How Super Smash Bros. Music Sets a Tone for the Series

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  • Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
  • In this video I take a look at the overall tone that gets set throughout (most of) the Super Smash Bros. series' music. There are a LOT of similarities between the music of Melee, SSB4, and the new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate theme, and some interesting differences between these games and the music of the original Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. So, I thought I'd explore that a little bit.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @8bitMusicTheory
    @8bitMusicTheory  6 років тому +2447

    The worst part is that I didn't even question 'Squidling' for one second

    • @Chris-mc2dt
      @Chris-mc2dt 6 років тому +287

      To be fair, squidling makes more sense than inkling when compared to octoling

    • @thecrystalfox2450
      @thecrystalfox2450 6 років тому +62

      Can you please make a short video talking about the piece fountain of dreams from smash Bros melee that would be awesome 👍

    • @Brunosky_Inc
      @Brunosky_Inc 6 років тому +104

      As a punishment you'll now have to cover Splatoon music! =P

    • @KairuHakubi
      @KairuHakubi 6 років тому +4

      I think that song encapsulates everything I dislike about smash bros remixes. like let's take a classic piece and miss the point as hard as we possibly can

    • @Tom-101
      @Tom-101 6 років тому +6

      Was about to comment in my anger haha, it's fine they'll forgive you if you make a video on their game.

  • @Kobozo375
    @Kobozo375 6 років тому +2068

    I take smash bros more seriously than my health how dare you

    • @_Snowflame
      @_Snowflame 6 років тому +42

      Kobozo
      If Melee, I empathize.

    • @coastersplus
      @coastersplus 6 років тому +129

      So does Sakurai :(

    • @henrygutierrez3243
      @henrygutierrez3243 6 років тому +51

      coastersplus It's funny, upsetting, and inspiring all at the same time.

    • @glint8824
      @glint8824 6 років тому +20

      Yeah! Smash Bros is no joke!
      (Except for almost everything about Brawl)

    • @glint8824
      @glint8824 6 років тому +4

      Found the Brawl fan.

  • @nerdcedric
    @nerdcedric 6 років тому +751

    I think the reason Brawl's music was darker and more serious is because Brawl, as a game, was darker and more serious compared to other Smash games. You can tell they wanted the characters to look grittier. This was likely to match the additions of Snake, Zero Suit Samus, and and the fantastical story mode with villains like Ridley that are genuinely threatening. It was also planned to be the last game of the series, so they wanted to make it more epic and drop the whole cartoon vibe. It took itself seriously. I think that's why fans of the Smash series think Brawl had the best music, because the fans got used to the ridiculousness and it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for them to give a serious vibe to it. Brawl may have not had the most fitting music for the series as a whole, but I do think it represents it's own game the best, and to me, Ultimate music over the Brawl intro seems so off.

    • @hdog9046
      @hdog9046 6 років тому +3

      I think it's the only smash bros game to be rated T.

    • @Sly_Maverick_31
      @Sly_Maverick_31 5 років тому +2

      @@hdog9046
      Melee was also rated T.

    • @theillusionist1494
      @theillusionist1494 5 років тому +1

      Well.

    • @yayababatoto
      @yayababatoto 5 років тому +3

      I loved the art of Brawl... then I saw toon link...

    • @aaronokemaysim7310
      @aaronokemaysim7310 5 років тому +19

      It wasn't planned to be the last game. Sakurai just said that he was making the game _like_ it was the last game.

  • @bluetannery1527
    @bluetannery1527 6 років тому +1979

    Brawl music is fucking. God. It’s just so beautiful

    • @imstupid7614
      @imstupid7614 6 років тому +68

      AUDI FAMAM

    • @CocoaBeans101
      @CocoaBeans101 6 років тому +126

      If only the mechanics were as good as the music

    • @WideMouth
      @WideMouth 6 років тому +144

      Cocoa Beans at least it’s story mode was lit.

    • @reydesonic
      @reydesonic 6 років тому +42

      The Bramble Blast remix was made in Brawl right?
      Cuz it sounds so beautiful and it may be why.

    • @ocass66
      @ocass66 6 років тому +11

      ILLIUS

  • @VGMusicExplorers
    @VGMusicExplorers 6 років тому +1297

    Well, Brawl is also the only game with an "epic" story mode. That might be the reason for a more serious main theme.

    • @tragic_solitude7992
      @tragic_solitude7992 6 років тому +17

      VGMusic Explorers I was thinking that too.

    • @anomaly395
      @anomaly395 6 років тому +67

      VGMusic Explorers I think it was more grand and epic because it was intended to be the last Smash game in the series, and they wanted to have an epic ending.

    • @kingajman4149
      @kingajman4149 6 років тому +5

      Smash Ultimate might have a story mode

    • @michaelscott993
      @michaelscott993 6 років тому +19

      @@kingajman4149 I hope so. I'm not huge into fighting games, but ssbb was one of my favorite games ever when I was younger and it was was because of the subspace emissary.

    • @theillusionist1494
      @theillusionist1494 5 років тому +11

      Mikey Scott well um

  • @Pioxys
    @Pioxys 6 років тому +312

    *Smash 64 Music=* Sets the tone of expanding one's imagination (my personal favorite)
    *Melee Music=* Sets the tone of the new age, where Nintendo's greats gone competitive. (A great classic)
    *Brawl Music=* Sets the tone of a grand adventure with said Nintendo greats. (Very fitting for the subspace saga)
    *Sm4sh Music=* Sets the tone of a new event among gaming's all stars (my least favorite out of the bunch)
    *Smash Ultimate=* Sets the tone as the title itself. It's gaming all stars & Sakurai's GRAND FINALE!

    • @chaos_blue1089
      @chaos_blue1089 5 років тому +9

      Lifelight= ALRIGHT, LET'S DO THIS!

    • @noakinn
      @noakinn 5 років тому +4

      Tristan Wong lifelight is smash ultimate, just with vocals.

    • @zackmash851
      @zackmash851 5 років тому +3

      nothing will ever beat that bumping, bass driven CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER beat from original smash.

    • @SmoothTurtle840
      @SmoothTurtle840 5 років тому

      Pioxys Brawl was supposed to be his Grand Finale

    • @connordarvall8482
      @connordarvall8482 5 років тому +2

      Okay, I think Ultimate is Sakurai's 3rd grand finale in a row.
      Edit: in a series of 5.

  • @cortster12
    @cortster12 6 років тому +780

    I've been making music for nearly eight years now and I just never was able to get into music theory... which explains why I can never do what i want in my music. Your videos makes music theory seem fun an interesting, and I think they may be motivating me into taking my knowledge of music (or lack thereof) to the next level!

    • @SongbirdOfficial
      @SongbirdOfficial 6 років тому +39

      Bose-Einstein If you want to learn music theory and explore some more traditional music, there's a channel called 12 tone that has done tutorials for beginners as well as a lot of explanations of popular music and what it uses to be catchy or set its tone. I haven't watched all of his videos yet, but they seem fun and interesting so far.

    • @Hirochicken
      @Hirochicken 6 років тому +7

      Bose-Einstein I feel you there! As some one who likes to just fart around on beat making programs, I am always inspired with new ideas and techniques after watching one of these videos.

    • @ochzer
      @ochzer 6 років тому +7

      I know, right? I've been "making" music for 4 years now and just recently, as I bought a keyboard and had to learn about music, feel like I'm getting somewhere.
      I don't think it's easy, but having a grasp at music theory and knowledge on some classical pieces *really* gives you an idea of what music is made of.

    • @SpeedySPCFan
      @SpeedySPCFan 6 років тому +4

      Music theory is awesome. If you get someone who does a good job at explaining it to help you, it can be awesome learning new concepts and ideas that let you really expand your musical knowledge.

    • @kennyr1161
      @kennyr1161 6 років тому +5

      My highschool had me take a music theory class i loved it

  • @jonasgibadlo4290
    @jonasgibadlo4290 6 років тому +91

    I think the Brawl theme does fit, considering the much darker theme of sub space emissary

  • @supahstarclod
    @supahstarclod 6 років тому +358

    The smash series has an incredibly vast number of songs, it's really impressive how you can cover the generalities of the soundtrack in just 10 minutes. Nicely done!

    • @klop4228
      @klop4228 6 років тому +14

      He really only touched on the original music, of which there's not that much. Most of the tracks are remixes from other games

    • @theoneonyoutube4925
      @theoneonyoutube4925 6 років тому +2

      klop422
      Still pretty impressive that he was able to condense the information from multiple main themes into all of ten minutes.

  • @jayglenn837
    @jayglenn837 6 років тому +579

    Whadya mean "Brawl isn't the most fondly-remembered Smash game?" Memorable, awesome music and a story mode are just some of the qualities that will make Brawl my favorite Smash game for a long time.

    • @notalex8003
      @notalex8003 6 років тому +133

      It's infamous due to competitive reasons.

    • @koumakyo
      @koumakyo 6 років тому +152

      Totally Satire The competitive community, despite how prolific they seem, is a vocal minority.

    • @FamilyTeamGaming
      @FamilyTeamGaming 6 років тому +100

      It depends. Not only was Brawl considered a bad game for competitive play (a huge contrast to its predecessor Melee, which is a very popular competitive game to this day), gameplay-wise, a lot of it hasn't aged so well. Subspace Emissary is fondly remembered for its concept, but not really for its execution. The gameplay itself is also kind of lacking in the eyes of some people, the game is very floaty, it's very slow paced, combos are next to non-existent due to grotesquely low hitstun (13 frames to cancel any hitstun with airdodge, 25 to cancel with moves, compared to even Smash 4's 43 for airdodge and 47 for moves) and giant SDI multipliers making it easy to pop out of almost all multihit moves.
      Kind of going back into the competitive subject, these facts all add up into making Brawl arguably the most unbalanced Smash game to date - only a very select few characters in the game can be considered good, with a large majority of them being very bad, either because they're victims of the engine and had the potential to be good otherwise (Mario, Zelda/Sheik) or are just straight up badly executed (Pokémon Trainer with the stamina and type effectiveness mechanic).
      Brawl is still arguably the best Single Player experience in the series, but it is a game that undeniably has a lot of technical issues.

    • @sak4933
      @sak4933 6 років тому +50

      Brawl is definitely the MOST fondly remembered, based on the reception I've seen it get from most people in general. The competitive scene may favor Melee, but that's pretty much the only group that seems to remember/remotely care about Melee at all these days. And even they are split between Melee and 4! I'm very curious about how Ultimate will be percieved in the end.

    • @FamilyTeamGaming
      @FamilyTeamGaming 6 років тому +28

      Hmm, it's not necessarily the case. There is quite a bit of overlap, but a lot of players either play only Melee or only Smash 4.
      I don't know how fondly remembered Brawl would really be in the grand scheme of things. Most casual players I know moved on from Brawl many years ago and now play Smash 3DS if they still play Smash to begin with. Although it's the casual players that bring in the sales numbers, it's the competitive scene that keeps games alive and thriving for years on end, making every event they're in big as if it were their release date. And on that end, Brawl ended up with a lot of dirt in its name.

  • @mushroomdude123
    @mushroomdude123 6 років тому +144

    Not sure how accurate this is, but I think Ultimate’s theme is sort of a fusion of Melee/Brawl/Smash Wii U’s openings.
    Like, I feel as if it borrows aspects from all 3 in some fashion.

    • @jphdez15
      @jphdez15 6 років тому +16

      mushroomdude123 that's exactly what I was thinking!!!, specially considering that Smash Ultimate is bringing back every character in the series.
      I think it's kind of a way to make a homage of the entire series, so that's why it's taking parts of each previous piece of music

    • @djangorainbow
      @djangorainbow 6 років тому

      It most definitely is

    • @lozofmusic6977
      @lozofmusic6977 6 років тому +9

      I had the same feeling. I made an 8-bit medley of those themes and while I worked on it, I was really surprised, how well these themes fit together. In case of Ultimates Theme: The intro reminded me of Melee, in a later part, there's a string referencing Brawl (just before the song switches to the mellow part) and the overall style seems similar to Smash 4.

    • @alejandrob5091
      @alejandrob5091 6 років тому

      mushroomdude123 especially in Zelda and sheiks part

    • @jphdez15
      @jphdez15 6 років тому +1

      Lozof Music I just heard your work! Nice! Yeah I feel too that overall it's like smash 4 and for example the choral part I feel like it's a reference to brawl and when there's a calm violin it's similar to melee too (when Zelda and Sheik show up as also said in the comments)

  • @Bankai2169
    @Bankai2169 6 років тому +422

    Well, I’m setting the tone early by SMASHING the like button! These videos give me ULTIMATE happiness

    • @vilhelm6134
      @vilhelm6134 6 років тому +6

      Bankai2169 you are a horrible person. Everyone: the person UP there TILTed me.

    • @chaos_blue1089
      @chaos_blue1089 5 років тому +1

      They aren't horrible. If their LIFE is just like making these jokes, it seems deLIGHTful.

    • @FedEx867
      @FedEx867 5 років тому +1

      Stop

  • @emmbeesea
    @emmbeesea 6 років тому +634

    Oh yeah, implied Dorian.
    Keeps Minor from getting too dark.
    Smash music is iconic.

    • @mohamedashrefbenabdallah2545
      @mohamedashrefbenabdallah2545 6 років тому +8

      Can we substitute with Dorian chords in minor?

    • @MisterAppleEsq
      @MisterAppleEsq 6 років тому +3

      +Red Yes.

    • @spookums5499
      @spookums5499 6 років тому +6

      Emm Bee Sea are you the person I constantly see in the comments of siIvagunna videos?

    • @emmbeesea
      @emmbeesea 6 років тому +6

      Lafayette De Reinhardt | indeed.

    • @LouisSerieusement
      @LouisSerieusement 6 років тому +1

      thanks I was thinking the same but was not sure because he only spokes about lydian later in the video, I was confused XD cheers :)

  • @thedekuseed4965
    @thedekuseed4965 6 років тому +68

    Brawl definitely has the best theme in the series, atleast from a pure melodic standpoint.

    • @finnmarr-heenan2397
      @finnmarr-heenan2397 6 років тому +5

      Brawl had best music and single player .

    • @AustinPowerz-bn5ry
      @AustinPowerz-bn5ry 3 роки тому +1

      Easily the best theme. I was pissing myself like an excited dog when they first announced it back before its 2008 release.

  • @darknarga2000
    @darknarga2000 6 років тому +31

    What do we learn kids ?
    A minor key with a classical switch from tonic to dominant is always nice and epic

  • @maaxorus
    @maaxorus 5 років тому +17

    I feel like Brawl was the most serious of the bunch, which is also reflected in the visual design: the colours were less saturated and the character models showed as much texture as possible.

  • @dawk7
    @dawk7 5 років тому +33

    So... how about that "Lifelight", the Ultimate song with lyrics? Real talk, this video is the first thing that came to mind once the lyrics kicked in. The contrast between the dramatic scene of the new story mode intro, the shining-ray-of-light-during-the-darkest-moment feeling of the lyrical song... paired with the visuals, and the situation itself. Things like the silly reactions of the characters.
    Nintendo back at it again, man. These guys really know how to string your feelings from all angles.

    • @Uglynator
      @Uglynator 5 років тому +3

      Exactly this. I wanted to ask about the same thing.

  • @ministermouse4491
    @ministermouse4491 6 років тому +15

    Brawls theme gets stuck in my head more often than I'd like to admit for having not played it in like 6 years

  • @AceStarThe3rd
    @AceStarThe3rd 6 років тому +146

    Fantastic video

  • @NormalGayBro
    @NormalGayBro 4 роки тому +5

    The Brawl theme I think it's wonderful in how serious it is. Like it *IS* hilarious and *THAT'S* what I like about it. They have a whole friggin chorus singing in Latin. Like, that's amazing!!

  • @LimeGreenTeknii
    @LimeGreenTeknii 6 років тому +112

    I feel like the Brawl theme being darker was a subconscious way of pleasing the hardcore fans. Remember when this game came out: It was on the Wii, and hardcore fans were getting turned off by all the shovelware by third parties and the more childish games by Nintendo. Even if it was a coincidence, it sure was at least fitting.

    • @georgewilson7432
      @georgewilson7432 6 років тому +4

      Childish games like Mario Galaxy.

    • @theoneonyoutube4925
      @theoneonyoutube4925 6 років тому

      George Wilson
      Mario Galaxy is beautiful.

    • @georgewilson7432
      @georgewilson7432 6 років тому

      I was being sarcastic.

    • @kidcat3000
      @kidcat3000 6 років тому +4

      Hmm, wasnt that when Zelda got a T rating?

    • @samsonfgc3472
      @samsonfgc3472 5 років тому +3

      Its somewhat ironic how brawl was pointedly made as hostile as possible towards the hardest core players (the competitive community) in spite of the presentation.
      I don't mean to get into the black hole of happiness that is the melee vs brawl debate that this comment might cause, so to stop it before it starts, melee was made without many real thoughts towards competitive play. It wasn't deliberately friendly, even though it ended up that way. Brawl, on the other hand, removed all of the intentional and unintentional reasons why melee was so friendly towards competitive play and then kept going, deliberately adding elements that made it hostile to competitive play. Those are facts. They are what my comment is based on. Don't argue with them. If you do, you are wrong. I love brawl, casual brawl is great, but competitive brawl is not.

  • @modeseven8100
    @modeseven8100 6 років тому +14

    Smash64 does have a main theme though, its repeated in the credits music.
    My heart is sinking from how you pushed it aside when its main theme influenced Melee greatly.

  • @ponocni1
    @ponocni1 5 років тому +8

    It kinda makes sence that brawl would be "darker" then rest of the entries when you consider subspace emmisary. That shit was in context of SSB really dark.

  • @willbyrd5354
    @willbyrd5354 6 років тому +26

    I get so excited every time I see one of your videos in my sub box

  • @lozofmusic6977
    @lozofmusic6977 6 років тому +20

    I wanted to make an 8-bit cover of Ultimate's Theme, but quickly decided to make an entire main theme medley since I thought, the songs fit well together. I did notice some hints at different themes, but your video showed me much more interesting similarities - like the chord progressions - that I didn't even notice after working for hours with them. Your videos always manage to teach me a lot!

  • @Michirin9801
    @Michirin9801 6 років тому +28

    Goddamnit, even though I'm not into Smash, Brawl's music gives me the chills... I can't help it, it's bloody great!

  • @pedrogomezid
    @pedrogomezid 6 років тому +4

    The ‘emotional’ part of Melee’s Opening still sends shivers down my spine

  • @MEnne12719
    @MEnne12719 3 дні тому

    anybody wanna mention how these are some of the most inspiring music theory videos online? I personally just can't find better ways to learn music theory than by analyzing videogame music, and this channel does it flawlessly. Great video!

  • @MsErfwe
    @MsErfwe 6 років тому +116

    Hmm I'm also curious about how music from each character's original game gets rearranged to fit the tone of whatever smash game it's being used in! (They *are* orchestrated differently, right?)

    • @8bitMusicTheory
      @8bitMusicTheory  6 років тому +135

      Oooh smash vid pt. 2

    • @MisterAppleEsq
      @MisterAppleEsq 6 років тому +7

      That would be fun to watch.

    • @Jona69
      @Jona69 6 років тому +6

      I would love more on smash :D

    • @RainbowLizardOne
      @RainbowLizardOne 6 років тому +4

      I've always got the impression that they just got a bunch of big video game composers, had them take whatever music they wanted remixed and had them do whatever, but I could be wrong.

    • @XXmatt18XX
      @XXmatt18XX 6 років тому

      8-bit Music Theory plzzzzzz

  • @zachrodan7543
    @zachrodan7543 3 роки тому +1

    I can't believe how well lifelight fits the brawl intro cutscene. all those emphatic frames line up nicely with the high points of the musical phrasing perfecty

  • @FinalGamerJames
    @FinalGamerJames 6 років тому +6

    I think you managed to perfectly pinpoint exactly why I love Smash Bros. so much with that Serious Humour note. Excellent stuff.

  • @aes602
    @aes602 6 років тому +1

    Brawl's theme is probably my favorite, honestly. Also, I think it helps to accentuate the absurdity more than the other themes. It's so "over-the-top" epic sounding... and smash bros is all about being over-the-top. It sounds the best at any rate, and it's the theme that I have the fondest memories of.

  • @oliviapg
    @oliviapg 6 років тому +111

    Can you do a video about Celeste's music? It has some amazing tunes that really set the tone of the game and inspire you to push forward

    • @michaelnishiguchi3176
      @michaelnishiguchi3176 6 років тому +6

      GoldenGaming12621 I've been hoping for a Celeste video as well. It's s
      sooo good!

    • @QuarrelsomeLocalOaf
      @QuarrelsomeLocalOaf 6 років тому +3

      Completely unrelated to the game and its OST, but "Celeste" is also a killer French black metal band if you're into that kinda thing. lol

    • @the1zeldafan609
      @the1zeldafan609 6 років тому

      YUSSSS

    • @oledakaajel
      @oledakaajel 6 років тому

      I think he's intentionally avoiding Celeste for some reason. He probably doesn't want to analyse the music too much

    • @SamUnderStars
      @SamUnderStars 6 років тому

      Please do.

  • @DawnDashi
    @DawnDashi 6 років тому +37

    "squidling"

  • @dogman15
    @dogman15 6 років тому +27

    6:03 - this melody also appears in one of the Kirby games, but I can't remember which one right now. Same composer, though - Jun Ishikawa.

    • @marcw.4077
      @marcw.4077 6 років тому +3

      Kirby super star, great cave offensive in save points

    • @dogman15
      @dogman15 6 років тому

      Which track played it in Brawl?

    • @marcw.4077
      @marcw.4077 6 років тому

      Dogman15 oops I'm wrong this one is in Melee not Brawl

    • @dogman15
      @dogman15 6 років тому +2

      Yes, that melody first appeared in Kirby Super Star by Jun Ishikawa (according to you), and then Jun used it again in the main theme of Melee's opening video, revised slightly. But then the theme from Kirby Super Star was heard again in one of the tracks featured in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and I don't have the time right now to do the research on which one or other details.

    • @TheViolaBuddy
      @TheViolaBuddy 6 років тому +7

      It's Butter Building.

  • @ChrisLiusamus
    @ChrisLiusamus 6 років тому +1

    The funny thing is 8:30 reminds me of those dreaded bach chorale exercises and yet it was done beautifully. I also think the difference between brawl and melee/ultimate/4 really goes to show how much that raised 7th changes the tone in a minor piece. In fact I think dorian mode typically sounds medieval too but I never really got that vibe from smash tbh. Great video though! I love music theory and video game soundtracks can be so good- hearing analysis on it is really cool

  • @giulytsme
    @giulytsme 6 років тому +41

    Now i love Smash music even more! Thank you! ♡

  • @freeklukas5397
    @freeklukas5397 6 років тому

    this is a real gem on youtube. Watch it, watch it again. Watch it again. then became a patreon. Please keep this up.The best channel on youtube ever!

  • @khdayskh1314
    @khdayskh1314 6 років тому +168

    Honestly when you showed the Brawl clips with new music, I didn't find it fitting at all. I think it shows the amount of effort that was put into renewing the tone of the series for Brawl, and that they actually succeeded with recementing it. At least with me.

    • @aggressivebuttonmasher5486
      @aggressivebuttonmasher5486 5 років тому

      It's the tone he wants you to focus on I believe

    • @ChunkyTheClown
      @ChunkyTheClown 5 років тому +4

      Especially the part with Samus looking at her suit. It didn’t fit at all. Ike didn’t really do anything so I guess it fit there and Wario is Wario but even he appeared more menacing than normal, so I still vote for the original track. I’d argue that Smash 4’s theme could POSSIBLY work better if the visuals were re-cut to fit it, but there was just too much effort put into making it unique for such a simple change to sound better than the original track.

  • @SF24_Joker
    @SF24_Joker 7 місяців тому +1

    Personally while I understand what you're saying about Brawl's contrasting tone to the rest of the series, I think it's tone absolutely fits for Brawl specifically, as a lot of the tone in the game in general was designed to be a bit grittier than the games before it, a tone that was walked back on in later installments which is why we see their music returning to a tone more similar to the style we find in Melee.

  • @BacunNG
    @BacunNG 6 років тому +22

    Hell yes, Smash music is always the best

  • @givecamichips
    @givecamichips 3 роки тому +1

    I think Smash 64's Final Destination theme has a little of what you wanted: It's in minor, it's rocking the i-bVII-i progression, and it's pretty dramatic. But, the arrangement and little flourishes in the flute/bells keep it from being dark. They keep it in toy land, as opposed to the later games' trophy land.

  • @Richmo_
    @Richmo_ 6 років тому +10

    Brawl was also made in the early 2000's; the Earth's emo phase.

    • @sebastianw.7254
      @sebastianw.7254 5 років тому

      It's not necessarily an "emo" theme, though

    • @setesh1294
      @setesh1294 4 роки тому +1

      @@sebastianw.7254 it's more gothic.

    • @N12015
      @N12015 2 роки тому

      Late 2000's aka early gen 7. It just takes itself so seriously that it's kinda absurd. How many R.O.B died in that game?

  • @aamadeo28
    @aamadeo28 6 років тому

    Hey! One thing I really like that you did with this video was showing some of the "alternatives" for how the music could have been written. (When you talked about straightening out the 16th notes, for example.) For me, it really helps highlight the choices that the composers made, and the intuition behind those decisions. So thanks!

  • @WillowTheCrisp
    @WillowTheCrisp 6 років тому +4

    Love love LOVE this. Wonderful job as always, and never a bad thing to keep the hype train going for Ultimate.

  • @thehypist2587
    @thehypist2587 6 років тому +1

    Super Smash Bros. has such great music, no wonder it's such an amazing franchise. Great work on the vid!

  • @RobinLSL
    @RobinLSL 6 років тому +4

    Great analysis as always! I really like how you pointed out the "energetic and serious, but not too much" atmosphere and how the Brawl theme kind of failed at that. I find it really cool that the themes of Melee, 4 and U are linked with those harmonic progressions.
    Oh, and... tiny mistake at 8:38, you forgot the natural on the C!

  • @andrewgerardo2349
    @andrewgerardo2349 6 років тому +1

    Brawl has the best theme gets me soooo pumped especially the cutscene from sub space with the ships flying out to the canon soooo cool!

  • @KyvannShrike
    @KyvannShrike 6 років тому +18

    .... why didn't I know Uematsu wrote Brawl's theme....

    • @KotagMaster
      @KotagMaster 6 років тому +3

      KyvannShrike my exact thought.

  • @mattbarker97
    @mattbarker97 6 років тому

    Honestly you are one of my absolute favorite UA-cam channels ever. And I don't have a clue what you're talking about 90% of the time. Keep it up man!

  • @RainbowLizardOne
    @RainbowLizardOne 6 років тому +43

    I think the comic seriousness angle with brawl is kind of the point of the whole entire game, as well as just that song, and it works really really well from that angle. Conversely, I really don't like the interchangeable, generic High Energy Action Themes that kind of drain away the unique identity from smash 4 and ultimate.

    • @LilyTengoku
      @LilyTengoku 6 років тому +9

      rainbow_lizard They aren't interchangeable. The Ultimate theme sounds more epic and orchestral while Smash for 3DS and Wii U sounds far more whimsical. The instruments matter too.

    • @burp2019
      @burp2019 2 роки тому

      saw Brawl's theme put over Ultimate and it just fits

  • @lulimdying720
    @lulimdying720 6 років тому

    now that you point out the music coincidences with Melee and Smash4 makes even more sense now that we know that Ultimate is basically using core elemente of Melee and Smash4 in its gameplay, and well, the music
    i really love your videos

  • @SJrad
    @SJrad 6 років тому +16

    Brawl ost is so good

  • @larryisntmynamebutyoucanca9625
    @larryisntmynamebutyoucanca9625 3 роки тому +1

    Super Smash Bros Melee was my introduction to Nintendo other than the original 3 Mario games. It showed me all the important characters, their series and their music. It changed my life! Any time I hear Melee music im like "yes, my genesis"

  • @mRidley508
    @mRidley508 5 років тому +6

    You better do this for Lifelight lol

  • @dysperdotted
    @dysperdotted 3 роки тому +1

    the fact that this starts off with a reference to BAKUMAN. of all things earns this video my like.

  • @linkVIII
    @linkVIII 6 років тому +11

    Something about the wii u theme I really don't like. Glad the game let's you even select menu music.

    • @Lightning-gg5iu
      @Lightning-gg5iu 6 років тому +1

      linkviii What, Wii u theme is sick

    • @JC19021
      @JC19021 5 років тому +1

      I have the same feeling about Ultimates and you can’t change it without being WOL.

  • @waifuluver2727
    @waifuluver2727 6 років тому

    this is honestly the absolute best video you have ever done. i can tell that you have lots of passion for the subject. great job!

  • @Mystik3eb
    @Mystik3eb 6 років тому +6

    So you think Nobuo's piece goes too far to land the serious humor? I think I agree...though I still love it.
    ...also, this is dumb, but my buddys and I always sang "I'll be the Maaaarth..." to the opening lines of the main melody. Now you always will, too. You're welcome.

    • @Edmond_Dantès64
      @Edmond_Dantès64 6 років тому +1

      No thx I prefer the original lyrics. Come on it's so cool that they are in latin!

    • @cephalonblue5991
      @cephalonblue5991 5 років тому

      Dan Scannell let me change that for you.
      (All)
      I eat a log. Me be blue. So was it a bee. And I chased by Salami.
      Call me papa. Me be me. Weak red head. And there’s meat next to me.
      (Female voice)
      I throw up minigolf
      (Guy singing)
      I am only five years
      (Male Choir)
      Despacito
      (Female Choir)
      Three foreman
      (All)
      They are the peoples feeding OMELETS!! IN HELL!

  • @gusandy
    @gusandy 6 років тому

    I recently became a Patron! I love me some Music Theory! (I'm a Music Ed Major) I'm super excited to have access to your transcriptions! I also can't wait to support you more than just being a subscriber on UA-cam! I am looking forward to watching more of your videos!

  • @MikeBachful
    @MikeBachful 6 років тому +7

    Did u always understand music so well or did u learn how to recognize music patterns and stuff like this over time?
    Because i straight up cant notice alot of the similarities and musical themes you talk about lol

    • @r0berito
      @r0berito 6 років тому +3

      MikeBachful Some people are more analytical than others, observant, interested in patterns etc, but in the end I'm pretty sure Mr. 8 Bit has some years of music education both behind and, hopefully for us, ahead of him. I've barely played any of the games but I love all the videos

    • @Roxfox
      @Roxfox 6 років тому +5

      Understanding is always something that comes with time. You can't understand something unless you're willing to sit down and meticulously take it apart because you're just that curious about what makes it tick. And even then, the first few times, all you get is random pieces that you don't know what to do with. The context comes with experience and education. Pick apart enough things and you'll begin to notice what they have in common, and in the context of how the pieces are used, you will start to figure out why. That's how you can start to get an actual understanding of why music works the way it does, and how composers use their techniques as means to an end. Or anything else, for that matter!
      The only thing that arguably comes naturally is the curiosity and the motivation to act on it.

  • @Dripple-zk9mf
    @Dripple-zk9mf 6 років тому

    I wanted to make a video like this before I knew this one existed. This is way better than anything I could've came up with. Good job

  • @oles9196
    @oles9196 6 років тому +43

    I like the Brawl theme the most. Its so dramatic and its like Fight or die this is no fricking this is WAR!
    The other ones, espacialy U and Ultimate are like lets have a Party and that doesnt fit in my Opinion. Let Nintendo have his edgy Fighting Game.

    • @qwerp3
      @qwerp3 6 років тому +11

      I prefer Wii U's and ultiamtes step back from the gritty look of brawl.

    • @TheUnicornslayer
      @TheUnicornslayer 6 років тому +8

      wii u was the least memorable theme and just downright mediocre

    • @qwerp3
      @qwerp3 6 років тому +7

      4 C I would say 64's was least memorable.

    • @pukmin4498
      @pukmin4498 6 років тому +7

      SoulHealingBeats Blackdemon Expect that smash brothers isn't a edgy fighting game.

    • @anomaly395
      @anomaly395 6 років тому +2

      SoulHealingBeats Blackdemon I agree, I adore the epic and grand, dramatic tone they gave Brawl, it gave the game such an epic fashion which was phenomenal. Now it's just lighthearted and cheery, ugh.

  • @HaitaniMasayuki
    @HaitaniMasayuki 6 років тому +1

    Would like to see more of all the "medley" potential of all the Smash games' main themes. It feels that some of them are like amped up versions of previous iterations. Like how Melee's main theme feels like Smash64's "Result theme" but maxed out. :D

  • @Tsicky
    @Tsicky 6 років тому +26

    Mee-Lee?!?!
    I’m dead😂

    • @Ghst-kr2uk
      @Ghst-kr2uk 6 років тому

      Micah why? That’s how you say it isn’t it?

    • @someguy2350
      @someguy2350 6 років тому +1

      Gh0st I can't tell if you're joking or not.

    • @leerv.
      @leerv. 6 років тому +2

      It rhymes with "May Day", just in case you weren't joking. Like the other person said, it's hard to tell. :P

  • @a_Fax_Machine
    @a_Fax_Machine 6 років тому +1

    Thanks for including the "Smashing... Live!" version of Fountain of Dreams at the end of the video. That albums is one of my favorite arrangements ever.

  • @joshuajames1291
    @joshuajames1291 6 років тому +2

    I've never clicked on a notification that fast

  • @munzutai
    @munzutai 6 років тому +1

    To have one of my most favorite music related channels cover one of my most favorite game series of all time is almost too much for me to handle. Thank you so much for this.

  • @TheMarionick
    @TheMarionick 6 років тому +8

    My top 5 Smash Bros themes:
    5: 64
    4: Melee
    3: Wii U
    2: Ultimate
    1: Brawl

  • @SpikeykoaLa44
    @SpikeykoaLa44 6 років тому

    Man I love your analyses. You're right to the point and you don't overanalyze music without understanding theory and context like a ton of other music-analysis-type UA-camrs do. I really appreciate that.

  • @YingwuUsagiri
    @YingwuUsagiri 6 років тому +5

    We found one! We found another one saying Mealy. Maylay.

  • @stephenbaillargeon5619
    @stephenbaillargeon5619 6 років тому +1

    If there was a part 2 to this video discussing just the orchestration, I'd be so excited. As it is, this was really good and I always feel inspired to compose whenever new videos come out on this channel.

  • @Idazmi7
    @Idazmi7 6 років тому +120

    In other words: a tone like a Marvel Movie.

    • @bradmurray1736
      @bradmurray1736 6 років тому +42

      Idazmi7 no a marvel movie is set up seriously but is under cut with humor in smash the humor is the the fact that it treated seriously

    • @Idazmi7
      @Idazmi7 6 років тому +4

      +Brad Murray
      Close enough.

    • @DoYouLiekMudkipz_
      @DoYouLiekMudkipz_ 6 років тому +9

      More like Marvel movies have a tone similar to Smash since Smash predates the current MCU.

    • @Idazmi7
      @Idazmi7 6 років тому

      +Do you liek Mudkipz
      True that.

    • @shrimpchris6580
      @shrimpchris6580 6 років тому

      Except not bad

  • @brycetaylor5444
    @brycetaylor5444 5 років тому

    man ive been looking for a channel to nerd out to about music theory and i’m so glad i finally found it

  • @LoneOtaku158
    @LoneOtaku158 6 років тому +26

    9:34 Brawl isn’t fondly remembered because competitive players complained about how it wasn’t Melee. Brawl is actually better than Melee in every way when it comes to the goofy 4-player fun it was designed to be.
    Besides, this is the same community that won’t let you play on Final Destination; it has to be _omega_ Final Destination.
    Competitive Smash is a parody of itself.

    • @videogameprof
      @videogameprof 6 років тому +9

      eehhh, id say you could the same amount of goofy stuff in both games, in a more adept player's opinion, melee felt better than brawl. (smash 4 feels better than brawl too.). as for the omega final destination thing, there is a point in the stage that the stage becomes so bright it will create silhouettes of the characters and quickly fade to white in a split second. split seconds are crucial in fighting games. it's just the communtiy trying to be as fair as possible.

    • @FamilyTeamGaming
      @FamilyTeamGaming 6 років тому +8

      ...What?
      First of all, there's no difference between Final Destination and Omega Final Destination. Sadly, both of them turn characters into silhouettes at one point.
      Second, what do you have against competitive anyway? Most competitive players don't actually dismiss casual play, a lot of the ones you see doing that don't even play the game to begin with. If anything, I see more casuals bashing competitive. Way more.

    • @LoneOtaku158
      @LoneOtaku158 6 років тому +2

      FamilyTeamGaming It’s mostly competitive Melee I don’t like. It’s literally the same three stages (Final Destination, Battlefield, Battlefield with moving platformd) and the same few characters (Marth, Jigglypuff, Fox/Falco) every time! It’s personally boring to watch.

    • @FamilyTeamGaming
      @FamilyTeamGaming 6 років тому +2

      Final Destination, Battlefield, DL64, Fountain of Dreams and Stadium all see quite a lot of use. Fox, Falco, Marth, Sheik, Jigglypuff and Peach all tend to have representation in tournaments, and the rest of the Top 12 (Samus, Falcon, Pikachu, Doc, Luigi, Yoshi) do see use by some players that make it decently far into most tournaments. That's nearly half the cast.

    • @gogglebrains
      @gogglebrains 6 років тому +6

      Totally agree. To each his own Smash Bros preference, and I can totally see why the competitive scene doesn't prefer Brawl, but as a non-competitive normie it was basically just an upgrade across the board. My friends and I didn't look back and Brawl was our go-to for years.

  • @TheCayDawg
    @TheCayDawg 6 років тому +1

    I actually studied Nobuo Uematsu in my Video Game Music History class. He was the composer for Final Fantasy 7 I believe. He is LEGENDARY!

  • @AIRdance777
    @AIRdance777 6 років тому +3

    Alright, which of the smash themes are your guys' favorites?
    I think the intro to Melee is easily top 10 videogames intros of all time

    • @Lightning-gg5iu
      @Lightning-gg5iu 6 років тому +2

      CriticalCrass I really like Smash 4, especially when the guitars kick, and the drums start going crazy

    • @justbny9278
      @justbny9278 6 років тому

      CriticalCrass brawl

    • @videogameprof
      @videogameprof 6 років тому

      kinda difficult. id have to put brawl's as my least favorite. i cant seem to play it off the top of my head. not saying i dislike it though. it takes smash as seriously as i do.

    • @COCmcGameSupport
      @COCmcGameSupport 6 років тому

      Brawl even though melee is the better game

  • @statelyelms
    @statelyelms Рік тому +1

    I'm so glad Brawl was the first "big game" little me ever played. It made that song and the "gritty dark serious" vibe actually real for me, instead of seeming melodramatic and exaggerated. It was like you weren't signing up for a battle or a war, you were signing up for a grand story!.. and then you, dark lord of evil, beat up an obese clown penguin with a magic wand while Solid Snake looked on in the background as you all hover over Delphini Plaza.
    Still worked. Still very fun. Loved that game.

  • @henrygutierrez3243
    @henrygutierrez3243 6 років тому +7

    I was just reviewing the Smash themes and this went exactly through my head. I still love to death Melee's theme while honestly disliking Brawl's. I don't dislike the music itself, heavens no, I dislike the overall tone it tries to set for the game. I remember the first time I heard the song for the game. It was jarring. I felt a mix of hype and excitement, but it all also felt off somehow. I'm sure that this is where people will start to call me a Melee fanboy, and while to an extent I am, I can also take a step back and look at it's flaws as well. Brawl's tone is too serious. It's too melodramatic. Every time I hear it's main theme I change the song because it simply feels off with the game, and quite frankly doesn't fit at all. Again, it's a beautiful track to listen to, just not with a smash game (honestly would fit right in in a fire emblem game). As for why I like Melee's track so much, well, it just fits. It's never too dramatic, too intense, and no one part of the song overstays its welcome. The theme is constantly going places which is something that can't be said of the Smash 4 and Smash Ultimate themes. They have 1 part that they constantly focus on while throwing in small bits to add a bit more drama. Melee's theme has one major dramatic bit and it carries much more of an impact for it. Melee's theme encapsulates just what smash is: a fun, cartoony, fighting game with our favorite childhood characters where everyone can have a good time. It's not serious (which is ironic since Melee became the most competitive smash of them all).

    • @unsureprobablymaybe3527
      @unsureprobablymaybe3527 2 роки тому

      I think you're a melee fanboy, brawls music fits and is miles ahead of generic smash4 and cringe anime english op smash ultimate

  • @bling0holic
    @bling0holic 5 років тому +2

    This just tells us all that Nobuo Uematsu is making manlike music among Gods! A Man among Gods! *eyes rolls upwards in angelic light*

  • @ericb5328
    @ericb5328 6 років тому +28

    INKLING! not squidling. Frick!!

    • @SquidInkPizza
      @SquidInkPizza 6 років тому +1

      Eric B
      Mhm

    • @elrondo_6730
      @elrondo_6730 6 років тому +12

      Watch your language sir

    • @ericb5328
      @ericb5328 6 років тому +6

      Big Smoke my bad. I lost control

    • @Gamesforus1
      @Gamesforus1 6 років тому +4

      Eric B
      But aren't octolings technically inklings since they use ink

    • @chasebrazil2011
      @chasebrazil2011 6 років тому

      Gamesforus But aren't sharks a species of dolphin because they do the same thing and look generally very similar?

  • @jgfence123
    @jgfence123 6 років тому +2

    It’s funny, the whole jump between serious and like lofty ethereal sounds. I always knew it was there but never identified it to myself except for the fact every time I hear it for the first time when I listen to any of the main songs I picture sheik playing on her lyre harp thing in the melee opening

  • @howard_blast
    @howard_blast 6 років тому +7

    Disappointed that we didn't get to hear more on Smash Bros for N64. Best soundtrack of the series by far.

    • @braintrope4736
      @braintrope4736 6 років тому +1

      Libido Kamen Wait, really? I find it hard to think that N64 has the best soundtrack when it has the least original tracks and least amount of tracks in general by far. Is there something about the sound of the game that appeals to you specifically?

    • @howard_blast
      @howard_blast 6 років тому +4

      Personally, I feel it has the most aesthetic definition to it. It has a very vast atmosphere to it while at the same time having a sort "underground" feeling. Take this short chime for example: ua-cam.com/video/x9WEXzFjXD0/v-deo.html Extremely articulate. I don't feel that future installments had this thematic concentration.

    • @braintrope4736
      @braintrope4736 6 років тому

      Libido Kamen Ah, I see (or hear, I guess) what you mean. I personally prefer Brawl's original music, but I can definitely see why you'd prefer N64.

    • @howard_blast
      @howard_blast 6 років тому +3

      Brawl definitely had a lot of great originals and remixes.

    • @lozofmusic6977
      @lozofmusic6977 6 років тому +1

      I miss Meta Crystal :,(
      But, yeah, I do like the 64 soundtrack a lot, too. All songs together are homogenous, which makes it much more interesting to listen to the entire soundtrack, while in other installments you'd just look for your favourite remix.
      That's probably the reason, why I made an 8-bit album for this game, and not for any other game yet.

  • @UltimateTS64
    @UltimateTS64 6 років тому

    Ima be honest and say I never really understand the stuff in these videos but I'm so intrigued by them and I learn a lot, even if I don't remember it that much. Keep up the good work

  • @Mathematrix7
    @Mathematrix7 6 років тому +5

    Ultimate theme doesn’t fit over brawl because brawl had a darker, more serious aesthetic. I wish the new games were darker and more serious like melee and brawl

    • @Hero_2222
      @Hero_2222 6 років тому +1

      Voyager Why would smash be dark and realistic?

  • @takemetoyonk
    @takemetoyonk 6 років тому

    Your breakdown of the Brawl theme made my mouth water because I remembered how much I love it on its own

  • @bearyboy9088
    @bearyboy9088 6 років тому +102

    Sry, but Smash Bros. is always serious and will always be serious

    • @kurag5198
      @kurag5198 6 років тому +61

      Your telling me a pink puffball fighting a dog and a bird on a Mario shaped planet is serious,are you feeling well

    • @edsantosIsMusic
      @edsantosIsMusic 6 років тому +15

      *you're, not your

    • @kurag5198
      @kurag5198 6 років тому +36

      Not to be rude but I really don’t care

    • @IDK-gd6uk
      @IDK-gd6uk 6 років тому +5

      Beary Boy
      Funny joke.

    • @Dingus_Khaan
      @Dingus_Khaan 6 років тому +10

      This is serious business.

  • @gatfatf
    @gatfatf 6 років тому +1

    Look of terror? Friend, that's *bloodlust*

  • @gena1384
    @gena1384 6 років тому +17

    But don't let that distract you from the fact that Waluigi isn't in Smash

    • @kurag5198
      @kurag5198 6 років тому

      It would be nice if he was but honestly I couldn’t care less about that right now

    • @Nipponing
      @Nipponing 6 років тому

      gena138 Good

    • @BitchChill
      @BitchChill 6 років тому

      I don't care about Waluigi and I'm glad he didn't make it

    • @kurag5198
      @kurag5198 6 років тому

      If you don’t care about him then why are you glad he’s not in?

    • @BitchChill
      @BitchChill 6 років тому

      C.A.G Jr Because his fanbase

  • @ranglix1
    @ranglix1 5 років тому +1

    Brawl having all that epic music with a wacky trailer, is the one with the most clear serious funny vibe

  • @intheairex
    @intheairex 6 років тому +37

    8-bit Music Theory called Brawl theme trash My disappointment is immeasurable and my day ruined

    • @Catmomila
      @Catmomila 6 років тому +47

      +InTheAir He didn't though?

    • @intheairex
      @intheairex 6 років тому +6

      Gaspoov I disagree with the statement that Brawl’s theme music doesn’t fit the game. Smash and hyperbolic opinions go hand in hand with each other.

    • @swagar
      @swagar 6 років тому +37

      He said it was "an incredibly strong composition", "so satisfying to listen to from beginning to end", and described the bridge as "one of the most beautiful eight bars of music I've ever heard".
      What video were you watching?

    • @BeeFizzle
      @BeeFizzle 6 років тому +4

      lol yeah he complimented the piece , and what he didnt like was how it fit with the game itself

    • @jasonstroude1414
      @jasonstroude1414 6 років тому

      Briar Foley It didn't. Brawl was high key garbage

  • @CortlandtMatthews
    @CortlandtMatthews 6 років тому

    Great video! I think the real charm of the Brawl music lies in something you touched on earlier in this video. There’s an element of camp in scoring the heightened drama of the subspace emissary, even though these are still a child’s figurines. The brawl soundtrack is one of my favourites in the series because it really embraces the absurd

  • @simonvanroij4182
    @simonvanroij4182 6 років тому

    Every now and then I find a video and I want to press the like button every 30 seconds just to realise I already have. Good job man love all this

  • @charlesmorrison7792
    @charlesmorrison7792 6 років тому +1

    Many of the characters within a smash bros game are indeed not very serious, but that is what I think helps portray a beauty of the smash bros series: that the "realm" of a smash bros game is where these characters come to exist in a more serious way where they test their own worth or potential through battle across all of their respective universes.

  • @alicecairn7807
    @alicecairn7807 6 років тому +1

    I personally think Brawl's main theme fits in perfectly with the other smash bros pieces. 'Comically serious' is how you described it, and for me that's exactly the Brawl theme's deal. It's such an unapologetically explicit and grandiose piece of music that it's almost like a parody of the romantic era. It reaches a point of being so intense that it's self aware that it is over-exaggerating the stakes so much.

  • @HolyPetRel
    @HolyPetRel 6 років тому +2

    I think the smash ultimate song is a combination of all of the previous games (with new parts as well), because it's taking all of the characters from the other games, it's keeping with the theme and i absolutely love it

  • @kinggordoproductions6203
    @kinggordoproductions6203 6 років тому

    8:22 Yep, same here...
    Also I love how you ended with "Fountain of Dreams" in the background; that piece was literally what first got me into music. Love you're videos!

  • @potentialPizza8
    @potentialPizza8 6 років тому

    Shit, love your channel, and did NOT expect you to open up your point with one of my favorite plot points from one of my absolute favorite manga. Awesome!

  • @josephjoseph1264
    @josephjoseph1264 6 років тому

    Yes!! I was so hyped for this when I saw the notification! I'm surprised you didn't comment on dramatic quartal harmony.

  • @jonathansmith6302
    @jonathansmith6302 6 років тому

    This video knows how to make things interesting to peopke who don't know music enough, like how Game Theory works. I love it. This channel will surely grow even more