Music (SSBM)
The music in Super Smash Bros. Melee was composed by Hirokazu Ando and Shogo Sakai, with music arrangements by Hirokazu Ando, Shogo Sakai, Tadashi Ikegami, and Takuto Kitsuta. Among other sources, most of the orchestral music was sequenced using two sound libraries: Peter Siedlaczek's Advanced Orchestra and Quantum Leap Brass. Other songs were sequenced using a Roland SC-8850.[1]
Most of the victory themes were recorded with a live orchestra referred to as "Orchestra Melee". The Smashing...Live! soundtrack suite was performed live by the New Japan Philharmonic, is unrelated to the previous "Orchestra Melee", and isn't an in-game soundtrack. The tracks as they are presented in the game's Sound Test are listed and described here. Almost all of the game's music can be heard in the game's Sound Test feature, and they are given their "official titles" there.
Opening[edit]
| Opening | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Opening |
| Universe | Super Smash Bros. |
| Debut game | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Link | [2] |
Origin[edit]
Opening is an original music track for Melee; many other music tracks in Melee are remixes of Opening.
Usage[edit]
This track plays when Melee's Opening Sequence plays, prior to the title screen. At the end of the track, the announcer shouts the game's title.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Composition and Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition and Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Japanese title: オープニング, Opening
Princess Peach's Castle[edit]
| Princess Peach's Castle | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Princess Peach's Castle |
| Universe | Mario |
| Debut game | Super Mario Bros. |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Princess Peach's Castle |
| Link | [3] |
Origin[edit]
This track is an overlapping arrangement of two music tracks from Super Mario Bros.: the Ground Theme and the Underground Theme.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Princess Peach's Castle stage and the first part of the Mushroom Kingdom stage in Adventure Mode. It also plays when fighting against a team of Mario and Bowser on Battlefield in Classic Mode. The track is Bowser's Credits theme.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Super Mario Bros.
Composition Supervisor: Koji Kondo
Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: ピーチ城, Peach Castle
Rainbow Cruise[edit]
| Rainbow Cruise | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Rainbow Cruise |
| Universe | Mario |
| Debut game | Super Mario 64, Super Mario Bros. |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Rainbow Cruise |
| Link | [4] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a medley of two music pieces from the Mario series. The first track is the Slider theme from Super Mario 64, which plays on Rainbow Ride (the level that Rainbow Cruise is based upon). The second track is the Underwater Theme from Super Mario Bros.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Rainbow Cruise stage and the battle with Mario/Luigi and Peach on Princess Peach's Castle in Adventure Mode. It is also Peach's Credits theme.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Super Mario 64
Composition Supervisor: Koji Kondo
Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: レインボークルーズ, Rainbow Cruise
Kongo Jungle[edit]
| Kongo Jungle | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Kongo Jungle |
| Universe | Donkey Kong |
| Debut game | Donkey Kong 64 |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Kongo Jungle |
| Link | [5] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a reprise of the DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64 with a more varied backing track, as well as a new vocalist, James W. Norwood Jr..
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Kongo Jungle stage. It also plays on Fourside during Event 25: Gargantuans. It also plays on Jungle Japes when fighting Team Donkey Kong in Classic Mode. It is one of Donkey Kong's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Donkey Kong 64
Composition Supervisor: Grant Kirkhope
Arrangement Supervisor: Hirokazu Ando
Lyrics: George Andreas
Vocals: James W. Norwood Jr.
Composition: Rare Limited
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: コンゴジャングル, Kongo Jungle
| Lyrics |
|---|
| He-he-here we go
So they're finally here, performing for you If you know the words, you can join in too Put your hands together, if you want to clap As we take you through this monkey rap Huh DK Donkey Kong He's the leader of the bunch, you know him well He's finally back to kick some tail His coconut gun can fire in spurts If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt He's bigger, faster, and stronger too He's the first member of the DK crew DK Donkey Kong DK Donkey Kong is here This Kong's got style, so listen up dudes She can shrink in size, to suit her mood She's quick and nimble when she needs to be She can float through the air and climb up trees If you choose her, you'll not choose wrong With a skip and a hop, she's one cool Kong DK Donkey Kong He has no style, he has no grace Th-this Kong has a funny face He can handstand when he needs to And stretch his arms out, just for you Inflate himself just like a balloon This crazy Kong just digs this tune DK DK Donkey Kong DK DK Donkey Kong is here He's back again and it's about time too And this time he's in the mood He can fly real high with his jetpack on With his pistols out, he's one tough Kong He'll make you smile when he plays his tune But Kremlings beware 'cause he's after you DK Donkey Kong DK Haha, Donkey Kong DK Donkey Kong DK Donkey Kong Finally, he's here for you He's the last member of the DK crew This Kong's so strong, it isn't funny Can make a Kremling cry out for mummy Can pick up a boulder with relative ease Makes crushing rocks seem such a breeze He may move slow, he can't jump high But this Kong's one heck of a guy C'mon Cranky, take it to the fridge Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells Grapes, melons, oranges and coconut shells Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells Grapes, melons, oranges and coconut shells Aww yeah |
Trivia[edit]
- The internal filenames for Kongo Jungle and Jungle Japes are reversed, with the former track being called
garden.hps(from the Japanese name of Jungle Japes, "Jungle Garden") and the latter being calledkongo.hps. - While the lyrics to this track are mostly the same as its original version, this re-performance of the DK Rap alters three lines:
- The first line of the fourth verse (which refers to Diddy Kong) has "it's" added to it.
- The second line of the fifth verse (which refers to Chunky Kong) starts with "He's" instead of "It's".
- The line "But this Kong's one hell of a guy" (the last line of Chunky's verse) is changed to "But this Kong's one heck of a guy".
- As an additional change from the original, before looping back to Donkey Kong's verse, a spoken version of the intro can be heard.
- This is the first track with vocals in the Super Smash Bros. series, and the only one to appear in Melee.
Jungle Japes[edit]
| Jungle Japes | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Jungle Japes |
| Universe | Donkey Kong |
| Debut game | Donkey Kong Country |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Jungle Japes |
| Link | [6] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a jazz-based remix of DK Island Swing from Donkey Kong Country, which was also used as the theme of the Jungle Japes stage in Donkey Kong 64.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Jungle Japes stage. It is one of Donkey Kong's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Donkey Kong Country
Composition Supervisor: David Wise
Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition: Rare Limited
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: ジャングルガーデン, Jungle Garden
Trivia[edit]
- This arrangement of the song would later be used as a playable song in the Japanese version of Donkey Konga 2 under the name "Super Donkey Kong Theme".
Great Bay[edit]
| Great Bay | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Great Bay |
| Universe | The Legend of Zelda |
| Debut game | The Legend of Zelda |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Great Bay |
| Link | [7] |
Origin[edit]
This track is an orchestrated remix of the Overworld Theme from The Legend of Zelda, a recurring theme in the Zelda franchise.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Great Bay stage. It also plays on the Temple stage in Adventure Mode, Event 29: Triforce Gathering and the Final Destination stage while fighting Ganondorf in Event 49: All-Star Match Deluxe and when unlocking him. It is one of Link's, Zelda's, and Sheik's Credits themes, and Ganondorf's only Credits theme.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: The Legend of Zelda
Composition Supervisor: Koji Kondo
Arrangement Supervisor: Takuto Kitsuta
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: グレートベイ, Great Bay
Temple[edit]
| Temple | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Temple |
| Universe | The Legend of Zelda |
| Debut game | Zelda II: The Adventure of Link |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Temple |
| Link | [8] |
Origin[edit]
This track is an atmospheric remix of the Dungeon Theme from Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Temple stage and in the Underground Maze. It is one of Link's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
Composition Supervisor: Akito Nakatsuta
Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: 神殿, Temple
Trivia[edit]
- In an interview on the original Super Smash Bros. Melee website, Shogo Sakai stated that the arrangement was originally going to sound more eerie and ominous, a choice that was inspired by the tone of the Dungeon Theme from the first Legend of Zelda game and Yotsuya Kaidan, a famous Japanese ghost story. Realizing that few would understand the reference, the arrangement was revised.
Brinstar[edit]
| Brinstar | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Brinstar |
| Universe | Metroid |
| Debut game | Metroid |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Brinstar |
| Link | [9] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a rock-based remix of the Brinstar theme from Metroid; it also includes segments of the Game Start and Title Screen themes.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Brinstar stage. It is one of Samus's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Metroid
Composition Supervisor: Hirokazu Tanaka
Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: ブリンスタ, Brinstar
Brinstar Depths[edit]
| Brinstar Depths | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Brinstar Depths |
| Universe | Metroid |
| Debut game | Metroid |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Brinstar Depths |
| Link | [10] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a techno remix of Kraid's Lair from Metroid, as well as the Secret Room music from the same game.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Brinstar Depths stage. It is one of Samus's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Metroid
Composition Supervisor: Hirokazu Tanaka
Arrangement Supervisor: Shogo Sakai
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: ブリンスタ深部, Brinstar Depths
Yoshi's Story[edit]
| Yoshi's Story | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Yoshi's Story |
| Universe | Yoshi |
| Debut game | Yoshi's Story |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Yoshi's Story |
| Link | [11] |
Origin[edit]
This track is an uptempo, samba-based remix of Yoshi's Song, the main motif of Yoshi's Story.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Yoshi's Story stage. It is one of Yoshi's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Yoshi's Story
Composition Supervisor: Kazumi Totaka
Arrangement Supervisor: Hirokazu Ando
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: ヨッシーストーリー, Yoshi Story
Yoshi's Island[edit]
| Yoshi's Island | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Yoshi's Island |
| Universe | Mario/Yoshi |
| Debut game | Super Mario World |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Yoshi's Island |
| Link | [12] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a banjo-based remix of the Athletic Theme from Super Mario World. Later on in this remix, a woodblock beat is added, similar to the woodblock beat heard when riding Yoshi in Super Mario World.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Yoshi's Island stage. It is one of Yoshi's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Super Mario World
Composition Supervisor: Koji Kondo
Arrangement Supervisor: Hirokazu Ando
Composition: Nintendo
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo
Japanese title: ヨースター島, Yoster Island
Fountain of Dreams[edit]
| Fountain of Dreams | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Fountain of Dreams |
| Universe | Kirby |
| Debut game | Kirby Super Star |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Fountain of Dreams |
| Link | [13] |
Origin[edit]
This track is a dramatic, orchestrated remix of the Gourmet Race music from Kirby Super Star, which is a recurring melody in the Kirby series. Arrangements based on this one would later go on to be used in several future Kirby games, like Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land (which also redesigned the Fountain of Dreams to resemble its appearance in Melee) and Kirby Air Ride.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Fountain of Dreams stage. It can also play on the Green Greens stage during Adventure Mode. It is one of Kirby's Credits themes.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Kirby Super Star
Composition Supervisor: Jun Ishikawa
Arrangement Supervisor: Tadashi Ikegami
Composition: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Japanese title: 夢の泉, Fountain of Dreams
Green Greens[edit]
| Green Greens | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Green Greens |
| Universe | Kirby |
| Debut game | Kirby's Dream Land, Kirby Super Star |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Green Greens |
| Link | [14] |
Origin[edit]
The track is an orchestral remix of the Green Greens theme from Kirby's Dream Land, as well as the ending theme, Kirby's Triumphant Return, from Kirby Super Star.
Usage[edit]
This track plays on the Green Greens stage. It is one of Kirby's Credits themes. It also plays on Corneria during Event 16: Kirby's Air-raid.
Composition & Arrangements[edit]
Source: Kirby's Dream Land / Kirby Super Star
Composition Supervisor: Jun Ishikawa
Arrangement Supervisor: Hirokazu Ando
Composition: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Arrangement: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Composition and arrangement Copyright Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Japanese title: グリーングリーンズ, Green Greens
Corneria[edit]
| Corneria | |
|---|---|
| Track title | Corneria |
| Universe | Star Fox |
| Debut game | Star Fox |
| Arrangement debut | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Stage of usage | Corneria |
| Link | [15] |
Origin[edit]
This track is an orchestral remix of Venom from Star Fox, with small excerpts of the Map Screen music and the Space Armada stage theme inserted.