Top Ten: Final Fantasy VII Songs

Not too long ago, I announced my plans to compile a Top Ten list of the greatest video game songs of all times, despite the fact that I already had with Project Playlist. However, it has come to my attention that this a near impossible feat without smudging my own opinion - why? Because, all the songs belong to Final Fantasy VII.

I do hope to create another Top Ten list of the greatest video game songs in the future, but this list will have to exclude Final Fantasy VII to be fair. For the record, the Mario games, the Zelda games, and the Sonic games would all have gotten at least one song on this least would it not be for Final Fantasy VII. So, I present to you, the Top Ten greatest songs in Final Fantasy VII.

10. Hurry Faster

One of the most appropriately named songs in the game. Most notably played in the "Battle Arena" at the Gold Saucer, the song conveys the thought of "hurrying", and is used in perfect combination with a timer. It's hurrying theme is noticeable in those who have never even heard it before, making it a true masterpiece.

9. Stolen Materia

Because of the fact that I am an avid clarinet player, you may believe that my choice of this song is somewhat biased as it features clarinets heavily. But that is not the reason I choose it - those who have played Final Fantasy VII know that this song ties in with Yuffie, who ends up stealing your materia because of her thieving ways. The song's light-hearted tune reminds me of that entire section of the game, as well as Yuffie's character. This tune's memorability also earned it a spot on the list.

8. Cait Sith's Theme

I couldn't include every character's theme on the list, and quite honestly, I didn't want to. Most do capture the true essence of the character (a very important quality), but they don't have the familiarity of a tune such as Cait Sith's Theme. You'd be hard-pressed to find a fan of the game who couldn't hum Cait Sith's tune, but even for those who haven't played the game can enjoy the jazz like qualities of this theme.

7. Shinra Army Wages A Full-Scale Attack

Again, you may believe that I picked this song with a bias, because of the fact that I am in marching band and this song is designed after a march. But, again, that is not why I picked it. The songs epic feel mirrors the mood of the scenes in which this theme is played very well. For fans of the game, hearing this song can only bring back memories of Shinra from the game. Expertly composed, this song undoubtedly has earned a spot on the list.

6. Highwind Takes To The Skies

Being one of the most epic songs in the game, I knew immediately that this theme would have a place in the Top Ten. While I initally wanted to place it higher in the list, there was just too many songs that beat it out. Regardless of that, this song highlights one of the most exciting points in the game: taking the Highwind and flying across the world for the very first time. Truly an amazing piece.

5. Still More Fighting (Boss Battle Theme)

Most of the songs on this list (and, in fact, in the entire game) are classical, even if some have a faster tune. But the boss battle theme, known as "Still More Fighting" is, undoubtedly a rock song. It may not have lyrics, but those who have not played the game will still find this song great, simply because it's a great deal more modern than the rest. If you played the game, than you remember the first time you heard this song, and the excitement it carried as you battled your first boss.

4. Crazy Motorcycle Theme

Ah, yes, the "Crazy Motorcycle" theme. Fans of the game will immediately remember the amazing in-game movie that pushed the PlayStation's graphics to the extreme as Cloud hopped on a motorcycle, armed only with a sword, and proceeded to destroy all the Shinra soldiers tailing him and his friends. Memorability definitely played a huge role in this theme reaching the number four spot, but no one can doubt that this a great and catchy tune.

3. Tifa's Theme

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful peaces in the game, "Tifa's Theme" is the perfect song to one of the most developed characters in the game. The slow, woodwind-based melody is quite soothing, and the whole song is carried with tons of emotion. For those who have played this game, it's a trip down memory lane - for those who haven't, it is still a beautiful tune.

2. Victory Fanfare

It may seem foolish to such a short tune above some of the greatest songs in the game, like "Tifa's Theme" and "Highwind Takes To The Skies". In fact, I doubted myself at first when I put the song so high on the list. But its length doesn't detract from the fact that this fanfare is, without a doubt, the most recognizable song from the game. Heard more than any other, the short trumpet blast will fill any player's heart with glee.

1. World Crisis

The length of this song is daunting, but that shouldn't stop you from listening to the whole thing. While slow, the beginning is quite beautiful, but the best comes later, when the song "explodes" into a very fast section. Composed perfectly, "World Crisis" is undoubtedly the greatest song from Final Fantasy VII. The slow parts are beautiful, the fast parts exciting, and the entire thing created with amazing precision. If I had to describe this song in just one word, it would be "epic". This song's epicness is truly what brought it to the top spot on the list. Listen, and enjoy.

And that concludes the Top Ten: Final Fantasy VII Songs. I truly hope that you listened through each song, as each earned a spot on this list for a reason.

Thanks to Entertonement for making this list possible!