What is your SECOND favorite shmup soundtrack?

[Furry Fox Jet Pilot]

Ok, we've seen countless threads about everyone's #1 favorite shmup soundtrack, but I thought I would ask something rather out of the ordinary. What are your second favorite shmup soundtracks, and why? Why exactly does it deserve that runner up spot on your list, only to be overshadowed by your number one pick? Please discuss. I'll get this started with my second favorite: Ashura Blaster, because I love the sound of that Taito hardware, and those melancholic melodies can go from heroic to sad in the blink of an eye. However, it pales in comparison to my number one pick; the godlike soundtrack of Raiden DX.

[Skykid]

Sorry kid, this is retarded.

You could just ask for 'Your top 5 shmup soundtracks' or similar. I honestly don't think game music is so independently nuanced for everyone to single out "ooh, that's definitely my number two!"

[Captain]

[Squire Grooktook]

Top 5 would be better, yeah.

Ummmm, probably Dodonpachi DOJ. Ketsui comes in first.

DOJ has a lot of atmosphere, and the melancholy but pretty soundtrack really compliments the foggy/rainy cities and (I hate to use this comparison) "SCI-FI Dark Souls" esque gloomy aesthetic.

Can't beat Ketsui for sheer power and beauty though IMO

3D

Where did this amazing gif come from?

[Captain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzUUJuzYvGc

at 3 mins

[Kollision]

xevious
variety is everything

[BulletMagnet]

I have to concur that this topic is a bit redundant; if you want expanded "favorite music" lists just add on to existing ones in existing threads.