4 Best Music Soundtracks for Sports Games
4 Best Music Soundtracks for Sports Games
(Image by studiobmedia from Pixabay) Video games have always had a knack for elevating the adrenaline, drama, and excitement of sports. But it’s not just the gameplay that has us glued to our screens – it’s the soundtracks too.
From thumping beats that get your heart racing to iconic anthems that stick with you long after you’ve turned off your console, the music in sports games plays a major role in making the experience memorable. Let’s take a dive into some of the best music soundtracks that have left an indelible mark on the world of sports games.
FIFA Series
If there’s one sports game that is known just as much for its soundtrack as its gameplay, it’s the FIFA series. Over the years, EA Sports has turned the FIFA games into an annual showcase of global music. From indie rock and alternative pop to electronic dance beats and hip-hop, FIFA has introduced millions of players to fresh music they might never have stumbled upon otherwise.
The FIFA soundtrack works like a curated playlist, reflecting the diversity of the sport itself. You’ve got artists from every corner of the world contributing to the game, mirroring soccer’s global appeal. Songs like Love Me Again by John Newman in FIFA 14 and Jungle by X Ambassadors in FIFA 15 became chart-toppers largely due to their inclusion in the game.
FIFA’s music keeps evolving too, with more recent editions featuring artists like Dua Lipa, Major Lazer, and even lesser-known acts that often rise to fame thanks to their exposure through the game.
FIFA’s soundtrack succeeds because it brings energy, diversity, and a global flavour that matches the world’s most popular sport. It’s the perfect mix of discovery and nostalgia, with every game offering a new blend of familiar tracks and emerging talent.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Few sports games are as synonymous with their soundtrack as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. This iconic skateboarding game is not only remembered for its killer tricks but for its killer tunes. The soundtrack of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater brought punk, ska, and hip-hop into the homes of millions of players, defining an entire generation of gaming culture.
Songs like Goldfinger’s Superman and Rage Against the Machine’s Guerrilla Radio became instant anthems for skateboarders and gamers alike. These high-energy tracks were perfect for pulling off insane tricks and half-pipe stunts. The raw, gritty sound of punk rock was the perfect backdrop for the rebellious spirit of the game, creating a vibe that made you want to grab a skateboard and hit the streets yourself.
What’s incredible about Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is how much its soundtrack transcended the game. The music became the soundtrack to many people’s lives during that era. And as the game evolved through its various sequels, so did the soundtrack, adding new layers to the skateboarding culture. Even today, the influence of the Tony Hawk series can be heard in sports games everywhere, keeping that spirit alive.
NBA 2K
For basketball fans, the NBA 2K series is where it’s at. But beyond the slam dunks and fast-breaks, NBA 2K is also known for curating one of the best hip-hop soundtracks in sports gaming. Each year, the NBA 2K soundtrack feels like a mix of the biggest names in rap, R&B, and urban music, making it as much a cultural statement as it is a game feature.
NBA 2K has always been closely linked with hip-hop culture, and the game’s soundtracks are a reflection of that bond. From Jay-Z to Drake, Kendrick Lamar to Travis Scott, the music has always added a layer of authenticity to the gaming experience. It’s more than just background noise; it’s the sound of the streets, of pickup games at the park, of the energy and vibe that basketball embodies.
In addition to featuring established artists, NBA 2K often highlights rising stars, making it a great way to stay current with the latest hits. The game’s producers are careful to pick tracks that resonate with the player’s experience on the court, giving the game a pulse and a swagger that mirrors real life.
Madden NFL
If you’ve ever played Madden NFL, you know that it’s not just about the gridiron. The music in the Madden series has always set the tone for the game, blending rock, hip-hop, and sometimes even electronic beats to create a soundtrack that gets your blood pumping for game day.
Madden NFL’s soundtracks have been known for their wide range of genres, appealing to football fans of all musical tastes. Over the years, the Madden series has featured everything from Metallica and Foo Fighters to Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi.
The game captures the essence of football in America – diverse, intense, and full of energy. Tracks like Ozzy Osbourne’s Let Me Hear You Scream and Kendrick Lamar’s DNA are just a couple of examples of the high-octane tunes that have appeared in the game, amplifying the intensity of the experience.
One of the coolest things about Madden’s soundtrack is how it reflects the crossover between sports and music culture. Many NFL players have close ties to the music industry, whether they’re appearing in music videos or launching their own music careers. Madden NFL’s soundtrack becomes an extension of that connection, bringing together rock anthems and hip-hop bangers to create the ultimate football soundtrack.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. When it comes to sports games, music plays an undeniable role in shaping the experience. Whether you’re shredding on a skateboard, scoring a goal, draining a three-pointer, or diving for a touchdown, the soundtrack is there to keep your adrenaline flowing.
From the global beats of FIFA to the rebellious punk of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, the curated soundtracks of these games aren’t just a background – they’re an integral part of the game’s identity.
So, next time you’re gearing up for a gaming session, take a moment to appreciate the beats that are pumping through your speakers. After all, it’s the music that turns a great sports game into an unforgettable one.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
