Top 10 best songs from The Legend of Zelda series, ranked

Best The Legend of Zelda music ever

The Legend of Zelda series has magnificent songs across its history. From the adventurous “Hyrule Field” theme to the beautiful “Zelda’s Lullaby,” composer Koji Kondo is behind some of the best video game music. While there are many, many tracks to choose from, these 10 songs establish why The Legend of Zelda series is a fantastic source of music. Yes, I know “Gerudo Valley” isn’t in it, but there’s only so much you can put in a Top 10 list! Here is the best The Legend of Zelda music. 

10. Spirit Tracks – “Full Steam Ahead”

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks is one of the black sheep of the series on the DS. However, it has some of the best The Legend of Zelda music ever in its overworld theme. “Full Steam Ahead” plays while Link is driving a train. The song gives a rush of excitement. The tempo and percussion of the track remind me of a moving train’s engine and pumping steam. The tambourine simulates the steam while the drums sound like the engine. There’s also a neat reference to the main theme of The Legend of Zelda within the track. Aaron Grubb published a neat Western version of the song that you’d expect to hear from a game like Red Dead Redemption. 

9. Breath of the Wild – The Blight Ganon themes

To me, the weakest part of The Legend of Zelda‘s soundtracks is the boss themes. They’re great for the series’ intense combat moments, but they don’t stick in your head as much as the battle themes of franchises like Final Fantasy or Kingdom Hearts. The Blight Ganon music from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is different, however. Scattered across Hyrule are different Blight Ganons that represent alternate elements. The Waterblight is more energetic, while the Windblight is more personality-filled with the accordion from Kass’ Theme mixed into it. The core battle theme across all four versions is also epic with menacing piano tones and a powerful choir. Vetrom, in the above video, does a great job of encompassing all of the elements from each Blight Ganon track into one solid remix.

8. Skyward Sword – “Skyloft”

The “Skyloft” theme in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is like a warm hug. It has a pleasant melody underscored by the fast strumming of a charming mandolin and the playing of a pretty horn instrument. The percussion is also lighter with a welcoming drum beat. This theme defines Skyloft as a place of sanctuary and somewhere players can cool down after the tough dungeons that lie on the surface of Hyrule. Patti Rudisill does a wonderful performance of Skyloft with a fitting Violin and Viola cover of the track.

7. A Link To The Past – “Dark World” / A Link Between Worlds – “Lorule”

The “Dark World” theme is another piece that helps establish that sense of adventure within you. The drumbeat compels you to keep going, while there’s a thrilling melody in the forefront. The newer take on the song from A Link Between Worlds is stellar. The percussion is on point with a more charismatic, metallic drumbeat, while the main melody from the violin plays so well with the original 16-bit theme. The String Player Gamer has performed a brilliant symphonic metal violin cover of the track with a tasty solo towards the end of the song.

6. Twilight Princess – “Midna’s Lament”

“Midna’s Lament” is a striking piece from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The piano piece is melancholy as Link tries to save his companion Midna from a horrible fate. The notes chosen for the song give off a mysterious vibe, and there’s a reverberation effect that truly works for the strange atmosphere the piece is establishing. That vibe is then reinforced by a striking strings section in the middle of the track, possibly showing Link’s strive to help Midna. The emotional core of “Midna’s Lament” makes it one of the best The Legend of Zelda music pieces. Aaron Grubb once again brings a gorgeous Zelda cover, slowing down “Midna’s Lament” and adding an effective echo to the piece.

5. Breath of the Wild – “Rito Village” / The Wind Waker – “Dragon Roost Island”

The core theme of The Wind Waker‘s “Dragon Roost Island” is present within Breath of the Wild‘s “Rito Village” and it works so well. There’s a tranquil feel to the piece with the calm piano opening and then the piece rises with the strings until the chill mandolin takes over with the “Dragon Roost Island” theme.  Additionally, the woodwind instrument (I’m guessing the flute) stirs your heart as it blissfully plays the melody. This piece is composed so well and perfectly reflects Koji Kondo’s creativity within his composing, making it some of the best The Legend of Zelda music. Nico Mendoza does a great job of interpreting the “Rito Village” theme for the acoustic and electric guitar. It also has a pristine violin pairing.

4. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link – “Temple/Palace Theme”

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link isn’t the most well-liked game in the series, but the “Temple Theme” is one of the highlights. In those early days of gaming, music was essential to establish the theme of the level, and this track nails it. The lower pitch of the 8-bit sound font establishes intrigue within the Temple as Link slashes his enemies and jumps to daring heights. The song then raises the stakes with a high-tempo section that keeps you on your toes while playing Zelda II. Many will know this track from Super Smash Bros. Melee‘s interpretation of the song, and it’s fantastic. Lacey Johnson does a superb job of bringing that 8-bit flair with her keytar and adds a rock element that works so well with the composition.

3. The Legend of Zelda – “Main Theme”

The Legend of Zelda‘s main theme across the series is still legendary. Remarkably scored in just one day by Koji Kondo (according to 1UP), this theme has a sense of grandeur. You’re about to go on a big adventure, and the main title theme is momentous as the instruments build to a spectacle. The core melody gives the player excitement, even at 8-bit, as the piece takes twists and turns within the composition. The addition of the choir in future renditions from Nintendo is absolutely glorious as well. The Middle Ages does an intriguing take on the song with a version that features medieval instruments.

2. Ocarina of Time – “Hyrule Field”

Some of the best The Legend of Zelda music occurs when you have a theme that excites you. That is indeed the case with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time‘s “Hyrule Field.” Right out of the gate, this theme sweeps you off your feet as you venture into the grassy area with Epona. That march drum beat and brass inspire you to move forward as the melody is complemented with harp sounds and imaginative string sections. Mohmega delivers a powerful rock cover of the song that feels like it belongs in Hyrule Warriors. 

1. Skyward Sword/Ocarina of Time – “Zelda’s Lullaby”

You could argue that “Zelda’s Lullaby” from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword could be the loveliest video game song ever. As the name implies, there’s a soft melody that’s played beautifully by the flutes, strings section, and harp. It truly places me at a sense of ease whenever I listen to it. Hopefully, we hear a new rendition of it in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Eliott Tordo does a unique, yet stunning cover of the song with the Erhu, also known as a Chinese violin.

Chris Penwell

Chris is a freelance writer for multiple outlets, including Destructoid! He loves narrative games like Kingdom Hearts, Life is Strange, and Beyond Good & Evil. However, he does enjoy Fortnite and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from time to time.