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 us 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 instalment in our on-going Classic Tracks series. This time around, we’re taking to the dark, perpetually fog-bound streets of Silent Hill, shining our pocket light on the masterful piece ‘Theme of Laura.’
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Name: Theme of Laura
Soundtrack: Silent Hill 2 Official Soundtrack
Composer(s): Akira Yamaoka
Silent Hill aficionados’ will tell you without a modicum of doubt that when it comes to the series’ top tunes, Theme of Laura certainly ranks amongst the best. And it’s not really hard to see why. Aside from the fact it originates from what is unequivocally Silent Hill’s greatest entry to date – that’s Silent Hill 2, in case you didn’t know – it’s a bloody great little ditty to boot.
The brain child of lauded franchise composer Akira Yamaoka, the song conjures up a myriad of emotions, effortlessly encapsulating trials and tribulations of protagonist James Sunderland in an emotional three-minute marathon. Ostensibly Silent Hill 2’s main theme despite its title linking it with the game’s resident eight year-old brat, Theme of Laura boasts a stonking riff, and even manages to sound remotely optimistic in places.
Check it out below. Also, for further listening, we recommend checking out the chaps at Broken Notes Music Productions, a fan site who compose music directly inspired by the sounds of Silent Hill. BN has been going for some time now, and even managed to attract the attention of Yamaoka-san himself.