Well, that title is slightly misleading - I've always been able to live without it. I found the overworld theme in Ocarina of Time perfectly serviceable, even very nice, just as an example.

But let's face it - the Overworld Theme has been featured in many of the games in this series, and is as close to a "Zelda Theme" as the series has. It's a staple. People have complained about some games in the series for no other reason except the omission of that theme.

But now? I think that that it has been proven, truly and unquestioningly, that we do not need that theme. It's not necessary. Perhaps it never was

I think this is my new favorite overworld theme in the entire franchise. It's fresh, it's new, it's very memorable, and it's delightful. It's even more delightful in the game, because what the OST version is missing is the "chuggachugga chuggachugga" beat provided by the sound of the train itself, which adds another layer of greatness to this theme.

Those of you who own Spirit Tracks, and have heard this theme in context: what think you? Is it a good, a proper replacement for the Overworld Theme? Given the nature and tone of this game, could it actually be better than the first Overworld Theme for the context of Spirit Tracks?

I found myself singing along chuff-chuff-chuff all the way! Amazing track!

AMAZING track I agree khuutra

I missed the main overworld theme for about 10 min, but then I this one grew on me!!!!

Great track but I can't decide who's the best. They're both great.

This is probably the track I'll go to when I think "Spirit Tracks Music."

I like this more than the Overworld theme of Ocarina of Time myself.

Will have it in my hands soon enough

You're serious

Here's a hint: Majora's Mask and Wind Waker both had sections of their overworld theme that were derived from it

Even OoT had a cord or two

I first heard the new overworld theme from one of the trailers for the game a few weeks ago, and I instantly fell in love with it!

I agree that the original Zelda theme has been redone or rehashed almost to death, but I'd be lying if I told you that the first time I ventured into Hyrule Field in TOOT that I wasn't disappointed that the original theme song wasn't present. However, over time it grew and grew on me, and I began to really appreciate how amazing it was with it's dynamic changes depending on where you were or if there were enemies near by. It definitely helped to usher in a whole new era of music in gaming.

Oh Soriku, you are such a non-Zelda-fan

here:

Its harder to hear in Wind Waker and Twilight Princess and Ocarina, but bits and pieces of it are in there, too

Please understand that you don't have a very wide perspective on the Zelda-playing community at large. A lot of people care! It's part of why I made this topic. I wanted to see how many would disagree on the point.

And it's still very prominent. It was, after all, the primary series theme in Brawl:

My eyes watered the first time I heard this version.