The days of just popping on a gaming console and getting on with the gaming are over. Now, before firing a single shot on that first person shooter, turning a single bend in that racing simulation or making a single move in that strategy game, many players will first load up their gaming playlist and then settle down to their gaming.
That’s because gaming playlists have become incredibly popular. Spotify has thousands of playlists that have the word “gaming” in the title or description. These playlists consist of tracks from video games or, simply, of songs that create atmosphere or help the players immerse themselves in the experience while gaming. Below is a look at some of the popular songs on gaming playlists and why they feature on so many.
“Enemy” (Imagine Dragons)
“Enemy” by the Imagine Dragons and featuring JID, has become something of a staple on gaming playlists. It’s popularity stems from its appearance on the soundtrack of the Netflix animated series “Arcane: League of Legends.” This popular two-chord song, set in the key of B minor, has an intense, cinematic energy and is perfect for competitive gameplay or action gameplay. It wouldn’t be out of place on the slots at Bally Bet or other online operators.
“Sunflower” (Post Malone, with Swae Lee)
“Sunflower,” by Post Malone and featuring Swae Lee, comes from the soundtrack for the animated movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, which is part of its popularity. The song dominated the Australian pop charts for 33 weeks, according to Rolling Stone Australia magazine, and is short, catchy and melodic, with a consistent beat. Post Malone’s raspy voice delivers vocals packed with feeling, and Lee’s voice is dreamy and infectious.
Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)
The lack of a nomination of “Blinding Lights,” by The Weeknd, for the 63rd annual Grammy Awards Song of the Year came as a shock to many. Many gamers will have certainly felt that way as the song found its way quickly onto their gaming playlists. Like “Sunflower,” the song is catchy, melodic and short, but it’s mellow, too, which makes it easy on the ear and nervous system. Players can settle into their gaming easily and become immersed in it in no time.
Legends Never Die (Riot Games)
“Legends Never Die,” by the Riot Games music team, is one of the most streamed video gaming tracks ever on Spotify, having received hundreds of millions of streams. The music comes from the “League of Legends” series and made its debut at the 2017 League of Legends World Championship Finals opening in Beijing. The song encompasses how truly huge the esport is and many link it to that. The melody is anthemic and designed to inspire. The song structure is one of buildup and release, featuring acoustic verses and, as the chorus approaches, being joined by orchestral elements such as strings, bass and percussion, to take on a cinematic quality. It’s a song about perseverance against the odds and will drive on any player locked in battle on League of Legends.
Feel Good Inc (Gorillaz, with De La Soul)
This melancholic lead song from the innovative animated band Gorillaz and their second album “Demon Days” connected heavily with the masses. The song features a chunky bassline, tuneful talk-rap scratched distortion vocals from Damon Albarn and scratched distortion rap from De La Soul. The song attacks the expectations of music artists by companies to produce happy, uplifting music. Even so, it sits on many playlists and is ideal for producing a relaxing vibe for gaming get-togethers with friends or for explorative gaming.
Lucid Dreams (Juice Wrld)
“Lucid Dreams,” from the late singer-rapper Juice Wrld, leads with its chorus and, thanks to the melody and uneven structure of Juice Wrld’s singing, is full of mini-hooks that keep listeners engaged. This masterful piece of emo rap is guitar-driven by a sample of Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” and has received more than 123 million plays on Soundcloud. Juice Wrld himself was a top artist on the platform in 2018. The melancholic tune invites immersion in gaming quickly and suits open-world games.
Juice Wrld’s raw vulnerability combined with pop-punk influenced hip hop resonated with millions. He was an avid gamer and some of his music features on “Fortnite.” One of the weapons in the game, the Juice’s Chug Cannon, is even inspired by the rapper and plays a sample of “Lucid Dreams” when the player picks it up.
The creation of playlists as background music while gaming has increased massively. Jump on to Spotify and you can choose one of many to suit your gaming style or the vibe you want to create while gaming. Other popular gaming playlist tracks you might want to place on your own include MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name), by Lil Nas X, and SICKO MODE, by Travis Scott.
