FFVIII's world feels so....unspectacular, probably because it's the most "modern" FF we've ever had. It's not the faux-early 20th Century of FFVII or the futuristic FFXIII, it's just plain old now. I feel that's conveyed by the music for the towns, none of which is particularly magical or memorable. It's not bad but it doesn't feature that sense of whimsy or fantasy if you prefer.

Just compare the world map themes for VII, VIII and IX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuyw90GuWIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGAWcVKDqxg

vs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdGoENQNQ4

There is no comparison. The foreboding atmosphere of VII's theme and the beautiful, light-hearted nature of IX's theme, destroy the mundane and unremarkable-ness of VIII's theme.

This is also evident enough in towns too.

Most of VIIi's town themes are rooted in this same mundane tone, all because it is "modern."