My list for my personal favourite Commodore 64 tracks, a home computer with an incredible line-up of chiptune tracks.
The Commodore 64 (C64) home computer came out in 1982, and with it, the Sound Interface Device (SID) Chip. The SID was incredible for the time and is still impressive to this day.
Unlike the NES, Atari ST, and other chips for 8-bit consoles, songs with the SID Chip could make more complex chiptune pieces. The SID led to a hundreds, possibly thousands of C64 songs being created.
After listening to C64 music for a couple of years, here are my Top 10 favourite Commodore 64 songs. The only rules are that it must be a song made with only the Commodore 64 SID Chip. A song on the C64 also being on another console won't disqualify the song. Also, one song per franchise.
Keep in mind that is by no means an objective list of the best Commodore 64 Songs. These are just the songs I enjoy the most.
10. 'Tetris' Main Theme — Wally Beben
Starting this list with the longest song on the list isn't one of my best ideas...
While this isn’t the iconic Tetris music, this is easily one of the longest C64 tracks at nearly 26 minutes. Which is not only incredible for the time, but also perfect for an addicting puzzle game like Tetris.
Yet despite the length, the song is pleasing to listen to the whole way through and never gets repetitive. Listening to the entire song in one sitting is a trip.
9. 'Xenophobe' Main Menu — Barry Leitch
This is a memorable track that captures the feeling of aliens invading your ship, with a certain distress to the song. I especially like the transition from the beginning to the rest of the song at 1:24, it gives a more intense vibe to the second half of the song.
I recommend checking out the entire C64 "Xenophobe" soundtrack, every track is great,
8. 'Ghosts ‘n Goblins' In-Game BGM — Mark Cooksey
This is a fitting track for the classic Ghosts ‘n Goblins that reflects the spooky feel of the game with all of its ghosts, goblins, unicorns, and more. It's also extremely catchy too.
7. 'Stormlord' In-Game BGM — Johannes Bjerregaard
This song is nearly 10 minutes, being both catchy and nice to listen to.
It perfectly fits as the level theme of a game called “Stormlord” with its daunting but mysterious first quarter, its funky second quarter (my favourite part) which gives a determined feel, and the second half that’s a mix of both.
A special mention to the part at 3:50, it’s so pretty to listen to.
6. Fawn of Creation — Ole-Marius Pettersen
I feel this is the one track where the covers/remixes I’ve heard of it have influenced my opinion on the original track. Although, maybe that's the only way I could've found this track, since it was made in 2010 and isn't from a game.
However, this is still a beautiful and emotional track that gives a somber but encouraging vibe to it.
5. 'One Man and his Droid' — Rob Hubbard
This is a bouncy track that just gets you excited for “One Man and his Droid,” a game that has you herding robots.
The melody is intense fun. The number of notes with the speed is insane at times.
When it goes back to the same melody as the beginning at 2:33, you might think it can't get any better, but the part after that is even more intense and better!
4. 'Cybernoid' Main Theme — Jeroen Tel
It was a tough choice between "Cybernoid" and "Cybernoid II," both are phenomenal and memorable. However, I find with time I appreciate "Cybernoid's" main theme far more.
All the long notes and the catchy melody makes this kind of hypnotizing to listen to. It’s both funky and gives the sense of a great struggle like someone fighting a long and hard fight, at least that’s how I interpret it.
3. 'Zamzara' Main Theme — Charles Deenen
This is easily my favourite composition from my favourite C64 composer. He may not seem like it since only one track of his is on this list, but trust me, most of his compositions are massive bops, even on the Amiga.
This song does a great job of bringing a catchy melody, and the transition at 1:54 is beautifully done, leading to an even catchier melody. The key change at 4:24 really ties it altogether too.
2. 'Robocop 3' Main Theme — Jeroen Tel
Now this is a wonderful tune. The opening alone is beautiful before going into funk mode. It’s catchy and just plain fun to listen to.
The parts at 1:22 and 2:23 also gives this song a heroic feeling, which I’m assuming fits with "Robocop 3" (I never watched the movies).
1. ‘Dark Side’ Main Theme — Wally Beben
The theme of "Dark Side" is an atmospheric track that perfectly fits the feel of a game called “Dark Side.” It fits how tense exploring a dark area/the dark side of something is
Also, because of the build-up, it makes the part at 5:52 hit satisfyingly hard. As if it’s an angel’s voice in a dark world. I... Might be looking too deep into it.
Point is, it’s a beautifully composed song that gives a build-up and payoff no other C64 song has achieved for me. As a result, it’s my favourite C64 song.
What are your favourite Commodore 64 songs? Let me know down below, I'm always looking forward to potentially discovering new C64 tracks. Honourable Mentions:
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