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I won't defend this because you're right, SM does have a lacklustre soundtrack compared to other regions.
I think the main thing that bothers me about the only 4 different route themes (5, actually, because route 1 has it's own theme) is that it negatively affects the atmosphere of exploring the region.
It doesn't make sense to me that all of UlaUla has the exact same route theme when route 16, the meadow, the space mountain, tapu village, blush mountain, etc, are all so vastly different to each other. The reason some areas are a lot more memorable than others are partly inspired by the music, as music tends to emotionally affect and manipulate media in every instance. Which is why having a strong soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere is so important.
I think that's why I like Vast Poni Canyon as an area more than anywhere else. Because the music for it is unique and also doesn't get cancelled out by the ride music.
That being said, I think SM did do reoccuring themes and some battle themes right because hearing Lillie's theme incorporated into the Solgaleo/Lunala theme and the Aether paradise theme in Guzma's battle theme is A+
