The Best Zelda Music In Existence (From A Fan Who Loves A Deep Cut)

The Legend of Zelda music follows me everywhere I go. In the shower, on the way to work, blasted to my friends in the living room when they ask me to play “something relaxing”. Every tune in the Zelda franchise frames my life in some way, ever since that fateful Christmas day in 2007 when I received my first game. Ah – a quick list to get to know me super fast as a fan-girl:

1. My first Zelda game was Phantom Hourglass (in fated 2007) ⌛
2. Potentially hot take no.1: I love Spirit Tracks (LEAVE ME ALONE) 🚂
3. Potentially hot take no.2: my favourite game is Skyward Sword (PLEASE) 🗡️
4. My most recent Zelda was, of course, Tears of the Kingdom, which was great apart from the story (if I hear secret stone one more time, I swear…) 💧

But the most important thing to know about me is I am a Zelda music nut (Deku nut even). I know every melody, every weird sample, and have done so much as to pay £80 for a CD collection of the Skyward Sword orchestral soundtrack (which I should have spent on my council tax bill).

So I’m here to tell you a list of the best Zelda soundtracks of all time, including some very niche picks. Ignore the other lists. Only people who appreciate trains in a Zelda game have authority to judge anything about the franchise.

1. Follow Fi (Skyward Sword)

• Composed by: Takeshi Hama

Much like when Navi the fairy got hounded for being “annoying” in Ocarina of Time, Link’s companion Fi got the same treatment upon the release of Skyward Sword. God forbid a woman keep a man on task. Her track, Finding Fi, composed using the eerie-sounding shakuhachi (a Japanese bamboo flute), has a strange sense of wonder to it. I find myself listening to it when I need a good cry.

2. Linebeck’s Theme (Phantom Hourglass)

• Composed by: Kenta Nagata and Toru Minegishi

There’s nothing that gets me marching towards work like Linebeck’s Theme playing in my headphones. A jaunty tune with hints of his antagonistic nature in the naughty-sounding melody, it’s a winner. Also, can I vote for Linebeck to appear in a Zelda game again? Who do I need to write to?

3. Hateno Village (Breath of the Wild)

• Composed by: Yasuaki Iwata, Manaka Kataoka, and Hajime Wakai

Breath of the Wild (and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom) are not just video games, they’re pieces of art. I will never get over how beautiful everything is, including the music which appears at once earthy and grounded, and yet otherworldly. It’s really important that its lead composer was a woman too – Manaka Kataoka. Hateno Village is one of my favourites from the game as it’s such a welcoming melody – it invites you to sit down for a warm brew and bread as it plays. Plus, bagpipes. Need I say more?

4. Goron City (Ocarina of Time)

• Composed by: Kōji Kondō

It may be a slight crime that it has taken me till track number four to bring up a Kōji Kondō musical number. Composing the Ocarina of Time soundtrack all by himself, as well as many other games in the franchise, Kōji Kondō is a living legend. One of my favourite comments about the track Goron City is “it’s so stupid I love it”. It’s a melody that’s hard to describe other than… interesting.

5. Sanctuary (Spirit Tracks)

• Composed by: Kōji Kondō, Tōru Minegishi, Asuka Ōta, and Manaka Tominaga

A lot of people wouldn’t look to Spirit Tracks when putting together a best Zelda music list, but that’s because they’re fools. This toon Link game released back in 2009 is full of bops, but my favourite hidden gem is the track Sanctuary. It sounds like a proper vintage Zelda track, and yet feels like a fresh take. Guys, I’m telling you, jump off the Spirit Tracks hate train (see what I did there) and give the game another chance!

6. Woodfall Temple (Majora’s Mask)

• Composed by: Kōji Kondō

I would describe Woodfall Temple as less of a musical piece and more of a… vibe. I don’t know what possessed Kōji Kondō, but I’m into the result. And slightly worried. Was he ok when he made this? Mentally? I need answers on how this came to be composed. Or maybe the mystery and allure behind Woodfall Temple is better left unknown.

Be sure to check out more GameObserver lists, such as five games to play if you loved Big Walk and check back in the future for more The Legend of Zelda coverage!