Where Would We Be Without Game Soundtracks?

Video games are more than just their storyline, animation style, and mindless action. The music featured in them can do a lot to create an ambiance and add meaning. With some songs also garnering a new life from their video game spotlight, it's a win-win. Here are 20 great classic songs that were revived by games.

daigooliva on Wikimedia Commons

1. “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” - The Ink Spots

The Fallout game series has always utilized music effectively to create atmosphere. They used this oldie in one of the Fallout 3 trailers and not only did it make us want to buy the game, but it had us googling “What song is this?” 

Unidentified on Wikimedia Commons

2. “T.N.T.” - AC/DC

We can’t hear this song and not think of Tony Hawk Pro Skater. The game created a whole new generation of AC/DC fans. 

Wendy Collings on Wikimedia Commons

3. "Fortunate Son" - Creedence Clearwater Revival

This 70s classic was used in Call of Duty: Black Ops, making the song skyrocket in popularity again over 30 years after its release. The rock ballad which was written as a Vietnam War protest song found new relevance with its new young 2010 audience. 

Cal Montney on Wikimedia Commons4. "Take On Me" - A-ha

Saints Row 2 used the mega upbeat 80s pop tune “Take on Me” to comedic effect, contrasting against the game’s serious themes and chaotic action. The creators managed to strike a delicate balance between heavy, realistic drama and lighthearted comedy, represented by this perfect song choice.

Volition on Wikimedia Commons

5. "Low Rider" - War

Because you’re constantly stealing cars with different radio stations on in Grand Theft Auto, the game’s creators took the opportunity to stick in as many cool songs as they could. “Low Rider” is also aptly about a car. It’s one of the best song choices in all of GTA.

John Mathew Smith on Wikimedia Commons

6. "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" - Dead or Alive

Because it worked so well the first time, the creators behind Saints Row 4 decided to once again use an over-the-top 80s pop song to comedic effect. It worked great as the backdrop to a chaotic action sequence. 

Mathew Street on Wikimedia Commons

7. "Blue Monday" - New Order

When “Blue Monday” appeared in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, it gained a slew of new fans. The synth-forward hit from the decade of decadence matched the game’s 1980s aesthetic perfectly. 

Luke Brehony on Wikimedia Commons

8. "Bad Reputation" - Joan Jett

Punk music and skateboarding are a match made in heaven, so of course Tony Hawk Pro Skater just had to feature 70s punk goddess Joan Jett on their soundtrack. This game bred a whole new generation of punks and we’re grateful for it.

Lindsey T on Wikimedia Commons

9. "Welcome to the Jungle" - Guns N' Roses

Perhaps one of the most memorable songs from Guitar Hero 3, it made these hard rock legends known to young millennials. The band’s lead guitarist, Slash, with his famous long, frizzy locks and top hat was even featured on the game sleeve.

Kreepin Deth on Wikimedia Commons

10. "The Chain" - Fleetwood Mac

If it’s a great driving song in real life, it’s great in a driving game too. “The Chain” was featured in Forza Horizon and reminded everyone how awesome Fleetwood Mac was.

Warner Bros. Records on Wikimedia Commons

11. "Paint It Black" - The Rolling Stones

“Paint It Black” was featured in the 2001 game Twisted Metal: Black. The slightly degenerate song matched the dark tone of the game perfectly and caused a bunch of young gamers to scramble off to download it onto their MP3 players.

Raph_PH on Wikimedia Commons

12. "I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor

“I Will Survive” may have been featured jokingly in Rayman Raving Rabbids, but the song’s new fanbase certainly wasn’t a joke. It had a new generation of kids disco dancing. 

Thomas Rodenbücher on Wikimedia Commons

13. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" - Eurythmics

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" was included as part of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s 80s-themed soundtrack because nothing 80s-themed would be complete without it. The song’s lyrics about desire and ambition fit well the game’s themes of revenge and control. 

14. "Carry On" - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

This folk-rock classic was featured in Grand Theft Auto 5, garnering a whole bunch of unlikely new fans. It contributed to GTA 5 having the most eclectic mix of music compared to the other game iterations.

Matthew Harris on Wikimedia Commons

15. "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode

“Personal Jesus” was used in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The song’s reference to Jesus is kind of ironic in a game where you’re stealing cars, but its themes of control and personal salvation fit the game nicely. 

Sheila Rock on Wikimedia Commons

16. "Mad World" - Tears for Fears

The song “Mad World,” about the world falling apart and not making sense was the perfect theme song for the game Gears of War which is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The somber 80s ballad picked up a cult following from the game. 

Polygram Records on Wikimedia Commons

17. "Stand By Me" - Ben E. King

This classic oldie was introduced to modern audiences through the game Final Fantasy 15. A cover version was used in the trailer and soundtrack to reflect the game’s themes of friendship and loyalty to amazing dramatic effect.

annulla on Wikimedia Commons

18. “Africa" - Toto

This 80s yacht rock classic was revived in Forza Horizon 3 adding an easygoing vibe to players' virtual driving experience. Being featured in one of Xbox’s most successful games made the song have another day in the sun. 

Gianni Guerra on Wikimedia Commons

19. "Dreams" - Fleetwood Mac

Remember the viral TikTok skateboarding video that made this song become one of the top-streamed songs? Well, that’s not the only revival it got. It also blew up when it was featured in MLB: The Show 17. 

MLB The Show on Wikimedia Commons

20. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" - John Denver

“Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a country song about West Virginia was given new life as the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic version of the state in Fallout 76. Its use in this context gave the song a new edge and a new fan base. 

ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons