Theme - The Legend of Zelda (NES)

Cyril: I don't envy the person who had to create an epic theme using the Nintendo Entertainment System's five-channel sound hardware. While this Zelda theme lacks the fullness of Howard Shore scores, it does manage to deliver a memorable hook you'll be humming for days. The melody is playful; it's lighthearted and upbeat, not interested in foreshadowing the darkness that is to come. And even without lyrics, this Legend of Zelda theme is easy to sing along to. What ultimately hurts this theme is the abrupt ending. There's no fade out or climactic finish, it simply ends at an absurdly random spot. It sure is catchy, but this Legend of Zelda theme ultimately feels under-cooked.

Kevin: In listening to this theme again after so many years, it strikes me how I've gotten used to the higher tempo orchestrated versions of more recent entries in the series. This original version begins with what feels to me like an ominously slow, dark intro on the title screen before switching to a story screen and bringing in two harmonized and uplifting lead lines. The two lead instruments carry the whole song, with the bass just playing slow root note gallops and what sounds to me like a matching closed hi-hat or perhaps snare pattern. As nostalgia-coated as the theme is, its slow tempo and simple rhythm section take away from the exciting leads. While a good start, I feel like newer versions have improved upon it with a slightly higher tempo and more active, intricate rhythm section.