Thread: The biggest disadvantage of the game is... the bad soundtrack.

I liked the music for a bit, some areas it was very atmospheric like Moria which was epic and a long loop.. but I havent played with the music on in such a long time due to the fact that I cant stand to hear the same track over and over each time you revisit an area. I do leave player made music on as that is just fun.

Originally Posted by masumane

I really like the soundtrack

My girlfriend has listened to me play it a lot, and she likes it too.

No complaints here. Why would you complain about something completely subjective, I have no idea

The same thought occurred to me. Some of the music I like a lot, some I like a little and some I can't stand (and no doubt there are those whose preferences mirror mine).

Musical preference is a very personal thing. Each of us is but a note in the grand symphony that is the world, each in a difference place, time, and even key. So yeah, this is mostly going to be a list of opinions.

Mine is that LOTRO has a decent soundtrack on the whole, but definitely better in some places than others. In honesty I turn it off a lot of the time, not because it's bad per say, but it gets repetitive and is frankly lacking in some of the newer areas. But in other places, I always make sure to turn it back on. The aforementioned Eregion piece is one of my definite favorites, but I admit to having chills each time I lead a character into the Walls of Moria, only to be met by the suspenseful strains of The Hollin Gate.

Perhaps the biggest impact the music ever made on me, though, was the first time I entered Lorien. It was sometime after initial release, I hadn't set foot there before because I hadn't finished the Moria epic yet, so I had to spend several days grinding out the reputation quests at the gate. It seemed like it took forever to get access, but it was mostly because I was so impatient to get in. When I finally did, I was already a bit aflutter. Jumped on my horse with some trepidation, still not completely sure it was safe (I knew I had the rep and had the trait to get in, but still had a tinge of doubt.) I crossed over the border though. The light began to change, and the music came up.

It was afternoon, and the golden strains of the setting sun lit the golden wood. I rode along, following the path, in awe of what I was seeing. So tranquil, so beautiful... so welcoming. And all of that only underscored by what became my absolute favorite piece:
The Falls of Nimrodel.

If we're gonna morph this thread into another "my favorite LotRO music" thread, mine is the "dark, evil places" track they play a lot in Nan Dhelu (and other places).

I must repeat what many others have said; I really like the music in lotro overall, although some areas are quite bad, mostly in Dunland/Isengard.

But speaking of sounds, although it is slightly off the main topic, there is one main reason why I keep sound off while playing. I hear every ranger, every Rohirrim, and countless others speak in Aragorn's voice! This for me is such a mood breaker, can't really even describe the effect it has. I can't understand why such an important character doesn't have a unique voice, it can't be that hard, just have anyone do it.

Maybe this is because I expect more in this department since the visual portion of the game is so fantastic, and the writing is quite good, even great. And then to have such little quality in voice-overs... it just doesn't fit together. It's like a big bell banging out of tune when I hear it!

Originally Posted by SvetPandaren

However, the soundtrack is bad.

discussions about "taste" is useless. Everyone has a different taste or in this case liking of music.
The classical fan or the hard rock fan or even the techno freaks....

[QUOTE=SvetPandaren;6203878... because the Lord of the Rings fantasy Universe is the ONLY ONE that's created by music!!![/QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Adder

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that statement to be honest. Music is a big part of Lord of the Rings and is often referred to in the books, but saying the Middle Earth universe is created by music is a huge overstatement.

Actually not an overstatement at all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ainulindalë

Literally, Middle Earth was created by music.

Originally Posted by mjk47

Actually not an overstatement at all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ainulindalë

Literally, Middle Earth was created by music.

Ummm......

Originally Posted by Adder

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that statement to be honest. Music is a big part of Lord of the Rings and is often referred to in the books, but saying the Middle Earth universe is created by music is a huge overstatement.

....SNIP

Originally Posted by silverblade5445

I think he means the fact that Arda was created by the Music of the Ainur.....so technically the entire Lord of the Rings world was created by music....

Originally Posted by Adder

Ah. Ok. That makes a bit of sense I guess. Wasn't thinking along those lines at all and it went completely over my head there.

/fishslap_self

I'm not trying to troll. I'm trying to say that this game deserves a far better soundtrack that it currently has and the quality should be at least comparable to the soundtrack to ROM or WOW. More epic, more melodic, more dynamic.

Like others, I love much of the music in the Shadows of Angmar and Moria areas of the game. The Lone Lands theme is one that I didn't initially like but it grew on me to the point where it's one of my favorite pieces in the game. It matches absolutely perfect with the landscape. What is probably my favorite piece of music in the game is the daytime North Downs theme. To me, it's the perfect music. It didn't really hit me until I took into account the name of the quest deed for the area, Of Glories Long Past. Once I made the subconscious connection between that and the music itself it was perfect. When it's needed I look forward to running around North Downs during the day to farm sturdy hides or rich iron or gold ore or yew branches because of that music. I will crank the ingame music up when I'm in that area.

I think the original poster is missing the connection between the music and the area it's being played in. The music by itself may not be the most awe-inspiring or emotional but it doesn't need to be and shouldn't be in my opinion. It's the music along with the visuals which create an atmosphere which is greater than the parts. That is what makes much of the music great in this game; the way the music fits with the area and is responsible for much of the atmosphere of the area.

I'm glad the music in most cases doesn't blow me out of my chair since that would be extremely annoying and jarring. It's almost always a seamless fit evoking deeper feelings which aren't always consciously noticed. This to me is what makes for great music.

Originally Posted by SvetPandaren

I went to the Shire, to the Old Forest, Bombadil's house, to Eregion... I listen to the music, but I feel nothing.

I don't feel chills inside me. I don't feel enlightened. If I could ignore it, it would be fine.

Never before I've seen such a great game will well made scenery/graphics and quests... and without a music that would touch me on the inside.

I can't find a single part of the music that I would like. Compare this to the Tagena sountrack / Runes of Magic, and even the slightly annoying Silverfall, or ... to the nigh elven theme - Nightsong in World of Warcraft. And you'll see the difference

Some of the music is alright, but I largely agree with you here. Nightsong was one of my favorite songs from WoW. I wouldn't bother ranting on the forums though, because most of the people here are long time players, and a lot of them have never played other MMOs. Also realize that some people just don't have a great taste in music :P

Edit: At least it isn't the EVE Online music.

Originally Posted by SvetPandaren

I'm not trying to troll. I'm trying to say that this game deserves a far better soundtrack that it currently has and the quality should be at least comparable to the soundtrack to ROM or WOW. More epic, more melodic, more dynamic.

You need to recognise that your opinion is an opinion, just that. It clearly is not shared by all. There is a possibility that they may be right and you may be wrong.

If you don't like the soundtrack, turn it off. Play something you find more palatable.

Originally Posted by SvetPandaren

How petty and miserable of you. I find opinions like yours disgusting.

Yes, I find this music dull and without soul. Yet I won't break my speakers because of that. Because there is music that's not wasted on me.

Like these ones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJCXVx-J98 - Klaus Badelt - Godspeed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZheTo...eature=related - Klaus Badelt - Eloi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHJLOGmXoUA - Rhapsody - Emerald Sword

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3tErqxl9Y8 - Stratovarius - Seasons of Faith's perfection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wMnbLM3aTg - Manowar - My Spirit Lives On.

Why do I like these? Because they're emotional. They're spiritual. They're soul touching.

They aren't for me, I feel nothing with these songs. (seriously). But I'm not qualified enough to say "they are bad".

I don't think Lotro soundtrack is bad, it's very fit for the atmosphere. But sometimes I turn it off just for a change, and play my own playlists instead.

Originally Posted by Lindaelle

I don't think Lotro soundtrack is bad, it's very fit for the atmosphere. But sometimes I turn it off just for a change, and play my own playlists instead.

That's what most people would do, either listen to it or not. But this is the interwebs baby! Gotta have something to complain about!

many lotro musical pieces are gorgeous.

lets leave it at that shall we?

Originally Posted by TheVinster17

Some of the music is alright, but I largely agree with you here. Nightsong was one of my favorite songs from WoW. I wouldn't bother ranting on the forums though, because most of the people here are long time players, and a lot of them have never played other MMOs. Also realize that some people just don't have a great taste in music :P

Edit: At least it isn't the EVE Online music.

Actually you'll find that the vast majority of LOTRO vets are MMO vets too, and many play more than just LOTRO currently, including WoW. I've been playing MMOs since UO & EQ back in the nineties and between then and now, I've probably played at least a dozen or so major MMOs.

As for EVE's music, I happen to like it. Most, if not all, of EVE's soundtrack fits the regions and sets the atmosphere just as it does here. There is some that I swap out for something more to my taste, but overall, I enjoy it. Just a matter of taste and personal preference.

Originally Posted by Adder

Actually you'll find that the vast majority of LOTRO vets are MMO vets too, and many play more than just LOTRO currently, including WoW. I've been playing MMOs since UO & EQ back in the nineties and between then and now, I've probably played at least a dozen or so major MMOs.

As for EVE's music, I happen to like it. Most, if not all, of EVE's soundtrack fits the regions and sets the atmosphere just as it does here. There is some that I swap out for something more to my taste, but overall, I enjoy it. Just a matter of taste and personal preference.

Your opinion, not mine. lol! And I never said the majority of LOTRO players, I said the majority of people on the forums.

Originally Posted by enginekid

Same. I just love it! It really feels like you are traveling through lonely lands.

My favorite for sure. I absolutely love this one. In fact, I was definitely sold to the game when I wandered the Lonelands and Weathertop

Originally Posted by TheVinster17

Your opinion, not mine. lol! And I never said the majority of LOTRO players, I said the majority of people on the forums.

That's also not true. Most of us have played many other mmo's. People list them in various threads all the time.

Originally Posted by TheVinster17

Your opinion, not mine. lol! And I never said the majority of LOTRO players, I said the majority of people on the forums.

Pretty much most of us here in the forums have been on the MMO scene since the 90s. Like josh13333, I see threads discussing previous MMOs all the time.

I disagree. Soundtrack is fine. Besides, whenever you feel like you've had enough, you can turn this off.
You can't do the same with the grind. Grinding is the single most powerful aspect of this game which makes me take long breaks. I suppose I have to be grateful for this ...

I have to agree that the overall music in game isnt as good as it could and should be but i have to disagree that all the soundracks in game are bad as you say/think

LotRO has good overall in game music AND it has some epic pieces that just perfectly fit with the area/place


The music in Lorien... excellent!




I got goosebumps when i first listened to this as i was around the walls of Moria




Or this..




Another soundrack that gave me chills - Lament for Oakenshield, just awesome

I absolutely love some of the tracks in the game actually, many of them already mentioned here.

I feel the quality has decreased somewhat post-Moria, but I still love riding through Bree-lands with the ambiance turned up and the mellow guitar flowing in the background. The compositions within The Shire are perfectly done, and fit the atmosphere and hobbit culture beautifully.

I also enjoy Angmar's eerie presence, the Trollshaws' majestical strings, and most of Moria's very dwarven-like drums and vocal chorusing.

And you can't go past Evendim and, especially, Bombadil's jolly theme!

I couldn't disagree more. I've been playing this game for over 4 years and have 5 toons at level cap with very significant playtime, and I have never once turned the sound off or listened to any music other than the game music while playing. I am quite literally unable to listen to anything else while playing, not because any force is stopping me, but because anything else would not be the same. The music in this game is great.

The sound track is excellent. Granted, some songs are stronger than others, but the overall package is superb.

naturally, some players will like it more than others, and some will hate it. Heck, some will hate it because it doesn't sound like Metallica, Slayer, White Zombie, et al, but even they can appreciate that such music probably wouldn't be the best fit for LOTRO.

As the sayings go, to each their own, and there's no accounting for taste.

I think the Lotro soundtrack is great in alot of places, but as said before, lacking in other parts.

I think other games have done a wonderful job as well and since we're sharing.

I never played WoW past the free trail, but playing as bloodelf, I gotta admit I found this piece very captivating:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-46HAn_K98

And this in particular is gem I think. It's from Age of Conan where devs hired Norwegian singer Helene Bøksle for the soundtrack:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efl_PNTvPmU

Originally Posted by enginekid

many lotro musical pieces are gorgeous.

lets leave it at that shall we?

And many suck. Nothing wrong with putting forth either opinion.

And while we are talking about soundtracks, here is another example of epic music that fits very well with the LotR-world

Battle for Middle-earth 2 has def some great music, perhaps thats what i would like to see more in LotRO, especially in epics or battle-sessions (Ugh we def need a new in-combat/battle music, thats for sure!) these melodies and vibes are somewhat similar with the movies soundrack but still they are different








(oh and btw this game, bfme2 is a lot of fun! If anyone from here plays it on gameranger, let me know, would like to play online with LotRO players )

After a very long time of MMO's I play again in Full Screen with the music turn on thanks to Lotro...The world is epic and the soundtrack adds very much to the atmosphere

I think the soundtracks from Mirkwood on have shown a noticeable decline in quality when measured against what came before. If memory serves, Chance Thomas composed all or most of the soundtracks leading up to and including Moria, but Turbine has not made use of his services for Mirkwood or RoI, which is probably why the newer stuff has been so lackluster. Thankfully they've hired Chance to compose an all-original orchestral, choral and acoustic ensemble score for Riders of Rohan. This is great news! I love his compositions for the Shire, Rivendell and Lorien. My favorite score is the one for Caras Galadhon. A haunting piece that instantly recalls the power and beauty of the elvish world.

What??! I park myself in Mirkwood just to hear the music in the main town! It's beautiful!

There's one song that plays in Eregion & around Evendim that goes from sheer perfection to this intensely annoying lady la-la-la-ing. I'd get rid of her fast (and she's in Rivendell, too, like nails on a chalkboard) - but for the most part, I love it. (I do *not* love the ambient noise in Angmar... it inspires migraines)

Geez - to each his own, I guess.

music, like most things, everyone has an opinion on and it's usually differnent than every one else's.

I Love the music. I turn it up in Eregion (Autumn is my favourite soundtrack! Love to have that in my MP3 player!) and Moria. WHile it isn't the BEST soundtrack out there, it's pretty good compared with most other games. Not sure what you are asking for but I, along with many others here in the game, disagree with you.

Originally Posted by maxjenius

And many suck. Nothing wrong with putting forth either opinion.

Curious. WHich ones suck for you? I personally find Angmar grating.

No such thing as bad music only that which we don't get. Personaly I'm fortunate or perhaps unfortunate, depending on how you look at it to appreciate any kind of musical style. Some say this is having an eclectic tastes. That said I have to say that the music of Lord of the Rings Online is most pleasing to listen to while playing the game. If you however don't agree with this statment then just turn the music down and play something that you do find fitting. Because to ask the Devs to change the music in any way is a very big ask and as such is not likely ever to be considered. As such even starting this thread was kind of a moot point really.

Originally Posted by Ellyllon

(I do *not* love the ambient noise in Angmar... it inspires migraines)

The one with the wind blowing and some muted tune in the background? Funny how that goes. I absolutely love that ambient sound. It's part of the reason why Angmar is my favorite zone. The atmosphere is just one of a kind.

I downloaded both the official and unofficial soundtracks and I'm absolutely gutted that it's on neither of them.

Originally Posted by Grieyls

the music of Lord of the Rings Online is most pleasing to listen to while playing the game.

while I agree that it is pleasing to listen to the music in-game, i must add that the music of lotro is so good you can listen to it in your car, in your ipod, or at home on your PC while doing anything.

yup, it's that good.

i have had guests who have never heard of an MMO ask me what that beautiful music is playing. they are surprised when i tell them it's from a video game

Originally Posted by SvetPandaren

I was planning to post this thread yesterday, but I couldn't formulate my thoughts.

Lord of The Rings Online is superior in many ways to other games. The graphics, for example, are much better than those in World of Warcraft. The graphics are realistic. The quests and in-game events are fine.

However, the soundtrack is bad.

Or, if you don't like this world, it's mediocre. It doesn't give me chills and this is one of the things I expect from a fantasy setting. The music just fades compares to the music of World of Warcraft, but what's worse, the music is worse than the music of other free2play games like Runes of Magic.

And, what's the nastiest thing is ... that it shouldn't be so... because the Lord of the Rings fantasy Universe is the ONLY ONE that's created by music!!! So... the bad soundtrack in this game can break the immersion sometimes.

I enjoy LOTRO very much, but sometimes I turn the sound off or play some other music that fits in the atmosphere.

I have few referents with which to compare it, but I find that the music is very atmospheric, so I'll have to disagree with this.

Originally Posted by enginekid

while I agree that it is pleasing to listen to the music in-game, i must add that the music of lotro is so good you can listen to it in your car, in your ipod, or at home on your PC while doing anything.

yup, it's that good.

i have had guests who have never heard of an MMO ask me what that beautiful music is playing. they are surprised when i tell them it's from a video game

Indeed, there are many tracks worthy of listening to on their own.