With a diverse soundtrack featuring artists from 23 different countries, the FIFA 21 soundtrack is definitely worth the listen.
Imagine the FIFA video games without music — it would be so BORING! FIFA is known for their dynamic soundtracks that further enhance the gameplay experience by using up-tempo hits from smaller and bigger-name artists. How can we forget when they introduced us to some of our favorites like Declan McKenna in FIFA 2017 and Catfish & the Bottlemen in FIFA 2015? All past games aside, FIFA 2021 is a video game soundtrack gem as it features a variety of groundbreaking artists. Check out some FIFA 2020’s best tracks.
Colombian musician Ela Minus has had one hell of a musical journey — from her emo band back home to becoming a jazz drummer in Berklee and now an established musician/composer. She released her debut album “acts of rebellion” in October 2020 after releasing single after single in the midst of a pandemic. Minus proves she is an expert in contemporary dance music, as her debut features compelling beats, resonating messages with Latin American undertones. Her music already provides enough imagery of what her stage presence could look like, but experiencing it live and embracing the emotion as it happens could be enough to send you to another realm of existence.
“Sacrifice” by Chloë Black
An amazing track about resilience, the Australian singer-songwriter Chloë Black contributes to the FIFA 2021 soundtrack with a new and refreshing pop sound. Black’s angelic voice resonates against the rhythmic cadence of drums throughout the song, which highlights the song’s underlying message of pride and fight for acceptance. This song is a complete banger and is a must-listen when you are starting a new match.
“Morrow” by 070 Shake
Serving as the soundtrack’s most energized songs yet, “Morrow” (short for “tomorrow”) is a single that tells the story of a relationship on edge in two different points of view. The song features a fuse of hip-hop and electro beats, with dreamlike synths that emphasize Shake’s voice. Even though the track’s lyricism touches upon a heavy topic, its intensity and strong hooks make it a perfect inclusion to FIFA 21.
“Wish I Was Younger” by Alfie Templeman
The soundtrack doesn’t need to be all tension… it needs to have some bubbly and bright sounds! The British singer’s lead single “Wish I Was Younger” comes from his 4th EP called “Happiness in Liquid Form.” The uplifting song brings back the indie vibes from the earlier FIFA soundtracks, with shuffling beats and mesmerizing instrumentation. The track serves a perfect nod to FIFA’s true music colors and serves as the game’s poptastic accompaniment.
“Manos Arriba” by La Vida Boheme
Of course, FIFA wouldn’t be the same without the funky spanish hits. The grammy-winning spanish indie band from Caracas, Venezuela rock out to their anthemic song called “Manos Arriba,” which parodies police in their beloved city. Even though it remains censored on the game, the song discusses harsh themes of corruption and impunity to danceable rhythms and funky bass lines. “Manos Arriba” shows the stance of FIFA’s political and social views, which reasons its inclusion in the soundtrack.
“Don’t Let the Light In” by Low Island
Nothing beats FIFA’s quaint selection in lo-fi tunes. Oxford-based band Low Island provides the soothing single “Don’t Let the Light In,” a song about failing to savor love. The track was also the third single in their debut album If You Could Have It All Again. Riddled with optimistic beats and blends of drums and synth, the song is an incredible exploration of sound and emotion. The track is a perfect throwback to the indie vibes from earlier FIFA games, blending in with indie legends like Glass Animals and Caribou.
“Beginning” by LA Priest
Since LA Priest released the single and video, everyone was already speculating about its prospective future in the FIFA 21 soundtrack. Fortunately, fans were correct! LA Priest’s “Beginning” is the album opener from their album Gene. The track is well-conducted, as it has tender and groovy tones that resemble a reminiscent sequence. It resembles the sounds of Talking Heads and Phoenix, which proves the band is worthy enough of being a prominent feature.
“Like This” by Park Hye Jin
This song is one of the most unique songs featured in the soundtrack, as Korean singer Park Hye Jin sings in her native Korean language. “Like This” is a featured single from Hye Jin’s second EP How Can I. Serving as a song anyone can vibe to while playing FIFA, this track is your typical catchy dance bop with abrupt lyrics. Regardless of the different language, Hye Jin emphasizes its universal beat with the dance-like musicality.
Keylee is a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, Texas. She has received a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as an M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston. As an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, she aspires to create her own path as a content creator by bonding with others over the power of local music and media. If she isn’t listening to her favorite band Paramore, you’ll catch her hanging out with her brothers or playing with her husky Luna.
