Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't just about the thrill of racing and the chaos of item boxes; it's also a feast for the ears! The game boasts an incredible soundtrack that perfectly complements the high-octane action. From jazzy tunes to orchestral masterpieces, the music in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undeniably one of its strongest features. So, buckle up, grab your headphones, and let's dive into a ranking of the best music tracks this game has to offer. We'll explore what makes each track so memorable, discussing the musical styles, the instruments used, and how each song enhances the overall racing experience.

Electrifying Melodies: Top Tier Tracks

When you think of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, certain music tracks immediately spring to mind. These are the songs that are not only catchy but also perfectly encapsulate the energy and excitement of the game. These top-tier tracks are the ones that consistently get stuck in your head long after you've put the controller down. Let's explore a few of these iconic tunes:

Rainbow Road (N64)

The Rainbow Road (N64) track is an absolute classic, not just in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe but in the entire Mario Kart franchise. This remixed version takes the original's iconic melody and elevates it with a vibrant orchestral arrangement. The soaring strings and triumphant brass create a sense of epic scale, perfectly matching the track's dazzling visuals. The music builds and swells as you navigate the twisting turns and gravity-defying leaps, making every race feel like a grand adventure. What truly makes this track stand out is its ability to evoke nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern. The developers masterfully blended the familiar melody with updated instrumentation, creating a timeless masterpiece that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're drifting around corners or launching off ramps, the Rainbow Road (N64) theme is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. The composition is so well-crafted that it's hard not to feel a sense of joy and excitement every time you hear it. It’s a perfect example of how music can elevate a gaming experience from fun to unforgettable.

Cloudtop Cruise

Cloudtop Cruise is a whimsical and uplifting track that perfectly captures the feeling of soaring through the sky. The music is bright and cheerful, with a playful melody that instantly puts a smile on your face. The use of flutes, harps, and other light and airy instruments creates a sense of weightlessness, making you feel like you're floating among the clouds. As you race through the whimsical setting, the music ebbs and flows, mirroring the changes in the track's layout. During the glider sections, the music becomes even more ethereal, emphasizing the freedom of flight. The Cloudtop Cruise theme is a perfect example of how music can enhance a game's atmosphere, creating a truly immersive and memorable experience. The track is also notable for its dynamic arrangement, with different sections of the song highlighting different aspects of the race. Whether you're navigating the twisting vines or soaring through the open sky, the music perfectly complements the action, making Cloudtop Cruise one of the most enjoyable tracks in the game. The catchy melody and uplifting instrumentation make it a true standout, solidifying its place as one of the best music tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Big Blue

Inspired by the F-Zero franchise, Big Blue is a high-energy track that will get your heart racing. The music is a driving mix of electronic and orchestral elements, creating a sense of speed and urgency. The pulsating bassline and soaring synths perfectly match the track's futuristic setting, while the orchestral strings add a touch of grandeur. As you hurtle through the underwater tunnels and boost across the massive jumps, the music intensifies, pushing you to go even faster. Big Blue is a perfect example of how music can enhance a game's sense of speed and excitement. The track is also notable for its complex arrangement, with different sections of the song highlighting different aspects of the race. Whether you're drifting around corners or launching off ramps, the music perfectly complements the action, making Big Blue one of the most thrilling tracks in the game. The combination of electronic and orchestral elements creates a unique and unforgettable sound that sets Big Blue apart from other tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Its infectious rhythm and high-octane energy make it a true standout, cementing its status as one of the best music tracks in the game.

Great Tunes: Mid-Tier Tracks

These tracks are great and enjoyable. They are memorable but do not stand out as much as the top-tier tracks.

Mount Wario

Mount Wario's music is an epic adventure in itself. This track takes you on a thrilling descent down a snow-covered mountain, and the music perfectly reflects the changing scenery and escalating excitement. Starting with a gentle, almost whimsical melody at the peak, the music gradually builds in intensity as you race through the forest, navigate the caves, and finally burst out onto the ski slopes. The use of orchestral instruments, such as strings and brass, creates a sense of grandeur and scale, while the driving percussion keeps the energy high. The Mount Wario theme is a perfect example of how music can be used to tell a story, guiding the player through the different stages of the race and heightening the sense of immersion. What makes this track so special is its dynamic arrangement, with each section of the song perfectly matching the corresponding part of the course. The music swells and surges as you approach each new challenge, adding to the thrill and excitement of the race. Mount Wario is more than just a race track; it's an experience, and the music is a vital part of that.

Shy Guy Falls

Shy Guy Falls features a charming and adventurous tune that's as delightful as the waterfall-laden course itself. The music has a light, playful feel, with a distinct adventurous undertone that complements the visuals perfectly. The instrumentation includes acoustic guitars and cheerful percussion, creating a sunny and inviting atmosphere. As you race through the multi-tiered waterfalls and navigate the Shy Guy-filled platforms, the music keeps you energized and focused. This track is a perfect example of how music can enhance the overall mood and playfulness of a game. The gentle melodies and upbeat rhythms are infectious, making Shy Guy Falls a joy to race on, even if you're not in first place. The composition cleverly captures the essence of the level's design, making the experience all the more cohesive and memorable. Each note seems to echo the splash of the waterfalls, adding depth to the sensory experience. It’s a tune that stays with you, long after you've finished racing.

Electrodrome

Electrodrome is a high-energy dance track that perfectly captures the atmosphere of a pulsating nightclub. The music is driven by a throbbing bassline and catchy synth melodies, creating a sense of excitement and urgency. The addition of vocal samples and sound effects further enhances the club-like atmosphere, making you feel like you're racing in the middle of a rave. As you drift around the neon-lit corners and jump over the flashing platforms, the music intensifies, pushing you to go even faster. Electrodrome is a perfect example of how music can create a unique and immersive gaming experience. The track is also notable for its dynamic arrangement, with different sections of the song highlighting different aspects of the race. Whether you're navigating the twisting tunnels or launching off ramps, the music perfectly complements the action, making Electrodrome one of the most exhilarating tracks in the game. The combination of electronic and dance elements creates a unique and unforgettable sound that sets Electrodrome apart from other tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Its infectious rhythm and high-octane energy make it a true standout, cementing its status as one of the best music tracks in the game.

Decent Melodies: Low-Tier Tracks

These tracks are decent but are not as memorable or enjoyable as the tracks in the higher tiers.

Toad Harbor

Toad Harbor features a jazzy, New Orleans-inspired tune that's both charming and energetic. The music has a lively, upbeat feel, with a distinct old-world charm that complements the harbor setting perfectly. The instrumentation includes trumpets, saxophones, and a lively piano, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere. As you race through the streets and docks, the music keeps you energized and focused. However, while pleasant, it lacks the distinctiveness of other tracks. It blends into the background rather than seizing your attention, making it less memorable compared to more iconic themes. Toad Harbor's music, while well-composed, doesn't quite reach the heights of the game's best offerings. It serves its purpose without truly standing out, making it a good but not exceptional addition to the soundtrack.

Dolphin Shoals

Dolphin Shoals has an underwater theme that attempts to create a serene and mysterious atmosphere. However, the music tends to be somewhat forgettable. While the instrumentation is fitting, featuring watery sound effects and gentle melodies, the track lacks a strong hook or memorable melody. It blends into the background, failing to truly capture the imagination or leave a lasting impression. The music does its job of setting the scene, but it doesn't elevate the racing experience to the same extent as the more standout tracks. Dolphin Shoals' music, while functional, doesn't quite reach the same level of excellence as the game's top-tier tracks, making it a decent but unremarkable addition to the soundtrack.

Sweet Sweet Canyon

Sweet Sweet Canyon has a sugary-sweet melody that, while initially charming, can become repetitive over time. The music features cheerful, upbeat tunes with prominent use of playful instruments, such as xylophones and flutes. The intention is to match the candy-coated visuals of the track, creating a lighthearted and whimsical atmosphere. However, the lack of variation and the somewhat generic composition prevent the music from being truly memorable. While it fits the theme of the course, it doesn't have the staying power or unique flair of the best tracks in the game. Sweet Sweet Canyon's music, while pleasant, doesn't quite reach the heights of the game's more exceptional offerings. Its sweetness can become overwhelming, making it a decent but unremarkable addition to the soundtrack.

Conclusion

The music in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a testament to the power of sound design in video games. Whether you're a fan of the high-energy electronic beats of Big Blue or the whimsical melodies of Cloudtop Cruise, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this incredible soundtrack. So, next time you're racing around the track, take a moment to appreciate the music – it's an integral part of what makes Mario Kart 8 Deluxe such a special and unforgettable experience. The developers have masterfully created a collection of songs that not only complement the gameplay but also enhance the overall atmosphere and excitement. From the nostalgic remixes of classic tracks to the brand-new compositions, the music in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a true masterpiece that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come. So turn up the volume, hit the gas, and let the music guide you to victory!