Music of Civ VI

[raen]

Portugal as a hole above expectations

 

[Duke William of Normandy]

Portugal as a hole above expectations

A hula hoop hole was placed above expectations? Okay...

 

[OmegaDestroyer]

Portugal's theme is soooooo good.

I know a lot of NFP's features have had luke-warm reactions but I think we can all agree that the music has been great across the board. I cannot think of a dud in the mix.

I have been thinking a lot about what are my favorite themes of the NFP pack and having listened to all of them now, I'd rank them as follows:

1) Ethopia - Simply amazing. I love every era's theme.
2) Gran Colombia - The medievel theme is hands-down my favorite in the entire series due to pajarillo.
3) Portgual - It starts out strong and just keeps getting better.

 

[SirMediocrity]

I... teared up a little. So beautiful, so majestic, such... a masterpiece. Bring back Geoff Knorr for Civ 7, please, Firaxis!

I think I saw you say that in the YouTube comments section as well

Portugal as a hole above expectations

I feel the same. I was worried that Portugal would feel like a Spain clone. It seems now that Portugal has eclipsed Spain in every way.

 

[TeddyMain]

So with NFP now wrapping up in terms of its Civs, how would you rank the soundtracks?

My ranking would probably be as follows:

1. Vietnam (Possibly just behind the Cree as my favorite soundtrack)
   
2. Byzantium
3. Portugal
4. Ethiopia / Maya
   
5. Gran Colombia
6. Gaul
7. Babylon (It's still pretty good, but still the weakest of this bunch imo)

 

[Zaarin]

So with NFP now wrapping up in terms of its Civs, how would you rank the soundtracks?

1. Byzantium
2. Babylon
3. Gaul
4. Ethiopia
5. Portugal
6. Maya
7. Gran Colombia
8. Vietnam

All of the NFP themes have been exquisite, and it almost feels unfair seeing Portugal, Maya, Gran Colombia, and Vietnam in the lower half simply because they're all amazing. Byzantium, Babylon, and Gaul are really something special, though.

 

[Alexander's Hetaroi]

I agree that Byzantium is by far the best in the NFP with Vietnam second. Not sure how to rank the rest considering they all are pretty decent too.

 

[Kimiimaro]

All of the NFP themes have been exquisite, and it almost feels unfair seeing Portugal, Maya, Gran Colombia, and Vietnam in the lower half simply because they're all amazing. Byzantium, Babylon, and Gaul are really something special, though.

I remember you being somewhat critical of the Babylonian themes at first, what changed that attitude?

 

[AvianBritish]

1. Gran Colombia - I love the dark and mysterious but also playful and dramatic theme that Gran Colombia brings which is amplified in the Atomic era with synths and echos. This is my favorite theme in the game, and reminds me of the Brazilian War theme from Civ5 which was my favorite in that game.
2. Vietnam - One of my joint 2nd favorite themes in Civ6 (along with Khmer and Hungary) which are just down-right fun and playful with such distrinctive culture in it's melodies and instruments; because I'm also familiar with the source material I can also hear the words when I listen to this~
3. Ethiopia - I think this is the most unqiue theme for me in the OST; the Medieval theme is the best showcasing vocals, unusal banjo-like strings and wood-wind that sounds so mazing and harmonious and cultrally unique!
4. Gaul - Industrial and Atomic sound like some sort of Superhero theme, so epic and is one of my favorites~ <3
5. Byzantium - This theme is amazing, I don't know how they manged to a prayer sound so beautiful and magical.
6. Maya - It's amazing to hear this theme brought to life in the game especially in the Medieval era; the sweet calling of the wind instruments echoed by strings to the to the soft and gentle percussion keeping the pace.
7. Portugal - too new to tell... I love it, but seems quite slow... need to hear it in game and see if it fits the mood though.
8. Babylon - unfortunately quite forgetable for me... It's good, but it's not a favorite of mine like the top 6.

 

[Zaarin]

I remember you being somewhat critical of the Babylonian themes at first, what changed that attitude?

To be clear, the ranking is purely for the ancient version with the silver lyre. The later versions need more percussion and Middle Eastern instruments, but that Ancient theme...

 

[Kimiimaro]

Well, as Zaarin said, all of the themes are exquisite, and some of them being at the bottom doesn't mean that they're bad by me. I think my list would be this right now:

1.Byzantium
The high expectations I went in with by the Byzantine soundtrack were more than fulfilled. Epic ever since the first tones of the ancient theme, with the lyre having its fine charm as well. Fine medieval. An absolutely wonderful industrial, filling me with somewhat sacred feeling at the beginning, as well as portraying fine picture of the Imperial Byzantine glory - like a picture of fully packed hippodrome of Constantinople cheering its Emperor in his triumph. And there is just something that always gets me by that serene eight second long trumpet segment at the end of the theme. I really don't know why, but I find it to be an absolutely magical touch.
Byzantines also get a bonus point for having a good atomic as well - I am one of the folks who do not like atomics most of the time .

2. Gaul
The Gallic themes are something wonderful. A simple, yet beautiful melody. The carnyx and the lyre of the ancient and medieval themes manage to paint a beautiful picture of a Gallic settlement in antiquity. And then comes industrial, and completely changes the picture by its tone. From idylic settlement, right onto a battlefield. The industrial manages to beautifully conserve the feel of atiquity, and it does indeed sound like a music that would play in an epic scene where the Gauls march and engage a Roman legion. It is heroic, it is strong, emotive, beautiful and fierce. The atomic theme isn't bad - it actually sounds quite good, but it does break the touch of antiquity that the industrial managed to preserve in itself.

3. Portugal
A very young theme which will yet have to find its proper place on this list, but I think number three is a safe place for now. Pleasant, if a bit too short ancient. A great medieval with the Portuguese guitar and the medieval strings forming a fine pair. The industrial theme is a matter of pure beauty to my ears, deeper explanation of why you can read on the previous page of this thread because I'm too lazy to write it up again . Unfortunately, the atomic theme is not exactly a very fine one - the slow, but steady, dance-like buildup and execution of the industrial is perfect as it is, and the supporting percussion is more disruptive to that then enhancing.

4. Babylon
Very much unlike the Civ V peace theme, this is a theme that finally managed to portray the magnificence of the wondrous ancient city of Babylon, especially by its industrial version. I have come to like this theme's measuredness, building epically up into magnificent and epic triumph, especially. I even grew to like the medieval version in the end. Babylon also impressed me by being another civ with an atomic theme that I ended up liking .

5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a rare one by me. I have mentioned earlier that I don't like medievals that much, and that industrials are my preferred themes. Ethiopian medieval theme managed to simply impress and touch me with its sheer warmness and beauty provided by the combination of the voices, flute and the lovely string instrument, and the industrial/atomic theme opening nearly reaches the beauty of the Malian one, my current favourite opening of any theme in this game.

6. Gran Colombia
I remember being very excited over this one when it came out. The exquisite pajarillo part by the medieval had me excited the first time I listened to it and I still love it, and the cello, the boldness and the beautiful opening of the industrial ensured that it was my favourite single theme of the pack till today Portuguese release. Anyway, either repetiton did its thing, or maybe the others were just better to my ears - overall, the theme ends sixth on my list .

7. Maya
It is a beautiful and joyful theme, and I simply adore the magnificent opening of the industrial/atomic version - I like to stay at LSS' diplo screen until that part ends, simply because how powerful and unique it feels.

8. Vietnam
It is an amazing, fiery and lively theme in its own right, with fine heroic feel. If one closes their eyes and lets the music help them paint a picture in their imagination, he can end with the theme providing them with an explosion of images. Sometimes, the themes can feel like too much though, especially by the last two versions, and even the first two can sometimes feel a tad too sharp to ear.

 

[conorbebe]

Beautiful!

 

[Hellenism Salesman]

Oh, we're doing music rankings? Okay.

Do keep in mind, I have a special perspective here: I am a musician and a self-taught composer who only recently got into composing because of Civ VI's music. In fact, the reason I got into Civ VI at all was because of the music. Even not knowing a single thing about the game, the music was just so fantastic and spectacularly emotive that it drew me into the franchise. So, it's fair to say that Civ VI's soundtrack carries a lot of sentimental weight to me.

Onto my ranking!

1. Mayan Theme
2. Babylon Theme
3. Portugal Theme
4. Gaul Theme
5. Vietnam Theme
6. Byzantium Theme
7. Gran Colombian Theme
8. Ethiopian Theme

Now, do understand that I would rate each of these as number 1 if I could, but since I'm forced to choose between them, this is how I'd rank them. And note: this is mostly based on the Industrial themes and onward, as those are typically my favorites. As for my reasoning...

• Mayan Theme: Just a fantastic piece of music that gives me shivers whenever I listen to it. It's powerful, moving, and stunningly beautiful.
• Babylon Theme: I had an obsession with Babylon's theme for a short time- something about it strikes a cord with me, and the melancholy forlorn tone it carries just suits Babylon in a way I can't describe... The Industrial theme and onward are especially cool to me, with that cataclysmic explosion of a finale that makes it feel like the entire world is ending. Very dramatic, and that's kind of my thing.
• Portugal Theme: Every time I listen to a new Civ's theme, it takes a while for it to iron itself into my brain. I haven't memorized Portugal's theme in full (yet), but when I do, I know I'll be humming it for days. And, I love the fact that the Industrial theme opens with that slow oboe solo... it's so different, and just so nice.
• Gaul Theme: I must give Geoff Knorr credit- he arranges and composes original work very well. Gaul is a shining example of this, and I really can't explain why I like it so much. Maybe it's the slick incorporation of the carnyx and brass at the beginning, maybe it's the triumphant and heroic boom the song has overall, or maybe it's the seamless flow into that snippet of the Belgian anthem. Whatever it is, I like it.
• Vietnam Theme: I know some people don't like bombastic themes... but I admit to liking them. Sorry . I think it's kind of fun how a song opens up with an explosion and then softens, slowly creeping up to its prior volume. That's the dynamic kind of progression I find really cool and moving in music. And Vietnam's theme is a great example.
• Byzantium Theme: I like dynamic music: music that changes and progresses. Music that has a destination, music that's going somewhere. That's why- as much as I like the seamlessly blended hymns- I have Byzantium's theme where it is. For the first half, it doesn't quite feel like the music is changing... just kind of repeating the same phrases at the same tempo. But when things pick up, oh boy, they really pick up. That grand buildup and stellar climax makes it worth the wait. But that kind of is my main gripe with this theme: you have to wait...
• Gran Colombian Theme: Sounds nice, and I would love to play Reir Llorando in a band. But, I'm just so disappointed that the Industrial theme and onward drops Pajarillo! Like, c'mon! The medieval theme had it, and it sounded great! What gives ? But hey, I can forgive it. It's still a great theme overall, and that piano entrance in the Atomic theme... so good.
• Ethiopian Theme: I have no reason to dislike the Ethiopian theme- I guess it just doesn't strike a cord with me. Plus, like the themes above it, I have some gripes. Those vocals are sad to see go, even if it had to be done to match a constant time signature. And, maybe it's just me, but I feel like it isn't particularly musically distinct. When I listen to every other Civ theme, I get a different vibe from it. Ethiopia's (Industrial and onward) is just inspirational soaring orchestral music. And that's not bad, it's just that we already have that in several other themes, including one that I prefer more (I'm biased toward Greece, what can I say?).

 

[Zaarin]

I'm biased toward Greece, what can I say?

Greece's Civ6 themes are fine, but I think a lot of people (me included) hold it against them that they don't compare favorably to Knorr's arrangement of "Epitaph of Seikilos" from Civ5.

 

[Hellenism Salesman]

Greece's Civ6 themes are fine, but I think a lot of people (me included) hold it against them that they don't compare favorably to Knorr's arrangement of "Epitaph of Seikilos" from Civ5.

That's fair enough, and we're all entitled to our own opinions.

I only say I'm biased toward Greece since its one of my favorite civs from a design, gameplay, and aesthetic standpoint.

I also just like Greece in general (big surprise considering my username) and I can speak a little Greek, as my signature says

 

[Zaarin]

That's fair enough, and we're all entitled to our own opinions.

I only say I'm biased toward Greece since its one of my favorite civs from a design, gameplay, and aesthetic standpoint.

I also just like Greece in general and I can speak a little Greek, as my signature says

Fair. I'm an Ancient Near East-ophile, which is why I'm so frustrated with Civ6's Babylon and Sumer. And I also speak a little Biblical Hebrew and Phoenician.

 

[Duke William of Normandy]

Fair. I'm an Ancient Near East-ophile, which is why I'm so frustrated with Civ6's Babylon and Sumer. And I also speak a little Biblical Hebrew and Phoenician.

That's fair enough, and we're all entitled to our own opinions.

I only say I'm biased toward Greece since its one of my favorite civs from a design, gameplay, and aesthetic standpoint.

I also just like Greece in general (big surprise considering my username) and I can speak a little Greek, as my signature says

And I'm a World-ophile, who is interested in literally all history of all the world. I can also speak and understand some French, and a little bit of Tagalog and Indonesian.

 

[James_Champagne]

I love the music for Byzantium but all the same I won't lie, it's kind of distracting in game because it kind of makes me tear up a little!

 

[raen]

Can't stop listening to Portuguese Civ 6 Music Just misses a Portuguese traditional drums version

 

[Kimiimaro]

Peaches Lamb has already delivered the separated tracks