Nobody at this school seems to talk about the rock band Crush 40.

Crush 40 is a Japanese-American rock band composed mainly of Jun Senoue (A sound director at SEGA) on lead guitar and Johnny Giolei (Singer for the band Hardline) on vocals. In honor of the Team Sonic Racing teaser trailer dropping on May 30^th, here are ten of their songs that you should listen to:

10. With Me (Massive Power Mix)

This song was featured in the soundtrack for the game Sonic and the Black Knight. It is a cover of the final boss theme With Me. The song is a much darker take on the original song, with fans speculating that this version of the song is from the perspective of the protagonist Sonic the Hedgehog as he fights the final boss Morgana, who wishes to grant her people eternal life. Overall, this song is good, but it is nowhere near as good as any of the other songs on this list.

9. Sonic Boom (Crush 40 vs. Cash Cash Remix)

Yet another cover song, this time to the American version to the Sonic CD opening (if you have yet to guess, there will be a lot of Sonic songs on here) originally sung by the group Pastiche. The song is a much slower take on the original song, but Johnny’s vocals make up for that by being amazing. The reason that this song is so low on the list is that it is another cover song.

8. His World (Crush 40 Version)

Yet another Sonic the Hedgehog song, this one being a cover of the main theme to Sonic the Hedgehog for Xbox 360 (aka Sonic ’06). This is a much mellower version of the main theme, with all new lyrics for each verse (despite the chorus remaining the same). However, the version made by Zebrahead (who also performed the original version of the song, and their own cover) is far superior due to its fast-paced tempo, which fits perfectly into a Sonic theme.

7. Knight of the Wind

Oh look, an original song on the horizon! This one (like the tenth one) is from Sonic and the Black Knight, this time serving as the main theme. It is a very good rock song with some hints of Celtic accompaniment. Johnny’s voice and Jun’s guitar work perfectly in this song. This really is an underrated gem (this song even made an appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.)

6. All Hail Shadow (Crush 40 Version)

How did a cover song make it this high on the list!? Because it is actually the now de facto version of this song. All Hail Shadow is the theme song to the character Shadow the Hedgehog from the Sonic franchise. This song was originally performed by Magna-Fi, but the vocals on that song were lacking the passion that Johnny brings to the table.

5. Rise Again

This song is not connected to any Sonic game this time. Rise Again is one of their original songs that was made in 2011. This is a great song that can bring anyone out of a bad mood due to its inspirational lyrics (results may vary).

4. What I’m Made Of/2 Nights 2 Remember

Okay…there is an understanding that this is cheating a bit, but please allow an explanation. There was an internal argument going on in my head as this was written between the final boss theme from Sonic Heroes, and the 2015 original 2 Nights 2 Remember. So, they are forced to share a spot on this list. Instead of wasting time explaining why you should listen to them, I will just let you listen to them yourself:

3. Open Your Heart

Arguably Crush 40’s second most well-known song, Open Your Heart was the main theme to the 1998 game Sonic Adventure. This was a breakout hit for the band. However…there are still two whole spots on this list (no more spot sharing).

2. Live & Learn

This has to be Crush 40’s most well-known song ever. Live & Learn is the main theme to the 2001 game Sonic Adventure 2 for the Dreamcast (and by extent Sonic Adventure 2: Battle for the Gamecube). Everything about this song is perfect; from the vocals to the guitar to the drums to the message of the lyrics (But you can’t escape your sorrow! You paid in trade! But you can’t help but follow! It puts you right back where you came!). This may be one of the best songs that Crush 40 has ever made, but this is only number 2. There is still one more song to go. One song that may possibly be better than this masterpiece of perfection.

1. Sonic Youth

This song, despite being called Sonic Youth, is not associated with any Sonic game at all. Rather, it is a celebration of being a Sonic (and Crush 40) fan. Every lyric in each verse references a song that the band has performed (Open Your Heart, Live & Learn, His World, Sonic Boom, I Am…All of Me, Sonic Heroes, Knight of the Wind, What I’m Made Of, Watch Me Fly, Live Life, Never Turn Back, in that order). Fun fact (that is unverified): This song was originally written as the final boss theme for the game Sonic Generations (celebrating the franchise’s 20^th anniversary), however the band could not finish it in time. Live & Learn may be the best Crush 40 song in most people’s eyes, but Sonic Youth allows the listener to embrace being a Sonic and Crush 40 fan, which makes the song that much better.

Did I miss any songs that you like (performed by Crush 40)? Never Turn Back, I Am…All of Me, and Sonic Heroes are all honourable mentions here, so please do not spam the comments saying that your favourite song was not picked. Please do not spam the comments at all, or write anything random. Just enjoy the rest of your day, and… “Stand proud! Let it out! Let them know, let them show! Wait ‘till they hear! Hear the Sonic Youth!”