Understanding the Music of Donkey Kong Country

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Discussing the impact the music of Donkey Kong Country has had on the series, and ourselves.
Thumbnail by HotCyder ( / hotcyder )
Special thanks to Ben ( / ben.hallettt , and my brother Daylan ( / daylanb.art )
Sources:
Factmag interview with David Wise - www.factmag.com/2014/03/18/do...
How Music Was Made on Super Nintendo (Contains inaccuracies, which were rectified in this video thanks to David Wise’s input) - • How Music Was Made On ...
DKC 25th Anniversary Interview by Shesez - • The Donkey Kong Countr...
Sound Test’s Interview with David Wise, Eveline Novakovic and Grant Kirkhope - • SOUND TEST #06 - Donke...
Game Informer Interview with David Wise - • Composer David Wise Di...
DKC1 Composer Credits - donkeykong.fandom.com/wiki/DK...
Independent’s interview with David Wise - www.independent.ie/entertainm...
Understanding Binary Formatted Waveform Data - rfmw.em.keysight.com/wireless/...
Man Tasked With Making Score for a Monkey Riding a Swordfish Underwater Creates Transcendent Piece of Music (satire, but really good satire nonetheless) - thehardtimes.net/harddrive/ma...
Sola & Cola’s Interview with David Wise - • David Wise (Composer) ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waveform
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[@LiamTriforce]

Hi everyone! Thanks for watching the video. Wanted to make a quick addendum discussing some questions, comments and critiques of this video, as usual! First off, Donkey Kong Country 3 was never going to be a huge part of this video, but I felt as though I needed to address it within the video, rather than pretend it doesn't exist. With that said, I understand that it felt very awkward the way I left it, and while at first, I felt that it would be a bit funny that way considering DKC3 is considered a bit of an oddball game in the series... in hindsight it must've come across as if I was disregarding Eveline's music. I really respect Eveline's work on the original Donkey Kong Country (Voices of the Temple, Forest Frenzy, Treetop Rock, Simian Segue, Northern Hemispheres, Ice Cave Chant). Part of the reason Donkey Kong Country felt so unified in melody and in the atmosphere was due to Eveline's focus on ambient chords and choices of instruments. She had a distinct style in that game that helped bring DKC to life. In DKC3, songs like Cascade Capers and Mill Fever are low key, but they demonstrate how she had grown more experienced in bringing that beauty to DKC. Even mentioning those two songs would've been better than how I left things, tbh. So, I apologize. Hindsight is always 20/20! Speaking of which, quite a few people have brought this up, but In a Snow-Bound Land was in fact composed by David Wise. He got it mixed up with Northern Hemispheres, and I never caught that follow-up tweet! twitter.com/David_Wise/status/940525183588331520?s=20 I've also realized that a few people have mentioned the soundtrack for Donkey Kong Country 3 on the GBA, as David Wise composed an entirely new soundtrack to fit that system's sound chip. I've never played those ports, so I had no idea that was the case. I'll have to look into that one at some point! Once again, thanks for watching, and I really appreciate your feedback!!

[@bluenation3838yoohoo]

not sure why you are apologizing? it's clear that Eveline's music is....pretty disappointing compared to Wise. Wise is just amazing atmosphere....Eveline's is goofy & childish in a really bad way. I remember when i first played the 1st level of DKC3.....wow......it left a horrible first impression. Do you listen to Cane and Rinse podcast? they hold the same opinion that I and most others do: Eveline's work is just disappointing compared to Wise. That's just the reality. /shrug

[@bluenation3838yoohoo]

also.....you never mentioned the DKC2's tower theme! that is one of the greatest Wise compositions.....that oboe and clarinet sounds, omg. it is not an exaggeration to say DKC2 has one of the greatest OSTs of all time, along with Majora Mask.

[@felixdaniels37]

You should also check out the soundtrack for Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair while you're at it. It's a fantastic work of art that rivals the original DKC trilogy. It proves that, even without working on the DK license, David Wise can still crank out some amazing music.

[@hansgretl1787]

You're missing out man. DKC 3 GBA is an absolute masterpiece, and if the GBA Sound Hardware wasn't as awful as it is, those tracks genuinely rival DKC 2 SNES. Particular praise goes to Stils Village, Mill Fever and Water World. Are yoi gonna share your impressions of DKC 3 GBA at some point publicly? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@xXBlueSheepXx]

@@bluenation3838yoohoo I see you only played the first level of DKC3. Her music is more atmospheric imo and the soundtrack is really good. DKC2 is just iconic.

[@davidt-rex2062]

It's staggering how many people dismiss audio and sound in games and other media

[@pizzahighfive2612]

Back then sound was definitely a thing to pay attention to and review. But today everything is definitely lower quality and lower standards, that's a fact.. but what sucks about today's games(which is a lot) usually is conveniently not mentioned in reviews because we live in a fake world now where every mainstream reviewer is a shill. today they just discuss mechanics and graphics.. cause that's all this generation has. And music and sound is NEVER talked about cause they know it's garbage, they know it! When back then it was mechanics, graphics, sound, fun factor, and more things were looked at for to be considered a good game.. so the standards were higher, more balanced. Today it's just about graphics, mechanics, the more robotic soul less parts of a game only... But what about the human parts of a video game? What about music? What about feeling? What about story? In depth Characters? Nothing. They don't even mention it like it doesn't matter. Shit today sucks, no soul in the games.

[@johnaplin9848]

They do and it makes me sick the first time I ever listened to The Doom 2016 soundtrack my ears have not been the same and my love for amazing sound design and immersive music has made me love life and it has helped me through the toughest of times hell Wow from finding Nemo saved me from suicide on three different occasions but overall I probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for incredible music and sound design

[@AntilleanConfederation]

You kidding. Music is what made me love this game, Pokémon and killer instinct so much as a child.

[@MrCalverino]

sound has always been the most important thing in gaming for me

[@chickenman7801]

Who are these people?

[@CoversIncorporated]

Stickerbush Symphony as a kid made me want to make music, I’m now an adult who has learned how to play the song. A song in a game that changed everything

[@BBWahoo]

Nice hair my dude

[@Link-ji7kx]

Dude me too! That soundtrack, but especially that song changed my life and made me want to create music and I’ve been making music ever since 👍🏻

[@osets2117]

The fact ice cave chant is only in *one* level of DKC is criminal, it's a seriously underrated track that barely gets heard

[@jimit.4220]

Well imo the fact that it's only heard once makes it more memorable. It's like bfg 10k in doom eternal. That moment in the game where that song plays is not only memorable because the music is so good, it's because the song only plays there.

[@ghostein.stereo]

With all the times I died there (56,) I definitely didn’t have this problem 🤣 but yeah I agree

[@paulashton9772]

all 3 of these games have some of the greatest music ever

[@judgefish4044]

Busted bayou is also only in one level in tropical freeze. You know the soundtracks are masterpieces when one off songs are that good.

[@AndyWitmyer]

​@@jimit.4220 Well said. It's why one of my favorite songs in FF6 is the battle theme when battling Ultros at the end of the Opera scene. Out of the hundreds of battles one will encounter during the game, it is only played in that one lone battle...which honestly does make it all the more special, even if I love it.

[@HollyBunnySilly]

"And if you need to hit a checkpoint every now and then... That's fine." I'm legitimately tearing up, thank you so much David Wise.

[@LegendStormcrow]

Can we make this one the new checkpoint?

[@bryal7811]

I can't believe that after all these years, I didn't make the connection for the red girders during the opening cinematic. They've always just been a platform that Cranky was standing on and I've never given it much more thought. That blew me away!

[@coreyrachar9694]

what connection?

[@coreyrachar9694]

ohhh that they were from the original dk, got it now oof.

[@WhiteWolf118]

Cranky is technically the original DK, with modern DK being his grandson and DK Jr. being Cranky's son.

[@djyoshiman9448]

Same here. Played this game in '96 or so, and I have the entire intro sequence memorized (including the Copyright 1994 fade in screen and menu), and only today did I realize what those were. 25 years later.

[@moosesues8887]

You tweaking lmao

[@nothingrhymeswithorange5294]

Nobody could utilize the SNES's music like David Wise could

[@user-fy1nq3nf1q]

>megaman x1

[@shineon9715]

Nobuo Uematsu?

[@whette_fahrtz]

Tim Follin would like a word

[@weabooheaboo1198]

Tim Follin for sure he made nothing but Banger after Banger

[@lh9591]

Check out his work on NES too. Captain Skyhawks, wizards and warriors, pirates. It’s very impressive

[@KarimJovian]

DAAAAAAMN when cranky plays the classic at 5:47 and the DEEP percussions slowly fade in for the modern take. Ahhhhh still get goosebumps from it. I remember hearing that as a kid and let me tell you the amount of adrenaline in pumped in me as a kid was so exciting. What a time to be a kid for that

[@Madnessmeme]

Indeed.

[@crastipeter]

Hello DK fans! I have just released my debut album CRASTI LAND a few weeks ago and since the Donkey Kong Country soundtrack is among my top 3 biggest music inspirations, I thought I might share the news with other fans :) I have worked super hard on this album and I am so thankful for every single listen and review, thank you in advance! Have a sweet banana day!

[@drjohobo177]

Oh man everytime I hear Forest Interlude I get transported to a mystical forest escape and remember the beautiful ghostly forest, it's so perfect.

[@edo27]

I legit almost shed a tear when you said 'and the result is Aquatic Ambience'. DKC1 and 2 hold a special place in my childhood memory. Aside from Streetfighter 2 and FF7, no other games can transport me instantly to my childhood like David Wise's music in these two DK games can. Thank you for making this. I'm a grown ass man watching this video with childlike happiness.

[@SheriffValentine]

I got goosebumps when he said that and the song played ☺️

[@nurk_barry]

I was thinking about the music of FF7 during his speech about childhood nostalgia, along with DKCs music, few games can touch FF7 for music that really reminds me of that era in my life.

[@motiman2466]

Same!

[@motiman2466]

@U.S. Marine freaking same lol. Those 1994 feels

[@edo27]

@U.S. Marine same. I love the ending music of sf2 where they show the fighters fighting eachother and then they pose.

[@papereatingcowboy4363]

I have long awaited this day without even knowing it. It’s nice to know someone else who has similar thoughts and feelings on the wonderful music of Donkey Kong Country.

[@PopADoseYo]

You're not alone my friend.

[@TheologyVGM]

Literally same. David wise is the best composer ever.

[@mathm7401]

I cried ngl

[@Inkyink]

This video may have just changed my life. Literally. I've composed a few songs here and there but I think the climax of this video with Stickerbush Symphony helped me make up my mind. I want to pursue this skill, this art, this magic. Thank you David Wise for the amazing music, and thank you Liam Triforce, for this video.

[@LordMalice6d9]

It took me a long time to get better at making music and crisp melodies, because I got so busy with other things in life in general I fell behind on a lot of practice.

[@bryce9596]

Just seeing this video 3 years after you left your comment. How has your music journey been going??

[@eldiablo68]

The track that gets me the most is forest interlude. I was playing a doom wad inspired by retro games and one of the levels uses forest interlude, i broke into tears. Its crazy that music can convey so many emotions through pure skill and pacing. Hearing forest interlude for the first time after 10 years was like seeing a friend or loved one after being away for so long.

[@aninymouse1651]

To me, that's the best one.

[@lacuevadexavier]

@@aninymouse1651 Same here. For me Forest Interlude is better than Stickerbush, and im happy that it gets some love too

[@PhantomWorksStudios]

@@lacuevadexavier honestly gonna say that sticker brush symphony, forest interlude and mining meloncholy(kannons klaim) is all a tie for the #1 spot in my eyes. Dkc1 is aquatic ambiance, life in the mines, and fear factory for the tie!!!

[@morj5184]

Golden Souls?

[@eldiablo68]

@@morj5184 yeah it was that mod

[@OAleathaO]

I remember when Nintendo offered the soundtracks of all 3 DKCs on CD in _Nintendo Power_ magazine. I bet they thought they were just making some extra money but I would have paid twice the price they were charging for them at the time. I still have the original discs but they're in my safe. They are a permanent part of my daily car play list.

[@permafrost9668]

i don't even play this series and this man's got my attention.

[@Maceyoshiman]

You've got to give them a try man. The DKC trilogy is _prime_ platform action.

[@Cton9573]

There on SNES online,what the are you waiting for?

[@tick369]

This was my first year as a teacher. 1st grade during a pandemic and I was in way over my head. Decided to start playing a playlist of DKC music for the kids during work time. Really helped me keep my head. Became something I was doing just as much for me as them.

[@zachwilkens7524]

Man, I really felt like this video was working towards actually giving DKC3 some credit that it REALLY deserves. Frosty Frolics, Treetop Tumble, Hot Pursuit, Water World, Rockface Rumble and imo a GREAT final boss song. Like one of my favorite final boss songs ever. Still a great video, just kinda bummed about a game that I feel is absolutely worthy of the series and stands up with the others, yet so many like to ignore.

[@themanwithsauce]

I hear ya. I am one of many DKC3 defenders in the comments of videos like these. I feel like you just had to be there to "get it" from the start. And by "get it" I mean you actually played the game rather than just hear "It's bad and weird and kiddy kong and opening xylophone and ITS BAD". I got the game for christmas back in 96 and I still play it yearly. In relation to this video, for anyone who might read this comment, I get that he played the first level's music to show that DKC3 has "bad" music. And he's not wrong. The blaring xylophone and trombone tune is much more mario-esque than the almost cinematic, slow opens that DKC1 and 2 had. It is also one of the worst songs in the entire game. DKC3 has the worst music in the first world. And the first world has two "docks" stages (the happy xylophone music), a snow level, and two mill levels which also feature a heavy xylophone and some odd choices for the themes and atmosphere of the level. Okay, move on from world one of DKC3 and you get some real bangers. Evelyn had a better understanding of percussion and drumlines than David Wise did when it came to the SNES chip. Boo me all you want, but I'm right. David stayed as far away as possible from percussion and drums outside of a snappy beat. He had some bangers like island swing which used some heavy percussion, but it wasn't his forte. He loved the synths and horns and he was probably the best there was at them on the SNES. But he very rarely made use of percussion.....which Evelyn just jumped right into with both feet. Her percussion heavy songs like the factory music for DKC3. Compare DKC1 vs DKC3 for the factory sound and you can see the difference. David makes some nice, crunchy guitar noises and even has a lovely saxophone in there. Evelyn goes into some metal guitars and drumkit and just lets the SNES soundchip SHRED. The heavy metal clanging and drum sounds in the back make it sound like a literal metal shop. This isn't even going into how DKC3 was the most ambitious game in the series and was basically made in 10 months by a bunch of rookies while everyone else had jumped to the N64 projects. It was an exercise in how DKC would play if it became an adventure game instead of a straight platformer. It really went out of its way to try new things around every turn because hey, the console is dead on its feet anyways. Worst case scenario, it becomes a footnote to time and no one remembers it anyways. But all I need to say is "the saw level", or "the river race level", or "the penguin level", and you instantly remember which one I'm talking about. While not all of them were good, at least they were memorable. WHen you play the game you know that someone tried. And in the end, isn't that worth remembering? You might go into it thinking "Eeeehhh, it's not as tight as DKC2 and it's not as important as DKC1, and kiddy kong is weird, and there isn't much david wise....." and hey, you know what? The glove fits. But just because the glove fits.....does that mean you can't shake the hand that wears it? Give it a go - random person reading this comment. Give it a try and see for yourself.

[@Scrubermensch]

Also David Wise remade the songs from scratch on GBA, so people can't even say they hate it because of Evelyn Fisher's song(which is wrong either way, water world is as good as Wise's song, she's an absolute genius as well!) People just hate the game and won't listen to it, sadly

[@kip-kip]

@@Scrubermensch exactly, both Eveline and David did great work on the DKC ost.

[@seronymus]

@@themanwithsauce this is a beautiful and refreshing post, thank you for defending dkc3

[@GameFreak64101]

I absolutely hated how he and others always skip over DKC3's music when discussing and dissecting the Trilogy's music

[@emery1057]

As a video game composer, professional musician, producer, its astonishing to hear the music of David Wise and to have had the honor to enjoy the music as a child growing up. What David gave us was darkness, emotion, and passion in his music. Every single track he made for the game was a hit, offering a unique side of his music personality. We could've had some crappy overture from some other composer, but what David gave us will remain in the hearts of those who got to enjoy his music growing up!

[@DATskorge]

I saw a reddit comment that summed up how I feel pretty well "I love Liam's videos. I'll admit he sometimes can't quite nail down what he's saying, and he doesn't really get into the technical aspects of the music- which might be a good thing depending on your interest- but he seems like such a sweet guy that I just enjoy listening to him no matter what he's talking about."

[@chrisnguyen2316]

​@@the_most_ever_company well damn, don't know if I can change your mind, but I watch because he puts heart into analyzing, and it resonates with me. if I wanted to listen to a technical breakdown of music I'll just watch 8-bit music theory lol

[@RyanStorey1231]

@@the_most_ever_company You sound really pretentious and obnoxious, dude.

[@hewwix]

he does go in depth about the technical aspects, but i believe it isn't necessary when the music just speaks for itself (like in all 3 DKC gamesl

[@Lyy0n]

@@hewwixI think it depends who you’re talking to. As a musician, idk if I’d say he gets very “technical” but he’s enjoyable to listen to! It might seem technical to the average listener though.

[@pick_nark]

I see DKC music, I click. All 3 DKC soundtracks hold a special place in my heart. I can't even begin to express how much David and Eveline's music means to me. Without these soundtracks I may have never got into music as much as I have, and I just wanna say thanks to them for being so inspiring and writing some of the best music around.

[@Nic_2751]

My god the way you describe not just the composition but the process and absolute powerhouse decisions to make every song work and leave a monumental impact NOT just in the moment, but the legacy it would leave for years to come unwittingly. My god these are the best 16 bit soundtracks I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning about.

[@owenl3293]

Why do I want to cry? I didn’t even play the original donkey Kong country series when it came out? This is amazing man, keep up the great work.

[@robertlauncher]

As someone who did, even grew up with the first two, it’s amazing to think the series was gonna fall into obscurity with Nintendo dropping the main series until the Wii and leaving DK in Mario games, but then Returns and Tropical Freeze happened and I’m hearing about a new audience coming to love the series’ music. It’s extremely heart touching.

[@phiwir3139]

Next Video: "Understanding the music of Chrono Trigger"?

[@andrewsprojectsinnovations6352]

PLEASE do this! ^ And fellow viewers, please upvote this so it gets seen. Since I discuvered that game (2016, I think?), I replay it every couple years and the music hasn't lost its impact. Not over two decades, not over multiple playthroughs. I can't do it justice... That game, the soundtrack, the pixel art, the characters... It's all pure gold.

[@brandonporter8509]

CT is to this day the only jrpg I have ever 100% completed and half of why I love it so much to this day is the music. Not to mention the lack of random battles and the battles Being on the same location you are traversing the implementation of team based attacks. An ATB system that actually lets you feel how important that speed stat is. Mother I love for the music of the series and the story but for me at least playing earthbound isn’t as fun an experience gameplay wise. The only jrpg I’ve ever felt that comes close to CT for being FUN to play is Mario rpg. But CT beats it in the music department and story.

[@andrewsprojectsinnovations6352]

@@brandonporter8509 I don't think I've ever gone for the 100% run but as my first RPG it set the bar way too high. It's still the only one I've ever completed tho.

[@Phanton404]

Understanding the music of Touhou Project the internet explodes if he puts this level of effort in it

[@InternetTAB]

Lol that mysterious forest similar video to stickerbrush symphony. good times

[@meowmers2512]

For folks who love David Wise's music, I cannot stress how many bangers are in Tropical Freeze. His music for both Yooka Laylee games (check out Jungle Challenge and Tribalstack Tropics Mine Cart Theme) and for Snake Pass (check out Earth World) are incredible. I probably listen to the Yooka Laylee stuff more than anything else, and I grew up with DKC music in my heart.

[@jordanyoung2125]

DKC2 is my favorite game of all time. I was 8 years old when it released in November 1995, got it for Christmas. I had the first DKC but this was next level and it was the first time I put the controller down in awe of the music playing. I’m 33 now and having played virtually every good to great game there is with this lifelong hobby of mine without fail DKC2 remains my absolute favorite. Needless to say DKC2’s OST remains my favorite with Stickerbush Symphony being not only my favorite VGM song but my favorite song ever period. Seeing it receive such immense praise to this day all over the internet is one of the coolest things I’ve experienced. Back then all you really had to talk to were your classmates and the neighborhood kids so for all of us “90s kids” we could only judge how popular a game was by magazines and sequels. Now? It’s one thing to see a popular game or trend but realizing the worldwide gaming community of all generations has the same love for the games we grew up on? That alone blows my mind but if you would have told 8 year old me that my weird habit of going to the Bramble Blast level to let the music play while I did my homework? To tell me that when I was a teenager in high school when my nerd circles that me saying One-Winged Angel isn’t the best video game song but a song from goddamn Donkey Kong Country 2 is(and getting laughed at) would inspire the words in the beginning of this. Much less the universal appeal? Man. Just. Man. It’s beautiful. Thank you David Wise for the masterpiece and thank you Liam for making this video.

[@thescaletblur07]

Sorry to ruin the moment but he pulled an essay on us

[@GoofyPoptart]

@@thescaletblur07 he had every right to

[@thescaletblur07]

@@GoofyPoptart im not saying he didnt

[@aloha_from_bradley]

Feelings of the past are both crushing and soothing. DKC2 is also at the top of my short list.

[@consumeproduce]

dude I couldn't agree more. 13-15 for me is the soundtracks to dk games. 25 years later I still replay one of the dk games every Christmas. I was basically the sound of Christmas for 3 of the most formative years of my life, glued to a 4:3 tv for endless hours til my mom demanded I hand over the controller and go to bed. it was just this incredible fantasy space where I could escape from all the sh1t of being a teenager and feel like there was this complete world I could go to and forget there was anything other than that island or the mountain climb or the northern kremisphere. completely mastering every level and cavern and forest. nothing will ever beat DK. Except maybe Banjo Kazooie.... but that's another discussion altogether.

[@edo27]

sees video link: "swear to god if stickerbush symphony isnt mentio----" hears first 2 seconds of video: "ok....its good already." *hits like button

[@somebaker2613]

🙌

[@lukamagicc]

What??? Of course Stickerbush/Aquatic is going to be mentioned. It's so mainstream now its actually gotten to the point it overshadows the other classics in the games. That's like a video about Michael Jackson's best and you say "Oh man I swear to god if he doesn't mention Billie Jean"

[@edo27]

@@lukamagicc I think it was SNES drunk's video on the retrospective on DKC 1-3 and if i remember correctly he had a section describing memorable tracks from the games and Stickerbush was NOT mentioned. So that was fresh in my head when i first clicked on Liam's video. I could be wrong it might not have been SNES drunk buuuut there is a YT vid where someone didn't mention it so ofc imma be pressed lol

[@lukamagicc]

@@edo27 Lol I understand, SNES Drunk are so in depth tho it was probably intentional since there are dozens of stickerbush analysis type content out there already.

[@SnarkyLesbian]

Yeah because there is a video about DKC Music that doesn't just exist jizz over Stickerbrush Symphony. Please...

[@daxx9296]

Donkey kong music legit helps with everything, whenever I have a bad day I can always count on it to cheer me up, David Wise is a genius.

[@chrisnewton2325]

I'm suffering with illness and dkc2s soundtracks still manage to put a smile on my face and even make me cry at times just remembering a simple time with this beautiful music is enough for me 👌

[@xDuuo.]

Hope you get better mate, things will get better

[@chrisnewton2325]

@@xDuuo. thanks mate

[@SMALLSandJOE]

Check point reached. Hang in there everyone

[@Givemethedawg]

My eyes watered at the end when you thanked him. I’m happy to have found this video, thanks for making it.

[@V2pointoh]

Dixie for Smash WHEN

[@NocturnalFudj]

This might be my favourite video of yours yet, Liam. Maybe it's my DKC/David Wise bias shining through but your step-by-step approach and excellent articulation of why the music works and the effect it's having makes it so easy to get sucked in, the video almost has an atmosphere of it own - which in my mind is as much a credit to the composers as it is to you. Great job!

[@somebaker2613]

Thank you 🙏 couldn't have said it better myself

[@magicjohnson3121]

Some of it was pretty poorly researched to be honest

[@jacobskarda]

Hey I know this guy

[@thedizzytuna]

FUDJ!!!

[@MrFF-nb1tp]

Check Point: Thank you Liam. I'm in tears.

[@somebaker2613]

Sometimes we could all use a checkpoint.

[@BBWahoo]

@@somebaker2613 Squidward: I have to get my checkpoint sucked

[@Pineconeboy55]

Best video game soundtracks ever, at 35 years old I still listen on a daily basis while I work.

[@ultibman5000]

Tropical Freeze's OST is one of the best gaming soundtracks of all time, it's so melodically diverse.

[@LordGriebenschmalz]

Yes. And to be honest: i couldnt finish DKC Returns...the soundtrack is of the DK franchise is needed. When I replay tropical freeze I usually do it two times...that soundtrack is magical.

[@geovannilugo5435]

Sorry bro but NOT even Trpical Freezes can't beat the masterpiece of Donkey Kong Country 2 soundtrack..

[@austins.2495]

One of my earliest memories is of playing this game in the 90's. The music is beyond nostalgic

[@sammy61187]

To this day Donkey Kong Country has the best music in any game ever

[@ricardocantoral7672]

If the only good track from that game was Aquatic Ambiance, the DKC OST would still leave most game music in the dust.

[@JP-ks9nh]

Ocarina of time would give Dkc a run for its money

[@chriswhitegang]

not nintendo buhhh the last of us >>>

[@siriusgray]

DKC2 is certainly a contender for best video game OST of all time. It’s just one master piece after another

[@renemolina3760]

Stickerbush symphony is one of the best video game compositions ever made. I never get tired of listening to it. An absolute masterpiece.

[@PressStartToContinueYT]

Wow, incredible video. I was actually planning on making a video on this, but I can't top yours! It's so crazy that a game about monkeys has such emotional music. Purely magical. David Wise is a genius.

[@davymc993]

I'll still watch your video on it though, since you also make really good video's :)

[@dr.hawkinsmax6623]

Your video literally made me cry, I'm a 37 year old man now, but these were my games growing up, my brother and I conquered the whole trilogy, and made completion runs on them, got the true endings, we felt like we were on top of the world for a long time, we accomplished something great, and your beautiful words really hit my heart, David Wise as a composer really knows how to use his gifts, and he probably doesn't realize how many lives he's touched with his wonderful art, thank you so much Liam Triforce for this awesome video, please don't stop making them.😊

[@LenoxPlays]

as much as i loved this video, and trust me i really did, i absolutely love your eloquence, i somewhat feel it was kinda inappropriate for a video called "Understanding the Music of Donkey Kong Country" to be "some else did the third game, and its kinda weird, anyways," especially following after such an eloquent segment about dkc 2, and somehow you didn't mention that david wise did work on the third game's gba remake, or mentioned grant kirkhope work for the series, i understand that the thesis of this video was about the works of David wise, but i believe the way you brushed off works he wasn't involved, again feels a little inappropriate, that's my only criticism though, this video is wonderful and i believe you did an amazing job putting your thoughts about these songs out there, great work!

[@Metalwario64]

Yeah, I was looking forward to breaking down the DKC3 GBA soundtrack at least.

[@omfgwallhax]

The music of DKC1 and 2 is so important and nostalgic to me. I held in the waterworks the whole video until your last message.

[@WalterSalazar]

DK soundtracks literally helped me get though college. They brought me back to my childhood.

[@xoa]

It is crazy how much media like soundtracks can help us though rough times.

[@icepanda6884]

I am a freshman in college. It’s been very rough adapting to a new environment. Then I discovered the different donkey kong soundtracks….. I can never go back.

[@rabidguineapig]

Checkpoint: I'm almost positive I know what video you're talking about in the beginning. It found me some time a couple years ago. The background is really nice and the comments section is full of people's various worries, desires, hopes and dreams, rants, etc.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

I have been depressed lately and the DKC track that has claimed my nerves the most is Misty Menace.

[@dphrygian]

As a David who makes video games, the dedication at 44:09 meant something different to me than was intended but I needed to hear it tonight.

[@andyzhang7890]

Wishing you the best of luck on your video games man. I hope you get to make the game(s) of your dreams 🙏

[@brothermichael8442]

He barely even scratched the surface with how good DKC2's music is. You could almost make a video on that game alone!

[@elijahkaiva8058]

Legitimately teared up by the end, both because of your words...and Stickerbush Symphony playing in the background. Donkey Kong Country's soundtracks are always going to be special, as some of the most beautiful and atmospheric soundtracks out there. They quite literally enhance what would otherwise be a good platformer series, into the status of legends. Amazing video!

[@andyhehernandez]

I put so many hours into this game growing up. Not only did you mention hot head bop but you described (and played) the part of the song that hit my soul. Thank you

[@the.bloodless.one1312]

It really bums me out how we spend so much time praising David Wise but not Eveline Fischer, she composed some of the most iconic tracks of DKC1 and not just like 1 or 2. HALF! David Wise is one of my fave VGM composers of all time but so is Eveline, the made that soundtrack together. Let’s start giving her the praise she deserves!

[@strangevision99]

Yeah, it was a less than half, but a significant portion and almost all of DKC 3 too. She contributed a lot and should be recognised as a major part of the trilogy music.

[@dininelbourne]

Unpopular opinion: Water World from DKC3 is my favorite out of the trilogy's three water level compositions.

[@joemomma2218]

Cuz David Wise is the main reason DKC and DKC2 have some of the best music. If Eveline was as amazing as David wise, DKC3 would have music on the level of the other 2. She may be good, but she's not David Wise good.

[@chocolatekake]

@@joemomma2218 DKC3's soundtrack is just not as beloved, but I think a lot of that is due to how people view the game as a whole, not because of its music. Plus the only musical criticism that I usually see is just "it isn't David Wise." It's still an amazing soundtrack and a number of people who dismiss the game still acknowledge the quality of the music. Also David Wise is by way of quantity the main reason DKC has a great soundtrack, but a lot of Eveline's compositions are just as important. I think her range is amazing with all the different moods that her tracks evoke. The thing is they have different styles, both of which are essential to Donkey Kong, but they're not really directly comparable I think.

[@joemomma2218]

@@chocolatekake that's why her tracks are the most memorable ones right? She may be good, but she couldn't hold a candle to Wise. There's a reason stickerbrush symphony, aquatic ambience, forest interlude, etc are so memorable. Wise didn't just put quantity into DKC's soundtrack. The man put quality. You're BSing if you say otherwise, which you did. You also can't expect people who don't know much about soundtrack other than what sounds good and what doesn't to give detailed criticism of anyone's work. People know why they prefer DKC and DKC2 soundtrack. They don't know how to explain it. If she was just as good as wise, the DKC3 soundtrack would be just as good as DKC1&2. Let's assume you are right. Let's assume she is just as good, except that David wise put in even more hours into the soundtrack. At that point, she's just shit then because what good is that talent if she doesn't put it to full use? If that's the case, it's clear that she didn't put the hours that wise did to make the masterpieces he made. Pick your poison. Either not as good, or lazy and uninspired.

[@cgarb]

Liam, Your video is one of my favorite videos i've ever scene. Knowing that there is someone else out there that appreciates this music so much as to analyze, dissect, and love each melody makes this video an incredible treasure. The thoughts you convey and so eloquently describe deserves high praise. As for the nostalgia I feel for this music, thank you for all the work writing, narrating, and editing this magnificent tribute to this unbelievably talented composer. I agree with you 100% on DK3. DK1 and especially DK 2's musical scores set bar unimaginably high. Without David reprising his role, no one could ever measure up. I still played it, but at a young age, it definitely made me appreciate DK 1 and 2 that much more. And value just how much well composed music matters in a game. Thanks again for this video. Wishing you all the best in 2022 and beyond. -Chris

[@TypeZero31]

@4:43, I agree 100% “Red Soil Area” in Super Metroid is by far my favorite song in any game on SNES. It’s so good, it made it into a few other Metroid’s (just a different version of it). When I first heard the song in Christmas of ‘94…..it blew me away. By far ahead of it’s time.

[@elemangell2981]

This is one of your finest works Liam. Your script flowed between points and songs as gracefully as an ape rolling in mid-air (that's a compliment btw). I'm glad you also covered both eras of the series and how much impact a talented composer like Wise can have on it's development. A fun fact: Seashore War was actually intended for a Savanah level, and IDK if this is still true, but an interview with Wise a few years ago states it's also his favorite track he's composed. Quite fitting how the track you showcased for your point on the OST's maturity had such similar developmental circumstances to Stickerbush Symphony, no?

[@-itzpixie_pandaartz-613]

Island swing is my most favourite soundtrack and the “mysterious” part always gets me emotional 😭 because it reminds me of the splendid memories I had playing this game, same thing with Kirby soundtracks! This is why video game soundtracks are awesome and underrated 😊 11:25 oh my gosh this made me tear up even more😢 my favourite part of this track, brings me back such nostalgia and comfort I just enjoy it! It’s literally musical therapy for me😅NAH Northern Hemisphere always used to give me the chills it’s like being stuck in a tundra during a snowstorm, life in the mines, an enjoyable experience! I can literally ramble about this just like my favourite cartoons, it’s my hyper fixation, the water level track was not what I expected usually they’re supposed to be beach and summer vibe,bubbly and uplifting,well Nah they’re just eerie af ,mine cart carnage! My absolute favourite 🎉🎉🎉 it was truly exciting and stressful it’s like if I was on a roller coaster without feeling sick but having the adrenaline flow through my body the whole time stressing about not falling or avoiding the kremlings! Damn! I wrote a lot😅 the effects the music has on the brain including the graphics it’s just WOW 🤩 this video is truly life changing and reminding me to enjoy these rad tracks bro 😎

[@dylanbarker8207]

So happy to see how many people share the same feeling this soundtrack gives me, the one 'album' I could listen to, to the end of time

[@ZetaCancri]

man aquatic ambience is the most aquatic music I've ever heard

[@JPBrooksLive]

I've used "in a snowbound land" to fall asleep for the last 10 years almost.... It was such an amazing moment in the game and such a welcome surprise. Love to everybody and I hope these songs mean as much to you as they do to me!

[@UltraNurture]

Certain levels always gave me extra emotion even when I was younger! David's work will always be remembered!

[@jcspotlight_design]

Beautiful video... You scooped out the best of my own thoughts about this loved and beautiful soundtrack. I'm 40 years old now, and every now and then I play this music to relax, focus or simply dream while escaping to some other world. A better one. I can still remember that I used to stop the character right at the exit door/cave at the end of the level and wait there until the song started over... and I was just a kid. Haunted. Beautiful and great honor to Mr. Wise you've done here with this video Mr. Liam Triforce.

[@jamesfloyd6693]

the use of chimp noises in the background always amplified the monkey motif of the entire game for me. clever use of what's already in the sound bank

[@bemani247]

I was nodding pretty much to everything you were saying, the water stages' music was and still is absolutely amazing!

[@punkitt]

LMAO that Hard Drive article placement was perfect, excellent work as always Liam

[@davetorres8529]

Your vocabulary while describing the emotions the sound track evokes is top notch man, what a watch. Thank you.

[@silentbill8136]

Great video!! Really impressive breakdown of the songs and overall pacing. You’re getting better as you go and you were already an amazing video essayist. Keep it up!

[@Alex_Barbosa]

I thought I was the only one who got emotional during that underwater level.

[@johirata5638]

some tears fell from my eyes throughout the video, great story and great storytelling!

[@TheFutureRetroGamer]

Wow, you knocked this video out of the park. Hearing these songs you spotlight took me back to the simple days when I had all the time in a day to sit down and play one of my favorite Snes games. Thank You.

[@Caesar_Online]

Thanks so much for making this video, been a huge fan of David Wise's music for decades but learned so much on a contextual basis because of this video!

[@shadowfang1034]

I was thinking I got autoplayed into "that" video again at the beginning

[@streeterville773]

Same lol

[@lappwv]

aquatic ambience might just be the best song ever used on an aquatic stage of any game, i doubt something will ever top it

[@maksontx]

Your video is amazing and you’re an awesome youtuber, the ending kinda made me cried because I grew with these games and fully connected to david wise’s music but this video made me see things differently, thank you you’re awesome

[@deepstatethrombosis]

This fantastic video essay got my sub. Thank you, man! Looking forward to checking out your other videos.

[@tahutoa]

16:20 I guarantee you that clanging is a tambourine played at extremely low pitches

[@vincentbedard4267]

I'm slightly dissapointed you didnt spend more time on DKC3, but still, awesome video.

[@osets2117]

It unfortunately has the weakest music

[@123doomdoom]

@@osets2117So what? There are lot of solid tracks in that game to talk about.

[@ElGamerAstral]

Thank you for compiling all this fantastic music in one video. Donke Kong Country is one of my favorite series ever and its music always takes me back to better years.

[@Luigiawesome13]

The Donkey Kong Country soundtracks are some of my favorite soundtracks ever. The music is incredible. You pretty much nailed my thoughts on this subject. Excellent work!

[@starry_stelle]

Hot Head Bop is my favorite song of all time, and you nailed exactly how I feel about it. Melancholic and insightful, yet bright and optimistic. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the DKC2 soundtrack had a significant impact in my life and who I am today. I agree. The songs really did help me as I grew, and well, simply put, like you said, life is hard. Despite that, we hang in there.

[@NRF3703]

The music in the DKC games really helped you feel like you were actually there. So effective and wonderful! :D

[@jeandelacite1209]

Thank you sooo much man. You said everything that has to be said. I didn't even realized all this time how the musics were connected to the levels to fit it, bring relief or joy regarding the gameplay. LOTS of tears and memories were involved in this watching, thank you

[@davdass4797]

Hey, I just finished watching your metroid retrospective and am now starting my journey throughout the entire catalog of your channel. Keep up the good work and much love from Germany!

[@Mawi84]

I'm a 37 year adult who growd up with these wonderful games and these great tunes, and I nearly had to cry listening to this magic so many years later again. Childhood memories are so great!

[@PhantomWorksStudios]

I'm surprised you didn't mention this but for the Bayou boogie Sound track David Wise got the rhythm idea from listening to Phill Collins "In The Air Tonight".

[@ChaunceyGardener]

Maybe did not mention out of respect for the composer. Imagine meeting David and asking him if he was inspired by Vangelis' "Theme for Antarctica" to compose "In a Snow-Bound Land"...

[@PhantomWorksStudios]

@@ChaunceyGardener ahhhhh yea true. I'm ok with it as I think it's awesome. Remebring first time listening in the air tonight and was like "Wait I know that music rhythm" then it hit me a d I was like nooo wayyyy!!! And started lol 😂😆 in a good way!. Doesn't change at all how I think about his music and he's still an video game music composer legend ^^

[@kamranki]

I love how you explored all the tracks instead of just focusing on just the few that seem to be famous! Thanks dude. There were some really heavy times in my life and I am glad these songs were with me always. I couldn't ask for more.

[@darozuma9117]

Your last words really hit me. Thank you so much. You gave a new beautiful meaning to these songs

[@Gameboy3DS]

Just got recommended this from Vinesauce; appreciate the tribute to one of my favorite gaming series!

[@kirbytheartist3318]

Donkey Kong Country's music truly is something else :)

[@georgemoseley2696]

Very much looking forward to seeing what else you have on your channel

[@Kiriby121]

Beautiful video, Aquatic ambiance, forest Interlude and stickerbush symphony are some of my favorite songs of all times, video hit me in the feels

[@ExaltedUriel]

29:25 I had put this video on as background noise while playing Yakuza 0, and I was playing the bowling minigame as you said this line. I felt like the simulation was about to collapse around me.

[@LiamTriforce]

Great game.

[@Sl1pperybastard]

I was shocked to hear him mention that special video that he was talking about at the beginning. anyone else?

[@fever1]

I wouldn’t know because KZbin recommendations hate me

[@TheDeathMedic]

What is the video?

[@mangoduxell2368]

What special video?

[@MariMari-mz8mp]

Which video is it?

[@mangoduxell2368]

@@MariMari-mz8mp I found it, literally just search up stickerbush symphony and you will see a Japanese titled video,

[@Bondokill]

Just found you a couple days ago and binge watching your entire back catalog. Gd man. Thank you.

[@joerundell4792]

I have been watching your content for over a year now and I love everything you make. You’re writing is so smart and has made me view video games and music (my two biggest interests) in a different and more intellectual way. Listening to you and Vinny talk is what recently made me listen to Nine Inch Nails recently. You’ve made made me want to play games which I never would’ve in the past. This is a little rambly but basically just want to say keep up the good work and keep on pumping out the brilliant videos.

[@MidnightMechanic]

DKC music features absolutely no lyrics, yet you can somehow hear singing in these compositions. This, from a guy with no prior music theory education.

[@gamemaniac22]

I don't believe theory is necessary. It's about the feeling and emotion you put into it.

[@EresTremulent]

Don't need musical education to figure that out

[@VilaToro64]

@@gamemaniac22 i heard even the dude who composed final fantasy games learned off the fly goes to show how much college is a scam in some fields of study

[@lukasmaks9617]

Wait, so Wise himself never had any formal education in theory?

[@leemorris4838]

David Wise knows his theory

[@YourAverageSpelunker]

Stopped everything i was doing to watch this

[@papereatingcowboy4363]

Same here chief.

[@vepply]

hello again

[@owenblatter]

This is my favorite video on KZbin, I can tell you put so much effort into this video and this was the best 45 minutes of my life.

[@renemolina3760]

What a wonderful video! I really enjoyed it. I knew about David Wise's work quality, but I had never reflected on it the way you did here. It's amazing how video game music can evoke so many emotions, memories and the idea that, while playing, you can be absolutely immersed in a fantasy world that, to some extent, is better than the real one. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@fractalsauce]

OMG I was so afraid you were going to skip the water level! That's my all time favorite video game song track. I used to turn on my Super Nintendo and load up the water level just to listen to that song as a kid. Such a great track!

[@hansgretl1787]

Kinda dissappointed you didn't talk about the soundtrack for the GBA Remake of DKC 3, which was entirely recomposed by David Wise. The GBA Version of Stilt Village is one of my favorite pieces in Video Game Music.

[@omicron3012]

True. It would deserve a short video.

[@TheTogoRojo]

Damn, I wish he had. I never knew ill have to check out playing through it now.

[@hansgretl1787]

@@TheTogoRojo So how'd you like it?

[@EmanuelCrag]

I loved your video. Even if I was a boy back then in the 90’s I knew this soundtrack was something special. When I grew up, I kept wanting to replay the soundtrack, and I even played it while I was working to focus, it makes absolute sense, it guided and kept me company while I was facing big challenges while I was a kid, I needed that kind of support again. Man I couldn’t agree more when you say thank you David. I didn’t even know your name when I listened to your compositions, but yeah, all I can say is thank you. You really made something special here. Thank you.

[@Weighty68]

Phenomenal work, Liam. This series has probably the most consistently high quality releases of any game series ever conceived and stands as a true testament for why games should really strive to fire on ever cylinder, all aspects of its design. The music in DKC singlehandedly elevates the games it graces in the most pastel, eased strokes ever injecting bliss, amplification and fervor all effortlessly. Thank you for highlighting the work that went into these games because now I really want to go back and play them with a headset on, not just over my GBA port’s speakers. Hope this video finds many more fans as the days pass, years pass. You put some really fantastic, continued effort into these videos and it shows. Take one off and see you on the end credits of life somewhere in the Stickerbush :)