https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1VAqwbtqfs

Already with Super Mario Bros 1 and 2 I found video game music to be interesting and catchy. But it really was with Super Mario Bros 3 that the interest “took off.” Our father rented an NES during the Easter Holiday and we would play. Although I never quite mastered the gameplay – I am more of an RPG guy – I found the music very interesting. Once in grade 4, during a free afternoon in the gymnasium, I would just stare at a classmate playing the game the game so I could listen the music. So here is my review of this wonderful soundtrack.

1- World Map 1

The game starts very interestingly. Although the loop is very short it is extremely catchy and joyful; you can not help but feel happy when listening to it.

2- World Map 2

This one loops WAY too quickly and gets pretty annoying. However, kudos for making it sound “Arabic”; both the main and the background tracks sound better than Dragon Warrior’s 3 attempt with the Pyramid.

3- World Map 3

Ugh, this is SO annoying. Not only did I barely ever explore that world, but I found the music so repetitive, especially the second sound in the main track. Skip it in a hurry.

4- World Map 4

Ah, MUCH better. This seems like a variation of the preceding track, but much less annoying. The tempo is upbeat and joyful and the background track has a little something that unexplainably wants to shake your… behind.

5- World Map 5

The “ground part” of the world. Although the loop is short I found the track interesting. It combines a lot of different sounds all (wonderfully) clumped together.

6- World Map 6

The main track sounds like a sad Christmas track, which sounds appropriate for the Ice World. The background track sounds like you are constantly slipping on the ice. However the very short length of the loop gets annoying

7- World Map 7

A strange track, but nevertheless an interesting one. It has a kind of jazzy beat with the drum track in the background. The main track, on its side, has a good mysterious feel to it.

8- World Map 8

It sounds appropriately dark. The tempo is swift and the main track sounds even a little creepy. The drums in the background sound like an accelerated hearbeat.

9- Overworld 1

Not a classic like the SMB 1 overworld track, but it is nevertheless excellent. The arrangements are more complex and have a kind of joyful feel to them that got me hooked.

10- Overworld 2

The “athletic” zone, where you have to jump more than usual (think 1-4 and 1-6). This is the better of both tracks. It DOES sound like you are a little more on the edge because of all the obstacles you must face. The second part of the loop even sounds it was made for 1-6 when you have moving up and down with the platforms.

11- Underwater

THIS is what an underwater theme should sound like. It is more elaborate than in SMB 1 and sounds even more “magical,” even though it does not adopt a waltz beat.

12- Underworld

An updated version of the SMB 1 theme. The background beat sounds very appropriate for the “snowy” levels like 1-5. I can not explain why… And the main track was done better.

13- Warp Zone

This is also the “cloud” theme, be it when jumping on a red musical note of the second part of the fifth world. Anyway it has an excellent lightness to it, as if being in the clouds meant you were in a dream.

14- Starman

Yet another remix from SMB 1. When I watched the TV show on ABC I was always eager than they would get Starman because I REALLY enjoyed the theme. Much less so today because the loop is much too short, but it does give you a feeling of invincibility with its quick tempo

15- Warp Whistle

The same sound as the ocarina in The Legend of Zelda. But it does sound better-arranged, almost like a real flute. The rest of the track is just the sky theme.

16- Music Box

When the Hammer Bros “go under.” It does sound like a music box, with its “echo” and slow tempo.

17- N-Spade

When entering the various bonuses (Spade House or card). The loop is microscopic but the beat is catchy.

18- Toad's House

The background beat gives the track the appropriate “bonus” feel, as if you were timed to make your choice. The main track is light and good too.

19- Fortress

It sounds dark as mysterious as it should be. The silences add to the mysterious feel of the fortress, and the last part of the loop are even quieter to make you anxious.

20- Hammer Bros. Battle

It sounds rather joyful for a fight, but I love it! The tempo is right (both for the main and background track) and you will probably find yourself whistling it.

21- King

The main track has just the right touch of drama for the king that has been transformed into a horrible beast. It also feels right when Mario falls back into the castle with the wand.

22- Airship

Although the track sounds dark as it should, the background drums have a very strange echo to them. Also the main track tends to stretch the notes a little too much in the first part of the loop.

23- Koopa Kid Battle

But also against Boom-Boom. It uses some of the arrangements of the Fortress theme. It is upbeat and dark, which is perfect to keep you at the edge of your seat.

24- Victory Fanfare

It is short and sweet, and sounds very triumphant. I am not sure why they kept the “echoe” drums, but it is still good.

25- King Restored

Again with the echoe drums! Fortunately the main track sounds triumphant enough to make you forget about it.

26- Course Clear

Another short and sweet track that is just the right length. The right arrangements for a small triumph.

27- You're Dead

A rather elaborate death track, but it is done better than SMB 1. It almost sounds like it is nagging you for dying!

28- Game Over

It sounds like the nagging continues! It sounds less sorrowful than the SMB 1, but it does sound like “better luck next time, pal!”

29- Bowser Battle

It is very upbeat, but it sounds a little overdone. Blame it on the 8-bit limitations for music…It was done much better on the Super Nintendo in Super Mario RPG: the Legend of the Seven Stars

30- Ending

After a slow beginning where the Princess has you freak out for a second you hear a kind of remix of all the tracks put together. Even though it simply loops twice this is one of the rare ending themes I enjoy.

Final diagnosis: any video game music lover NEEDS this soundtrack in their collection. Despite simple arrangements they are sure to catch your ear and hook you up quickly.