I’ve always been a huge fan of the Pokémon franchise
— especially the games. But it’s the soundtracks that played a lasting role in deepening my love for 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 and evocative as the Lake Theme from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum.
The piano’s melody feels both melancholic and serene. It has a dreamlike quality fitting for a place tied to the region’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 tranquil combo of warm horns and acoustic guitar that give the town an almost rustic-folk charm.
The sense of nostalgia pairs perfectly with the town’s historic feel. Only down side, (spoiler!) the climax antagonist face off leaves a giant crater smack-dab in the middle of the already small town.
Route 216 ꩜
Who would have thought one of the most frustrating routes would also be one of the funkiest?
The track opens with a delicate twinkling melody before picking up into an unexpected lively, jazz segment. It feels both peaceful and energetic despite trudging through a blizzard.
Eterna City ꩜
Eterna City’s theme stands out with its folk-inspired melody 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 leisurely strolling on a horse. Bonus points to this one: Faye Webster played it on keyboard in her concert — immediately raising it’s status 𖡼𖤣𖥧
Pokémon XY Boutique ꩜
In a word: Chic ⟡
The XY Boutique presents an 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 ꩜
Cyllage city was such a fun place to explore. The city itself is known for its cycling culture and seaside cliffs, and has music that captures it’s bright and energetic vibe perfectly.
It has a playful bassline and bouncy synths that remind me of something you might 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 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 enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the city’s lush greenery and waterfront location.
The laid-back, jazzy rhythm gives it a slow-paced, easygoing feel, while complementing the subtle industrial touch of the train station nearby.
New Bark Town ꩜
Ahh. 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 for this track.
The soft melody perfectly captures the quaint, breezy feel of the town, making it — subjectively and objectively — one of the coziest and most welcoming starter towns in the series.