Video games and music have a long-standing relationship. In the early days of gaming, simple melodies and sound effects were used due to the limited technology available. However, as technology advanced, so did the music in video games. Today’s games feature intricate soundtracks, including licensed songs that are just as memorable as the games themselves.
Certain video game soundtracks have become iconic, and there are even songs about video games that have gained popularity on their own. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of our top picks for songs about your favorite pastime.
Whether you’re a retro gamer or a fan of modern titles, there’s sure to be a song on this list that you’ll enjoy. So, grab your controller and get ready to rock out to these fantastic video game-inspired tunes!
Contents
- 1. “The Legend of Zelda Rap” by Smosh
- 2. “Kernkraft 4000” by Zombie Nation
- 3. “Game On” by Waka Flocka Flame
- 4. “Too Much Is Never Enough” by Florence + the Machine
- 5. “Pac-Man Fever” by Buckner & Garcia
- 6. “Bliss” by Muse
- 7. “Game Over” by Falling in Reverse
- 8. “Dollar and a Dream III” by J. Cole
- 9. “My Console” by Eiffel 65
- 10. “Hope for the Future” by Paul McCartney
- 11. “Space Invaders” by Player One
- 12. “Gears of War” by Megadeth
- 13. “Nintendo Game” by Alessia Cara
- 14. “Pinball Wizard” by The Who
- 15. “Ode to Centipede” by Buckner & Garcia
- 16. “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey
- 17. “Warning Call” by Chvrches
- 18. “Dominoes” by Robbie Nevil
- 19. “Pizza and Pinball” by Rumer
- 20. “Symphony of the Night” by DragonForce
- Final Thoughts
1. “The Legend of Zelda Rap” by Smosh
Starting off the list isa track by the popular YouTubers, Smosh. “The Legend of Zelda Rap” is a humorous take on the classic video game franchise. The song chronicles Link’s adventures in the first three games of the series. It was released in 2011 as part of the If Music Were Real album.
2. “Kernkraft 4000” by Zombie Nation
Commonly used as a chant in sporting events, “Kernkraft 4000” is a techno song by Zombie Nation. The song was released in 1999 and contains a remix of the game Lazy Jones’ official soundtrack. You can find it on their Leichenschmaus album.
3. “Game On” by Waka Flocka Flame
The next song is “Game On” by Waka Flocka Flame. This song is all about being competitive and rising to the challenge.
It talks about how video games can bring out the best in people, and how they can push people to be better than they ever thought possible. It was featured in the popular movie about video games, “Pixels”. You can stream it on all music platforms out there.
4. “Too Much Is Never Enough” by Florence + the Machine
Featured in Final Fantasy XV, “Too Much Is Never Enough” by Florence + the Machine is an epic song that talks about pushing yourself to the limit.
It’s a powerful and emotional song that really packs a punch. This is a great song to play while gaming, as it will get you pumped up and ready to beat your opponents no matter what it takes.
5. “Pac-Man Fever” by Buckner & Garcia
“Pac-Man Fever” by Buckner & Garcia is a classic song that was released all the way back in 1982. This song is about being addicted to Pac-Man and how it can take over your life.
It’s a catchy tune that will definitely get stuck in your head. You can find this song on their album of the same title.
6. “Bliss” by Muse
Up next is “Bliss” by Muse. This song is about being lost in a video game and how it can be an escape from reality. It’s a beautiful and atmospheric song that will transport you to another world. You can find this song on their album, Origin of Symmetry which was released in 2001.
7. “Game Over” by Falling in Reverse
Falling in Reverse is a band that is known for their dark and edgy style, and “Game Over” is no exception. This song is about how life is just like a video game and how we’re all just pawns in the game.
It’s a heavy song with a powerful message that will resonate with gamers everywhere. You can find this song on their album, Fashionably Late which was released in 2013.
8. “Dollar and a Dream III” by J. Cole
Another song that will get you pumped up for gaming is “Dollar and a Dream III” by J. Cole. This song is all about grinding and hustling to achieve your dreams.
It’s a motivational song that will inspire you to reach for the stars. You can find this song on his album, Cole World: The Sideline Story which was released in 2011.
9. “My Console” by Eiffel 65
This next song will resonate to all the gamers out there who have found themselves spending way too much time on their consoles.
Eiffel 65’s “My Console” is a catchy ode to letting video games take over your life. The upbeat track mentions play station way too many times and you can tell the guys are having a ton of fun making this song.
10. “Hope for the Future” by Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney’s “Hope for the Future” was written for the video game Destiny. The song has an anthemic quality to it that makes you want to get up and conquer the world.
The guitars and drums give the track a bit of an edge, while McCartney’s vocals soar over the top. It can be found on the end credits of the game.
11. “Space Invaders” by Player One
You can already tell by the title that this next song is going to be a bit of a bop. “Space Invaders” by Player One is an electronic dance track that will get you moving.
The 8-bit video game sounds in the background add an extra layer of fun to the tune. And who doesn’t love a good Space Invader reference?
12. “Gears of War” by Megadeth
Megadeth’s “Gears of War” is a metal song that will get your blood pumping. The tune was written for the popular video game franchise of the same name.
The song is full of shredding guitars and aggressive vocals, making it the perfect pump-up jam for when you’re about to take down some enemy forces.
13. “Nintendo Game” by Alessia Cara
Do you still remember the days when you would beg your parents for a Nintendo game? Alessia Cara does, and she’s written a song about it.
“Nintendo Game” is a nostalgic track that will take you back to simpler times. The lyrics are sweet and innocent, with Cara longing for the days when all she wanted was to play video games.
14. “Pinball Wizard” by The Who
“Pinball Wizard” by The Who is a classic rock song that has been featured in many video games over the years.
The tune is about a boy who is a master at pinball, and it features some amazing guitar work from Pete Townshend. If you’re a fan of classic rock, then this song is a must-hear. You can find it on their Tommy album.
15. “Ode to Centipede” by Buckner & Garcia
Here’s another track from the Pac‐Man Fever album. “Ode to Centipede” by Buckner & Garcia is a catchy tune that will have you humming along. The lyrics are all about the classic arcade game. If you’re a fan of ’80s arcade games, you will love listening to this track.
16. “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey
This next song is a bit different from the previous ones as it talks about being in a relationship with someone who loves playing video games with you.
Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” is a beautiful ballad with dreamy vocals and a catchy melody. It was released in 2012 as part of her Born to Die: The Paradise Edition album.
17. “Warning Call” by Chvrches
“Warning Call” by Chvrches is a synth-pop song that was written for the video game Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst. The track features some amazing vocals from Lauren Mayberry, and the overall tone is very dark and mysterious.
It’s the perfect song to listen to when you’re feeling like a badass. It was released in 2015 as part of their album Every Open Eye.
18. “Dominoes” by Robbie Nevil
From his self-titled album, Robbie Nevil’s “Dominoes” is also a great video game song. It’s not as high-energy as some of the other songs on this list, but it’s perfect for when you’re in the zone and just want to focus on the game. It was released in 1986 and can still be streamed on all music platforms out there.
19. “Pizza and Pinball” by Rumer
This next song talks about reminiscing on childhood memories, and what’s more nostalgic than playing video games? Rumer’s “Pizza and Pinball” is a great ode to those carefree days spent in front of the TV with a controller in hand. It was released in 2014 as part of her album Into Colour.
20. “Symphony of the Night” by DragonForce
Wrapping up our list is DragonForce’s “Symphony of the Night.” This song is an absolute banger and perfect for when you need some extra motivation to keep playing.
It was released in 2014 and can be found on their album Maximum Overload. This can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
Final Thoughts
There are quite a few songs about video games out there, and they come from all genres of music. Whether you like rap, rock, metal, or even country, there’s bound to be a song about video games that you’ll enjoy while you’re gaming.
So, the next time you’re looking for some new music to game to, why not give one of these songs a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy them.
