most people only really get into about 25% of Sonic 3’s soundtrack. The stuff in the main levels is okay, but the real gems are in the competition mode levels. That’s where the magic happens. Like Desert Palace, it’s got this tropical, Shibuya-kei vibe, all syncopated and playful. The chords are lush but melancholic, kind of like a daydream that’s both bright and wistful at the same time. It’s one of those tracks that hits you emotionally without trying too hard.
Then there’s Balloon Park. And wow, compare that to Carnival Night Zone, it’s like night and day. Carnival Night’s track is just a mess, with that compressed audio and a circus melody that’s all over the place, totally uninspired. Balloon Park, on the other hand, is a total masterpiece in terms of composition. It’s short, punchy, and insanely creative. It doesn’t overstay its welcome like those long, bloated tracks from bands like Coldplay. Instead, it’s sharp, fun, and always interesting. Think of it like Wire: tight, inventive, never boring. That’s how the music in these competition levels feels. fresh, energetic, and always keeping you hooked.
And then, there’s Azure Lake. Honestly, it’s a total sensory overload, a beautiful, sweeping masterpiece. The main synth melody is piercing and clear, almost thrusting out at you, but in a way that feels alive. It keeps that original J-pop vibe alive, a sound inherited from Masato Nakamura, father of Sonic’s music and the composer of Dreams Come True.