite video game tracks of all time.

[@4dhumaninstrumentality789]

Shadow of the Colossus Protag: ………… Colossus: What’s up with this boss music???

[@MatheusRobis]

I WILL BE WATCHING

[@ElyotGrant]

There are so many interesting things about this game's soundtrack! One of the tracks (titled "The Final Battle") wasn't used for its planned purpose. The final fight of the game ended up being quite slow and sad, and the track used for it seems like it wasn't even intended to be loop or be battle music at all. The looped tracks all end awkwardly on the 4th beat of the bar because the orchestra was never recorded playing a looped version of the track, since all of the loops were added in post. A number of other tracks are chopped up and used very differently in the game compared to how they're presented in the OST. Some short bits of longer tracks are used as stingers when introducing colossi or different environments of the game. One of the bosses (phalanx) actually used 3 tracks for the fight.

[@goldentrout4811]

this was a nice video

[@nebulous9280]

The slow burn of SotC's story is what gets me. Spoilers ahead, go play this gem if you haven't yet. Even after the protagonist (who is unnamed, but is referred to as Wander) progresses, felling each Colossi, he grows stronger. But his body grows pale, his hair darkens, and dark veins creep up his neck. By the time you realize Dormin requires a vessel, and you are freeing the fragments of this demon, who was so feared that the fragments of his spirit were confined in nigh-undefeatable, towering Colossi, it's already too late. And even then, Wander doesn't care. There's no dialogue option where you choose to fight Dormin, or give up on resurrecting Mono. You push on.

[@Byron418]

Great video, great soundtrack

[@awildcyclistappears]

"Revived Power/蘇る力" - the word is "purpose".

[@aammirati91]

OH MY GOD - The "reverse Jaws" motif is the PERFECT name for that. And also (SPOILERS): The original Jaws theme warns the audience of danger, but with a reverse Jaws theme... YOU are the danger. You are massacring innocent creatures for personal benefit. The motif is a warning to the colossi. It's perfect

[@Scops9554]

just what I was looking for lol

[@massaosaito4084]

Never stop to think of that, but the music in Shadow of the Colossus reminds me of old Kaiju movies. Granted, it makes sense, just not sure if those were inspirations. P.S: Oh yeah, even Evangelion battle music sounds somewhat like that. Kaiju music, that is how we should call it :P

[@deyama2012]

It's no wonder, considering the composer (Kow Otani) did music for several Gamera and Gozilla movies

[@Robot257onlinehue]

I haven't played SotC in a long time, so I was actually shocked to hear that most of the OST has Brass instruments in it! I don't know why, but adding brasses to a song makes it more 'warm'/'energetic', which in my opinion doesn't really fit with the atmosphere and general premise of the game; but that's just me. Maybe that's why I didn't remember it having any, as it would fit more with my idea of how the game was like.

[@tss3393]

9:46 Yay, E-minor! Alright, yeah!

[@Vitor-oj8ow]

Ok now the collection of "video game with perfect music" videos is almost complete ✅️Legend Of Zelda ✅️Hollow Knight ✅️Donkey Kong ✅️Shadow Of The Colossus ❓️Kingdom Hearts

[@playerofrock04]

Many developers have tried this formula, but Team Ico are the only ones to master it.

[@styrofoamboogie2042]

good video

[@meerjt11]

So glad you’ve finally got around to the objective undisputed best ost in video game history. I can understand why since it’s fairly simple compositionally, but all the more effective for it. Would honestly be happy with analysis of every track in this soundtrack, and Ico too.

[@richardgurney1844]

8-Bit's opinion is that Wind Waker is the best video game soundtrack of all time