SNES Rainbow Road (theme): Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "{{classic title}} {{Media missing}} thumb|The theme for [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road from ''Super Mario Kart'']] "'''<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road'''"<ref name="MK8 OS">''Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack''</ref> is the theme from ''Super Mario Kart'' for the course of the same name that has been integrated into the theme of every Rainbow Road course throughout the ''Mario Kart (series)|Mario Ka...")
 
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[[File:SMK-Music-RainbowRoad.oga|thumb|The theme for [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] from ''Super Mario Kart'']]
[[File:SMK-Music-RainbowRoad.oga|thumb|The theme for [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] from ''Super Mario Kart'']]
"'''<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road'''"<ref name="MK8 OS">''[[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack]]''</ref> is the theme from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' for [[SNES Rainbow Road|the course of the same name]] that has been integrated into the theme of every [[Rainbow Road]] course throughout the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory">8-bit Music Theory (March 20, 2018). [https://youtu.be/E0Ux3ULOuAU "The Musical Evolution of Rainbow Road"]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved July 3, 2023.</ref>
"'''{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}'''"<ref name="MK8 OS">''[[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack]]''</ref> is the theme from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' for [[SNES Rainbow Road|the course of the same name]] that has been integrated into the theme of every [[Rainbow Road]] course throughout the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory">8-bit Music Theory (March 20, 2018). [https://youtu.be/E0Ux3ULOuAU "The Musical Evolution of Rainbow Road"]. ''YouTube''. Retrieved July 3, 2023.</ref>


==Composition==
==Composition==
"'''<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road'''" debuted in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' for the [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] course. It is a {{wp|funk}} arrangement in key of {{wp|C major}} divided into two main sections. The first section of the theme is primarily based around a Isus {{wp|chord (music)|chord}} to I chord vamp (notated as C<sup>13</sup>sus - C<sup>13</sup>) with an open bassline that alternates between the 1st note (also known as the {{wp|root (chord)|root note}}), the 5th note, and the octave 1st note of the key.  
"{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" debuted in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' for the [[SNES Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]] course. It is a {{wp|funk}} arrangement in key of {{wp|C major}} divided into two main sections. The first section of the theme is primarily based around a Isus {{wp|chord (music)|chord}} to I chord vamp (notated as C<sup>13</sup>sus - C<sup>13</sup>) with an open bassline that alternates between the 1st note (also known as the {{wp|root (chord)|root note}}), the 5th note, and the octave 1st note of the key.  


The two sections are separated by an 8-bar bridge that features two main motifs that have gone on to reappear many times throughout the ''Mario Kart'' series. The first motif is a rising {{wp|triad (music)|triad}} over a tonic {{wp|Pedal point|petal}} bass, where the theme rises from a C major 7 chord to a {{wp|D major}} chord, then to a {{wp|E-flat major}} chord, and finally to a {{wp|F major}} add 2 chord, all while the bass remains in the key of C major (notated as C<sup>maj7</sup> - D/C - E♭/C - F<sup>(add2)</sup>/C). This results in a I - II - ♭III - IV {{wp|chord progression}}. The second motif is the open leap in the melody between the 5th, 1st, and 5th notes of the chord (G, C, and G in this case).  
The two sections are separated by an 8-bar bridge that features two main motifs that have gone on to reappear many times throughout the ''Mario Kart'' series. The first motif is a rising {{wp|triad (music)|triad}} over a tonic {{wp|Pedal point|petal}} bass, where the theme rises from a C major 7 chord to a {{wp|D major}} chord, then to a {{wp|E-flat major}} chord, and finally to a {{wp|F major}} add 2 chord, all while the bass remains in the key of C major (notated as C<sup>maj7</sup> - D/C - E♭/C - F<sup>(add2)</sup>/C). This results in a I - II - ♭III - IV {{wp|chord progression}}. The second motif is the open leap in the melody between the 5th, 1st, and 5th notes of the chord (G, C, and G in this case).  
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|description3=The second section of the arrangement heard in ''Super Mario Kart''
|description3=The second section of the arrangement heard in ''Super Mario Kart''
}}
}}
==Reuses==
In ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', a much slower version of the bridge section from the original "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" plays during the [[Super Mario Kart (microgame)|Super Mario Kart microgame]].


==Arrangements==
==Arrangements==
:''For additional arrangements of "<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road", see [[N64 Rainbow Road (theme)#Arrangements|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road (theme) § Arrangements]].''
:''For additional arrangements of "{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}}", see [[N64 Rainbow Road (theme)#Arrangements|{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}} (theme) § Arrangements]].''
===''Mario Kart'' series===
===''Mario Kart'' series===
====''Mario Kart 64''====
====''Mario Kart 64''====
The theme heard in the ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' iteration of [[N64 Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]], titled "[[N64 Rainbow Road (theme)|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road]]" in the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack]]'', shares some elements with "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road". Like the ''Super Mario Kart'' theme, "<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road" begins with a Isus chord to I chord progression. Also like ''Super Mario Kart'', the melody of the theme is based around jumping and walking between the 1st and 5th notes of the chord.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
The theme heard in the ''[[Mario Kart 64]]'' iteration of [[N64 Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]], titled "[[N64 Rainbow Road (theme)|{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}}]]" in the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack]]'', shares some elements with "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}". Like the ''Super Mario Kart'' theme, "{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}}" begins with a Isus chord to I chord progression. Also like ''Super Mario Kart'', the melody of the theme is based around jumping and walking between the 1st and 5th notes of the chord.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


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The ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' version of [[Rainbow Road]] returns as a retro course in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', along with a new arrangement of the course's theme.
The ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' version of [[Rainbow Road]] returns as a retro course in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', along with a new arrangement of the course's theme.


The opening of the theme heard on ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''{{'}}s iteration of [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|Rainbow Road]] features the first motif of "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road", this time in the key of D major: an ascending I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression over a tonic {{wp|Pedal point|pedal}} bass (notated as D<sup>5</sup> - E/D - F - G<sup>(add2)</sup>). However, the tonic pedal only extends to the II chord in this arrangement. Using this motif as the opening for the theme would go on to become a common element of "Rainbow Road" themes throughout the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
The opening of the theme heard on ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''{{'}}s iteration of [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Super Circuit)|Rainbow Road]] features the first motif of "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}", this time in the key of D major: an ascending I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression over a tonic {{wp|Pedal point|pedal}} bass (notated as D<sup>5</sup> - E/D - F - G<sup>(add2)</sup>). However, the tonic pedal only extends to the II chord in this arrangement. Using this motif as the opening for the theme would go on to become a common element of "Rainbow Road" themes throughout the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


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|file1=MKSC-ExtraCourse-RainbowRoad.oga
|file1=MKSC-ExtraCourse-RainbowRoad.oga
|title1={{Conjectural|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road}}
|title1={{Conjectural|{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}}}
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart: Super Circuit''
|file2=MKSC Rainbow Road Intro.oga
|file2=MKSC Rainbow Road Intro.oga
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====''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''====
====''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''====
The theme for the ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|iteration of Rainbow Road]] uses the first "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" motif as its opening with a I - II - ♭III - IV chord walkup in the original key of C major, similar to ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''{{'}}s Rainbow Road theme. However, this arrangement makes a couple of changes. It does not feature a tonic pedal, and it changes the IV chord in the progression to a V<sup>7sus</sup> chord, replacing the F<sup>(add2)</sup> chord with a F/G chord (notated as C<sup>maj7</sup> - D - E♭ - F/G).<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
The theme for the ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)|iteration of Rainbow Road]] uses the first "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" motif as its opening with a I - II - ♭III - IV chord walkup in the original key of C major, similar to ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]''{{'}}s Rainbow Road theme. However, this arrangement makes a couple of changes. It does not feature a tonic pedal, and it changes the IV chord in the progression to a V<sup>7sus</sup> chord, replacing the F<sup>(add2)</sup> chord with a F/G chord (notated as C<sup>maj7</sup> - D - E♭ - F/G).<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


This arrangement returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', titled "Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')", where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', now titled "Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''", where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.
This arrangement returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', titled "Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')", where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', now titled "Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''", where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.
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====''Mario Kart DS''====
====''Mario Kart DS''====
The theme for [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart DS)|Rainbow Road]] in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' opens in the key of D major with the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression motif from "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road". The tonic pedal from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' also returns, and like ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression is changed to a I - II - ♭III - V<sup>7sus</sup> chord progression (notated as D - E/D - F/D - G/A). Additionally, the funk bassline in this version is clearly inspired by the bassline from the original "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road".
The theme for [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart DS)|Rainbow Road]] in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' opens in the key of D major with the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}". The tonic pedal from ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' also returns, and like ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression is changed to a I - II - ♭III - V<sup>7sus</sup> chord progression (notated as D - E/D - F/D - G/A). Additionally, the funk bassline in this version is clearly inspired by the bassline from the original "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}".


The melody of this arrangement's second section not only showcases the "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" open fifths motif, but it is a rhythmically altered reinterpretation of "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road"'s bridge section melody.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
The melody of this arrangement's second section not only showcases the "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" open fifths motif, but it is a rhythmically altered reinterpretation of "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}"'s bridge section melody.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


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====''Mario Kart Wii''====
====''Mario Kart Wii''====
The theme for the ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' [[Wii Rainbow Road|iteration of Rainbow Road]], titled 「レインボーロード」 (''Reinbō Rōdo'', "Rainbow Road") in the game's [[Mario Kart Wii Platinum Soundtrack|the platinum soundtrack]], opens in the key of D major with the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression and tonic pedal motif from "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" (notated as D - E/D - F/D - G/D). However, this arrangement adds a twist to the original motif. Instead of the repetition being an exact copy of the preceding ascending chord progression like in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', the repetition instead descends in a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - V pattern, keeping the tonic pedal until the ♭VI chord (notated as D - C/D - B♭/D - G/A).<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
The theme for the ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' [[Wii Rainbow Road|iteration of Rainbow Road]], titled 「レインボーロード」 (''Reinbō Rōdo'', "Rainbow Road") in the game's [[Mario Kart Wii Platinum Soundtrack|the platinum soundtrack]], opens in the key of D major with the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression and tonic pedal motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" (notated as D - E/D - F/D - G/D). However, this arrangement adds a twist to the original motif. Instead of the repetition being an exact copy of the preceding ascending chord progression like in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', the repetition instead descends in a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - V pattern, keeping the tonic pedal until the ♭VI chord (notated as D - C/D - B♭/D - G/A).<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


This arrangement returns for [[Wii Rainbow Road|<small>Wii</small> Rainbow Road]] in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' with the course's introduction in the [[Space Tour (2023)|2023 Space Tour]].
This arrangement returns for the same course in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' with its introduction in the [[Space Tour (2023)|2023 Space Tour]].


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====''Mario Kart 7''====
====''Mario Kart 7''====
[[SNES Rainbow Road|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road]] returns in ''Mario Kart 7'' as a retro course along with a new arrangement of the "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" theme. This arrangement is very similar to the original heard in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', but the synthetic {{wp|chiptune}} percussion from the original has been replaced by realistic-sounding percussion.
{{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road}} returns in ''Mario Kart 7'' as a retro course along with a new arrangement of the "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" theme. This arrangement is very similar to the original heard in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', but the synthetic {{wp|chiptune}} percussion from the original has been replaced by realistic-sounding percussion.


The ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' iteration of "Rainbow Road" opens with a chord progression in the key of E major clearly inspired by the I - II - ♭III - IV motif from <small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road", but it is not identical. The arrangement instead opens with a I - II - ♭II - I progression with the ♭II being held for two bars instead of one, and the underlying tonic pedal making a return (notated as E - F#/E - F/E - E<sup>(sus4)</sup>). Additionally, melody of ''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" is based around the 1st and 5th notes of the key, a clear callback to the second motif from "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road".<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
The ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' iteration of "Rainbow Road" opens with a chord progression in the key of E major clearly inspired by the I - II - ♭III - IV motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}", but it is not identical. The arrangement instead opens with a I - II - ♭II - I progression with the ♭II being held for two bars instead of one, and the underlying tonic pedal making a return (notated as E - F#/E - F/E - E<sup>(sus4)</sup>). Additionally, melody of ''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" is based around the 1st and 5th notes of the key, a clear callback to the second motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}".<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


When the player drives on the moon section of [[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]], a softer, more ethereal arrangement of the course's theme can be heard.
When the player drives on the moon section of [[3DS Rainbow Road|Rainbow Road]], a softer, more ethereal arrangement of the course's theme can be heard.
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''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" also returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', titled "Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart 7'')", where it can be played on the [[Rainbow Road (stage)|Rainbow Road]] stage, in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', now titled "Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart 7''", where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.  
''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" also returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', titled "Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart 7'')", where it can be played on the [[Rainbow Road (stage)|Rainbow Road]] stage, in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', now titled "Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart 7''", where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.  


This version of the "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" theme is reused for the [[SNES Rainbow Road|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road]], [[RMX Rainbow Road 1]], and [[RMX Rainbow Road 2]] courses in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' with their introduction in the [[Tokyo Tour]], the [[Super Mario Kart Tour]], and the [[New Year's 2021 Tour]], respectively. The arrangement of ''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" is also reused in ''Mario Kart Tour'' for the [[3DS Rainbow Road|<small>3DS</small> Rainbow Road]] course in with its introductions in the [[Holiday Tour (2019)|2019 Holiday Tour]].
This version of the "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" theme is reused for its respective course as well as its RMX variants, [[RMX Rainbow Road 1]] and [[RMX Rainbow Road 2]], in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' with their introduction in the [[Tokyo Tour]], [[Super Mario Kart Tour]], and [[New Year's 2021 Tour]], respectively. The arrangement of ''Mario Kart 7''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" is also reused for its respective course in with its introduction in the [[Holiday Tour (2019)|2019 Holiday Tour]].


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|file1=MK7-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga
|file1=MK7-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga
|title1={{Conjectural|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road}}
|title1={{Conjectural|{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}}}
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 7''
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 7''
|file2=MK7 Rainbow Road Theme.oga
|file2=MK7 Rainbow Road Theme.oga
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====''Mario Kart 8''====
====''Mario Kart 8''====
[[SNES Rainbow Road|<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road]] was added as a retro course to ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' in ''[[The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8]]'' DLC along with a new arrangement of the course's theme, titled "'''<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road'''" in the game's [[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack|original soundtrack]].
{{classic-link|SNES|Rainbow Road}} was added as a retro course to ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' in ''[[The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8]]'' DLC along with a new arrangement of the course's theme, titled "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" in the game's [[Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack|original soundtrack]].


In the theme heard in the ''Mario Kart 8'' [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|iteration of Rainbow Road]], titled simply "Rainbow Road", the transition between the bridge and the beginning of the theme uses an altered version of the ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' take on the I - II - ♭III - IV motif from "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" all over a tonic pedal bass key of {{wp|A-flat major}}. While ''Mario Kart Wii'' included a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - V descending chord progression, ''Mario Kart 8'' changes the V chord to an additional ♭VII chord, resulting in a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - ♭VII chord progression (notated as A♭ - G♭/A♭ - F♭/A♭ - G♭/A♭). Additionally, the main melody of ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" features the 1st-5th motif from "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road", as it is largely based off of elaborations of wide fourth and fifth leaps mostly between the 5th and 1st notes of the key.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>
In the theme heard in the ''Mario Kart 8'' [[Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)|iteration of Rainbow Road]], titled simply "Rainbow Road", the transition between the bridge and the beginning of the theme uses an altered version of the ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' take on the I - II - ♭III - IV motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" all over a tonic pedal bass key of {{wp|A-flat major}}. While ''Mario Kart Wii'' included a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - V descending chord progression, ''Mario Kart 8'' changes the V chord to an additional ♭VII chord, resulting in a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - ♭VII chord progression (notated as A♭ - G♭/A♭ - F♭/A♭ - G♭/A♭). Additionally, the main melody of ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" features the 1st-5th motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}", as it is largely based off of elaborations of wide fourth and fifth leaps mostly between the 5th and 1st notes of the key.<ref name="8-bit Music Theory"></ref>


Like other courses in ''Mario Kart 8'' and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', additional percussion is added to both of these arrangements when the player is in first place during the race.
Like other courses in ''Mario Kart 8'' and ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'', additional percussion is added to both of these arrangements when the player is in first place during the race.


The arrangements "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" and "Rainbow Road" both return in the base game of ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''. ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" also returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', titled "Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart 8'')", where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', retitled "Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart 8''", where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.
The arrangements "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" and "Rainbow Road" both return in the base game of ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''. ''Mario Kart 8''{{'}}s "Rainbow Road" also returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', titled "Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart 8'')", where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', retitled "Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart 8''", where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.


{{media table
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|file1=MK8-DLC-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga
|file1=MK8-DLC-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga
|title1=<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road
|title1={{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 8''
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 8''
|file2=WiiU SNES RainbowRoad Frontrunning.oga
|file2=WiiU SNES RainbowRoad Frontrunning.oga
|title2=<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road
|title2={{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}
|description2=The version of arrangement heard while in first place in ''Mario Kart 8''
|description2=The version of arrangement heard while in first place in ''Mario Kart 8''
|file3=MK8-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
|file3=MK8-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
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====''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====
====''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====
''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' sees the return of ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''{{'}}s Rainbow Road, now titled [[3DS Rainbow Road|<small>3DS</small> Rainbow Road]], along with a new arrangement of the course's theme in Wave 3 of the [[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]] DLC. The arrangement includes the standard version heard in the majority of the course as well as the ethereal arrangement heard in the Moon section. Additional percussion is also added to both of these arrangements when the player is in first place during the race.
''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' sees the return of ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''{{'}}s Rainbow Road, now titled {{classic-link|3DS|Rainbow Road}}, along with a new arrangement of the course's theme in Wave 3 of the [[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]] DLC. The arrangement includes the standard version heard in the majority of the course as well as the ethereal arrangement heard in the Moon section. Additional percussion is also added to both of these arrangements when the player is in first place during the race.


{{media table
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|file1=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad BCP.oga
|file1=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad BCP.oga
|title1={{Conjectural|<small>3DS</small> Rainbow Road}}
|title1={{Conjectural|{{classic|3DS|Rainbow Road}}}}
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|description1=The arrangement heard in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|file2=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Moon BCP.oga
|file2=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Moon BCP.oga
|title2={{Conjectural|<small>3DS</small> Rainbow Road}}
|title2={{Conjectural|{{classic|3DS|Rainbow Road}}}}
|description2=The version of the arrangement heard on the moon in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|description2=The version of the arrangement heard on the moon in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|file3=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Frontrunning BCP.oga
|file3=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Frontrunning BCP.oga
|title3={{Conjectural|<small>3DS</small> Rainbow Road}}
|title3={{Conjectural|{{classic|3DS|Rainbow Road}}}}
|description3=The version of the arrangement heard while in first place in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|description3=The version of the arrangement heard while in first place in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|file4=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Moon Frontrunning BCP.oga
|file4=Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Moon Frontrunning BCP.oga
|title4={{Conjectural|<small>3DS</small> Rainbow Road}}
|title4={{Conjectural|{{classic|3DS|Rainbow Road}}}}
|description4=The version of the arrangement heard while on the moon and in first place in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
|description4=The version of the arrangement heard while on the moon and in first place in ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''
}}
}}


====''Mario Kart Tour''====
====''Mario Kart Tour''====
In ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', the theme heard while the player's opponents are being selected before a race is an arrangement of the I - II - ♭III - IV {{wp|chord progression}} over a tonic pedal bass motif from "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road".
In ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', the theme heard while the player's opponents are being selected before a race is an arrangement of the I - II - ♭III - IV {{wp|chord progression}} over a tonic pedal bass motif from "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}".


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===''Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games''===
===''Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games''===
''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' features an arrangement of the ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' version of "Rainbow Road", including the same "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" motifs heard in the ''Mario Kart Wii'' original.
''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'' features an arrangement of the ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' version of "Rainbow Road", including the same "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" motifs heard in the ''Mario Kart Wii'' original.


===''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''===
===''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''===
''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' includes a medley arrangement of "Rainbow Road" from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' titled "Rainbow Road Medley". It can be played on the [[Rainbow Road (stage)|Rainbow Road]] stage. This arrangement opens with the same I - II - ♭II - I chord progression and tonic pedal bass from ''Mario Kart 7''. Additionally, the second section of this arrangement features the ''Mario Kart DS'' reinterpretation of "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road"{{'}}s bridge section melody.
''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' includes a medley arrangement of "Rainbow Road" from ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'' titled "Rainbow Road Medley". It can be played on the [[Rainbow Road (stage)|Rainbow Road]] stage. This arrangement opens with the same I - II - ♭II - I chord progression and tonic pedal bass from ''Mario Kart 7''. Additionally, the second section of this arrangement features the ''Mario Kart DS'' reinterpretation of "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}"{{'}}s bridge section melody.


The arrangement returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.
The arrangement returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', where it can be played on the [[Mario Circuit (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)|Mario Circuit]] stage, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', where it can be played on any ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]''-series and ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]''-series stage.
===''WarioWare Gold''===
In ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', a much slower version of the bridge section from the original "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" plays during the [[Super Mario Kart (microgame)|Super Mario Kart microgame]].


===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', an arrangement of the bridge and second sections of "<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road" can be heard in "Buckle Up" when [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]], [[Toad]], and the [[Kong]]s land on Rainbow Road on their way to the [[Mushroom Kingdom]].
In ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'', an arrangement of the bridge and second sections of "{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}" can be heard in "Buckle Up" when [[Mario]], [[Princess Peach|Peach]], [[Toad]], and the [[Kong]]s land on Rainbow Road on their way to the [[Mushroom Kingdom]].


{{Media table
{{Media table
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==List of ''Super Mario'' appearances==
==List of ''Super Mario'' appearances==
:''For additional appearances of "<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road", see [[N64 Rainbow Road (theme)#List of Super Mario appearances|<small>N64</small> Rainbow Road (theme) § List of Super Mario appearances]].''
:''For additional appearances of "{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}}", see [[N64 Rainbow Road (theme)#List of Super Mario appearances|{{classic|N64|Rainbow Road}} (theme) § List of Super Mario appearances]].''
{|class=sortable border=1 cellspacing=2 cellpadding=2 style="border-collapse:collapse; width:100%"
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|"Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''"
|"Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''"
|[[Shinobu Nagata]]
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|"Rainbow Road"
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|Tom Trapp
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|rowspan=2|''[[Mario Kart 8]]''
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|[[Shiho Fujii]]
|[[Shiho Fujii]]
|-
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|"<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road"<ref name="MK8 OS"></ref>
|"{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}"<ref name="MK8 OS"></ref>
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|rowspan=2|''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''
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|"Rainbow Road Medley"
|"Rainbow Road Medley"
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|Ryo Watanabe
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|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart 7'')
|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart 7'')
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|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')
|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')
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|"Rainbow Road (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')"
|Shinobu Nagata
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|"{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}"
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|Atsuko Asahi
|-
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|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')
|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'')
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|"Rainbow Road - ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''"
|Shinobu Nagata
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|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart 7'')
|Past arrangement (''Mario Kart 7'')
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|[[Shiho Fujii]]
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|"<small>SNES</small> Rainbow Road"
|"{{classic|SNES|Rainbow Road}}"
|[[Atsuko Asahi]]
|[[Atsuko Asahi]]
|-
|-

Revision as of 08:34, July 7, 2023

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Please upload all related music, sound effects, voice clips, or any videos for this article. See the help page for information on how to get started.
The theme for Rainbow Road from Super Mario Kart

"SNES Rainbow Road"[1] is the theme from Super Mario Kart for the course of the same name that has been integrated into the theme of every Rainbow Road course throughout the Mario Kart series.[2]

Composition

"SNES Rainbow Road" debuted in Super Mario Kart for the Rainbow Road course. It is a funk arrangement in key of C major divided into two main sections. The first section of the theme is primarily based around a Isus chord to I chord vamp (notated as C13sus - C13) with an open bassline that alternates between the 1st note (also known as the root note), the 5th note, and the octave 1st note of the key.

The two sections are separated by an 8-bar bridge that features two main motifs that have gone on to reappear many times throughout the Mario Kart series. The first motif is a rising triad over a tonic petal bass, where the theme rises from a C major 7 chord to a D major chord, then to a E-flat major chord, and finally to a F major add 2 chord, all while the bass remains in the key of C major (notated as Cmaj7 - D/C - E♭/C - F(add2)/C). This results in a I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression. The second motif is the open leap in the melody between the 5th, 1st, and 5th notes of the chord (G, C, and G in this case).

The second section of the song is a combination of the second motif from the bridge, featuring jumps between the 1st and 5th notes transposed down a fifth and harmonized with four-part synth harmonies, as well as the first section of the song, featuring vamps between I and Isus chords.[2]

Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The first section of the arrangement heard in Super Mario Kart
File infoMedia:SMK-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The bridge section of the arrangement heard in Super Mario Kart
File infoMedia:SMK Rainbow Road Transition Section.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The second section of the arrangement heard in Super Mario Kart
File infoMedia:SMK Rainbow Road Second Section.oga
​
Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

Reuses

In WarioWare Gold, a much slower version of the bridge section from the original "SNES Rainbow Road" plays during the Super Mario Kart microgame.

Arrangements

For additional arrangements of "N64 Rainbow Road", see N64 Rainbow Road (theme) § Arrangements.

Mario Kart series

Mario Kart 64

The theme heard in the Mario Kart 64 iteration of Rainbow Road, titled "N64 Rainbow Road" in the Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack, shares some elements with "SNES Rainbow Road". Like the Super Mario Kart theme, "N64 Rainbow Road" begins with a Isus chord to I chord progression. Also like Super Mario Kart, the melody of the theme is based around jumping and walking between the 1st and 5th notes of the chord.[2]

Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart 64
File infoMedia:MK64-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
​
Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

The Super Mario Kart version of Rainbow Road returns as a retro course in Mario Kart: Super Circuit, along with a new arrangement of the course's theme.

The opening of the theme heard on Mario Kart: Super Circuit's iteration of Rainbow Road features the first motif of "SNES Rainbow Road", this time in the key of D major: an ascending I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression over a tonic pedal bass (notated as D5 - E/D - F - G(add2)). However, the tonic pedal only extends to the II chord in this arrangement. Using this motif as the opening for the theme would go on to become a common element of "Rainbow Road" themes throughout the Mario Kart series.[2]

Audio.svg SNES Rainbow Road - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart: Super Circuit
File infoMedia:MKSC-ExtraCourse-RainbowRoad.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The intro of the arrangement heard in Mario Kart: Super Circuit
File infoMedia:MKSC Rainbow Road Intro.oga
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Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

The theme for the Mario Kart: Double Dash!! iteration of Rainbow Road uses the first "SNES Rainbow Road" motif as its opening with a I - II - ♭III - IV chord walkup in the original key of C major, similar to Mario Kart: Super Circuit's Rainbow Road theme. However, this arrangement makes a couple of changes. It does not feature a tonic pedal, and it changes the IV chord in the progression to a V7sus chord, replacing the F(add2) chord with a F/G chord (notated as Cmaj7 - D - E♭ - F/G).[2]

This arrangement returns in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, titled "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)", where it can be played on the Mario Circuit stage, and in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, now titled "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart: Double Dash!!", where it can be played on any Super Smash Bros.-series and Super Mario-series stage.

Audio.svg Rainbow Road - Mario Kart: Double Dash!! - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
File infoMedia:MKDD-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
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Mario Kart DS

The theme for Rainbow Road in Mario Kart DS opens in the key of D major with the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression motif from "SNES Rainbow Road". The tonic pedal from Super Mario Kart also returns, and like Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression is changed to a I - II - ♭III - V7sus chord progression (notated as D - E/D - F/D - G/A). Additionally, the funk bassline in this version is clearly inspired by the bassline from the original "SNES Rainbow Road".

The melody of this arrangement's second section not only showcases the "SNES Rainbow Road" open fifths motif, but it is a rhythmically altered reinterpretation of "SNES Rainbow Road"'s bridge section melody.[2]

Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The first section of arrangement heard in Mario Kart DS
File infoMedia:MKDS-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The second section of the arrangement heard in Mario Kart DS
File infoMedia:MKDS Rainbow Road SNES Section.oga
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Mario Kart Wii

The theme for the Mario Kart Wii iteration of Rainbow Road, titled 「レインボーロード」 (Reinbō Rōdo, "Rainbow Road") in the game's the platinum soundtrack, opens in the key of D major with the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression and tonic pedal motif from "SNES Rainbow Road" (notated as D - E/D - F/D - G/D). However, this arrangement adds a twist to the original motif. Instead of the repetition being an exact copy of the preceding ascending chord progression like in Super Mario Kart, the repetition instead descends in a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - V pattern, keeping the tonic pedal until the ♭VI chord (notated as D - C/D - B♭/D - G/A).[2]

This arrangement returns for the same course in Mario Kart Tour with its introduction in the 2023 Space Tour.

Audio.svg レインボーロード - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart Wii
File infoMedia:MKW Rainbow Road Theme.oga
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Mario Kart 7

SNES Rainbow Road returns in Mario Kart 7 as a retro course along with a new arrangement of the "SNES Rainbow Road" theme. This arrangement is very similar to the original heard in Super Mario Kart, but the synthetic chiptune percussion from the original has been replaced by realistic-sounding percussion.

The Mario Kart 7 iteration of "Rainbow Road" opens with a chord progression in the key of E major clearly inspired by the I - II - ♭III - IV motif from "SNES Rainbow Road", but it is not identical. The arrangement instead opens with a I - II - ♭II - I progression with the ♭II being held for two bars instead of one, and the underlying tonic pedal making a return (notated as E - F#/E - F/E - E(sus4)). Additionally, melody of Mario Kart 7's "Rainbow Road" is based around the 1st and 5th notes of the key, a clear callback to the second motif from "SNES Rainbow Road".[2]

When the player drives on the moon section of Rainbow Road, a softer, more ethereal arrangement of the course's theme can be heard.

Mario Kart 7's "Rainbow Road" also returns in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, titled "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 7)", where it can be played on the Rainbow Road stage, in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, where it can be played on the Mario Circuit stage, and in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, now titled "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 7", where it can be played on any Super Smash Bros.-series and Super Mario-series stage.

This version of the "SNES Rainbow Road" theme is reused for its respective course as well as its RMX variants, RMX Rainbow Road 1 and RMX Rainbow Road 2, in Mario Kart Tour with their introduction in the Tokyo Tour, Super Mario Kart Tour, and New Year's 2021 Tour, respectively. The arrangement of Mario Kart 7's "Rainbow Road" is also reused for its respective course in with its introduction in the 2019 Holiday Tour.

Audio.svg SNES Rainbow Road - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart 7
File infoMedia:MK7-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 7 - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart 7
File infoMedia:MK7 Rainbow Road Theme.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 7 - The version of the arrangement heard on the moon in Mario Kart 7
File infoMedia:MK7 Rainbow Road Planet Theme.oga
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Mario Kart 8

SNES Rainbow Road was added as a retro course to Mario Kart 8 in The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 DLC along with a new arrangement of the course's theme, titled "SNES Rainbow Road" in the game's original soundtrack.

In the theme heard in the Mario Kart 8 iteration of Rainbow Road, titled simply "Rainbow Road", the transition between the bridge and the beginning of the theme uses an altered version of the Mario Kart Wii take on the I - II - ♭III - IV motif from "SNES Rainbow Road" all over a tonic pedal bass key of A-flat major. While Mario Kart Wii included a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - V descending chord progression, Mario Kart 8 changes the V chord to an additional ♭VII chord, resulting in a I - ♭VII - ♭VI - ♭VII chord progression (notated as A♭ - G♭/A♭ - F♭/A♭ - G♭/A♭). Additionally, the main melody of Mario Kart 8's "Rainbow Road" features the 1st-5th motif from "SNES Rainbow Road", as it is largely based off of elaborations of wide fourth and fifth leaps mostly between the 5th and 1st notes of the key.[2]

Like other courses in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, additional percussion is added to both of these arrangements when the player is in first place during the race.

The arrangements "SNES Rainbow Road" and "Rainbow Road" both return in the base game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Mario Kart 8's "Rainbow Road" also returns in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, titled "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)", where it can be played on the Mario Circuit stage, and in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, retitled "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 8", where it can be played on any Super Smash Bros.-series and Super Mario-series stage.

Audio.svg SNES Rainbow Road - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart 8
File infoMedia:MK8-DLC-Music-SNES-RainbowRoad.oga
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Audio.svg SNES Rainbow Road - The version of arrangement heard while in first place in Mario Kart 8
File infoMedia:WiiU SNES RainbowRoad Frontrunning.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart 8
File infoMedia:MK8-Music-RainbowRoad.oga
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Audio.svg Rainbow Road - The version of arrangement heard while in first place in Mario Kart 8
File infoMedia:WiiU_RainbowRoad_Frontrunning.oga
​
Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sees the return of Mario Kart 7's Rainbow Road, now titled 3DS Rainbow Road, along with a new arrangement of the course's theme in Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass DLC. The arrangement includes the standard version heard in the majority of the course as well as the ethereal arrangement heard in the Moon section. Additional percussion is also added to both of these arrangements when the player is in first place during the race.

Audio.svg 3DS Rainbow Road - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
File infoMedia:Switch 3DS RainbowRoad BCP.oga
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Audio.svg 3DS Rainbow Road - The version of the arrangement heard on the moon in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
File infoMedia:Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Moon BCP.oga
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Audio.svg 3DS Rainbow Road - The version of the arrangement heard while in first place in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
File infoMedia:Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Frontrunning BCP.oga
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Audio.svg 3DS Rainbow Road - The version of the arrangement heard while on the moon and in first place in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
File infoMedia:Switch 3DS RainbowRoad Moon Frontrunning BCP.oga
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Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

Mario Kart Tour

In Mario Kart Tour, the theme heard while the player's opponents are being selected before a race is an arrangement of the I - II - ♭III - IV chord progression over a tonic pedal bass motif from "SNES Rainbow Road".

Audio.svg Matchmaking - The arrangement heard in Mario Kart Tour
File infoMedia:MKT Matchmaking Theme.oga
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Help:Media • Having trouble playing?

Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games

Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games features an arrangement of the Mario Kart Wii version of "Rainbow Road", including the same "SNES Rainbow Road" motifs heard in the Mario Kart Wii original.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS includes a medley arrangement of "Rainbow Road" from Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart: Super Circuit titled "Rainbow Road Medley". It can be played on the Rainbow Road stage. This arrangement opens with the same I - II - ♭II - I chord progression and tonic pedal bass from Mario Kart 7. Additionally, the second section of this arrangement features the Mario Kart DS reinterpretation of "SNES Rainbow Road"'s bridge section melody.

The arrangement returns in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, where it can be played on the Mario Circuit stage, and in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where it can be played on any Super Smash Bros.-series and Super Mario-series stage.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, an arrangement of the bridge and second sections of "SNES Rainbow Road" can be heard in "Buckle Up" when Mario, Peach, Toad, and the Kongs land on Rainbow Road on their way to the Mushroom Kingdom.

Audio.svg Buckle Up - The "Rainbow Road" section of the arrangement heard in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
File infoMedia:TSMBM Buckle Up Rainbow Road.oga
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List of Super Mario appearances

For additional appearances of "N64 Rainbow Road", see N64 Rainbow Road (theme) § List of Super Mario appearances.
Work Year Type Title Credits
Super Mario Kart 1992 Original Soyo Oka
Mario Kart 64 1996 Arrangement "Rainbow Road"[3] Kenta Nagata
Mario Kart: Super Circuit 2001 Arrangement
Mario Kart: Double Dash!! 2003 Arrangement "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart: Double Dash!!"
Mario Kart DS 2005 Arrangement Shinobu Nagata
Mario Kart Wii 2008 Arrangement 「レインボーロード」 (Reinbō Rōdo)[4]
Mario Kart 7 2011 Arrangement "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 7"
Arrangement
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games 2013 Arrangement "Rainbow Road"
Mario Kart 8 2014 Arrangement "Rainbow Road"[1] Shiho Fujii
"SNES Rainbow Road"[1] Atsuko Asahi
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS 2014 Arrangement "Rainbow Road Medley" Ryo Watanabe
Past arrangement (Mario Kart 7) "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 7)"
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 2014 Past arrangement (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!) "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!)"
Past arrangement (Mario Kart 8) "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 8)" Shiho Fujii
Past arrangement (Mario Kart 7) "Rainbow Road (Mario Kart 7)"
Past arrangement (Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS) "Rainbow Road Medley" Ryo Watanabe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 2017 Past arrangement (Mario Kart 8) "Rainbow Road" Shiho Fujii
"SNES Rainbow Road" Atsuko Asahi
2022 Arrangement
WarioWare Gold 2018 Original
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 2018 Past arrangement (Mario Kart: Double Dash!!) "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart: Double Dash!!"
Past arrangement (Mario Kart 7) "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 7"
Past arrangement (Mario Kart 8) "Rainbow Road - Mario Kart 8"
Past arrangement (Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS) "Rainbow Road Medley" Ryo Watanabe
Mario Kart Tour 2019 Arrangement
Past arrangement (Mario Kart 7)
2023 Past arrangement (Mario Kart 7)
Past arrangement (Mario Kart Wii) 「レインボーロード」 (Reinbō Rōdo)
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2023 Arrangement "Buckle Up" Brian Tyler

Soundtracks

Work Year Type Title Credits
Mario Kart 64 Race Tracks 1997 Arrangement "Rainbow Road" Kenta Nagata
Mario Kart Wii Platinum Soundtrack 2011 Arrangement 「レインボーロード」 (Reinbō Rōdo)
Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack 2015 Arrangement "Rainbow Road" Shiho Fujii
"SNES Rainbow Road" Atsuko Asahi
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 2023 Arrangement "Buckle Up" Brian Tyler

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Japanese レインボーロード
Reinbō Rōdo
 Rainbow Road

Chinese (simplified) 彩虹之路
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
彩虹桥 (Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart: Super Circuit prototype)
Cǎihóng Qiáo

 Rainbow Road

Rainbow Bridge

Chinese (traditional) 彩虹之路
Cǎihóng zhī Lù
 Rainbow Road

Dutch Regenboogbaan
 Rainbow Track
German Regenbogen-Boulevard
 Rainbow Boulevard
Italian Pista Arcobaleno
 Rainbow Track
Korean 무지개 로드
Mujigae Rodeu
 Raindow Road

Portuguese (NOA) Avenida Arco-íris
 Rainbow Avenue
Portuguese (NOE) Estrada Arco-Íris
 Rainbow Road
Russian Трасса Радуга
Trassa Raduga
 Rainbow Track

Spanish Senda Arco Iris
 Rainbow Trail

References

  1. ^ a b c Mario Kart 8 Original Soundtrack
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i 8-bit Music Theory (March 20, 2018). "The Musical Evolution of Rainbow Road". YouTube. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  3. ^ Mario Kart 64 Race Tracks
  4. ^ Mario Kart Wii Platinum Soundtrack
[Edit]
Super Mario Kart
Playable characters Bowser • Donkey Kong Jr. • Koopa Troopa • Luigi • Mario • Princess • Toad • Yoshi
Courses Mushroom Cup Mario Circuit 1 • Donut Plains 1 • Ghost Valley 1 • Bowser Castle 1 • Mario Circuit 2
Flower Cup Choco Island 1 • Ghost Valley 2 • Donut Plains 2 • Bowser Castle 2 • Mario Circuit 3
Star Cup Koopa Beach 1 • Choco Island 2 • Vanilla Lake 1 • Bowser Castle 3 • Mario Circuit 4
Special Cup Donut Plains 3 • Koopa Beach 2 • Ghost Valley 3 • Vanilla Lake 2 • Rainbow Road
Battle courses Battle Course 1 • Battle Course 2 • Battle Course 3 • Battle Course 4
Items and objects Question Block items Banana Peel • Feather • Ghost • Green Shell • Lightning • Mushroom • Red Shell • Star
CPU-only items Egg • Fireball • Poison Mushroom
Miscellaneous items and objects Coin • Jump • Kart • Trophy • Zipper
Techniques Drift • Mini-Turbo • Hop • Rocket Start
Species, enemies, and obstacles Big Cheep Cheep • Bullet Bill • Gopher • Flopping Cheep Cheep • Lakitu • Oil slick • Super Thwomp • Thwomp • Warp Pipe
Miscellaneous Finish line • Gallery • Pre-release and unused content • Staff
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