China (Jasmine Flower) - 12
Indonesia (Rejang Dewa; Bapang Selisir) - 14
Japan (Itsuki Lullaby) - 21+1=22 - Just to give Scythia a slight break. This theme is very great. Evolves nicely, and similarly to Russian or American themes, perfectly matches with Japanese history. Foggy ancient history of Japan is represented with simple tones of traditional instruments. Then comes the medieval theme, and I have to say, Japan has one of the best medieval themes in the game, with the medieval strings perfectly going with the darker tone of Japanese theme and with the Japanese instruments. It truly succesfully invokes the feel of Feudal Japan, the time of samurai and clans. And then comes industrial... And I have to admit, when I first played Japan, and opened the industrial era, it was astonishing how epic it felt, to hear traditional instruments blending with modern orchestra so well, creating a bit dark sounding, but nevertheless grand, and even a bit menacing piece of music. This actually represents the Meiji era very well. Tokugawa Shogunate and entire feudal era is gone, Japanese Empire has entered the way to modernisation, and through cooperation with the West, it transformed itself into modern industrial and militaristic great power of the world, about to show Qing China and Imperial Russia who rules the East Asia. Atomic era also suits Japan very well. Japan is one of the most developed and modern countries in the world, but still has its distinct culture, and the theme perfectly captures both of these things.
Mali (Mali Sadjo; Masana Seesay) - 22
Mongolia (Pastoral Song; Urtin Duu) - 31-3=28 - Don't get me wrong, it's my favourite of R&F and one of the Ottoman-Mongolia-Scythia trio of my most favourite themes in this game... But I don't think it deserves such a runaway score. It is very good, and the usage of both morin khuur and throat singing is great. It beautifully invokes the feel of intimidating galloping Mongol horde. But in my opinion, it is rather lacking when it comes to comparison with Civ V theme of Mongolia, which also used Urtin Duu for its song. I'll go striking other countries in the following days though.
Scythia (Traditional Melody) - 20
Zulu (Uthe Ubhuti) - 12
