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Float Islands (theme)
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"Float Islands"[1] is the name of a musical track composed byJun Ishikawa which first appeared inKirby's Dream Land, accompanying the stage it is named after. The track is iconic to theKirby series, and has appeared in several subsequent games in various forms.
Composition[edit]
The original "Float Islands" theme is in the key of F major and has a modestly energetic tempo of around 130 beats per minute. The theme starts with the intro, which is a few seconds long and establishes the main chord progression: I–ii–iii–ii. The chord consistently changes after every two beats, giving a consistent harmonic rhythm. By starting with the root (I) chord, the theme firmly establishes itself with a chipper major key, but because the dominant (V) chord is not present, it does not clearly resolve and thus still has a sense of motion and energy. Avoiding clear resolution is a common technique in jazz, and the composition as a whole is reminiscent of Latin jazz genres such as calypso or samba with its syncopated rhythms (particularly in the bass and drums).
Another jazzy element to the song is its use of seventh chords, both major and minor. Seventh chords are very common inKirby music, due to the lack of available sound channels on the Game Boy meaning that harmony had to implied through arpeggios rather than full chords. Nearly every chord in the song is a seventh; the main melody, for example, plays on top of the F major seventh, G minor seventh, and A minor seventh chords.
The first part of melody is defined by sustained notes, which resemble that of a flute or other woodwind instrument. The lead melody feels as though it is "out of time", playing at its own free pace, which contrasts with the steady accompanying rhythm and fits the tropical feeling of the song. It begins with the dominant note, C, and then descends to the tonic, F, before rising back to the dominant. It goes up to the tonic in a higher octave before returning to the dominant.
The second part of the song borrows chords from the relative minor, D minor, which gives the melody a slightly more bittersweet tone. The rhythm of this section changes, with a call and response between the lead and the harmony, and the chords change every four beats rather than every two. The melody uses chords and arpeggios which imply more harmonic instruments, such as horns or strings. It begins with a repeating IV–iii progression while the melody outlines the mediant (A) and the supertonic (G). After repeating this, the chords rise to the VI and the v while the melody outlines the dominant (C) and the subdominant (B flat). The woodwind-like instrument returns to rise to the dominant C, then the tonic F, before returning to the dominant; the chords go from D minor's VI chord to F major's V chord, setting up the resolution to the I through the loop back to the first section.[2]
Several later sea stage themes in theKirby series use the same chord progressions and other musical ideas as "Float Islands". In particular, "Sea Stage", "Bountiful Star", and "Abandoned Beach" all use variants of the I–ii–iii–ii and the IV–iii–VI–v–VI–V progressions; "Ripple Field: Ocean Waves" bases its main melody on the IV–iii progression; "Aqua Star" features the IV–iii–VI–v–VI–V progression; and "Reef Resort" features the I-ii-iii-ii progression. The latter half of this theme is also often remixed as the "Rest Area" theme, which likewise follows a IV–iii–VI–v chord progression.
Game appearances[edit]
Kirby's Dream Land[edit]
"Float Islands" makes its first appearance inKirby's Dream Land. It plays in theFloat Islands stage as well as the "Float Islands" portion ofMt. Dedede. It can also be heard as Music 06 (Music 14 is an intro-less version) in the game'sSound Test.
Kirby's Dream Course[edit]
InKirby's Dream Course, a higher-pitched and faster-paced arrangement of "Float Islands" plays in Holes 5-7 onCourse 1, and in Holes 1-4 on theWhispy Woods Course. It was arranged by Hirokazu Ando, and is listed as BGM 007 in the game'sSound Room. It has the internal debug name of "ISHIKAWA", referencing the track's original composer.
Kirby's Dream Land 2[edit]
"Float Islands" appears again in a largely unaltered state as the main theme ofRipple Field inKirby's Dream Land 2. It plays in its stages wheneverKirby is by himself, and is also listed in the game'sSound Test as BGM 30 (BGM 31 is an intro-less version).
Kirby Super Star /Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]
A different arrangement of "Float Islands" plays inKirby Super Star andits remake; it has a faster tempo and plays three tones lower, being in C major rather than F major. In addition, the end of the first segment is altered a bit; when entering the second section, the chord progression is I-ii-iii-VI (with the last VI being an A dominant seventh flat ninth, or A7-9). The theme plays in theFloat Islands portion ofSpring Breeze and also plays inIllusion Islands inRevenge of the King. There are very minor differences in instrumentation in the music betweenKirby Super Star and its remake.
- Main article:Rest Area (theme)
TheRest Area fromThe Great Cave Offensive features an acoustic arrangement of slower pace, simply named"Rest Area" ("Rest Spot" in the British English version ofKirby and the Rainbow Curse). This version also plays in the secret??? planet inMilky Way Wishes, and inKirby Super Star Ultra exclusively, this track also serves as the music for The Arena's rest area and the checkpoints in-betweenMeta Knightmare Ultra levels. This arrangement has since appeared in many other games.
"Float Islands" can be heard inKirby Super Star'sSound Test as Music 06 (Music 007 in the game's remake), and "Rest Area" can be heard as Music 35 (Music 001 in the remake).
Kirby Air Ride[edit]
InKirby Air Ride, a rearrangement of "Float Islands" appears as the alternative music for theWater course inTop Ride, unlocked by finishing a race on the course at least 5 seconds ahead of 2nd place. This remix has a much faster pace and uses an electric guitar. It was arranged byHirokazu Ando,[3] and can be listened to in the game'sSound Test as track 38.
Kirby: Canvas Curse[edit]
Kirby: Canvas Curse features a unique rearrangement of "Float Islands" in a minor key using electronic instrumentation, titled"Collapse Castle". It plays inthe aforementioned stage, and is listed in the game'sSound Test as Music 18.
Additionally, "Mag Mount" features a brief arrangement of "Float Islands", though it is primarily a remix of "Castle Lololo". This theme plays inthe stage of the same name. It is found in theSound Test as Music 08.
Kirby: Squeak Squad[edit]
A fast-paced, rock-styled arrangement of the theme appears as the music for theSmash Ride sub-game inKirby: Squeak Squad. It was arranged byJun Ishikawa,[4] and can be listened to in the game'sSound Room as Music 02.
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
The original track fromKirby's Dream Land appears inSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, where it is available on the Dream Land stage. It returns inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate as part of the "Kirby Retro Medley", alongside "Green Greens",Castle Lololo", "Bubbly Clouds" and "Mt. Dedede".
Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]
InKirby: Planet Robobot, a remix of "Float Islands" plays inOverload Ocean - Stage 3 and on the Best Times screen forMeta Knightmare Returns, featuring an extended melody. It can be found as Track 023 in theJukebox, and was arranged by Hirokazu Ando. This version is named"Industrial Laboratory" inthe game's Original Soundtrack.
TheKirby Air Ride rearrangement is also reused, playing in certain sections ofOverload Ocean - Stage 7 EX. It can be found as Track 117 in the Jukebox.
An arrangement of the theme titled"StreetPass wins (Normal)" plays when viewing the player's best scores fromThe Arena. It can be found as Track 140 in the Jukebox, and was arranged by Jun Ishikawa.
Kirby's Blowout Blast[edit]
An acoustic re-orchestration of "Float Islands" plays in the main stages ofLevel 2 (EX) inKirby's Blowout Blast. This re-orchestration is very similar to the "StreetPass wins (Normal)" arrangement fromKirby: Planet Robobot.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
An arrangement of "Smash Ride" fromKirby: Squeak Squad is included in the remake for the sub-game inKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. After beating the initialmissions for it, the original version of the track is unlocked. In addition, a new version of "Kirby on the Draw - Title" features a whistle over the usual instrumentation of the theme that is based on "Float Islands".
"Smash Ride" is listed as Track 79 in theJukebox ofKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, while "Kirby on the Draw - Title" is listed as Track 80. It's not known who the arranger of either track is, likely being Kiyoshi Hazemoto or Yuki Kato. "Smash Ride (Secret Song)" is listed as Track 147.
Finally, a portion of "Smash Ride" can also be heard in "The Merry, Magical World of Magolor!", which plays after completing 100 missions inMerry Magoland. It is accessible as track 200 in the Jukebox, and is composed byYuki Shimooka.[4]
Kirby Air Riders[edit]
InKirby Air Riders, a new arrangement of "Float Islands" can be unlocked as the alternate track forWaveflow Waters. This arrangement also serves as the theme forReefside Ride inRoad Trip.
Other appearances[edit]
The original track was featured as track 07 in the CD soundtrack albumThe Very Best of Kirby: 52 Hit Tracks, along with "Green Greens" and "Welcome to Dream Land".
Track 43 from theKirby's Dream Collection Special Edition Compilation Soundtrack, titled "Electro Kirby", features abagpipes-sounding remix of the tune in background from 1:13 to 1:31.
On theKirby Memorial Arrangements album, the first track "Big Band Kirby" includes a slow-paced jazz arrangement of "Float Islands". The arrangement is very similar to that of "La Mer", a famous jazz standard. This version was arranged byMegumi Ohara.
A short remix of this theme was featured inKirby Pupupu Train, and it is included on theKirby Pupupu Train Eki-melo Collection under the titleフロートアイランズ駅 (Float Islands Station).
"Smash Ride" fromKirby: Squeak Squad was performed live at theKirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival as part of the "Get Pumped Up! Sub-Game Medley", along with "Samurai Kirby", "Mid-Boss Battle" fromKirby's Adventure, "Checkerboard Chase", "Tilt-and-Roll Kirby", and "Congratulations!".
An arrangement of the aforementioned "Get Pumped Up! Sub-Game Medley" titled "Playing Jazz Fest!" appears onThe Sound of Kirby Café - Jazz Style -, once again featuring "Smash Ride". It was arranged byYuko Komiyama.
- "Float Islands" in "Electro Kirby" from theKirby's Dream Collection Special Edition Compilation Soundtrack.
- "Floats Islands" in "Big Band Kirby" fromKirby Memorial Arrangements byMegumi Ohara.
- "Float Islands Station" from theKirby Pupupu Train Eki-melo Collection.
- "Smash Ride" in "Get Pumped Up! Sub-Game Medley" from theKirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival, performed by the Kirby 30th Anniversary Special Band Deluxe.
- "Smash Ride" in "Playing Jazz Fest!" fromThe Sound of Kirby Café - Jazz Style -
Trivia[edit]
- The original theme is partly based off Jun Ishikawa's previous arrangement forAdventures of Lolo 3, playing duringUnderworld Levels stage maps. The "Smash Ride" variation in particular sounds nearly identical to this theme.
Names in other languages[edit]
Float Islands[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | FLOAT ISLANDS[1][5] フロートアイランズ[6] Furōto Airanzu | Float Islands |
| English | Float Islands[1][6][5] | - |
| Chinese | FLOAT ISLANDS[5] | - |
| Dutch | Zwevende eilanden[5] | Floating islands |
| European French | Iles flottantes[6] | Floating islands |
| German | Float Islands[6] Sommerinseln[5] | - Summer Islands |
| Italian | Float Islands[6] | - |
| Korean | FLOAT ISLANDS[5] | - |
| Portuguese | Ilhas Flutuantes[5] | Floating Islands |
| European Spanish | Float Islands[6] | - |
Collapse Castle[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | コラプスキャッスル Korapusu Kyassuru | Collapse Castle |
| English | Collapse Castle | - |
| European French | Château Croulant | Collapsing Castle |
| German | Kollaps-Kastell | Collapse-Castle |
| Italian | Maniero Mistero | Mystery Manor |
| European Spanish | Palacio Perdido | Lost Palace |
Smash Ride[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | スマッシュライド Sumasshu Raido | Smash Ride |
| English | Smash Ride | - |
| Traditional Chinese | 猛擊騎乘 měng jī qí chéng | Smash Ride |
| Simplified Chinese | 猛击骑乘 měng jī qí chéng | |
| Dutch | Crashkometen | Crash comets |
| French | Course crash | Crash course |
| German | Scooter-Jagd | Scooter-Hunt |
| Italian | Scontri volanti | Flying collisions |
| Korean | 스매시 라이드 Seumaesi Raideu | Smash Ride |
| Portuguese | Estrela Batente | Combination of "estrela cadente" (shooting star) and "bater" (to beat). |
| Spanish | Estrellas de choque | Bumper Stars |
Industrial Laboratory[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | コンビナート・ラボラトリー Konbināto Raboratorī | Industrial Laboratory コンビナート is the Japanese loanword for an industrial complex, borrowed from the Russian Комбинат (kombinat, literally "combine"). |
| English | Industrial Laboratory | - |
StreetPass wins (Normal)[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | すれちがい勝利数／ノーマル surechigai katchi kazu/nōmaru | Total StreetPass Victories / Normal |
| English | StreetPass wins (Normal) | - |
References
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- Music in Kirby's Dream Land
- Music in Kirby's Dream Course
- Music in Kirby's Dream Land 2
- Music in Kirby Super Star
- Music in Kirby Air Ride
- Music in Kirby: Canvas Curse
- Music in Kirby: Squeak Squad
- Music in Kirby Super Star Ultra
- Music in Kirby: Planet Robobot
- Music in Kirby's Blowout Blast
- Music in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
- Music in Kirby Air Riders
- Music in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
- Music in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Music in Kirby Pupupu Train
- Music in Kirby Memorial Arrangements
- Music from Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival
- Music in Kirby Café
