Music is a powerful medium. Capable of stirring up long-forgotten memories and evoking powerful emotion in the listener, music can reduce even the burliest of blokes into blubbering, crumpled heaps. And who says that guys are afraid to show their sensitive side? Poppycock. Of course, video games are no exception to this rule, and as often is the case, a stellar soundtrack can greatly accentuate the on-screen antics, elevating even the most perfunctory scene to hard-hitting greatness.
In a continued celebration of some of gaming’s ear-pleasing aural accomplishments, PSU presents yet another installment in our on-going Classic Tracks series. This time around, we’re taking to the battlefields of Command and Conquer to extol the virtues of veteran composer Frank Klepachi.
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Title: Just Do It Up
Soundtrack: The Music of Command and Conquer
Composer(s): Frank Klepachi
WestWood’s Command and Conquer series may have had its ups and downs throughout the years, but its musical component has remained very much a consistently stonking affair. And, it’s all thanks to the efforts of music maestro Frank Klepachi, whose work has remained a firm staple on the consciousness of any gamer lucky enough to grow up with the franchise since its inception in the mid-‘90s. While the inaugural C&C is filled to the brim with delightful ditties, "Just Do It Up" is in my opinion one of the most iconic.
Clocking in at just over two minutes, the track’s air guitar-worthy riff is simple yet instantly recognizable, and remains one of the most optimistic tunes on the soundtrack. Keeping in with Klepachi’s penchant for chucking in numerous dialogue excerpts, this upbeat number is punctuated by frequent, anonymous voiceovers blaring over the driving beat. “Gentlemen, this is about combat,” a voice proclaims, providing the perfect accomplice as you send your pint-sized tanks and troops to the frontline to do battle.
Then there’s the track’s title call, which is belted out at numerous intervals throughout the song in such catchy fashion that you’ll be subconsciously uttering it yourself in no time at all. A fine testament to Klepachi’s brilliance if ever there was one, I’d personally be chuffed to see "Just Do It Up" receive a modern makeover as has been the case with other such tunes such as the equally memorable "Hell March."