It’s that time of year again – the new football season is underway, albeit in strange circumstances, and the latest instalment of EA’s FIFA series is out! The gameplay will inevitably be slick and gamers will no doubt enjoy the up-to-date ratings, kits, leagues etc., but surely what people really want to know is which songs are on the soundtrack…right?

I’ll be the first to put my hands up and admit that only time will tell which of the songs on the FIFA soundtrack are the best. Only after spending hours and hours selecting starting XIs and choosing formations will players be able to decide which of the songs have become their new anthems. However, after giving the soundtrack a listen through I’ve put together a list of five tracks that really stand out for me. Here they are:

5. Is It True – Tame Impala

Certainly the most well-known artist on this list, Tame Impala’s ‘Is It True’ is a bass-heavy, upbeat song with great falsetto vocals in the chorus. As I often find is the case with Tame Impala, the drums are unique and central to the song, and this is no exception with ‘Is It True’. This track isn’t my favourite from the album, but it fits perfectly on a FIFA soundtrack. 

4. Trouble’s Coming – Royal Blood

It might not be surprising to see ‘Trouble’s Coming’ make this list given my recent post about the song, and while I don’t think it’s one of Royal Blood’s strongest songs I respect their decision to change things up. I like the blend of the pop beat and melody alongside their signature distorted bass guitar. 

3. Who Asked You – Nia Wyn

Nia’s soulful voice, the off-beat drums, the in-your-face bass, the muted guitar – all the elements of this song give it so much swagger. ‘Who Asked You’ is probably not something I would normally listen to, but I keep coming back to it and it thoroughly deserves a spot on this list! The subtle horns in the chorus are fantastic too. 

2. Wish I Was Younger – Alfie Templeman

Wish I Was Younger can be found on Templeman’s most recent EP, ‘Happiness in Liquid Form’, which was released in July this year, and really is a breath of fresh air! It’s a feel-good, modern indie tune with a strong bass line and a fantastic groove. I hadn’t heard of Templeman before listening to this soundtrack but will definitely be listening to the rest of the EP.

1. Ticket To Ride – KAWALA

If there’s one thing that I’ve particularly enjoyed whilst writing this article, it’s discovering artists that make me feel like Jack Black in School of Rock when he’s listening to Zach play Highway To Hell. I’m annoyed at myself for only just discovering KAWALA, but Ticket To Ride is a brilliant, acoustic-based track with amazing vocals and backing vocals that bounce off each other perfectly. Hands down my favourite song from the soundtrack. 

——–

That brings us to the end of the ‘top 5 songs’ from the FIFA 21 soundtrack. I haven’t bought the game yet, but I hope to soon and am thinking it might be interesting to revisit this article in about 6 months to see if I’d choose a different top 5! As ever, if you’ve had a chance to play FIFA 21 or just listen to the soundtrack, comment below with your favourite song!