Dragon Quest: You Tell Me!

First and foremost, I would recommend obtaining a copy of the Dragon Quest V Symphonic Suite. Without a doubt this showcases the base of what Sugiyama has to offer. Just about every track, right down to the dungeon/tower themes are tremendously engaging and emotionally powerful. A few of the more standout tracks include:

"Melody in an Ancient Town~Toward the Horizon~Casino~Lively Town~Melody in an Ancient Town" which is a medley of the various town themes and is superbly arranged together. The "Lively Town" theme is quite possibly the best town/village theme he has composed for the series thus far. Another highlight is

Monsters in the Dungeon~Tower of Death~Dark World~Monsters in the Dungeon, the cave theme is quite a departure from the rest in that it is actually enjoyable to listen to for extended periods. The tower theme is also not what you would expect. Instead of an overly ominous or tense theme Sugiyama presents a serene, almost reflective melody with the tension distinctly in the background.

"Violent Enemies~Almighty Boss Devil is Challenged" represent the battle themes. "Violent Enemies" is very dramatic for a regular battle theme, and almost could pass as a boss theme toward the end. The flute interlude here is surprisingly effective, and makes the boss theme that much more jarring. "Almighty Boss Devil is Challenged" is a very dramatic piece that rivals the final boss theme in most other Dragon Quest albums. The orchestration in particular gives the impression of being battered over and over again by an evil unrelenting enemy.

This ties right in with the next track, "Noble Requiem~Saint" which contains a tragic requiem theme, that is perhaps made more effective if one has heard how it is used in the context of the game. Just the introduction of "Saint" the shrine theme after so much grief is quite a beautiful moment and really enhances the serenity and loneliness of the track.

"Satan" is the aptly titled final boss theme, and is based on the same concept as "King Dragon" from DQI, but has been fleshed out into something much grander. What sets this one apart is the overall minimalist approach with a solo horn section and percussion carrying much of the piece. Although what really ends up making it work is how it builds up into the tremendous and slightly terrifying orchestral frenzy. Truthfully, I think this is one of the most effective final boss themes when it comes to articulating a decisive battle between good and evil, without being too dramatic.

Finally, "Heaven" is a theme for the "Sky Cloud" castle which was featured in games 4-6 of the series. This track is nothing short of sublime, which the orchestra coming together so perfectly it makes one want to cry.

Next on the list, I would recommend Dragon Quest IV, which is of the same quality.

Jam it back in, in the dark.