Jukebox: Best Songs from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’s Flash FM

It doesn’t take much to comprehend why Vice City is universally lauded as one of the GTA franchise’s best: Nothing comes close to its impressive 80’s playlist that adds so much authenticity to the game’s setting.

 

Among Vice City’s many radio stations, Flash FM deserves special mention for its powerhouse selection of 80’s pop and pop-rock hits. Guaranteed to bring on the nostalgia, this list will take you back to the golden era of “Morning in America”.

–

Yes – Owner of a Lonely Heart
“Owner of a lonely heart, much better than an owner of a broken heart~”

A Grammy-nominated, pop-rock number by the British band YES, Owner of a Lonely Heart offers gentle lyrical delivery with punchy percussion that makes for easy listening. For all the lonely singles out there seeking a motivational boost, this song encourages you to be brave in your pursuit for the perfect romance. “Give your free will a chance”, as YES succinctly puts it.

–

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
“People always told me be careful what you do, don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts~”

Iconic would the word to describe Billie Jean. Capturing the very essence of pop music’s golden era, Michael Jackson’s 1983 number continues to be one of the best-selling singles worldwide. I have a feeling any further attempts to describe this legendary song would do it a great disservice, so a listen is highly recommended:

–

Bryan Adams – Run to You
“Cause when the feeling’s right, I’m gonna run all night, i’m gonna run to you~”

A personal favorite of mine, Bryan Adams’ Run to You exudes immense passion with his trademark husky vocals and beautiful guitar accompaniments. While the lyrics point to the persona cheating on his girlfriend, it actually depicts Adam’s utmost love for playing music such that it becomes a mistress in his relationship. Not sure about the cheating, but the ardor oozing from this song we can definitely agree with!

–

Laura Branigan – Self Control
“A safe night, I’m living in a forest of my dream~”

There’s something about the instrumental jingling in this song that makes it a perfect complement to a long, relaxing night drive. A cover of the original song by Italian singer Raf, Branigan’s version strikes a delicate balance between electrifying rock riffs and synthesizer effects, creating a perfect pop-rock blend for listeners’ enjoyment. That’s some self-control there indeed.

–

Halls and Oates – Out of Touch
“You’re out of touch, I’m out of time, but I’m out of my head when you’re not around~”

Nothing screams 80’s pop as much as the iconic synthesizer sound, and Halls and Oates’ love piece delivers without fail. With soothing vocals and a catchy chorus to boot, Out of Touch is sure to stick around in your head for a while after you’re done – and for good reason.

Jukebox: Best Songs from Fallout 3 and New Vegas

Known for using famous American swing tunes dating back to the 1930s, the latest installments in the Fallout series prove a great introduction to the cheerful atmosphere of a bygone era in US music history.

 

In addition to being used as a form of dramatic irony to emphasize the bleak nature of life in the post-nuclear wasteland, these swing songs are perfect for a leisurely listen and could very much brighten your day:

–

Kay Kyser – Jingle Jangle Jingle
“Though I may have done some fooling this is why I never fell~”

A song celebrating the carefree aspects of singlehood, this joyous number by Kay Kyser is both catchy and crisp in its delivery, and will definitely have you, I quote, “riding merrily along”.

–

Jack Shaindlin – Let’s Go Sunning
“Life’s worth living, If nature’s giving~”

Revel in the joy of the outdoors with Shaindlin’s song as she sings about enjoying life on a beautiful day. A feel-good song that calms the soul, Let’s Go Sunning reminds listeners that life’s high points make the entire journey worthwhile.

–

Bob Crosby and the Bobcats – Way Back Home
“The love the liveliest, the life the loveliest, way back home~”

A more mellow, soulful track that expresses the homesickness of a man far away from home, Crosby croons about the little things – from nature to the pretty girls – that make home truly the sweetest place. Through Crosby’s song comes a reminder to appreciate the small things in life.

–

Dean Martin – Ain’t That A Kick in the Head
“How lucky can one guy be? I kissed her and she kissed me~”

Oozing pure class and jazzy finesse. Martin’s Ain’t That A Kick in the Head depicts the elation of experiencing requited love. Going through the flurry of happy thoughts in a man’s mind when his interest is reciprocated, many who have been/are in love can definitely relate with the smoothly-delivered lyrics.

Such is the allure of the song that it was used in a winning dance routine for one episode of the popular US talent show Dancing with the Stars. A timeless classic, that’s for sure.

–

Cole Porter – Anything Goes
“Good authors too, who once knew better words, now only use four-letter words, writing prose… Anything goes~”

Anything Goes is about how life continuously changes, with social norms never remaining the same over time. The song touches on changing dress codes, the acceptance of previously “mad” behavior and other societal shifts that people still contend with today, but does it in a catchy, lighthearted manner that’s pleasant to the ears.

Jukebox: 5 Solid Soundtrack Tunes for June 2015

Musical scores and soundtracks in films and games are aspects of the medium that contribute heavily to the experience. They shape the ambiance, the mood, and the emotions which flow from one scene to another. Yet, these gems of creative expression are commonly overlooked by the average person.

This is where the jukebox section comes in.

Through the Jukebox entries, this treasure trove hidden within the world of music will be made open to you, with songs of cinematic quality for every mood explored and introduced. Fret not, as this site is committed to making the most obscure-sounding things accessible to the ordinary person.

Now, here’s a new reason to clean the insides of your ears regularly. Enjoy.

~

Jeremy Soule’s “Far Horizons” from The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.

• While the titular, masculine-sounding “Dragonborn” theme by Jeremy Soule is arguably the most prominent Skyrim song, “Far Horizons” is its gentler, elegant sibling which captures many hearts.

• Calming, scenic, and wondrous, this orchestral piece often accompanies players as they traverse the vast wilderness of Skyrim and revel in the grace and beauty of its natural landscape. A perfect song for a quiet evening or a rainy day.

Trevor Morris’ “DA:I Main Theme” from Dragon Age: Inquisition.

• If you’re in the mood for adventure and heroism, Morris’ bold use of strings and percussion creates an impetuous mood coupled with a sense of grandeur and courage as the brass instruments kick in. An epic, rousing piece fitting of the game’s setting, this song is set to blow you away.