Sonic CD - Bad Future Music Ranked, Worst to First

[@MirrorHall_Clay]

That "BOO" in Palmtree Panic JP is actually just a very distorted "Yay" from the present version, I like how the elements that were more positive sounding but sparingly used in the present version are distorted or thrown around in a very unnatural way in the bad future, really makes for a good "what is this guy doing to this place?!" vibe from it imo

[@preston_gaming6203]

@@pumpkin.lantern.mp8 Thats what he said

[@lunareko]

its not distorted, its just pitched down

[@rainyxdays497]

@@preston_gaming6203 what did he say

[@Yourlocalidiot13]

I never thought it was a boo I just always thought it as a pitched down YAY!!

[@RandomFella745]

Still baffles me people didn’t know that

[@Plantify9339]

I agree with a little bit of what you’ve said so far (not done watching, but almost) but I personally think that the whole part of Palmtree Panic’s JP Bad Future having the Good Future’s piano was intentional, like the game is mocking you by giving you a taste of what you could have created, but failed to do. The happy tune has been drowned out by the cold, industrial sounds that play along with it. Personally I really love that aspect of the song, though I understand why someone might not

[@km_studios]

I think that's what they were going for, I just don't think it really worked

[@gablink5190]

I personaly find that piano really melancolic and depressing, and my favorite part of the song by far.

[@bluedacooldude]

@@km_studiosLook, since this is the first zone of the game, there’s nothing much to worry. I think the piano is there to remind you that even if you didn’t make a good future at Palmtree Panic, don’t worry, there’s still more for you to make a good future out of!

[@josephjames6618]

@@km_studios work that joint

[@josephjames6618]

@@km_studios come on now

[@exqgenius]

13:45 I actually think thise "happy-sounding chords" fit this one well. It's the first zone, showing you there is still a sense of hope in Little Planets every last BREATH.

[@BackOff_xd]

Yup! It also fits on with this being the First level, there's still an Long way from Fixing the Future.

[@cinotrashductions744]

I will forever stand by this: Metallic madness Jp bad future is one of the best songs in the ost I don't mind it sounding overly evil, it slams rly well with it being the final level and all W song

[@JoseGregorioValeroVillarroel]

Agreed!

[@AlbanianBon]

If your talking about no6, then THE BEAT DROP IS LIKE THE BEST IVE SEEN

[@Frenchmapperonastick1812]

You are so right! This song is amazing! Those "cshin" sounding beats make the song menacing on many levels. Plus the vocals don't sound out of place for the bad future of the final level.

[@Nottellingyou383]

usa better tbh

[@floofycupkim1197]

Tbh I prefer JP WW BF over US WW BF because the US version sounds like everyone Is on lunch break. Meanwhile the JP version sounds like "we're all gonna die!!!!"

[@zachduperron8543]

Sonic CD is one of those games where a lot are divided on both US and Japan’s OSTs but I enjoy both equally, I legit like to listen to all of them and not have anything negative about them.

[@shocktrauma85]

Even though there are a few I don't like, I mostly agree. I ranked them in another comment, but it is so hard given how many tracks are really good.

[@zachduperron8543]

@@shocktrauma85 there were some songs I used to not like as much such as both US Palmtree Panic futures but they grew on me years later.

[@bracedgod4505]

I like both but I was always slightly annoyed that they couldn’t do a past version for the US tracks. I know it was because of hardware reasons but the switch from US to JP to the past was always weirdly jarring, so I usually play with the Japanese soundtrack.

[@megspitzer9406]

Yeah, Sonic CD is the only Sonic the Hedgehog game that has 2 different soundtracks depending on what country you live in (in this game's case, US and Japan)

[@pocketdog5006]

I absolutely love both the US and JP soundtracks, both are distinct with how they express the direness of the situation in the game. US is much more serious because Robotnik is taken more seriously in the US; roboticizing the entire planet for his own gain, JP is funky but still has a serious tone to express how Robotnik is both goofy yet evil when he actually threatens a planet.

[@Sandwich_Dios]

palmtree panic us: light sentence for manslaughter palmtree panic jp: death sentence for not throwing out the trash

[@juliusnumj]

fr

[@sabillahrahma-kun4898]

0:50 It's not dark , it's not sinister , just a perfect song for warm up

[@xPrecisionx]

15:15 I find that the use of the mermaid choir sounding out of breath and exhausted is brilliant on two levels. For one thing, they reference the motif found within the U.S. present track, where the mermaids are happily singing to the melody. Here, they are on the verge of death, and the implication is that they are dehyrdating due to the polluted water. Simply a fantastic decision to include them here.

[@megspitzer9406]

Yeah, the US version of the Tidal Tempest Bad Future tune is more suitable in nature than the Japanese version. And I think the polluted water looks more like blood, too, possibly because all the fish swimming in there were killed.

[@jacciesaccary1265]

To me I thought it was ghosts chilling in the US present. And in the bad future it sounds like being low on energy

[@therealmaggiemae]

I dont think people understand the Quartz Quadrant music in general. For it to make sense, you have to have all the pieces (Present, Good and Bad future.) There's actually alot more to read into than it might seem at first. We've got two main parts, let's call them Section A and Section B, in the present version. Section A is the first part, with the piano and brass, while section B is the part with the accordeon and sax. In Section A of the present version, it's all about getting hyped up. You've got those drums, pushing you to save the underground mine, while the Brass instruments are like Sonic's motivation and determination to save the mine, while the piano's a bit uncertain, maybe reflecting the zone's decaying state and uncertainty. Now, in the bad future, Section B is completely removed. It's all about Section A, but without the brass, it's like a void, The silence is noticeable, like Sonic has lost all the motivation because there is no motivation to be had. You screwed over, you got the bad future. the place is ruined already. And there's this "FORGET THIS PLACE!!!" sample and those drums taking the spotlight, and showing you how frantic the zone is and how you have to get out of there. which was one salvable, is not anymore. Now, the good future version's a fan favorite. Section B and comes in and A is completely missing, slower tempo, and there's an accordion and a saxophone adding to the vibe. It's romantic, like this chill underground sanctuary with crystals and gems. Super calming and that sax is just awesome. You saved the place, no need for that urgency the piano and brass section A gave you. you can relax. But here's the thing, all three versions use the same parts, same key, and often the same instruments. Yet, they give you completely different feelings. Quartz Quadrant's a masterclass in doing more with less. It's not as flashy as other bad future tracks, which is why some people overlook it. But when you see all three together, it clicks. These tracks tell the story of the zone as time changes it, and they do it without saying a word. It's not just about Sonic's moves; it's like the music becomes part of the game's story.

[@stailindrake5478]

Palmtree Panic Bad Future- JP is one of my favorite tracks across both soundtracks, in no small part thanks too how well it accomplishes its purpose. There' a pretty high chance that it's the first bit of time shenaniganry new players experience, and even if it isn't, seeing what the area was like in the past tends to make folks curious about what the other signs will bring them too- and they are unlikely to be prepared for what they find there! Its instrumentation is frantic and harsh, combining with the fading bluish greys, acrid purples, and dull oranges that have taken over Palmtree Panic's landscape- in contrast to the vibrant colors and joyous sounds of where you came from, it's immediately obvious that something's gone extremely, undeniably *wrong*. And it only gets worse from there- the instrument grow harder to withstand, the melodies you had grown accustomed to become twisted into something disconcerting, the vocals get corrupted and drained of soul... Listening to the music almost comes to be as caustic as fluid flowing through the pipes beneath your feet! And despite everything, it's the vocals that get the most. They're distinctly more digital sounding than before, and the cheers stutter as if they're having buffering issues- just like the few badniks that remain in this dystopian wasteland. They are broken down, missing key parts to perform their original function, moving erratically as decay grabs ahold of their internal computers, and cling to the echoes of joy that had once filled this land in hopes that their creator will finally come back to them. But Dr. Robotnik has left them to rot in the hollow shell he had turned Little Planet into, never to return again. There's nothing of value here. No life was unexploitable. No joy was sacred. All that matters now is the Eggman. And you are the only one who can stop him. I also find that the song helps me keep focused when writing stuff, but that's neither here nor there~

[@Werty715_25]

Also, the piano chords in the last part sound like there is still hope, but it's buried underneath the badniks singing.

[@gdst17]

There's one thing I really like about Tidal Tempest's US bad future but it's only in the 2011 remake (it was probably originally in that extended album or whatever and was put into the 2011 remake). In the 2011 remake the song loops properly rather than fading out, but it also has a proper ending. At the end of the song (or track if you want to get really technical), most instruments die out, with the only sounds left being a sort of wave sound and a REALLY sad-sounding, slow melody. It makes me imagine slowly sinking down while drowning, just accepting your fate, being both at peace with yourself and incredibly sorrowful. Then it ends with a quick, intense portion. I'm pretty sure the notes and instrument were reused directly from QQZ bad future, but it's still a pretty good way to end the song/loop back to the beginning. It's really a shame it's not in the original Sega CD version and as such isn't uploaded a lot.

[@elone7744]

Yeah there is also a difference in the US Present Wacky Workbench theme on the 2011 version, they add a sort of bell sound the second time it played which make me like this music even more!

[@megspitzer9406]

Yeah, like you're trying to swim in blood with rotting fish and mermaid corpses floating around

[@yanchunchan9321]

That part is my favourite too, the way the guitar swells menacingly before it loops is really cool. It feels like you're slowly drowning, then you see a predator swimming towards you from the murky depths... When I tried making a track inspired by the US soundtrack, I made sure to include a part similar to that part as the looping point

[@Frenchmapperonastick1812]

I hate that song

[@montyeggman3075]

I was a bit surprised by Stardust Speedway JP being ranked lower, but then, it seems to fit Metal Sonic more than it does the Zone, while the US version fits the atmosphere a lot more. This could be why both these Sonic CD tracks have gotten more official remixes than the others.

[@CSS-Tails_Forever]

I agree, The JP really was for for Metal Sonic while the US soundtrack was definitely made for the bad future.

[@therealfulgens]

Disagree. I honestly don’t like the NA track at all, and I really don’t see how it fits the zone any more than the JP version

[@CSS-Tails_Forever]

@@therealfulgens I believe it fits the level bc it sounds so evil, but not gonna lie I definitely prefer the JP over the US anytime!

[@genetic_lemon]

@@therealfulgens The JP is more of like a rave party, while the US one actually feels like you're racing on a speedway in a bad future.

[@therealfulgens]

@@genetic_lemon bruh the GF version does that better than the BF version

[@somb206]

just because a song isnt in a minor key doesnt mean it isn't unsettling or fitting for a bad future mix of the present song. collision chaos bad future has a nice empty atmosphere that makes it eerie in comparison to the lively, upbeat present mix. part of the greatness of this game's soundtrack is that the time zone mixes don't all follow the same formula. some sound really subdued and mysterious whereas others are upbeat and more melodic, even when comparing songs of the same future/timezone

[@BackOff_xd]

It represents to get an Future where all that Happy groove was blurred away by Eggman's Storm and left with an weird version of itself, The main show are gone under Eggman's rule, but it's trying to be groovy still with what they have left.

[@just247]

4:06 You should hear the album version of Palmtree Panic "B" Mix (US). I think it sounds a lot less empty. 9:38 "I've got the power!" One of my favorite voice samples from the JP soundtrack. 12:57 I agree. Getting that "BOOOOOO!!!" at the start in contrast to the "Yay!" in the Present really makes you feel bad for not destroying those robot transporters.

[@NO0BY.]

I don't know about the "I've got the power". I saw a comment saying it was japanese and meant something

[@just247]

@@NO0BY. That voice sample is from a 1985 dance single called "Love's Gonna Get You" by Jocelyn Brown.

[@NO0BY.]

@@just247 ok

[@Werty715_25]

I always thought it was someone laughing.

[@EpicgamerGTG]

​@@Werty715_25real

[@FiahCraker]

my boy did quartz quadarant bad future jp dirty

[@kamui7822]

He really did

[@JoseGregorioValeroVillarroel]

Because It Doesn't Fit A Bad Future, It Isn't Creepy, Mocking, Menacing, Sinister, Unsettling Or Dark, Just A Perfect Song To Warm Up!

[@mrtrollnator123]

It sounds almost the exact same as the present

[@Yoshistar238]

WHOOO! WE'RE GONNA GET THIS PLACE!

[@BackOff_xd]

Nah, it's kinda just There tbh, tho that's also a bit cuz Quartz Quadrant Present Mix COOKS!!

[@karinyupinyan]

I personally think that the JP bad future Stardust Speedway was composed mainly as a theme for the race with Metal Sonic, which I feel kinda doesn't suit a bad future as well it could've been. That said I still love the song. I just think it works a lot better as a theme just for that race with Metal.

[@JLTruRodYT]

Well... My thoughts aren't so different of yours...

[@roby4504]

It's kinda overrated in my opinion. They've remixed it enough, I'm so glad Forces gave it a second chance.

[@amesstarline5482]

For similar reasons, Metallic Madness JP Bad Future sounds more like a final fight than a zone.

[@SonicTheCutehog]

I disagree. The US Bad Future theme fits that bill more. The US does not fit the level at all and only fits the race.

[@therealfulgens]

@@SonicTheCutehog gotta disagree. With all of you actually. I think the JP version is just straight up better at both.

[@gooseboi6427]

I like to interpret that the piano on 13:38 is a way of showing that "There is still hope" or "You can still amend things", since Palmtree Panic is the first stage of the game meaning you still have a long road to change the outcome.

[@bad_pilot13official]

Yeah i definitely agree!

[@TudominotheGreat]

Palmtree Panic: Pollution Pandemic Collision Chaos: Cacophonic Catastrophe Tidal Tempest: Technological Terror Quartz Quadrant: Questionable Quagmire Wacky Workbench: Wreckage Wasteland Stardust Speedway: Stormcloud Sprawl Metallic Madness: Mechanized Malice

[@sashalysak9610]

Well I understand that Wacky Workbench is bad from the technical sight, but that moment always hits me right 2:31

[@OniLordMiki]

Man, where has this channel been all my life. Your analysis of Sonic tracks and music theory are some of the most dedicated I've seen from any creator thus far. On top of being a kickass composer/arranger to boot. Also I was wincing at that last part because I thought you had f'd up the last leg of the Metal Sonic race. Yet you won it by a hair 👍

[@shocktrauma85]

Anyone else get the feeling that Stardust Speedway Bad Future US is almost like the war for the city is coming to an end? As though the residents are down to their last forces, their last stand? Fighting for another day, trying to hope a hero can save them and they can rebuild their destroyed city?

[@firedino2022]

Wacky workbench us ost sounds like you landed a 1 star on your school servey and now your break dancing💀

[@JoseGregorioValeroVillarroel]

My Ranking: 14: JPN/PAL Quartz Quadrant 13: US Wacky Workbench 12: US Palmtree Panic 11: JPN/PAL Collision Chaos 10: US Stardust Speedway(Don't Get Mad At Me, It's Just My Opinion) 9: US Collision Chaos 8: JPN/PAL Stardust Speedway 7: JPN/PAL Palmtree Panic 6: US Tidal Tempest 5: US Quartz Quadrant 4: JPN/PAL Tidal Tempest 3: US Metallic Madness 2: JPN/PAL Wacky Workbench 1: JPN/PAL Metallic Madness

[@jacciesaccary1265]

Tbh wacky workbench us sounds like everyone is on lunch break partying. It isn't sounding like the place is faulty or destructive. I like the Japanese version for being chaotic and perfectly fitting for a bad future. People like palmtree panic for doing the same thing.

[@AlfieAutumn]

Agreed in fact the ww bad future us kinda made me mad I also prefer the jp

[@FakePeppino2]

Remember, collision chaos bad future isnt the thing thats chaotic, the level is.

[@briprosser]

You are correct

[@MoonlightStrider]

You know what I love about the Quartz Quadrant zone especially with the US mix is the fact that you start indoors inside a fully mechanized factory and if you time it right when you go outside and you see the near endless forest of factories with that burning sky in the background it really hits home how badly the future of Little Planet gets on a grand scale should Robotnik take over which is something you don't really see until Stardust Speedway Also Pastiche's contribution to the US soundtrack with the vocals really help capture the feeling of despair in the BF zones, like Tidal Tempest sounding like the water is so polluted what little life is underneath has to take short breathes just to stay alive.

[@lugi5215]

i'm gonna be real here, you lost me by the first entry

[@MWRtelevision]

Yep, QQ and SS (JPN) are easily the best tracks in the game regardless of the time period. It surprises me how the US tracks rate so highly, they always seemed to be a bit lacking.

[@ahmadrafi8087]

@@MWRtelevision lacking of what?

[@MWRtelevision]

@@ahmadrafi8087 to me, they seem a bit bland and empty, compared to JP - lacking in what I'd describe a texture, like a photograph of a beautiful landscape taken in the most boring light.

[@abbakovner1861]

​@@MWRtelevision Fully honest, for me the US soundtrack is better in all ways. In this video it's an analize of the songs and the US version actually gives the feeling of "bad" future, it's not enought just having a good rythm, the JP versión doesn't even feels like a bad future.

[@A_random_octo]

​@@ahmadrafi8087Melody and motifs, many of the jp songs have clear motifs used for every level. The U.S. version just sounds like a generic song that fits the ambience of the place, for me at least, none of them are memorable

[@Shino2097]

Stardust Speedway Bad Future US is a masterpiece.

[@Meow_Zedong_1949]

#1 Palmtree Panic JP #2 Metallic Madness US #3 Collision Chaos JP #4 Metallic Madness JP #5 Quartz Quadrant US #6 Wacky Workbench JP #7 Stardust Speedway US #8 Tidal Tempest JP #9 Wacky Workbench US #10 Stardust Speedway JP #11 Palmtree Panic US #12 Quartz Quadrant JP #13 Collision Chaos US #14 Tidal Tempest US

[@kitsunefaye1661]

MMBF PAL is evil personified. It wasn’t taken too far.

[@blueelectric05]

I always have been a techno guy so the wacky workbench jp is basically one of my favorites of every other bad future tracks, those orchestra hits and the overall intensity is really the best thing about this

[@maskedmanpkclysm5327]

my favourite bad future tracks will always be the JP palmtree panic and US quartz quadrant, i think they bring out the best parts of the bad future songs

[@skoalacrazy9227]

Metallic madness bad future (JP) seems to be my first favorite because it sounds completely bizzare to based on the start and the middle,plus I really like the voice samples! Plus not to be a bad guy but it sounds like eggman just claimed the world his! Metallic madness bad future (US) the start of the nosies reminds me of something like arcade laser nosies, the feeling of this sound is something like Eggman is done after sonic comes

[@JoseGregorioValeroVillarroel]

For Me, The JP One Deserves #1, And The US One Deserves #3

[@KISSArmygroupie]

Always looking forward to your Sonic CD countdown videos! Can't wait for the next one!

[@NeonIceyy]

I think there's an interesting pattern going on between both soundtracks, and it shows more than ever in the Bad Futures than elsewhere. In my opinion, the US music focuses all its music on the location most rather than the actual level, while the JP music does suit the level design a lot better. Which is also why even in the Bad Futures, I still prefer most of the JP themes, since they give the levels their needed adrenaline and deliver how Dangerous these places actually are in the BF version. In US version I much rather just "look" at the locations and reflect on what happened to them, rather than playing through them, if that makes any sense.. Think Quartz Quadrant is my favourite example of this with how fittingly hectic it sounds in JP version, compared to the US's very depressing nature of 'this place is lost..' Also I guess this is a hot take, but I actually think it was a smart idea they didn't give the JP versions a complete hopeless feel in their levels, since there's technically still a way to save them thanks to the Time Stones, which makes the completely hopeless and evil Metallic Madness feel even more devastating. And on that opposite, sounding too evil is actually why I love it. And I mean, let's face it, MM BF is probably the most fucked up place in Sonic history, so if any level should sound like this, it's this one. Plus it makes overcoming this completely hopeless place, defeating Robotnik, and saving Amy all the more satisfying, while having the beautiful Cosmic Eternity ending play as a bittersweet reward still. It's probably my favourite Bad Future theme for that reason alone. (Except Palmtree Panic maybe) Plus in contrast, the Goof Future version of Metallic Madness being as triumphant as it is, just makes that one sound even more powerful in return I think! Also not to disregard your valid points, but I think I can explain how some of the JP Bad Futures still fit their location or setting despite not seeming like it at first. Collision Chaos may be the only level where a Bad Future may not even effect it all that much, since its such a strange place to begin with, so having a "not so bad"-sounding Bad Future can kinda work ironically when looking at it from that perspective, this place is basically upside-down, so a happy Bad-Future may not be too outlandish either. Tidal Tempest always sounded to me like a dried out version of its Present version, which isn't to say there's no water anymore, just that this nice clean water is now all muddy and completely clogging the tubes and natural sources it should stream through. I think you can perfectly hear this through the unnatural sounding flutes. I dunno, it always fit a dirty water stage to me. And Stardust Speedway's main objective was probably the Metal Sonic race, which I think is fine, it's the main event of the stage. I what applies to both versions here is that they represent this dangerous highway perfectly in their own way. Just that the JP one focuses more on the race itself and the US one more on the overall location. (Again, kinda what I said earlier) Ironically, I think the US Good Future version of Stardust Speedway is the polar opposite for once, as in that one fits the race much better while the JP one fits the amusement park aesthetic more the GF version represents. Anyways, I loved watching this series in one go. Really loved the analysis of the key-changes especially. Keep up the great remixes also.

[@sonicfreelancermk.2587]

Wow. That was exactly what I was thinking. You're right!

[@Mac43225]

1:59 its a good song, but only for wacky workbench's bad future like you said at the end of it plus it has the ''pass the onions'' ''you suggested lettuce'' ''pass the onions... YOUU BIT-''

[@youssefa.2251]

13:38 I always loved to think about how some (in JP's case, most) of the future songs are Eggman's POV's. Palmtree Panic JP's Bad Future, in this part atleast, feels like a celebration not for the player but for Evil. A triumph over Good and justice xD. US's Wacky Workbench Bad Future and many more examples~~

[@outfordouglas.opinador]

14:08 this sounds like a Wake up alarm

[@metravolsam]

The wacky workbench bad future jp is one of my favourites

[@floridiantoiletsandmore9449]

I was not expecting Wacky Workbench JP to be so low.

[@Gabonation]

the amount of seeing people getting is so hysterical

[@graftongazaway]

I feel that the piano in palmtree panic jp is saying "this place may be doomed but there's hope for the everywhere else on Little Planet" idk probably just me tho

[@asmodeus58XX]

As usual, your list is similar to mine, with the exception that I really love Wacky Workbench JP. The Present feels like a piece that doesn't know what to do with itself, but just like Collision Chaos US, it makes for a great Bad Future (except that I like the entirety of Wacky Workbench JP a lot more than Collision Chaos US). Other than that, none of our placements are more than three places apart. In general, I think there's a strange cross-region similarity between Collision Chaos and Wacky Workbench, with WW JP and CC US sounding a little too grim in the Present, making up for a very intense Bad Future. Meanwhile, WW US and CC JP simply rule in the present, but then fail to sound evil enough in the Bad Future. In the Good Future, the cross-regionality is gone. Anyway, my ranking: 14. Palmtree Panic US 13. Quartz Quadrant JP 12. Tidal Tempest JP 11. Collision Chaos US (Hey, I didn't say anything about liking the melody) 10. Collision Chaos JP 9. Wacky Workbench US 8. Stardust Speedway JP 7. Palmtree Panic JP 6. Quartz Quadrant US 5. Metallic Madness US 4. Metallic Madness JP (mostly because of the lyrics "You can't do anything, so don't even try") The final 3 are all amazing, bringing the best of the Japan, the best of the west and overall one really great song. They're overall tied, and currently I rank them like this: 3. Tidal Tempest US 2. Wacky Workbench JP 1. Stardust Speedway US

[@asmodeus58XX]

Anyway, Good Future is next, and I really have no idea what your favorite is. Metallic Madness JP? Quartz Quadrant US? Maybe Stardust Speedway US or even Collision Chaos JP?

[@pixeldemon6173]

The lyrics are actually a mockery of the intro (cause if you try, you can do anything)

[@asmodeus58XX]

@@pixeldemon6173 Exactly.

[@JRENZO10]

The voice samples in Wacky Workbench JP are saying "who wants a tasty donut", you gotta give it credit for offering you food. Also, you think Metallic Madness JP went too far with being evil and creepy, but Palmtree Panic didn't? Hearing that song just gives me chills, and not in a good way.

[@thestateoforegon9117]

Anyways, here’s my ranking of the songs: #14 Palmtree Panic US #13 Collision Chaos US #12 Quartz Quadrant JP #11 Collision Chaos JP #10 Metallic Madness JP #9 Tidal Tempest US #8 Stardust Speedway JP #7 Wacky Workbench US #6 Tidal Tempest JP #5 Quartz Quadrant US #4 Wacky Workbench JP #3 Metallic Madness US #2 Palmtree Panic JP #1 Stardust Speedway US

[@joshuagabrielcatindig7607]

JP CC Bad Future sounds like a crime wave has hit the zone and nobody's stopping it.

[@DwarfDruidHampter714]

For me, QQ (jp) track's repetitivity represents that there is no future for this place.

[@Jaggedfire]

All I’m gonna say is that I agree with Stardust Speedway Bad Future US suits a bad future more and I’m glad that Sonic Forces used it for Metal Sonic boss fight

[@ffba371]

I was hoping that collision chaos bad future us would be ranked a bit higher though I do respect you opinion.

[@Arioch1025]

How do you go with how it fits the level for quartz quadrant but then go composition wise for wacky workbench 😭

[@DarthAsthmatic]

Yeah, the JP Collision Chaos sounds more like a bad day rather than a bad future.

[@toamatoro570]

I remember having a debate about Quartz Quadrant Bad Future with one of those really snobby "JP is better and NA is objectively bad" elitists (I know it can go the other way around but it doesn't happen that way nearly as often.) He argued the Japanese version was objectively superior because "It sounds like the zone has caught fire and is ready to explode, the US version doesn't have nearly that much energy!" My response to that is.....bruh. The zone isn't about to explode. Look at it. It's a bleak and desolate wasteland. The Bad Futures are really where the North American soundtrack shines, and this is coming from someone who has slightly more favorites in the Japanese soundtrack myself. It's time for people to stop wishing the soundtrack they don't like as much didn't exist and appreciate the fact they have two to choose from and have been able to since 2011.

[@GatorOne-in7hk]

Those elitists make me sick. The Japanese version has great songs, yes, but that alone doesn’t make it a better fit for the game. The US soundtrack dedicated itself to matching the stages better while still sounding great, and it shouldn’t be hated for trying to be different or because it has a horrifying game over theme.

[@GatorOne-in7hk]

Btw it’s always nice to see a fellow Bionicle fan.

[@MaverickTsuki]

Yeah, even on this day you have people that still argues about this. Both osts are great. Each give the game a different feel. One might prefer one over another, or even some songs from one version and some from the other. And that's ok. But some people can't take different opinions and go full sword and shield attacking what they don't like because of nostalgia or something.

[@shocktrauma85]

I will say, though I still prefer the JP overall, I have come to appreciate the US a lot more after giving these tracks a serious listen. I think more people would appreciate both if they put any serious biases aside and took the time to listen.

[@GatorOne-in7hk]

@@shocktrauma85 I agree, I was the same way with the US soundtrack but now I love a lot of the JP songs.

[@JoseGregorioValeroVillarroel]

1:16 And let's also add that the lyrics that say "Woah! we're gonna get this place!" doesn't help it

[@rinder.crates]

9:35 That transition is godd af bro wtf 😭

[@WaterCupLol]

Im totally shock when stardust speedway (JP ver) was ranked lower but yeah it doesn't really fits with the whole zone except the metal sonic race 12:41 yea im totally *panic*

[@zobelli5967]

Yuji Naka said, in a interview, that Sonic is, essentially, a ambientalism symbol, and Robotnik represents a radical vision of humanity´s postivism. I love Sonic CD because he transposed this idea of "bad science" perfectly. The bad future stages is really "bad", because Eggman destroyed a entire planet with his ambitions, and only the US Soundtrack capture this feel. Look at how the background of Quartz Quadrant fits the music, a mine with his own ecossystem simply disappear in weeks, turning into a chaotic city and death ambient. Spencer Nilsen is a genius

[@HackerMan203]

We can let Spencer cook Just keep him away from the boss theme and game over theme.

[@Red_Tsar]

​@@HackerMan203 Well, they did keep him away of the boss theme, that was done by Mark "Sterling" Crew, who also did Metallic Madness and Collision Chaos.

[@Saucelossthesuckydo8905]

Honestly, if they put a twist on the Good Future's piano, distorting it and have it change into something more suitible for a bad future (it can still start out the same though), that would have been significantly better. Still giving you the taste of what you could've gotten, but then ripping that right away for something far more sinister.

[@thestateoforegon9117]

Honestly, I think tidal tempest JP not suiting the underwater nature of the level was the point, as it shows that the old tidal tempest is completely gone, and the water is just the leftovers of what the level used to be, and that eggman would inevitably drain it. I do agree that it sounds just a bit too menacing for the atmosphere however, and the US soundtrack does a much better job of depicting this interpretation of the bad future.

[@mehsayori]

gotta disagree with metallic madness jp's placement. the entire point of the bad future is to feel like evil has corrupted the land, and mmjp perfectly captures that feeling. especially when you get to act 3.

[@c3lestial_spAce]

haven’t watched it but i already know it’s gonna be controversial because of a certain song

[@km_studios]

Which one? There are a few rankings on this list that I've anticipated being controversial

[@Red_Tsar]

​@@km_studios Most likely Stardust Speedway BF JP, since for many, it's considered the magnum opus of this game.

[@fun1s_1nf1n1t3]

The real point of JP OST, probably, is to make you reflect about actual ambient, and how it was ruined, but, yeah to be a " real good song " It has to be enjoyable.

[@MaverickTsuki]

US Stardust Speedway is such a great song and very underapreciated compared to the JP version, which is also a jam, but the former fits better a race against Metal Sonic. The only thing i have to say it's so good it intensifies the climax of that race so much and what comes after that doesn't feel as climatic, which is problematic when it's the final stretch of the game. Still i have this impopular opinion about Metallic Madness bad future themes: For some reason i've always felt the US version more threatening that the JP. Maybe because the part that recalls the present version gives me more of a hopeless feel, like something that at least had a chance to be fixed, but now it's lost cause. Also the weird intro. Probably it's just me who got used to the US music first and then i found the JP themes more upbeat or energic overall. I mean, i like that ost too, a lot actually, but it definetely gives the game a whole different vibe. Oh, also you reminded me this weird thing on my game cd back in the day where Quartz Quadrant bad future theme always played instead of Tidal Tempest present. It was an interesting mix. Anyway, this was an interesting ranking. Maybe i would rate some of the songs higher or lower, but hey, everyone has different opinions, so don't be ashamed of them! Can't wait for the Good Future ranking!

[@roby4504]

I am so glad you chose Stardust Speedway US as the best bad future song. It's the most fitting song because it's actually supposed to be an intense race. If Sonic dies, the whole planet is doomed and Amy will probably get roboticized. Seriously though, the US soundtrack is so underappreciated. The only reason for why it's hated is because of the boss fight theme.

[@g.s.4318]

I guess it comes back to Sonic's music sounding weird and groovy. I like how this music could be seen from Sonic's perspective, but to Metal Sonic, this is just a little challenge.

[@TheAmazingPeterB]

thx for spoiling #1

[@Wattson19]

Nope, the US soundtrack is hated because it's trash.

[@zviax]

​@@Wattson19 mostly yes but it got some good ones, for the king of the trash is metalic madness

[@HackerMan203]

You forgot one more track The game over

[@farfarout3561]

Metallic Madness US, Wacky Workbench JP, Palmtree Panic JP and Quartz Quadrant US are my favorites. I especially love the almost palpable desolation and hopelessness in QQ and MM. I think the only Bad Future mix I actually dislike is Quartz Quadrant JP. They're pretty baller all around.

[@440hurtz4]

To me it feels like the US soundtrack is more made for the exploration part of Sonic CD and the Japanese was made for the more traditional run as fast as you can gameplay.

[@Gabor1230]

Nice list you have. 💙👍 My ranking: #14 - Wacky Workbench (JP) #13 - Palmtree Panic (US) #12 - Tidal Tempest (JP) #11 - Quartz Quadrant (JP) #10 - Collision Chaos (US) #9 - Collision Chaos (JP) #8 - Stardust Speedway (JP) #7 - Metallic Madness (JP) #6 - Palmtree Panic (JP) #5 - Wacky Workbench (US) #4 - Quartz Quadrant (US) #3🥉 - Tidal Tempest (US) #2🥈 - Metallic Madness (US) #1🥇 - Stardust Speedway (US)

[@torterratortellini6641]

You make some of the best sonic remixes I’ve ever heard

[@blackbass77]

9:35 Someone can say how he make that smooth transition

[@airtimeisgood1812]

Stardust speedway bad future us is a masterpiece

[@TheAmazingPeterB]

0:53 my boy did quartz quadrant jp dirty

[@randomuwuface]

I actually thought collision chaos bad future (US) was the present theme until checking again (only listening to the beginning)

[@Antluvstrains]

I’m upset that the 2011 remaster of Sonic CD doesn’t have the intros of some of these tracks cause I love Collision Chaos Bad Future even more now.

[@AlinaAniretake]

To be perfectly fair, in case of CC B JP - it maybe doesn't sound dark, or "bad" - however... It does sound bad, as in say "Eggman won here", because it sounds all Techno and electornic, which is what Eggman is known for. This is not sinister, but neither is Eggman. He is partly sinister, but overall - freaking goofy, when you think, or look at him)

[@jtg55]

Ah! If it isn't the best part about this game's sound track (in my opinion, anyway)! My 3 favorites out of the whole JP Bad Future tracks are Wacky Workbench (nails the atmosphere, but the composition is stale), Tidal Tempest (the music doesn't give the right atmosphere but I love its composition) and Metallic Madness (it does both very well!) As for the other 4, I share a similar viewpoint as to how you ranked them: Quartz Quadrant just feels more like a "Bad Present", there's nothing about it that makes it say "Bad Future" other than it being fast-paced electronica. Collision Chaos is kinda similar, but I like its composition more (especially the lead guitar!). I don't really care for Palmtree Panic, but I like the chaos of the song and I think does a really good job of portraying the Bad Future style. And Stardust Speedway? Everybody loves Stardust Speedway, and yeah, while its composition is great, it does a better job of being Metal Sonic's theme than Stardust Speedway Bad Future. As for the US, there's no contest for me: Metallic Madness is the clear winner. Not only does it fit the level well, but with the music theory you brought out, it really is composed well. Tidal Tempest is a close second, I just love the atmosphere of the song so much (especially the short part for the loop sequence, where it feels like Sonic is being pulled in different directions by the water currents and then he pops up for air as the guitar swells)! Similarly, Stardust Speedway and Collision Chaos nail the feeling of the Bad Future, along with having fairly good composition. I like Quartz Quadrant, but I agree with you 100% in that the song is just too short (that, and I wish they brought more of the Present into the song). I like Wacky Workbench too (much like Collision Chaos B JP: that guitar!), but it doesn't really feel like a Bad Future (it is tense though, and I like the industrial feel). And I never was a fan of the US rendition of Palmtree Panic, expect for the Present. I just don't like it. Also: another clean ad break! Thanks KM! TL;DR: I ranked them (I know, so cliche). JP: Metallic Madness, Tidal Tempest, Wacky Workbench, Palmtree Panic, Stardust Speedway, Collision Chaos, Quartz Quadrant US: Metallic Madness, Tidal Tempest, Stardust Speedway, Wacky Workbench, Collision Chaos, Quartz Quadrant, Palmtree Panic Nice ad break.

[@braytonweaver777]

I think that Stardust Speedway (JP) would be a great fit for the Metal Sonic chase alone.

[@vlasis13]

Expecting to get hate just for stating your own opinion really does mean we live in a bad future

[@Gabonation]

most of them is just crying about how the JP bad futures werent ranked the highest, like come on the US has its fair share of goodies too

[@aidanpalmer4720]

Tbh, stardust speedway bad future (jp) should really have just been metal's boss theme while the actual bad future of the zone got its own theme, but that's just my opinion.

[@elone7744]

I went for two separate list because it's too hard for me to rank 14 tracks. So for the JP: 7) Stardust Speedway 6) Quartz Quadrant 5) Metallic Madness 4) Collision Chaos 3) Palmtree Panic 2) Wacky Workbench 1) Tidal Tempest And for the US: 7) Quartz Quadrant 6) Collision Chaos 5) Stardust Speedway 4) Metallic Madness 3) Palmtree Panic 2) Wacky Workbench 1) Tidal Tempest My comparison: Palmtree Panic: JP>US (but really close to equality) Collision Chaps: JP>US Tidal Tempest: JP=US (impossible to choose) Quartz Quadrant: JP>US Wacky Workbench: JP=US (impossible to choose) Stardust Speedway: US>JP Metallic Madness: US>JP (But really close to equality)

[@tinygrubtwo653]

it seems like this is mainly based on whether it suits bad future or not rather than how good the songs are....

[@torterratortellini6641]

You worried about getting hate from ranking wacky workbench so low but you did not hesitate to put quartz quadrant at the bottom?

[@omegazero9744]

14. Palmtree Panic (US) 13. Quartz Quadrant (JP) 12. Tidal Tempest (JP) 11. Collision Chaos (JP) 10. Collision Chaos (US) 9. Wacky Workbench (JP) 8. Wacky Workbench (US) 7. Palmtree Panic (JP) 6. Metallic Madness (JP) 5. Tidal Tempest (US) 4. Metallic Madness (US) 3. Quartz Quadrant (US) 2. Stardust Speedway (US) 1. Stardust Speedway (JP)

[@Green_Pix-L]

I remember watching Ocean Sick Jasper do the same thing with both the bad and good futures.

[@virialcocer]

Not sure why but in 1:19 I heard "Eh! Spaghetti Street" FOR NO RANDOM REASON

[@geometrydemon6744]

Startdust speedway Japan: Bois y’all know I’m boutta win. The US: nah, I’d win

[@shocktrauma85]

I appreciate hearing your opinion. Though I do kinda agree the US does Bad Futures better overall than JP, I was slightly disappointed to see none ranked higher than they were. I guess that goes to show how much good music there was in this game. My favorite Bad Future personally is Palmtree Panic JP. It is haunting, technological and evil. I do agree with you that Tidal Tempest JP does not fit a water level nearly as well as the US Version. However, I still love the track. My rankings for Bad Future and a brief explanation of why. Just like you, my own opinion. 14. Palmtree Panic US: They utterly failed with this one. It just doesn't really get any emotions from me. 13. Collision Chaos JP: It is groovy like you said. I hate to rank so low, but it is just too hollow sounding more than anything. 12. Wacky Workbench US: I like the slow, decaying sounds. Other than that, it just isn't quite as good. 11. Quartz Quadrant JP: This theme would fit a lava level pretty well. It has the notes that sound like a mechanical breakdown. But, it doesn't quite deliver the necessary punch. But, I have said before you could break down the outside and inside sections and this would fit the inside well. 10. Tidal Tempest JP: Again, I love the music. It is sinister, mechanical and crazy. Much like you said, not really fitting of a water level. This would be more ideal for another Chemical Plant Bad Future. 9. Wacky Workbench JP: It fits the level well. Stresses the need to get out quickly before the entire place collapses. But, too many good songs and it has to go somewhere. 8.Stardust Speedway JP: Metal Sonic's unofficial theme. I like it as well. It fits the race. It just isn't as good for the level itself as its counterpart. 7. Metallic Madness JP: This theme really brings the Madness. I love it. However, I can't rank it higher because there are too many I like more. 6. Tidal Tempest US: It fits a water level very well. I like it (though less than the counterpart). The rapid heartbeat sounds really make it sound deadly. 5. Collision Chaos US: I love the gritty and sad sounds of it. Again, not quite my favorite but it is still good. 4. Stardust Speedway US: Good? Gritty? Definitely. Fits the atmosphere to a tee. 3. Metallic Madness US: This puts the Metallic in it. Rusty, epic, climatic. Sets you up for a showdown. Gives you a spark of hope like "all is not lost yet. you couldn't save it, but you must stop Eggman. 2. Quartz Quadrant US: The epitome of a great US Bad Future. Sad, desolate, ruined and no hope. It's like looking at a city polluted by endless factories and a fiery sky. This fits the outside to a tee. 1. Palmtree Panic JP: Haunting, taunting, mechanical, evil. Paradise has become hell. The notes of hope lost, the robotic yay sounds This theme does everything right. Again, just my opinions. I welcome feedback from anyone. I think the sentiment is true that ranking these songs is hard. So many are well done.

[@Casual_guy1234]

Heres my ranking 15- plamtree panic us 14- Colision chaos jp 13- metalic madness us 12- wacky workbench us 11- quarts quadrant us 10- colision chaos us 9- stardust speedway us 8- tital tempest us 7- tidal tempest jp 6- wacky workbench jp 5- palmtree panic jp 4- quarts quadrant jp 3- dubious depths 2- metalic madness jp 1- stardust speedway jp

[@amyrose6541]

Stardust Speedway Bad Future JP/US version I like both. I don't hate it at all.

[@boomamy7890]

Same here.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Collision Chaos JP really gives me Cyberpunk vibes, and it's downright a nice change of pace from the other more threatning sounding bad future songs in the JP. I'd say the synths in Tidal Tempest JP actually suits an underwater level in the sense of the water being poisoned and everybody dying around you, and you have to race towards the finish line before you die aswell, and then the water slows you down and it's just an unhinged battle against you and the poisoned water. Wacky Workbench US gives me the vibe of a wild party or an underground show being set in this abandoned dark factory, danger but a fun kinda danger :)

[@NeonBlueLight]

6:03 Fun fact, when I first played on the 360 version I didn’t know there were such things as bad futures or good futures when playing through palmtree panic or collision chaos, and that was because the songs didn’t sound menacing and/or sounded too happy. It wasn’t until tidal tempest that I learned you could make good futures. Heck at the time I didn’t know there were different soundtracks.

[@EveryoneDisagreesWithPJ]

13:43 for the bad future for palm tree panic jp, I think they added that since yknow it’s your first play through and stuff and you literally went into this new version of the level they added the piano to tell you your in the same place just not what it used to be.

[@Metal_Dorito]

I don’t agree with EVERYTHING you said, but I do respect you taking the time to actually rank these amazing songs. have a good day :)

9:10 "Doesnt sound like a bad future" if that's the case how come my brother could tell apart all the music present past good future and bad future first try for jp?

[@CatacombSewersSewtube]

I like wacky workbench bad future JP because it makes you feel like this factory is going to be an exploding nuclear reactor soon, and it gives you a real sense of danger.

[@Skittles4Life5]

1:23 this specific part of quartz quadrant jp hits so hard dude.

[@MarioMastar]

Yeah I find that the US absolutely clears when it comes to the futures (both good and bad but mostly bad) because the songs are more atmospheric and really sell the "story" of "This is the damage Eggman has caused" or "This is the peace you've brought to the world". My absolute favorites are Quartz Quadrant for really selling that idea so perfectly with the atmospheric instruments and melodies complimenting either a very utopic background (good future) or the most depressing background (bad future, seriously imagine those brown industrial buildings as like the industrial part of a dystopic city and imagine LIVING there... brings tears to the eyes more than any other bad future). It's similar to why I prefer the US Palmtree panic, because the chants really remind you that US Sonic is about Environmentalism and nature, and there's kind of a "respect all cultures" element to the theme, compared to the "Party at the beach" theme the JP version goes for which misses the mark for me tremendously (It's my least favorite). I think the bad future would've been better without the distorted "Yays" in the bad future, who is cheering? It just sounds obnoxious and doesn't compliment the music at all. Similar to the off tempo taunting in Metallic Madness bad future JP which was fixed by Tee's remix for Sonic Mania. But you are RIGHT about Metallic Madness US Bad future being horribly underrated. I never really listened to it but doing so, it absolutely fits SO much better for a final lead up to the bad ending. Adding that melody that contrasts and mirrors the present version. US really did nail the futures, even if Japan is a lot more catchy and charming to listen to in a vacuum, US tells the story a lot better, reminding you that these bad futures are not "Egg utopias", they're senseless destruction.

[@maddboller7447]

Couple things 1. I LOVE that guitar in wacky workbench US it sounds like it was ripped right out of an 80s Blondie track 2. I actually think the happy sounding pianos really add to palmtree panic JP. It’s a great contrast to the otherwise oppressive sound almost taunting you like it’s saying “this is what you could’ve had but you messed it all up”. But idk that’s just what i think :P

[@fae_gavan7582]

13:52 Personally, I think the happy sounding piano chords make the song even better, like the "life" is still there, but surpressed by the metallic instruments that represents Eggman.

[@Ninja-ixy]

I was surprised King didn’t like it, I thought that was the best part.

[@queenmdaqueen]

0:59 this song is soo underrated! I personally think it suits a bad future.

[@pizzafox7451]

Personally I prefer the JP version of Wacky workbench bad future because I like the intense vibe that it has. It goes well with the spinning red lights and the factory like environment. I just thought that the US version was a little too upbeat for a bad future.

[@km_studios]

Yeah, that is a very common opinion, which is why I've been anticipating some angry comments for ranking Wacky Workbench JP so low. I think my low opinion of that song is a hot take

[@BackOff_xd]

Collision Chaos "B" Mix is... unique, very symbolical with it's music which hurts it when tiering it to most. The Swing Rhythm of the Present Mix is gone, it's great Swing around, Pure but simple Energy and Agility is gone, replaced with 4/4 composition, an Base that builds the Entire Song, and the notable thing is that the Base itself is an Pentatonic walkdown, akin to the one used in the Good Future, but it gets roadblocked at the 4 instead of going to the 5, and so loops itself before it descents back to the 1. It represents to get an Future where all that Happy groove was blurred away by Eggman's Storm and left with an weird version of itself, The main show are gone under Eggman's rule, but it's trying to be groovy still with what they have left.