The music from the Mario franchise is way better than it has any right to be. I don’t think anyone ever thought music created for a video game back in the day would eventually generate some of the most iconic tunes or beautiful orchestrations that they have become today. I would even go as far as to say that many of its tunes are on par with songs from The Legend of Zelda — which is just as well because Nintendo composer Koji Kondo worked on both series’ scores.
No matter what, we can’t deny how wonderfully whimsical the music of Mario truly is, and so, in honor of that, I will be sharing a bundle of favorites that are near and dear to my heart.
“Slide,” Super Mario 64
Funny story about this one: Even though my access to Super Mario 64 was fairly limited, I knew this song and I always thought it was the same one being played during the Horse Race in Ocarina of Time. The melodies are somewhat similar, with the same synthetic fiddle being used during a fast-paced portion of each game (both of which, coincidentally, featuring a short mustached man in red). While I can clearly tell the difference between the two nowadays, I still love the energetic melody with just that right bit of country twang that makes that tedious slide worth revisiting. Also, give “Snow Mountain” a listen if you’re thinking this could use some more sleigh bells.
“Athletic Theme,” Super Mario World
Super Mario World is fascinating in its soundtrack, using the same melody throughout each new world with a different musical style to fit the setting. The iteration I enjoy the most, personally, would have to be the “Athletic Theme.” When I hear that 8-bit honky-tonk piano and bouncing baseline, I just know a fun level is ahead of me. Add in those synthetic bongos when you grab yourself a Yoshi and you’ll have yourself a grand old time! Plus, that intro is super fun to play on the piano. Just saying.
“Baby Park,” Mario Kart: Double Dash
“Baby Park” is one of the simplest Mario tracks, thus the game makes you loop the stage seven times, so the good folks at Nintendo knew that there would have to be some good tunes going on during this quirky course. While the race track is basically a thin loop, the wacky music bouncing around in the background has you embracing the silliness of the course and the chaos of all the bizarre items flying around while you make those tight turns. It gets even better as you progress and it gets faster and faster!
“Main Theme,” New Super Mario Bros
Though I’d played older Mario titles before New Super Mario Bros. on the DS came out, this was the first side-scroller Mario game I had owned. This tune had me entranced and I thought it was the coolest thing when the enemies would pause their walk cycle to dance on the beat of this jam! Even though Super Mario Sunshine has a great array of tropical tunes, this song is the one that I add to my list of “vacation beats.”
“The Comet Observatory,” Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy is probably my personal favorite of all the Mario games and by far hosts my favorite soundtrack (so prepare yourself to see more from this title). The grand scale orchestra brilliantly brings this space adventure to life, making every little moment seem so massive! While the Comet Observatory is small, the score starts out its precious melody with but a few instruments. With each expansion onto the observatory, the music progresses, turning this little lullaby into a grand waltz.
“Frappe Snowland,” Mario Kart 64
The musicians of the various Mario development teams sure know how to make great winter soundtracks, and the theme for Mario Kart 64’s Frappe Snowland course is one of them. It brings that wonder of that first snowfall to the racetrack, with those mystical-sounding strings and whimsical melody. It’s not as intense as many of the other tracks from this game, allowing the player to take in the scenery as well as do their part to take the lead. Perhaps they thought having a somewhat slower beat would stop us from running into those darn snowmen.
“Super Mario Bros. Medley,” Super Smash Bros. for 3DS/Wii U and Ultimate
I love me some medleys. Smash Bros. has always been abundant with these and I eagerly look forward to them with each new game or DLC pack — even more than the characters sometimes. This one had instantly become a favorite, parading the first few songs in Mario’s history in a fun, upbeat fashion. It’s got some funky percussions going on, keeping the rhythm throughout the scrolling stage it was created for as it transitions from the “Main Theme” to the “Underwater Theme,” the “Underground Theme,” then looping back to the first one. Also, listen closely to that intro; you even get a bit of “Bowser’s Castle” in there for good measure.
“Grassland,” Super Mario Bros. 3
How is this song so catchy? It’s such a short melody played on loop and yet I could listen to it for hours. Hours! Not just me, either — do you know how many YouTubers I could name that use this music for their videos? Half of them aren’t even about Mario! Half of them aren’t even about video games in general! That’s how darn catchy this tune is.
(Inside) “Peach’s Castle,” Super Mario 64/ Super Mario Odyssey
At a trivia game, I felt rather silly claiming this song was from Super Mario Odyssey when it was actually from Super Mario 64, but I first heard it in Odyssey. Confession: I hadn’t really been able to play 64 outside of the few times I’d played it with a friend when I was a youngster. I know, I know, I’ll get on it as soon as that triple release comes out on Switch — but that’s not the only reason I’m sharing the Odyssey edition of this song. I’m also sharing it because the updated strings breathe new life into the classic and make it sound as regal as Princess Peach herself!
“Rainbow Road,” Mario Kart 64
I love Rainbow Road. Doesn’t matter which Mario Kart game, Rainbow Road is always my favorite course. There isn’t a single round with my friends that I don’t end with Rainbow Road as the final course. It’s not just the fun gameplay and the bright sparkling colors that draw me to these maps, but the soundtrack as well. While all of the variations of Rainbow Road boast fun and beautiful scores, my favorite would have to be that from Mario Kart 64. While the theme from Mario Kart Wii is a close second, mixing in hints of the “Gusty Garden Galaxy” theme, the 64 version is such a classic. You also get a good 10 minutes to listen to it while just trying to finish the dang course.
“Good Egg Galaxy,” Super Mario Galaxy
This was the perfect song to be thrown into the first level of Super Mario Galaxy. It’s an epic introduction to the grand universe you’re about to explore, a small flute guiding you along as you find your footing in this strange new environment. It’s when the strings and brass kick in that I start to get super emotional. The melody in itself is so beautiful and awe-inspiring, not only being played during these first few levels but also at the end where Peach and Mario spin together through space — one of my all-time favorite gaming moments ever.
“Shiveria Town,” Super Mario Odyssey
When I stumbled into this village in Odyssey, a huge grin grew across my face when I heard this song for the first time. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times since then and it still has that same effect on me. It’s so happy and cute — just like the residents of this snowbound village. I’m a sucker for that folksy-sounding violin and a variety of bells thrown into the mix make for a jolly old time! I dare you to listen to this without smiling. If you can do it, it means you’re a monster. Sorry, but that’s just fact.
“Overworld” (Birabuto Kingdom), Super Mario Land
Back before I played a real Mario game, I relied on the internet. I would play whatever bootleg Mario games I could get my elementary school kid hands on, and I remember one of them playing a really cool remix of this song. When I was finally able to get my hands on legitimate copies of the game, I was pretty upset that I was never able to find the game where this song hailed from. It’s a tricky game to find (for a good price), but honestly, I’d just rather listen to this song than play the game. It’s such a good jam, remix or original, I think it’s probably my favorite overworld theme.
“Coconut Mall,” Mario Kart Wii
Coconut Mall is another Mario Kart course I remember fondly. While Rainbow Road had definitely taken my number one spot, Coconut Mall was definitely up there. It was the first course that I distinctly remember humming the tune to while racing and sometimes I still just hum it just because. It’s got a fun dance vibe to it that’s some kind of mix between funk and tango. Probably. Regardless of what it would be technically classified as, it’s a score that I could groove to no matter the scenario.
“Delfino Plaza,” Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine was the first Mario game I ever owned. I loved listening to this song as I goofed around the plaza, wondering where to explore next in my journey before I had to close up and restart because my mom didn’t know I had to have a memory card for the first week that I had the game with my brand new GameCube. I admit I got a little tired of watching the story play out over and over, but I never tired of this merry little tune.
These songs are just a few of my favorite tunes from this fantastic series, and it was hard to narrow them down for the sake of this article. To be honest, this article was long overdue for me. As I mentioned before, I think this music is just as memorable, whimsical, and iconic as Zelda music is in many regards. Just like the songs of Zelda, I listen to Mario tracks on a daily basis. Whenever I hear them, I am transported to a realm of fun and often find myself getting lost in the melodies with no desire to return.
Now I’m certain I missed some fan favorites, so let me know what Mario songs are your favorites down in the comments! There are no wrong answers here!
