Summary
Vocal themes have remained an important staple of theSonicfranchise since the hedgehog and friends entered the 3D realm in 1998. Yet even before that, during the Classic Era, vocal songs existed, serving as opening and ending themes inSonic CD, and course themes inSonic R.Vocal songs are a good way of telling fans more about the characters in an enjoyable way, and the Sonic Teamcomposers have used them in the majority ofSonicgames.
Many characters, both playable and non-playable, have received their own theme songs, written in their voice, with lyrics describing their character growth, story, and how they see the world. Some also work as standalone songs, able to be enjoyed apart from the game, due to their relatable lyrics. Others are more game-specific, but however they stand, theseare great songsshowcasing diverse instrumentationand deeper meanings, making them some of the best character themes in the series.
There are many vocal themes in theSonicfranchise. As such, this list is limited to the personal themes ofplayablecharacters from themainseries.
Though Big the Cat was not a popular character upon his debut, he has since seen a renaissance and appeared inSonic Frontiersand the TV seriesSonic Prime. His original theme was the upbeat and jazzy “Lazy Days” sung by Ted Poley, who also performed the highly iconic and beloved track, “Escape From the City” with Tony Harnell. “Lazy Days” describes Big enjoying his easygoing life,living in the junglewith his best friend Froggy, before the latter becomes involved in the wider adventure.
It highlights the deep bond of friendship between the two and references Big’s story and why he’s so devastated when Froggy runs away. The song is from both Big and Froggy’s perspectives, with alternating lines as if they’re talking together. Uniquely, it is one of the few vocal songs in the whole franchise with this angle.
8Believe In Myself
An Upbeat Track With A Relatable Message
This is the definitive theme of Tails, the humble fox who learns how to believe in his unique abilities. Version 1, performed by Karen Blake, is a slower rock song, focusing on Tails' wistfully wishinghe could be like Sonic. The song showcases his character development seen inSonic Adventureand how he learned to be independent of Sonic and stand on his own two feet. It also discusses how this wasn’t easy for him and that he’s“trying so hard to be strong.”
Version 2 is faster-paced and beatier, showing his growth in confidence. Sung by Kaz Silver, the lyrics are the same, but the more upbeat pop-rock tune shows how Tails has embraced his strength, and, as such, has found greater confidence in himself. His theme song “Another Passage” inSonic Frontiersreflects him seeking out a new adventure on his own and using his wit to get by.
Tails' character grew massively after he singlehandedly saved Station Square from Eggman inSonic Adventure.Even if “Another Passage” develops this notion, the lyrics and musical progression in “Believe In Myself” make it the definitive story of his character growth.
7E.G.G.M.A.N.
The Doctor Finally Got His Own Vocal Song
Dr. Eggman has nearly always gotten instrumental themes. However,Sonic Adventure 2saw him get his own vocal theme. “E.G.G.M.A.N.” is a catchy rock track written in his voice,reflecting Eggman’s sense of ambition. As well as his plot in the game, the song explores his overall goal to build his empire and control the world with his machines. He boasts about his genius and inventions and how they’re“perfect in every way.”The song was performed by Paul Shortino and composed by the Sound Director for theAdventuregames, Jun Senoue, hence the hard-rock flavor.
Notably, this song reflects Eggman’s change in character, how he’s now embraced his once insulting nickname. He’s turned the insult on its head and now uses this name to create a sense of intimidation and show his evil purposes to Sonic and Co. The use of second-person gives the feel that Eggman is talking directly to listeners; phrases like“You will see,”reflect how he’s always trying to succeed in his evil mission. This song remains a fan favorite track.
6Unknown From M.E.
Knuckles' Funky Jazz Theme Exploring His Heritage
Knuckles' theme references his life as the last guardian of the Master Emerald, a role that was placed on his shoulders without any say in the matter, but how that is his driving ambition in everything he does. Version 1 has a greater RnB and jazz flavor, with vocals by Marlon Saunders and Dred Foxx. Listeners get a sense of Knuckles' stubbornness and how he only trusts himself to fulfill his duty to his ancestors. Lyrics like being"tougher than the rest of them"show how the echidna won’t ever admit any weakness.
Version 2 fromSonic Adventure 2was predominantly performed by Hunnid-P, who did the rap music for Knuckles' level themes. Both the style and lyrics are very different, discussing how Knuckles feels"Something’s callin' me; I don’t know what.“This references his character growth: that aftergoing on an adventure and helping SonicinSonic Adventure, he feels he’d rather do more with his life than be alone guarding the Master Emerald. Knuckles' heart is telling him that deep down, he seeks something more, though he’ll never accept this due to the duty he feels so strongly.
Knuckles also received the theme “Blood Flow” forSonic Frontiers. However, “Unknown From M.E.” remains the definitive song exploring his character.
Amy’s original character theme “My Sweet Passion” stands out among fans for its eccentric lyrics reflecting Amy’s near obsession with Sonic. However, though “Follow Me” is Team Rose’s theme inSonic Heroes, it mainly speaks about Amy, so isn’t reflective of the team as a whole. “Follow Me” has a greater sense of maturity and showcases Amy’s character growth betweenSonic AdventureandSonic Heroes.It was performed by Kay Hanley of the band Letters to Cleo.
“My Sweet Passion” implies Amy’s only ambition is following Sonic around in an attempt to win his love. “Follow Me” shows how she trusts herself as a leader. InSonic Adventure, her story was about character growth and learning to trust her abilities, after helping reunite a little bird with its family. She ends the story with greater trust in herself. “Follow Me” reflects this new sense of ability, and how she feels she can be a leader and get Sonic to follow her.
Her lo-fi song “Maybe If” inSonic Frontiersalso highlights her trust in herself to make her own future. However, “Follow Me” is a fully-fleshed song and the definitive look at Amy’s personal growth, and was also her “Team Ultimate” theme inTeam Sonic Racing.
4Throw It All Away
Shadow’s Song Deals With His Confusion And Inner Conflict
Shadow has had many vocal songs about him, though many exist as various ending themes for his self-titled game. The popular “All Hail Shadow” was originally the “Pure Hero Theme” inShadow the Hedgehog, though it was remixed by Crush 40 and became his theme inSonic ‘06. Whereas “All Hail Shadow” is written from the perspective of someone watching Shadow, “Throw It All Away” is in Shadow’s voice and thus is a more personal song. It stands out as unique, being in the “industrial” genre, the heavy use of inorganic sounds reflecting how Shadow was engineered by Gerald Robotnik to be the “Ultimate Life Form.”
The instrumentation is unique, as industrial music is aggressive by nature, made up of harsh mechanical-sounding noises and a blend of rock and electronic music. The lyrics, performed by Everett Bradley,tell Shadow’s storyinSonic Adventure 2, and how he comes to realize the truth. Once he is free from the delusion instilled in him by Gerald, Shadow seeks to throw away his hatred and vengeance and live for his true purpose. The relatable nature of the inner struggle is reflected in this song, making it one of the best character themes.
3Fly In The Freedom
Showcases Rouge’s Many Ambitions And Abilities
Rouge’s theme is a soulful jazz track featuring the marimba and jazz horns. Written by Fumie Kumatani, who composed Rouge’s level themes, the song reflects Rouge’s multi-layered personality. From her role as a treasure hunter to her secret identity as GUN’s double agent, the song highlights her strong sense of independence and reliance on herself and her skills. Tabitha Fair and Todd Cooper performed the vocals.
Midway through, the song showcases another dimension to Rouge’s personality, exploring what she’s really looking for. Though Rouge loves her role as a spy and stealing gems, she seems to be searching for something else. At the end ofSonic Adventure 2, Knuckles asks her if she’ll continue her job, to which she replies:‘‘I’ve got something better than jewels that I’m thinking about right now.’’
However, the song is bookended by the fact she loves her role as a hunter, and how she wants to“keep it forever.“She loves the freedom and independence it offers, as well as the opportunity to get the treasures she loves. This smooth jazz track with its deeper meaning makes for a fun listen, making it agreat character theme.
2It Doesn’t Matter
Sonic’s Rock Theme Reflects His Carefree Attitude
Sonic the Hedgehog has had many themes throughout the franchise. However, some also serve as the game’s main theme, as is the case with the ever-popular “His World,” “Open Your Heart” and “Live and Learn.” InSonic ‘06, Sonic’s theme is “Sweet Dream,” but this wasa strange choice for the hedgehog’svocal song. However, unlike “His World” which was written from the perspective of a bystander, “It Doesn’t Matter” was written as Sonic’s personal theme, in first-person.
Version 1, sung by Tony Harnell, is a hard-rock anthem, reflecting Sonic’s free-spirited nature and how he strives to do the right thing in all he does. Sonic has a“heart of gold”and lives"by his word"that he’ll always be there to help others and thwart Eggman’s evil plans. Version 2 is typically more well-known and preferred over the original for its cool rock instrumentation and faster pace, which reflects Sonic’s speed and carefree nature more accurately. Despite the slight lyrical change between the two, both songs do justice in showcasing Sonic’s personality and work as standalone songs due to their relatable lyrics.
Silver the Hedgehog hails from a ruined future, and yet his theme reflects his sense of optimism and how he strives to survive and battle the monster Iblis with his best friend, Blaze. He dreams of a better life even though it“just stays the same.”Silver eventually despairs, something the evil Mephiles uses to trick him and send him to the past. However, Silver comes to realize the truth and fights for the right thing, which resolves the past, present, and future problems. Performed by Bentley Jones, this techno song was composed by Mariko Nanba, who worked on much ofSonic ‘06’s brilliant soundtrack.
There’s also a sense of sadness in this song, as though he eventually achieves his dreams, he loses personally when Blaze gives herself up to stop Iblis. Silver ends up being the only one who loses someone dear to him when everything else is put right. As a testament to this track’s endearing popularity, it reappears inSonic Generations,Team Sonic Racing, and evenYakuza4and5.
