As a part of Nintendo Life VGM Fest, a season of music-focused interviews and features celebrating the video game audio in all its forms, we're assembling a bunch of playlists featuring some of our very favourite tunes. We've looked at the funky/groovy end of the spectrum, and we've also looked at the tracks we queue up when we want to chill the beans right down.
Today, we're looking at a specific series — the Super Mario series — and we've picked ten of our absolute favourite tunes from the Mushroom Kingdom. With just ten tracks on our playlist, it's inevitable that some good'uns will have fallen by the wayside (and even some indisputable classics — earworms like the original World 1-1 and Jump Up, Super Star! are obviously great, but we've had our fill of those for... ooo, maybe a lifetime or two).
We're sure you'll let us know which ones we've overlooked in the comments, but as a group compilation taking suggestions from the whole team here at NL Towers, we're quite pleased with the tight and varied setlist we've come up with.
So, may we present to you — in no particular order (because how could we possibly?) — ten of the very finest musical accompaniments to a Mushroom Kingdom sojourn you could ever hope to hear...
Staff key: Gavin Lane (GL), Kate Gray (KG), Ryan Craddock (RC)
Steam Gardens (Super Mario Odyssey, 2017)
Composer(s): Naoto Kubo, Shiho Fujii, Koji Kondo
The beauty of this piece is that it feels nothing like any other music from any other Mario game (and therefore stands out as something fresh and exciting) and still manages to capture the irreverent spirit of the level itself. It sounds like something you'd find in a chase scene from a '60s spy movie, but instead you've got Mario bouncing around an odd arrangement of floating construction zone pieces, encroaching foliage, and cog-filled robot dudes. Oh, and a T-Rex wandering around in the bowels of the level, natch. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario Odyssey
World 1 Map (Super Mario Bros. 3, 1988)
Composer(s): Koji Kondo
We could have gone with practically any track from this game, but the jaunty tune from the World 1 Map screen is right up there with the Mario music we've listened to most in our lives. You know the score — you're just about to dive into World 1-1 (which we've also got a huge soft spot for) and get called away to eat dinner or something, and when you return there's Mario and all the animal and plant life of the Mushroom Kingdom bopping along in time to the beat just as you left them. What a tune! What a game!
Once you've listened to that, just leave that ol' video up there a-playin'. Marvellous. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario Bros. 3
Ground Theme (Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic / Super Mario Bros. 2, 1987/8)
Composer(s): Koji Kondo
As any over-caffeinated, over-enthusiastic fan will trip over themselves to tell you, this brilliant theme was originally written for Famicom Disk System game Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic before being retooled when that game become Super Mario Bros. 2 in the West. The version used in Mario's game is extended compared to the original, but it's one one of the jauntiest ditties in the plumber's catalogue. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario Bros. 2
Main Theme (Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, 2004)
Composer: Yoshito Hirano / Yuka Tsujiyoko / Saki Haruyama
It's REALLY hard to pick the best song from TTYD — there's the Rogueport theme, the Glitz Pit, the music for the Excess Express chapter, and the little ditty that plays while you're riding the Cheep Cheep blimp... it's all so good! But what better track to represent the brilliance of Thousand-Year Door than... the title theme itself? It's a stirring call to adventure that we often just leave running in the background. KG
Hear it in: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Peach's Castle (Super Mario 64, 1996)
Composer(s): Koji Kondo
If we had to pin down the reason why this theme is so iconic, we'd hazard a guess that it's the way in which it contrasts with the silent Castle (play) Grounds that Mario arrives in at the very start of the game. You're given as much time as you like to 'whoop' and 'yippee' around outside the castle with nothing but the tweeting of birds and the footsteps and echoes of the plumber's exertions to listen to. The moment you step inside the castle, though, this regal melody accompanies you on the adventure. It's gallery music, essentially, and it's your companion as you discover the many delights hanging on Peach's walls. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario 64, Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Muda Kingdom (Super Mario Land, 1989)
Composer(s): Hirokazu Tanaka
Probably not the tune you'd expect to see included here from the first Game Boy Super Mario game (the tune used in the first world, Birabuto Kingdom, is certainly more well-known and celebrated), but Hip Tanaka's theme for World 2 — Muda Kingdom — is one of the most pleasant tunes on the system; a comparatively slow and resigned accompaniment as you battle through a short and sweet adventure. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario Land
Dire, Dire Docks (Super Mario 64, 1996)
Composer(s): Koji Kondo
We've already featured this in our Chill Music From Video Games - Relaxing Playlist, but it's such a choon that we couldn't help but bring it back here. Mario 64 has plenty of fantastic tunes, but something about this one takes us back immediately to that precious time when the 64-bit era was in its infancy and everything about this game in particular filled you with excitement and wonder for where games would take you in the future. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario 64
Delfino Plaza (Super Mario Sunshine, 2002)
Composer(s): Koji Kondo / Shinobu Tanaka
No matter what you think about the game proper, we have yet to find a person on the planet who doesn't love the Delfino Plaza tune. Perhaps the fact that it set the mood so beautifully actually contributed to the disappointment at Sunshine's relative lack of polish and occasional design flaws when compared to the mainline Marios it's sandwiched between.
Yes, that's right — this piece of music is too good and should have set expectations appropriately by being worse. GL
Hear it in: Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Gusty Garden Galaxy (Super Mario Galaxy, 2007)
Composer(s): Mahito Yokota / Koji Kondo
We're pretty sure we'd be boycotted if we didn't include Gusty Garden Galaxy, everyone's favourite magical, soaring, and absolutely gorgeous track from Super Mario Galaxy. Listen, we're not saying the previous Mario soundtracks aren't good, but SMG raised the bar all the way to space with its orchestral score, and Gusty Garden Galaxy is the best of the best. It's just perfection. KG
Hear it in: Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Square Timber / Puzzle Plank Galaxy (Super Mario Galaxy 2, 2010)
Composer(s): Mahito Yokota / Ryo Nagamatsu / Koji Kondo
We'll be honest, we don't have particularly strong memories of playing through Puzzle Plank Galaxy (the world in which this delightful piece of music appears), but the track itself is such a bop that we felt it deserved a place on the list. Playing Super Mario Galaxy 2's soundtrack and reaching this little number is always fun – we challenge anyone to listen to the section between 28 and 44 seconds in and not feel jolly inside. RC
Hear it in: Super Mario Galaxy 2
That's Team NL's personal top 10, but what about yours? Let us know your favourite Super Mario tracks and have us holding our heads in our hands in dismay having forgotten some golden ditty that defined our childhood.
Be sure check out the other Nintendo Life VGM Fest articles in our season of music-focused interviews and features.
Comments 71
No songs from Super Mario World
This is the soundtrack I was/am listening to when I found this article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s9idW5axIo
I think many Sunshine soundtracks deserve a mention, Sky & Sea for instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IvJHGisvXM
From 64, Powerful Mario never gets old: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XJ8q9DALwE
Something I've often gone to bed with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I9d-Dxj3VQ
Ah, will we ever get Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch? We can dream…
Just checking in to make sure Delfino Plaza is here.
Other good options include Donut Plains, 1-1 from Super Mario Bros, Birabuto Kingdom, Jump Up Super Star and Good Egg Galaxy.
Basically everything Sunshine is fantastic, there’s a few great tracks from 64 as well. I honestly am not a huge fan of the orchestral stuff from Galaxy, I prefer the beach and deep space themed tracks. I’d probably go for Space Junk Galaxy as my favourite track from that game.
unpopular hot take:
"Jump Up, Superstar" is the definitive Mario song
Dire, Dire Docks is just magical, I hear that and it sends me back 25 years. I’d love to hear it again in another Mario game.
I would like to add 10 more songs that aren't on this list
Underwater from SMB NES
Athletic from SMB3
Castle from SMW
Touch Fuzzy, Get Dizzy from Yoshi's Island
Gelato Beach from Sunshine
Good Egg from Galaxy
Yoshi Star from Galaxy 2
Overworld VS. from NSMB1
Sunshine Seaside from 3D World
Jump Up, Super-Star! from Odyssey
Totally agree with that list. I also enjoy The Grand Finale and the ending theme from SMB3.
@Jimmy_G_Buckets I love the Delfino Plaza song, but it makes me think of the TikTok memes where they escalate the intro.
Any list of the best Mario music should include the Ending Theme from Super Mario World. It haunts my dreams…
Super Mario world has some amazing tunes can’t believe none are included here also double cherry pass from 3D world is so catchy only have to hear it briefly and it’s stuck in my head all day
I have to be honest, this would be a very boring Mario playlist. Not because the songs are boring, but because they're mostly way too obvious. Except for TTYD, which is probably not even the 50th best song from that one game.
Bowser's road from Mario 64 should be in there
Still love the soundtrack to the 1st lvl in super mario world.
Gusty garden Is the best Mario song ever and no won can change my mind.
I rate the SNES All-Stars version of the Super Mario Bros 2 theme as the best version... not the case with all the All-Stars music, but that honky tonk like rendition really took the tune to the next level!
I especially love
Birabuto Kingdom (SML)
Overworld (SML2)
Overworld (SMB2)
All 3 of these games make a heck of an impression with their first level music.
I also love the Galaxy music but that's kind of in its own category compared to the Mario chiptunes.
2D Mario games have a lot of great songs.
But 64, Sunshine, Galaxy and Odyssey are on a whole nother level in gaming music-wise (or otherwise tbh)
The Mario Land 1-1 theme was released as a single. I think it was like a dance track remix. My cousin got it on cassette tape. I think it made the charts here in the UK. Too long ago. Anyway, a good selection in the article.
Maybe it’ll never make a top 10 in a major publication, but I will always love the Noki Bay theme! So tranquil and perfect for that level. Sunshine really did have a brilliant soundtrack. It felt so cohesive, like the worlds themselves
@gb_nes_gamer Is this it?!
OMG, how have I never seen this... love seeing Chessington World of Adventures in the 90s! Was it authorised by Nintendo? I notice the vinyl cover has the same cover as the GameBoy game!
@Clyde_Radcliffe That's funny. I love the original NES SMB2 level music but despise the All Stars version. It annoys me so much. Like they intentionally butchered it. Different tastes I guess 😄
Mario Galaxy has the best soundtrack by far in the series, imo. Almost any of the songs from that game is better than the ones in the rest of the games XD
OH! The credits music from Mario Land 2 should totally be on this list! I have spent many hours of my life listening to that track on repeat.
Also, Wario's Castle from SML2 as well.Sets the mood so perfectly!
@gb_nes_gamer Oh wow, that Super Mario Land remix is on Spotify and they have an entire album from 1993 on there! Mind blown... It has a Mario Kart remix, Mario World and all sorts. Just search for Ambassadors of Funk - Mario Compact Disco
@dustinprewitt I'll let you on in a little secret. All the Super Mario World stage songs are the exact same tune, but just a little differently. Blew my mind when I learned of this!
In no particular order for me…
1.Desert World Theme (SMB3)
2. Underground Theme (SMB1)
3. Boss Theme (SMB2)
4. Airship Theme (SMB3)
5. Ghost House Theme (SMW)
6. Fortress Theme (NSMB)
7. Rainbow Road Theme (SMK SNES)
8. Electrodrome Theme (SMK 8/Deluxe)
9. Fortress Theme (SMW)
10. Bowser’s Castle Theme (SMB3)
As Paper Mario TTYD is in the list, I think that means Mario Kart music is fair game, in which case the credits music to Mario Kart 64 has to be the best Mario music ever. Well it is for me, anyway. Very nostalgic. 😉
@gb_nes_gamer
"There ain't no place like Super Mario Land!" 😆
Nothing beats Dire dire docks.
I swear I can feel myself as a young 10 year old boy playing it for the first time, nothing brings me back to my childhood like DDD does.
And I strongly agree with Steam Gardens, such an amazing piece of music. Everything on Mario Odyssey sounds great, but that song stands out.
A solid list. Listening to the tunes from the older games really put me in a chill mood. I'm sure I blacked our listening to Dire Dire Dock.
Also, some have mentioned the Super Mario World end credits music, which definitely has a unique hold on my soul. All games should use it as their end credits. And would it kill them to have a jaunty montage of all the games enemies?
Fun list, but if you're going to include Paper Mario, then I'm going to include Super Mario RPG.
1. Super Mario RPG
2. Mario Galaxy
3. Super Mario 64
4. Super Mario World
5. Super Mario 3
@gb_nes_gamer @Clyde_Radcliffe
The song reached number eight in the UK charts. Not only did Nintendo authorise the song, they actually requested the album!
Steam Gardens is indeed a total banger - on of the best video game songs I ever heard.
SMW Athletics with Yoshi, my favourite
@Yosher not the boss themes.
Koopa Beach theme (Super Mario Kart) by The OneUps.
Super Mario Bros theme by The OneUps.
Super Buck II by Estradasphere (a cover of the Super Mario Bros 2 Ground Theme mentioned in the article).
For anyone who enjoys Mario music covers.
I personally think the worst thing about mario 64 is the lack of iconic melodies.
Cant believe the Mario Bros 1-1 these isn’t included - the most iconic and famous video game music ever made
I'd put the final boss from SMW2: Yoshi's Island and the opera song from Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle on the list.
No Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island or Super Mario Kart tracks...
@dustinprewitt Hence why I said stage songs.
Steam Gardens / Wooded Kingdom is banger but I’d also put a shout out to Forgotten Isle / Lost Kingdom - the other standout tuneage from SMO
https://youtu.be/bGIP3IUgOg8
Good list, but I'd put Throwback Galaxy on there.
https://youtu.be/uCmYL4kAsZo
@dustinprewitt Sucks, right? World has some of the best music in gaming.
@bryce951 Ahem? Slider, Bob-Omb Battlefield, Dire Dire Docks, Peach's Castle, Bowser's theme. Not really lacking.
I don't know why but I used to love the Metal cap theme in SM64. I used to jump into a cannon with the metal cap in Jolly Roger Bay and dance around to it.
Glad to see Dire Dire Docks made the cut, it might not be as iconic as Bob-omb Battlefield but it's probably the single most nostalgic piece of video game music for me
I enjoy all of them except Dire Dire Docks, idky but it just doesn't hit the right vibe for me. I like Jolly Roger Bay better.
So many memorable songs. I would probably replace the super Mario land theme with SMB 1 over world. A few hidden gems for me - the song in SM64 when you are walking by sleeping piranha flowers, and the odyssey jump up superstar song.
I would add Buoy Base Galaxy and World Bowser AT LEAST. I also love Yoshi Star Galaxy, and there are countless Mariokart songs that are so great (if they even count on this list)
I honestly can't stand the N64 music, one of the main reasons I can't play it. It just sounds 'dopey' .... is this just me ?
World Bowser - Super Mario 3D World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjkGGMxyxiA
Did you make a top 10 list without the original SMB theme?
Geesh, man. Subverting expectations only goes so far
Just here to make sure everyone doesn’t forget the underground tunnel from superstar saga. Best underground theme
Cool feature, I'd like to see the same for other Nintendo franchises.
But you missed out the absolute best, the credits music for Mario 64.
Great list but wow I was shocked by the inclusion of Steam Gardens. I loath that song so much that I'm genuinely surprised that anyone likes it, much less that it would be considered as one of the top 10 best Mario songs. It is so un-Mario. There were a few nice tracks in the Odyssey OST but overall the music was the worst part of the game for me.
Nothing can bring me back to my childhood as Dire, Dire Docks. Great tune!
For me, Castle Theme from Super Mario World beats them all. That's an incredible piece of music.
Never realised there was music in Mario games; just a few snappy tunes.
@Abes3 agreed.
The end credit from Super Mario Land as well, truly amazing. The composer to Mario Land is the same guy who did Tetris!
Nice choice with Muda Kingdom from Super Mario Land! That song randomly pops up in my head all the time, some 100 (approximately) years after I last played the game. It's such a simple yet fantastic melody.
@Ooyah @Clyde_Radcliffe
The YouTube video isn’t available but you can probably stream it somewhere. There was also a Tetris type A single done in similar fashion. I do have that cassette tape packed away somewhere.
The Dire Dire Docks theme adapting to whichever section of the map you're at blew my mind during my first playthroughs of Jolly Roger Bay. Going back to that level thinking "I could I've sworn there were strings or percussion!" and when you reach those sections and the strings track starts merging into the general track (as soon as you go underwater), and then the percussion track (when you reach the cave with the collapsing pillars)...
I love how playful some Nintendo soundtracks can feel with their adaptativity. It sounded amazing to be able to play with the soundtrack like that, kind of like when you rode Yoshi in SMW or Epona in OoT.
@Sciqueen I know! I was surprised about that too. The side series games are home to many great songs. SMW also has amazing music.
I know it's not technically a Mario game, but Theme of Athletic from Yoshi's Island is an absolute jam.
Also, I'd highly recommend the works of 8-Bit Big Band and Mario Zelda Big Band Live — Kondo's work lends itself so well to jazz that these renditions practically compose themselves.
Mario 64 music is pure magic.
I've listened to countless hours of steam gardens, one of my favourite video game track of all time!
That last one... https://youtu.be/vKIcSlwRz1A
@Ooyah
Land for the win. Best music
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