In the video game community just saying “David Wise composer”, three words, is enough to get fanboying and emotional responses.

Some people even get tearful about it, such is the brilliance of the musician’s work and the impact it’s had on gaming.

That’s what we’re here to celebrate, his various contributions to video games over the years. Plus, the ongoing legacy he embraced over the last decade. To the extent he new tours with the David Wise 5 playing this stuff. Fantabulous!

David Wise—Composer’s Melodic Melodies and Funky Riffs

David Wise’s most famous work is for the SNES Donkey Kong County trilogy, but his contributions to the industry at this point is vast.

Whether it’s AAA or indie games, he has the knack for producing ambient, beautiful melodies. You can check out his site for what he’s up to (and some career background): David Wise composer.

But enough chatter! Let’s listen to some glorious melodies.

1. Grassland Groove: Tropical Freeze

Here’s the highlight from the Retro Studio’s masterpiece Tropical Freeze series entry. Certainly one of the most uplifting things you can ever listen to.

Alongside being (we think) the best game in the franchise, Wise marked his return for this one, too. The result is a predictably outstanding soundtrack.

Plus, Topical Freeze’s Grassland Groove is one of the all time best levels in video game history. Quite the moving experience it is, too, with this music gracing it in spectacular fashion.

2. Stickerbush Symphony: DKC 2

It’s kind of ironic this relaxing, introspective music if from one of the game’s most notoriously difficult levels—Bramble Scramble.

For us, Rare’s Donkey Kong Country 2 (1995) boasts one of the all-time best video game soundtracks. Stickerbush Symphony heads all of that up as it’s an iconic track, so very melodic and stirring.

It’s up there as arguably the best piece of work Wise has done.

3. Jib Jig: DKC 2

One of the quirky little numbers which populate the series. Jib Jig is introduced early in DKC 2 on a wind and rain swept level up in the sails of a ship. It’s all rather glorious.

The glorious world of Donkey Kong Country music shifts from jaunty little numbers like this, to more melancholic and ambient pieces.

In fact, we’d say it’s the sheer diversity in the OSTs that make the music so memorable to this day. Very versatile stuff.

4. Bayou Boogie: DKC 2

This reminds us of Sing Swan Song by Can from the band’s 1972 album Ege Bamyasi.

Taking place in a swamp, you can’t help but put on your sternest expression as you take on the sheer emotional drama of this level. Best foot forward, sir!

5. Hot Head Hop: DKC 2

We love this one! It’s majestic! Like fire! The level’s set in a volcano and sees Diddy and Dixie Kong riding across hot air balloons.

Not the best level (requiring inch-perfect jumping and timing), but powered by this most glorious recording.

6. Aquatic Ambience: DKC

Landing out of the blue on level four (Coral Capers) of world one on Donkey Kong Country, Aquatic Ambiance and David Wise composer lore are now iconic.

They’re etched into history together, creatively brought to life by a global online community eager to pay homage to it.

7. The Pale Moonlight: Tengami

Tengami launched in 2015 and allowed Wise to show off his wider range of abilities. Which is, you know, awesome.

8. Capital Causeway: Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair

Grant Kirkhope, David Wise, and Steve Burke worked on this tribute to Rare N64 platformers. Yooka-Laylee (2017) is great fun and features some swooping, upbeat melodies to go with it.

It’s everything you’d expect, and ever want, from a tribute to Banjo-Kazooie really. And we particularly like the magnificent number above.

9. Bol-Dor’s Realm: Snake Pass

Sumo Digital’s Snake Pass (2017) benefitted thanks to yet another glorious Wise soundtrack. His work does seem to have taken a more upbeat tone in recent years, as this is just so life-affirming and upbeat.

Not that his other work wasn’t, but that tinge of melancholy is gone.

Not that we mind. It’s worth playing Snake Pass for the soundtrack alone, as it’s another reminder Wise’s talent only continue to shine.

10. Theme: Star Ghost

The work of a former Retro Studios employee, Star Ghost (2016) is an underrated gem. It also features a classic Wise soundtrack, with electronica loops and hooks.

It really matches the game perfectly in this strategically minded space shooter. You can find this game on the Nintendo Switch and we recommend it for addictive pick-up-and-play fun.

A Bit About David Wise and His Creative Processes

If you’re a composer looking for a few tips, in December 2021 Wise revealed details about his processes. It’s a fascinating video, showcasing how a creative vision comes together moment by moment.

As for the man himself, he’s from Coalville, North  West Leicestershire, here in England. As the story goes, he was working in a music shop when Tim and Chris Stamper of Rare hired him to work as their composer.

His first soundtrack was for Slalom on the NES and he produced many during the late ’80s, such as on our favourite Digger T. Rock: The Legend of the Lost City (1990).

Eventually, when Nintendo handed Rare the chance to make Donkey Kong Country, Wise made his name in industry and on an international stage.

Everything has flourished from there for him. He worked with Rare from 1985 to 2009 (yes, even into its Microsoft buy out phase). Since then he’s been contributing to various titles, AAA and indie ones.

He’s also a humble bloke. IGN caught with him earlier in 2023 and he still seems a bit mystified by the interest in his work, most notably with Aquatic Ambiance on the impact it has on people.

For much for the 1990s Wise seemed inaccessible. He just worked away on the games and didn’t have a presence in the gaming community.

The good news is he’s now very active on social media these days, so give him a follow. This is from one of his recent live shows with David Wise 5.

Awesome night in Manchester with the Dave Wise 5 Live @FormatGG @drdoak @Kev_Bayliss @RealKrystalFox https://t.co/bJCRTlcQhi

— David Wise | Music Composer & Sound Design VGM (@David_Wise) October 26, 2023

What else is there to say?! We look forward immensely to his future projects.