I want to start off by saying this list is
completely subjective and is mainly to open up a broader discussion on the music of FFXV, which I personally consider one of the best in the franchise after listening to the OST several times through and ranking the tracks. (
And maybe encourage some of you to vote for it as GAF Soundtrack of the Year ^_^)
I will
link a playlist of FFXV music here, but I strongly encourage people to buy the OST. I will only be linking individual tracks for the top 25 tracks only.
I am mainly ranking them by how they make me feel, how well it flows, and the power of the emotion it is trying to convey. This is almost wholly based on the merits of the music and not so much how it's implemented in the game. However, it is difficult to divorce the music from the game and will be used to help explain how I feel about tracks. I will
try to give a brief point on what makes the track work/not work for each track. My favorites will obviously have a lot more to them but I will try to evenly give each track their due process. Just...there will be some I will briefly mention a point as this is already a pretty time consuming thing to do. ^_^'
This is a wonderful soundtrack with several different motifs such as Somnus, Dawn, and a number of others that permeates throughout the soundtrack that give each song some familiarity but also a strong sense of thoughtful bonding of the tracks. The entire music team should be very proud of this entire soundtrack. Every video game soundtrack usually has an abundance of duds with the really great tracks shining through, but for this OST, almost every track is done so well and I would listen to a majority of them over and over again. This is unheard of for me where in most other soundtracks there are any a handful of songs I would listen to outside the game.
Most likely there will be spoilers ahead. So, read and look with caution.
List will be in descending order. So, without further ado...
97. Dining Car
In my personal opinion, this is the weakest track of the soundtrack. Some people have said this sounds like a Persona track but I don't see it. There are some interesting motifs and chord progressions here that for some reason I cannot put my finger on. I will come back and edit this if and when I can place it. It is, however, a well made track considering where this song has to be played.
96. Urban Chrome
This one is hard to discribe... It's catchy, but just not my cup of tea and I think fits well where it's placed in the game but tonally so different from the rest of the menu music in the game.
95. Flying R
I really like the use of guitar in this track. They place a few familiar chord progressions throughout the track that one can pick up on to give it a place of belonging in the soundtrack. The track evolves in an interesting way that I think will attract some fans for the track.
94. Don't Panic!
I think this track is interesting in that its a song that gives a sense of urgency, while at the same time, giving a sense of rising and lowering tension. Which is exactly the track that is needed where it is placed. (When Titan Awakens)
93. Listen Up
Interestingly enough, this song is soothing and calming. That's all I really have to say about it.
92. Welcome to the Leville
I think this song is interesting as it is a song that fits well with and flows naturally with Lestellum. The strumming of the strings quiets and winds me down, which I suspect was supposed to be the case as this plays near an inn.
91. Reel Rumble
This track always makes me feel something intense is going on and made fishing more fun than it should be. This FEELS like a Final Fantasy song through and through.
90. Relax and Reflect
I think this track is good for what it set out to be. That said this is not my favorite rendition of the song. This song gives a more lighthearted approach comparatively to the more pensive version of the song. Which isn't bad, but once again, like the tracks placed before it, just my particular cup of tea.
89. Cape Caem - Hidden Harbor
This is a pretty simple track all things considered. The way the guitar is used here isn't to my exact liking but I do like what it was going for.
88. Hammerhead - The Last Bastion
Obviously, this track borrows a lot from its sister tack "Hammerhead". It is less lively than the Hammerhead theme which is perfect what it's trying to do in the World of Ruin part of the story. The track imparts a small sense of dread while also somewhat giving another sense of familiarity and safety.
87. What a Hoot
This is just catchy as hell. The harmonica used with the guitar gives some much needed levity to the otherwise epic and somber OST.
86. Impending Peril
Using mostly piano and violins, this helps give a real sense of dread and foreboding. I personally hear a little Kingdom Hearts in this track but nothing that distracts me or makes me think, "this belongs in a KH game, not a FF game."
85. Relax and Reflect - Pensive
I think this is the best version of "Relax and Reflect". It's a much more...well...pensive version of the track and it works well. I think it's not as lively and easygoing as its base version and that helps it with the scenes it is used in.
84. Cartanica
Getting into some of the more interesting tracks. This low somber tone of this track is great and use of strings and piano is done very well. It is a track that I happily listen to over and over again.
83. Creeping Shadows
Immediately as a listener you are thrown in this low bass that gives a proper sense of fear and foreboding. The low strings that come in later into the track helps give a higher sense of that fear and contributes well into the song.
82. A Quick Pit Stop
A very catchy tune. I like it a lot for its composition ans using a harmonica which I don't see too often in video games.
81. Welcome to the Royal Suite
I think the progression in this piece and how it flows well with the other tracks from Altissia help it flow naturally from Altissia themes to this. There's a foreign-esque tone to the song that helps distinguish itself from other inn/hotel themes from other towns.
80. Disquiet
The transitions here are fantastic and I love how the piano is utilized in this piece. There are a few places where it can sound repetitious but it's an otherwise fantastic track.
79. The Hunters
The bass and guitars used in this particular track is done so well for just a track about the hunters.
78. Altissia
I appreciate how experimental they went with this song. It isn't the best theme and much would've preferred "Gratia Mundi" (just for you Falk ;P) to be the song for Altissia. But as I said I also like what they did with this track and while after listening it for so long I can see grate on someone after lengthy sessions of the song, I do think it's catchy and I find myself humming along with the song when it's playing.
77. Day's End Fanfare
The classic. My only wish is that it went into an extended version of victory fanfare only much more subdued. I think that would've done wonders to the menu screens after this plays. Still can't hate on an olde but a goode.
Dun dun nun na na dut da da!
76. A World Unwaking
This track gives an air of danger and foreboding and I love playing it when I enter rooms. The orchestra coming in after a few bass drops makes this track and is why it is here.
75. Broken Down
I think this song will be remembered because it set the tone for the rest of the game when played before the vocal theme "Stand By Me". I like to listen to this song and it immediately brings my mood up.
74. An Empire in Ruins
The brass in this is the star in this piece and the screech that is used wonderfully as it makes me tense up when I hear it. It gives the impression of something disastrous happening or that has happened and it's progression throughout the track is done superbly.
73. Blues de Chocobo
Chocobo theme played in the blues. Ummm. Sign me up! The harmonica carries the piece and proves to be the right call in the track.
72. Melancholia
The melancholy nature of this track really makes me personally reflect on the whole of FFXV's experience with extreme fondness. The progression from piano at the forefront to the strings to be center to then have other pieces take their place. Its a wonderful collision of music that really helps this track soar high. Highly recommended listen.
71. Careening Into Danger
Not the best battle theme, but it is an exciting track with a lot of things contribute to the track being a great listen.
70. Fantastica!
Just like the song... short, sweet, and epic all at the same time. Real sense of accomplishment.
69. Horrors of the Night
The second battle theme when fighting daemons. Fast, frantic, and gives a real sense of danger and excitement!
68. Neverending Nightmare
Played in the World of Ruin when fighting daemons, this is the THIRD daemon battle theme. Much like Horrors of the Night, this song gives a real sense of danger and excitement. However, this song barely edges out the previous one basically because of my own bias and how it reminds me of the excellent Chapter 14.
67. Encroaching Fear
You all know this song. This is the song that plays right before you ruin a monsters good day. You monster.
66. Rodeo de Chocobo
What I consider the Chocobo theme of the game. I am an absolute sucker for a little bit of flute (I think I have that right, it's getting late so forgive me for maybe getting some things wrong). That is at the beginning. It then evolves as the song goes on. It is a truly special track. If you listen to this track be sure to listen all the way through it and just watch how it evolves and progresses.
65. Starlit Waltz
I love this song for so many reasons. The progression the song goes through is pretty magical and definitely will be a big track of the OST for some.
64. Lurking Danger
I cannot properly explain to you why I like this one over so many that came before. This track terrifies me and I love it for that.
63. Unsettling Aura
This playing in dungeons would have me on my toes. Once again, violins and the piano do a lot to elevate the song into some unsettling points.
62. Daemons
This is the first and best battle theme for the daemons. It's very exciting and hearing it as it progresses through its composition makes this one to definitely listen to!
61. A Premonition
This track gives proper build up to NOX DIVINA and flows into it so, so well. The motif and composition is also is heavily borrowed from NOX DIVINA which only helps the track naturally flow into what I would consider is its second half.
60. Hammerhead
There is a lot to like about Hammerhead's theme. The way the guitars works with the harmonica in this piece. It gives a real sense of peace and easy-going nature of the Hammerhead area.
59. Horizon
Something about this track is so serene. The build up and payoff is well done in its short play time of just forty seconds.
58. Homecoming
There is a real sense of sorrow in this track even though it's a track about returning home. It's made clear through the progression through the song that intrinsically makes you sorrowful and feel like you've lost something even though what is supposed to be happening is something that should be happy. The slow melody and the strings do a beautiful job of conveying this all the way to the end. This is one that moved around a lot on my list because every time I listened to it I liked it more and more. Every time I listen to it I find something new with it that surprises me and imbues me with a sense of coming home.
57. No Time Left
Not gonna lie, I get a huge Kingdom Hearts vibe from this piece and is probably way I like it so much. It uses some percussion that's not utilized often in the soundtrack and helps make this track stick out and distinguish itself.
56. Safe Heaven
The guitar and piano used in tandem here creates a landscape of safety and serenity. A certain calmness comes over one when listening to the track and perfectly encapsulates how one should be feeling when one is listening to it.
55. Up for the Challenge
Cleigne's battle theme. The variety of great battle tracks is one of FFXV's strong suits. This theme is exciting and intense with it's use of percussion, strings, guitar, and brass. Making it one of the battle theme's in the game that makes it a must listen.
54. Galdin Quay
I think this one I may get flack for placing it so high. This track makes me think the beach and an easy-going mood. I think the way this piece is composed and the pace it goes is perfect and makes the track not only catchy but can put a person at ease.
53. Cape Caem
Ditto with the above. I just think this track is done ever so slightly better and like the use of instruments more and its composition.
52. Crystalline Chill
There are many remnants of Crystal Theme (Prelude) throughout several tracks in the game including "In the Light of the Crystal", "Prelude", and even a bit in "Stand by Me". This is also one of those tracks that uses a bit of that motif and gives a more lighthearted edge to the theme instead of the more sorrowful, melancholy, or epic tracks that the other renditions use. This help differentiate the track and make it its own.
51. Imperial Infiltration
I love this track. It gives off a sense of mysteriousness and darkness. The strings, harp, and drums used help tremendously with the track and help elevate the song. No Latin vocals though. Tsk, tsk.
50. What Lies Within
Another track that gives me strange Kingdom Hearts vibes. The vocals are used sparingly and used more in the background and bringing the organ and strings front and center is a great move that plays well for the track.
49. Altissia - Gondola Ride
I would purposefully ride the gondolas to listen to this track. There is a sweet calm serenity here in this track. The use of every instrument here is done to play off each other and is done so well.
48. End of the Road
The best Game Over music. You don't get to hear it too often, but I can't thick of better music to die to.
47. The Fight is On!
The most recognizable battle theme in the game and one of the songs that re-introduced FFXV in 2014.
46. Cosmogony
I know the beautiful piano playing is the forefront of the song but the strings used in the background with occasional bursts into the forefront makes this entire track a delight to listen to. A little sense of mystery with a sense of calmness.
45. CINDY
I think this track perfectly encapsulates Cindy's character. Inspiration of southern US music with a pop influence gives the song a bubbly personality similar to Cindy. The song does however goes into a brief somber tone around 0:40 and then quickly goes back to the bubbly nature of the track. Giving it a reflection of Cindy's personality. Underneath the kind, bubbly attitude of the character and song lies a sorrowful hurt that the player learns about Cindy buried deep in her. Which is what makes this track so multifaceted and wonderful.
44. Cape Caem - Our New Home
The slow, somber, and almost melancholic feel of the song using the motif of Cape Caem is wonderful and moving at the same time. If you had to listen to only one Cape Caem song, it should be this one.
43. Lestallum
This upbeat track is very much a love it or hate it type song. I fall into the former camp. I adore this song and think it's very catchy. I have not grown tired of this track at all despite all the time I spent in the game in Lestallum. It has incredible staying power.
42. Over the Waves
Using several motifs such as "Sunset Waltz" and "Valse di Fantastica" in the track really elevates this track and gives it a sense of place. The song slowly evolves and builds as it goes on and really makes the track into something special and truly memorable. By the end, it gives you a sense of adventure and epicness that really makes this piece.
41. Bros on the Road
A sense of fun and adventure is what awaits when listening to this track. The electric guitar and drums fills this song with so much joy in it that you can hear it as it imparts the song onto its listener. Just a real fun track to listen to.
(Part 2 Next)
