00:05Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we're looking at the best pieces of music from one of gaming's
00:10most iconic soundtracks, Koji Kondo's The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time.
00:22But before we dive in, we publish new content all week long,
00:25so be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.
00:31Water Temple Theme
00:32The place may bring up bad memories for some, but the music that accompanies the Water Temple sets the mood
00:38perfectly.
00:39It begins with the faint shimmer of chimes with some haunting tones,
00:42which adds mystery to the already mysterious setting of a dungeon.
00:46The flute that joins later, along with the plucks of a deep-stringed instrument, gives the main melody.
00:51But even that doesn't adhere to the song's structure, moving swiftly between notes like it's hard to pin down.
00:57In a sense, the Water Temple theme is both calming and a little frantic.
01:02As many of us know, things can move slowly here, but that doesn't mean you can't feel frustrated, confused, or
01:08a little frantic yourself.
01:19Goron City Theme
01:20Despite the peril brought to them by Ganondorf, the Gorons are a fairly happy-go-lucky bunch.
01:26All they want to do is chill and eat their rocks.
01:29The theme of their city, naturally, is one that clearly fits their way of life, on top of being catchy
01:34as hell.
01:35A blend of upbeat percussion, including a marimba-like hook, and the delightful chants of the Goron people themselves,
01:42it's one of several earworms on the soundtrack.
01:44It embodies the Goron's warmth and brotherhood, which Link gets to experience firsthand.
01:49And it makes spending time in their homestead more enjoyable, having this bop on a loop.
02:06Lan Lan Ranch Theme
02:08Epona's song is a delightful tune on Ocarina, and it's expanded on wonderfully in the theme for Lan Lan Ranch.
02:15The ranch is a place of respite, and a beacon of simpler life, one of calmness away from the nearby
02:21bustling Hyrule Market.
02:22The twang of the guitar that greets you, Malin's soulfully delivering the notes of Epona's song.
02:28It's easy to feel ease in a place like this, which is probably why so many players shipped Link and
02:34Malin,
02:34as it meant a life of contentment and peace.
02:37The theme music, in a way, welcomes you in, making you want to stay, put your feet up, take a
02:42load off.
02:43You deserve it.
02:50Hyrule Field Theme
02:51Zelda is known for its iconic overworld themes, and the one for Ocarina of Time stands tall among the many.
02:58With a simulated snare that keeps a march, and those horns that blare out an adventurous melody,
03:03it made stepping out into Hyrule Field a historic moment.
03:06But there are also strings that are both sweeping with purpose and delicately plucked,
03:11interwoven with the rest of the theme to create something special.
03:14Not for nothing, but Kondo also did a terrific job expanding on the theme whenever enemies are around.
03:20The main melody warps, the strings grow sharper, and the percussion louder to match the intensity.
03:26You may hear this theme a lot, but we don't ever get sick of it.
03:41Song of Storms
03:50Of the playable Ocarina songs, the Song of Storms makes a strong argument for the catchiest.
03:56Every time you hear those opening notes, it's almost impossible not to hum the ones that follow.
04:02Honestly, playing it to affect the weather is fun just because you get to hear it again.
04:06Of course, we especially love the version heard inside Kakariko Village's windmill, played on a crank organ.
04:12Despite its short length, there's a good reason it has stayed one of the most popular songs from the series.
04:17It is so jaunty, its notes so infectious, that it has stayed in the memories of players ever since.
04:24Spirit Temple Theme
04:25The penultimate dungeon in the game, which splits its time between both young and adult Link,
04:30the Spirit Temple feels foreboding and more mystical even than those that came before.
04:36This is partially thanks to the unexplored yet curious lore of the Gerudo,
04:40but this feeling becomes clear as soon as you step inside, when you're greeted by deep, mournful strings.
04:47And since the Gerudo were inspired by people of the Middle East,
04:50the main melody simulates an Armenian deduk to at least in part capture that background.
04:55Paired with those strings, the result is something that feels both meditative yet tinged with unease.
05:08Lost Woods Theme
05:09Whether you visited early through Kokiri Forest or waited for the story to lead you there,
05:14the most prevailing thought in all of our heads when reaching the Lost Woods was,
05:18Dear God, this music is incredible.
05:20Talk about an earworm track.
05:22It has a perfect bounce to it and a melody that pulls your earbuds along as if to dance.
05:27It never makes you want to leave, which makes it entirely fitting for a place called the Lost Woods.
05:33It's a good thing it's learnable too, as Sariya's Song,
05:37which lets us talk to our childhood best friend and cures a salty Goron of the Grumps.
05:42Now that's the power of music.
05:54Forest Temple Theme
06:05Hidden beyond the cheerful Lost Woods lies a temple whose design and even music are far in the tonally opposite
06:12direction.
06:13A strange mansion deep within the wilderness, currently being taken back by nature and a host of monsters.
06:19As eerie as the place is, the music that echoes around you is gorgeous.
06:25In a haunting, makes you feel like you shouldn't be there kind of way.
06:29Wooden chimes and short synth notes make up the bass,
06:31while a flute and odd chants deliver an unnerving yet captivating melody.
06:36This is the feeling of being lost,
06:38almost playfully taunting as you wander between brain teasers and shifting hallways.
06:44Title Theme
06:53The title theme of Ocarina of Time is one of the most beautiful pieces of music from the entire series.
06:59That first deep piano note never fails to hit you right in the chest,
07:04while the rest carry you towards that sorrowful ocarina.
07:07It's hard to deny that nostalgia plays a role here.
07:10The theme perfectly captures the yearning of lost childhood,
07:14which is a big part of Link's journey, as well as our own.
07:17And so, the older we get, the more the theme means.
07:20But even on its own merit, it's an incredibly moving piece,
07:24and a standout melancholic track in comparison to the rest.
07:32Before we continue, check out this single from Current, EDM Transform.
07:37Check out the full track and album below.
07:47Gerudo Valley Theme
07:49By far the track most likely to win the popularity contest,
07:53the Gerudo Valley theme's greatness is undeniable.
07:56By mimicking Spanish flamenco guitars,
07:59Kondo immediately injected the desert setting with an energy unlike any other place in Hyrule.
08:04That's a good thing, too, because outside of the Gerudo Fortress,
08:07it isn't that visually unique of a place.
08:10Yet, this track, whether with its quick, punchy guitar or the accompanying horns,
08:15brings the locale to life.
08:17Honestly, it's a good thing you have a few challenges to get to before heading to the Spirit Temple.
08:21It's only natural to want to hear this on a loop.
08:32What are your favorite songs from Ocarina of Time?
08:34And are there any great ones you feel we left off?
08:37Share your thoughts in the comments, and we'll see you next time.
08:40Have a great day.
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