17 Best Video Game Songs With Vocals: Gaming’s Greatest Hits

Hey there, fellow beat enthusiasts and aspiring DJs! Welcome to another exciting blog post where we’re going to explore the mesmerizing world of video game music. This time, we’re diving deep into the realm of unforgettable tunes that feature vocals, blending the best of both worlds: gaming and singing. If you’re looking for fresh inspiration or simply want to spice up your DJ sets with some truly epic tracks, you’re in for a treat!

In this post, we’ll be counting down the “17 Best Video Game Songs with Vocals,” showcasing the diverse range of emotions, genres, and styles that make these tracks stand out. We’ll be looking at iconic classics and hidden gems, all of which have left a lasting impact on players and listeners alike. So whether you’re a fan of electronic beats, catchy pop tunes, or heartfelt ballads, there’s something for everyone in this list.

Not only will we be discussing the songs themselves, but we’ll also delve into the incredible talent behind each track – the composers and artists who have poured their hearts and souls into creating these unforgettable musical experiences. So, buckle up, turn up the volume, and let’s embark on an epic journey through the captivating universe of video game music with vocals!

List Of 17 Best Video Game Songs With Vocals

1. “Still Alive” from Portal
   • Description: An upbeat and catchy tune performed by Ellen McLain as the character GLaDOS, this song plays during Portal’s end credits. Its darkly humorous lyrics reflect the game’s themes of science and experimentation.
   • Author: Written by Jonathan Coulton, a singer-songwriter known for his geek-inspired music.
2. “Snake Eater” from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
   • Description: A Bond-esque theme song with powerful vocals by Cynthia Harrell, it sets the tone for this espionage-driven game with its sultry melody and soaring chorus.
   • Author: Composed by Norihiko Hibino, a Japanese composer known for his work on the Metal Gear Solid series.
3. “Baba Yetu” from Civilization IV
   • Description: A Swahili adaptation of The Lord’s Prayer performed by the Soweto Gospel Choir, this uplifting and majestic song serves as the theme for Civilization IV.
   • Author: Composed by Christopher Tin, a Grammy-winning composer known for his work in film, video games, and advertisements.
4. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” from Bioshock Infinite
   • Description: A haunting rendition of the classic hymn, performed by Courtnee Draper and Troy Baker, the voices behind the game’s protagonists.
   • Author: Originally written in 1907 by Ada R. Habershon and Charles H. Gabriel, this version was adapted by Garry Schyman, Bioshock Infinite’s composer.
5. “Simple and Clean” from Kingdom Hearts
   • Description: A catchy pop tune with an infectious melody, sung by Japanese-American artist Hikaru Utada, which serves as the main theme for the Kingdom Hearts series.
   • Author: Written and performed by Hikaru Utada, a prominent J-pop artist known for her work on the Kingdom Hearts series.
6. “Everything’s Alright” from To The Moon
   • Description: A gentle, soothing ballad sung by Laura Shigihara that encapsulates the game’s melancholic story about love and loss.
   • Author: Composed by Kan Gao, the creator and composer of To The Moon, with lyrics and vocals by Laura Shigihara.
7. “The Best is Yet to Come” from Metal Gear Solid
   • Description: A hauntingly beautiful Irish ballad sung by Aoife Ní Fhearraigh that plays during the game’s end credits, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
   • Author: Composed by Rika Muranaka, a Japanese composer and producer who worked on several Metal Gear Solid games.
8. “Eyes on Me” from Final Fantasy VIII
   • Description: A romantic ballad performed by Chinese singer Faye Wong that serves as the love theme for the game’s protagonists, Squall and Rinoa.
   • Author: Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, a legendary composer known for his work on the Final Fantasy series.
9. “Weight of the World” from NieR: Automata
   • Description: A powerful and emotional song sung by J’Nique Nicole, representing the game’s themes of hope and sacrifice.
   • Author: Composed by Keiichi Okabe, a Japanese composer known for his work on the Drakengard and NieR series.
10. “The Wolven Storm (Priscilla’s Song)” from The Witcher 3: Wild Hun Description: A beautiful and melancholic ballad sung in character by Emma Hiddleston as Priscilla, this song tells the story of the game’s protagonist, Geralt, and his love for Yennefer. Author: Composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz, a Polish composer known for his work on The Witcher series.

11. “City Escape” from Sonic Adventure 2

• Description: An energetic and catchy rock song performed by Crush 40, “City Escape” encapsulates the high-speed action of Sonic games with its upbeat melody and driving guitars.
• Author: Written by Jun Senoue, the guitarist and composer for the band Crush 40, which has contributed to multiple Sonic the Hedgehog games.

12. “Still Alive” from Mirror’s Edge

• Description: An atmospheric and ethereal pop song sung by Swedish artist Lisa Miskovsky, reflecting the game’s themes of freedom and perseverance.
• Author: Written by Rami Yacoub and Arnthor Birgisson, two Swedish producers and songwriters, and performed by Lisa Miskovsky.

13. “Divine Identity” from Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga 2

• Description: A powerful and emotional vocal track with a blend of rock and electronic elements, sung by Shoji Meguro and Atsushi Kitajoh, which adds to the game’s intense atmosphere.
• Author: Composed by Shoji Meguro, a Japanese composer known for his work on the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series.

14. “Lullaby of Woe” from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine

• Description: A dark and haunting lullaby sung by Polish singer Anna Terpilowska, which sets the eerie tone for the game’s Blood and Wine expansion.
• Author: Composed by Marcin Przybyłowicz and Mikolai Stroinski, who both worked on The Witcher 3’s soundtrack.

15. “Fear Not This Night” from Guild Wars 2

• Description: A haunting and ethereal ballad performed by Asja Kadrić, the song reflects the game’s themes of unity and hope in the face of darkness.
• Author: Composed by Jeremy Soule, an American composer known for his work on The Elder Scrolls and Guild Wars series.

16. “Life Will Change” from Persona 5

• Description: A stylish and catchy jazz-pop track sung by Lyn Inaizumi, this song embodies the game’s themes of rebellion and breaking free from societal constraints.
• Author: Composed by Shoji Meguro, with lyrics by Benjamin Franklin and vocals by Lyn Inaizumi.

17. “Lost in Thoughts All Alone” from Fire Emblem Fates

• Description: A melancholic and introspective song performed by Rena Strober as the character Azura, reflecting the game’s themes of fate and choices.
• Author: Composed by Hiroki Morishita and Takeru Kanazaki, with lyrics by Yoshito Hirano and vocals by Rena Strober.

Best Video Game Songs With Vocals: Fun Facts

Here are some fun facts about a few of the songs featured in our list of the “17 Best Video Game Songs with Vocals”:

1. “Baba Yetu” from Civilization IV
   • Fun Fact: “Baba Yetu” was the first video game song to ever win a Grammy Award. It won in the category of Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists in 2011, marking a major milestone for video game music recognition.
2. “Still Alive” from Portal
   • Fun Fact: Jonathan Coulton, the songwriter behind “Still Alive,” has mentioned in interviews that the song’s lyrics were heavily influenced by conversations he had with the game’s writer, Erik Wolpaw. Together, they crafted a song that perfectly captures GLaDOS’s twisted sense of humor.
3. “Simple and Clean” from Kingdom Hearts
   • Fun Fact: Hikaru Utada, the artist behind “Simple and Clean,” is known for creating both Japanese and English versions of her songs for the Kingdom Hearts series. For example, the Japanese version of “Simple and Clean” is called “光” (Hikari), which translates to “Light.”
4. “Eyes on Me” from Final Fantasy VIII
   • Fun Fact: “Eyes on Me” was the first song in the Final Fantasy series to feature vocals. It became a massive success in Japan, selling over 500,000 copies and winning the “Song of the Year (Western Music)” award at the 14th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1999.
5. “Snake Eater” from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
   • Fun Fact: The game’s director, Hideo Kojima, wanted the “Snake Eater” theme song to have a James Bond-esque feel, which is why it features lush orchestration and sultry vocals. This choice was a nod to the game’s Cold War setting and espionage themes.
6. “The Wolven Storm (Priscilla’s Song)” from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
   • Fun Fact: “The Wolven Storm” was translated into multiple languages for The Witcher 3’s various localizations. The song can be heard in English, Polish, German, French, Russian, and even Japanese – each version performed by a different singer to maintain its emotional impact across cultures.
7. “Lost in Thoughts All Alone” from Fire Emblem Fates
   • Fun Fact: “Lost in Thoughts All Alone” has different lyrics depending on the version of Fire Emblem Fates you’re playing: Birthright, Conquest, or Revelation. Each set of lyrics reflects the unique narrative paths and choices players face in each game.

8. “Weight of the World” from NieR: Automata
   • Fun Fact: “Weight of the World” has multiple versions in the game’s soundtrack, each with a different language and vocalist. The English, Japanese, and “Nouveau-FR” (a fictional language created for the game) versions all play during different endings, giving each one a distinct emotional impact.
9. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” from Bioshock Infinite
   • Fun Fact: The in-game version of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” was recorded in a single take with Courtnee Draper (voice of Elizabeth) and Troy Baker (voice of Booker) singing together while accompanied by a live guitarist. The organic, authentic performance adds to the emotional weight of the song in the context of the game.
10. “Life Will Change” from Persona 5

• Fun Fact: In addition to the standard version of “Life Will Change,” Persona 5 also features an instrumental version that plays during in-game heist sequences. The instrumental version maintains the same catchy melody and energetic beat but omits the vocals, adding to the tension and excitement of the heist missions.

11. “City Escape” from Sonic Adventure 2

• Fun Fact: “City Escape” is not only well-known for its catchy tune but also for its iconic level design. The song plays during a memorable sequence where Sonic speeds down the steep streets of San Francisco-inspired “City Escape” level, dodging traffic and grinding on rails, making it an unforgettable gaming experience.

12. “Fear Not This Night” from Guild Wars 2

• Fun Fact: “Fear Not This Night” was initially composed as an instrumental track, but the game’s developers later decided to add lyrics to make it more memorable. The process of writing and recording the vocals took over a year, as the team wanted to ensure that the song’s message and melody resonated with players.

And there you have it, folks – our fantastic voyage through the “17 Best Video Game Songs with Vocals” has come to an end. We hope this incredible collection of tracks has inspired you to push the boundaries of your DJ sets and explore the vast, captivating world of video game music even further.

As we’ve seen, these songs not only enhance the gaming experience but also showcase the incredible talent and creativity of the composers and artists behind them. So, don’t be afraid to dig deep and discover more hidden gems, as there are undoubtedly countless other unforgettable video game tracks with vocals out there waiting to be mixed into your sets.

Remember, as a DJ, your role is to take your audience on a journey, and what better way to do so than by incorporating the magic of video game music? These songs have the power to evoke nostalgia, create atmosphere, and transport your listeners to entirely new worlds – a true testament to the art of video game composition.

Keep spinning those decks, keep exploring new musical horizons, and most importantly, have fun while doing it! Until next time, happy mixing and game on!

Thanks for reading.

TBone