I’ve always been a huge fan of the Pokémon franchise
— especially the games. The soundtracks though, are the real stars here, responsible for extending my love of the series. So, join me in looking back at some of my favorite songs that had my shoulders thumping then and now.
Lake Verity, Acuity & Valor ꩜
Few themes in Pokémon are as nostalgic as the Lake Theme from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum.
The piano’s serene and melancholic melody adds to the overall dreamlike quality — perfectly fitting for a location tied to Sinnoh’s legendary Pokémon.
A big fat bonus is you get to hear it in three different locations. Triple the Lake theme = Triple the jam sesh.
Geosenge Town ꩜
The instrumentation of Geosenge Town feels timeless ~
I love stopping by to hear the combo of warm horns and acoustic guitar. It’s just too good.
The nostalgia pairs well with the town’s historic feel. Only downside, (spoiler) the climactic antagonist face off leaves a giant crater smack-dab in the middle of the already small town. Kills the vibe a bit.
Route 216 ꩜
Who would have thought one of the most frustrating routes to get through would also be one of the funkiest!
The track opens with a light twinkling melody, before picking up into it’s lively, jazz segment. Equal parts peaceful and energetic— makes the blizzard trudging worth it.
Eterna City ꩜
Eterna City’s theme stands out with its folk-inspired sound and subtle Western undertones.
The laid-back rhythm has a gentle rocking, almost trotting motion to it. The type of song I’d imagine you’d listen to while strolling on a horse. Bonus points to this one: Faye Webster played it on keyboard in her concert — immediate status raise 𖡼𖤣𖥧
Pokémon XY Boutique ꩜
In a word: chic ⟡
The XY Boutique presents a punchy rhythm and vibrant synth chords, making it feel straight out of a 2000s fashion show soundtrack.
The song exudes style and confidence — an excellent complement to the beloved fashion-forward customization the X & Y games introduced.
Cyllage City ꩜
Exploring Cyllage city was a blast. The city itself is known for its cycling and seaside cliffs, and has music that captures it’s bright and active atmosphere perfectly.
It has a playful bassline and bouncy synths that remind me of something you’d hear in Mario Kart or a Wii Sports menu screen. Perfect theme for riding my newly-purchased bike. ⟢
Virbank City ꩜
Virbank City’s theme leans into a moody, jazzy-tinged tone, matching it’s foggy and industrial setting. You can practically see the flickering neon signs.
The low, brooding piano and pulsing beat give it a cool, after-hours feel, making it one of the most atmospheric city tracks in the series. And of course, we can’t forget the cherry on top: Roxie’s gym concert.
Coumarine City ꩜
Visiting Coumarine City was like a breath of fresh air, with the perfect music to match. The airy orchestration and gentle piano match perfectly with the soothing atmosphere of the city’s lush greenery and waterfront location.
The laid-back, blues-y rhythm fits the easygoing feel while complementing the subtle industrial touch of the nearby train station.
New Bark Town ꩜
Ahhh. My stomping grounds. New Bark Town holds a special place in my heart as the first Pokémon hometown I ever stepped into. With SoulSilver being my first Pokémon game, the nostalgia shines through strong here.
The soft keys perfectly capture the quaint, breezy feel of the town, making it — subjectively and objectively — one of the coziest and most welcoming starter towns in the series.