
We’re listing the ten best Soundtracks of the Decade. These are the ten PlayStation scores released over the past decade that we believe left the biggest impression on our sonic palettes. Whether it’s Journey's Grammy nominated masterpiece or Destiny’s 8 movement symphony, these are the soundtracks that hit the best notes across the last ten incredible years of gaming. Head here to see the complete series.
Very few soundtracks are as instantly recognisable as the score Martin O’Donnell crafted when he did the soundtrack for Halo. The second the Gregorian chant kicks in, most people, including many non-gamers, are able to recognise that as the theme to Halo. Each of the subsequent games in the series would have incredible, arguably even better soundtracks too, as O’Donnell – with composing partner Michael Salvatori – would knock it out of the park over and over again. So it was with great anticipation that people waited to see what Bungie would do after finishing their run making Halo titles.
The end result would be Destiny, a deeply flawed but much-beloved, widely played title that was one of the biggest things to happen in the early years of this console generation. One area that was not flawed, though, was the music. Composed by Martin O’Donnell, again alongside Michael Salvatori, Destiny would feature a stunner of a score. It would include further contributions from Sir Paul McCartney himself, as well as C. Paul Johnson. The real draw though was all of the music for the game compiled in 'The Music of the Spheres', an 8 movement symphony of sorts. Unfortunately a very public split between O’Donnell and Bungie spoiled things and left a full proper release of this in limbo for years, but it would eventually see the light of day.
The results are nothing short of spectacular, able to instantly and unrecognisable be the work of O’Donnell, whose music has a very distinct sound that carries through his entire portfolio – the same can be said of his amazing soundtrack for PSVR title Golem – and the vast majority of the best bits of Destiny’s music show this off as well.
Ranging from the airy mystique of 'The Ruin' to the swashbuckling adventurous escape of the 'The Union', there’s something for all moods available in the Destiny soundtrack. Listening through The Music of the Sphere’s in one go is especially fulfilling, as you can hear the interplay of all the melodies weaving in and out of one another, and depending on how much time you spent playing Destiny, many of the moments in the music will jump out at you immediately.
O’Donnell has such an impressive track record when it comes to crafting game music, but his work on Destiny might just be his finest work to date.
Martin O'Donnell's music is always something really special, and Destiny might just be his best work. Do you feel the same way? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 17
If Nier Automata doesn't win this, I will flip a table. A small, unbreakable table probably, with nothing on it. But still.
A very good soundtrack, but no way is it better than Persona 5 for me! Ah well, as long as Nier:Automata is somewhere on this list I'll be happy!
@BranJ0 persona 5 was great but throughout Destiny 1 and 2 they've created fantastic music for aspects of the game, I would suggest checking out the I Destiny OST - Oryx Kings Fall, The a fantastic raid soundtrack, even the music playing whilst hanging around in the tower social space is magical
Destiny 1 over Persona 5 and Death Stranding? must contain rage
If Nier Automata doesn't win I am taking you to court
@mini_piekarnik I'll have a listen to it, thanks for the recommendation!
Honestly could never care less about the OST despite the hundreds of hours I’ve plowed into the series. It feels like the producers handed the music team a post-it note that said ‘make big music’. The only saving grace is the second game’s track after the opening mission, which is incredible.
I think this list lost all hype when Persona 5 was listed #9
@mini_piekarnik Honestly I was surprised at how good Destiny 2's music was since O'Donnell wasn't around anymore. I was rather impressed!
@DonJorginho Is now a good time to mention that I do not like NieR: Automata? I did say on the #10 entry that only some people are gonna be happy though haha.
I should also note, I have not seen anyone mention the #1 soundtrack even one time yet!
I can't wait for all the weebs to kick off when they see The Witcher 3 at number one.
I'll give you vanilla Destiny 1. That original music is spellbinding. Truly genius stuff. The rest I'm nowhere near as crazy about. I think the series lost a lot of its initial soul when they fired O'Donnell.
@ApostateMage but what if it is not ?
tbh i think RDR2 will win. not my personal best though.
Devil May Cry 5 perhaps
Doesn't sound impressive at all on the contrary it sounds generic but that just me
@gbanas92 It is completely fine to not enjoy something mate so it is fine to mention it haha!
I hope you have Cuphead, Skyirim, The Last Of Us or God Of War on there though as them four games had such amazing music
@DonJorginho Granted I do like the music from NieR, but I did not enjoy playing it at all haha. I definitely appear to like the soundtrack less than many, many people here though!
Alright I'll spoil that one. Cuphead will definitely not be on this list, because it never released on a Playstation platform!
@gbanas92 Should have thought of that one lol! Nothing wrong with going against the grain though mate!
@DonJorginho For sure! Plus some people might hear about soundtracks they either forgot about or are curious about! Which I absolutely hope has happened at least here and there!
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