Theme - OutRun 2019 (Genesis)

Cyril: If this theme song is to be believed, then 2019 will be the year of the rockin' harpsichord. This is a high-energy song that calls back to the original OutRun in absolutely no way. Despite completely missing the tone of the original, this theme throws a dizzying amount of high-pitched notes at you all at once. While musically interesting, you can almost see the holes in the wall from where the notes hit. Eventually the songs break down into something of a chorus. We're finally given a break from the headache-inducing melody, but the speedy drumbeat is there to remind you that it's only a matter of time before the song loops back to those shrill notes. All this would have worked in a Vectorman game, but not a breezy racing game.

Kevin: OutRun 2019 was certainly optimistic about the near future with its combination of a 692mph jet propelled street car and numerous transparent bridges. Its theme song was more grounded in the early 90s though, the developers quite clearly clinging to the hard rock and heavy metal of the 80s. Honestly, I feel like this is a good thing. Had they correctly guessed the popular music of the 2010s, we'd be stuck with some real garbage. Regardless, this theme song is great for a racing game. It's exciting and surprisingly varied. You have your standard crazy lead guitar riff with a similarly busy keyboard part joining in to harmonize. Unfortunately, they leave the bass playing root notes, and the drums only get a couple of fills. Overall though, I think it works pretty well.