Objective tier list
4 = 5 > 2 > 3 > 1 = 6 > 7
>4
A very distinct instrumentation style that characterises the game's themes well, and doesn't hold itself back. Compositions themselves are mostly great, but have some fatal slipups (E4 Battle, Victory Road).
Best tracks: Team Galactic Headquarters, Spear Pillar, Dialga/Palkia Battle
>5
Trades character in its instrumentation for some absolutely brilliant sound design. Compositions are on average as good as Gen 4's, but have less drastic highs and lows.
Best tracks: Route 10, Victory is Right Before Your Eyes, Dragonspiral Tower
>2
Works effectively with its limitations. However, some compositions are still held back by this, such as Ecruteak's uncomfortable wave channel. More often than not, though, the limitations are pushed effectively (such as in Encounter! Kimono Girl), and the compositions are great.
Best tracks: Kanto Gym Leader Battle, Dark Cave, National Park
>3
Despite its extremely recognisable instrumentation, I'd consider this the most forgettable and average OST of the lot. Objectively speaking, it's still great, but its troublesome instrumentation often distracts from the compositions.
Best tracks: Victory Road, Route 110, Route 113
>1
It's very obvious this is the first game's OST, as its instrumentation is awful, its compositions can be confusing, and some tracks are flat out implemented wrong. However, it is a strong first step regardless, as it brought some of the most recognisable and well-executed compositions of the entire franchise.
Best tracks: Title, Route 11, Ending
>6
Maybe the forgettable nature of the games ruined it for me, but I find the tracks to be objectively good, but extremely forgettable.
Best tracks: Bike, Power Plant, Team Flare Battle
>7
Half-hearted attempts to characterise the region through instrumentation alone make this a weak OST. Tracks are often forgettable, or only memorable for specific musical statements.
Best tracks: Kahuna Battle, Vast Poni Canyon, Ultra Beast Battle
