We covered favorite villagers yesterday, now let’s focus on the special characters of Animal Crossing. Specifically, we’re talking about the single coolest special character in the entire series.

The one and only K.K. Slider.

Who knew that if you gave a guitar to a dog, they’d be able to come up with some pretty iconic tunes. He’s a master of all genres, capturing the hearts of pop and country fans alike. There’s nothing this hound can’t do.

The maestro’s got quite the catalogue under his belt, with nearly 100 songs featured in previous games. But which are the best?

I spent the day listening to nearly every single one of them (it took HOURS) and put together my definitive list of the 10 best K.K. Slider songs (in no particular order), which will likely change once the new game comes out.

Bubblegum K.K.

This track is called “K.K. Idol” in Japan, which is very fitting, as it sounds exactly like something that’d come from a Japanese idol. And the best part is that they remixed the song for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s sparkly, crazy, upbeat fun. And very ridiculous. But I love it anyway.

Spring Blossoms

“Spring Blossoms” is the perfect song to transition you into the upcoming season. It sounds like new beginnings, flowers blooming, and morning teas outside. It makes you wonder if the cherry blossoms in Japan are really as breathtaking as the pictures lead you to believe.

It’s easy to get lost in the daydream. We’ll have to settle for the in-game cherry blossoms for now.

K.K. Cruisin’

I was originally just going to link the game’s audio for “K.K. Cruisin’,” but then I found this phenomenal jazz cover by The Consouls and knew I had to include this instead. I’d legitimately listen to this regularly in my everyday life.

K.K. Adventure

It’s Pirates of the Caribbean for animals. K.K. Slider must have taken inspiration from Hans Zimmer to create this piece.

I prefer the aircheck version of the song to the live one. It feels more like a movie score that way.

K.K. Bossa

The original version of “K.K. Bossa” is great, but how awesome is the orchestral arrangement?? I could listen to this all day, every day. It comes straight from the Animal Crossing movie, which I very recently learned existed, as it was initially only released in Japan.

It’s smooth and addictive. Which is a way I’d describe coffee. But it still applies here.

Forest Life

“Forest Life” is fun because it’s essentially the theme from the original Animal Crossing. When you hear it, you’re transported back to your childhood, planting pitfalls in front of villager’s houses. I mean…

I definitely didn’t do that.

K.K. Lullaby

There are two things I swear by in this life:

1.) If a bagel is not everything flavored or have jalapeños in it, it is not valid, and
2.) If you add a key change to a song, it will automatically make the final product at least 72% better.

The second rule applies here. “K.K. Lullaby” is a simple, sweet song as is, but the unexpected key change boosts it for me. It gives it more impact, more emotion. And it’s 72% better with it.

Steep Hill

“Steep Hill” has long been my go-to track for my character’s home. The version you get for your boombox is good, but K.K.’s live performance is best. As YouTube user Fawkatronic wrote in the comment section, “A song that isn’t even sung in a real language and has more emotion than most of today’s ‘hit’ songs.”

Stale Cupcakes

This is the anthem for all the people out there who planned a birthday party and invited everyone in class, only to wind up sitting alone, watching a plate of cupcakes go stale because no one bothered to show up.

Now I’m sad.

K.K. Lament

Speaking of sad, here is “K.K. Lament.” How is it that an animated dog can sing “mo mi mo ma me maaaa” and it still sounds so sorrowful?

I’m not sure what’s happened in K.K. Slider’s life to inspire such songs (and I hope he’s found healing), but I’m glad songs like these came out of it.

He’s a cartoon, Nicole. He doesn’t exist.

We have very nearly made it to release date for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. What’s in store for K.K. Slider is still vastly unknown, but here’s hoping that whatever it is, it’s accompanied by some sweet new tunes.

[Update: Check out part II of our K.K. Slider series, where we find even MORE songs to request at his concerts.]

Featured image taken from Animal Crossing: City Folk gameplay.