Celeste is more than just a soundtrack to an amazing game, it is an absolutely killer album. This is the differentiating factor for me for so many soundtracks: do they work on their own? Are they fun to listen to outside of the context of the game? So many soundtracks that function as excellent compliments to the game while playing it, falter greatly while they are played on their own.
Celeste is in a rather unique position as well. Even without playing the game, the music f e e l s like it belongs in a video game. It has that "video game sound" to it, a sound that no other genre truly has. It accomplishes this by the use of a highly original spin on the synths used... so much so that any other album that I hear that uses the same production or reverb effects on some of the songs makes me go "Hey that sounds like Celeste!"
Being unique isn't the only thing that helps drive the music forward, the songs are also excellent. The melodies introduced throughout the first few tracks are repeated in leitmotifs throughout the entire album. While this gives it a more cohesive and soundtrack type feeling, it also gives the listener a sense of familiarity with new songs as they are introduced.
The album also has mastered the art of pacing. Some songs go strong right out of the gate, while others slowly build towards a more climactic finish. Others still remain small and venerable throughout its run time. It's the complete package.
Lena Raine is the composer for the Celeste soundtrack and to say that she did an outstanding job would be a disservice to her brilliance here. For me this soundtrack can stand on the shoulders of titans with only a very few soundtracks that can call it a peer, and even less that I would consider better. Easily on the top ten soundtracks ever for me.
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