Madden NFL is essentially the American Football version of FIFA. And just like FIFA, the video game series – named after the legendary coach and sportscaster, John Madden – is famed for its exhilarating, immersive soundtracks.
Below, we explore every Madden soundtrack from 2003 to 2023, and highlight our favourite track from each one. Along the way, we’ll also call out similar production music playlists from our extensive catalogue of background music tracks. Who knows, one of them could be perfect for your next project – whether that’s a video game, a sports project, TV show, film, or something else. Let’s kick off with Madden 03.
Madden Soundtracks 2003 – 2023
Madden Soundtracks 2003
‘The Anthem’ – Good Charlotte
In 2002, American pop-punk band Good Charlotte released their album The Young and The Hopeless.
One of the standout hits was the ultimate noughties rock track, ‘The Anthem’ – the chanting, electric guitars and high-octane drums all come together to capture the sound of teenage rebellion. By using it in their Madden 03 soundtrack, EA went straight to the hearts of their target market.
Check out our High Energy Pop Punk Playlist.
Madden Soundtrack 2004
‘Rock You (Remix)’ – The Roots
World-renowned hip hop band The Roots appeared on the Madden soundtrack when their song Rock You was remixed for the 2004 version of the game. Taken from their 2002 Phrenology album, Rock You is a fast-paced rap that keeps a consistent flow and features a repetitive, singalong chorus.
The remix references the game (with a very meta shoutout to EA Sports in the first verse) and the rock vibe is amped up with electric guitars. How we wish they’d commissioned exclusive remixes for their later Madden games (if anyone from EA is reading, yes, that is a hint).
Madden Soundtrack 2005
‘American Idiot’ – Green Day
Back in the mid-00s, Green Day climbed (back) up to the pinnacle of the industry with the release of their seventh studio album, American Idiot.
The titular track, released in August 2004, swiftly became a huge hit thanks to its grungy sound, surprising lyrics and utter catchiness. And it wasn’t just ideal for a Madden soundtrack; it was also nominated for a Grammy.
Madden Soundtrack 2006
‘Dance Dance’ – Fall Out Boy
When Madden 06 was released in Autumn 2005, many sports fans were obsessing over alternative rock – which explains why Fall Out Boy secured a place on this EA soundtrack.
The band’s ‘Dance Dance’ is an upbeat song about a cheating girlfriend. Surprisingly sparky and dynamic, it’s one of EA’s most unique choices for their sports game soundtracks and for this reason, it’s one of our favourites from a Madden video game.
Madden Soundtrack 2007
‘Is it Any Wonder?’ – Keane
British alt-rock band Keane made a name for themselves when they released their debut studio album Hopes and Fears in 2004 – which consisted largely of melancholy rock ballads. But in 2006, the group switched up their sound to something a little rockier.
From the band’s second studio album, the song ‘Is it Any Wonder?’ sounds entirely different to the Keane sound that preceded it. The electric guitar at the start of the track is redolent of 80s rock bands such as Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses – miles away from their previous hits. But it’s the new-found grittiness that put Keane on the track list of Madden 07, forever associating their revamped sound with tactics, tackles and tremendous energy.
Madden Soundtrack 2008
‘Release’ – Timbaland ft Justin Timberlake
When we think of Madden soundtracks, we think of upbeat rock, R&B and hip hop, all of which have been a staple part of the series’ soundtracks since Madden 08, which starred the likes of Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and Pitbull.
By far our favourite song on this playlist is Release by Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake. Released as part of Timbaland’s second solo studio album, the collaborative song sounds like it was specially made for the game: it captures the attention of the player, keeps them focused and, last but not least, makes them hungry for more.
Madden Soundtrack 2009
‘We Made It’ – Busta Rhymes ft Linkin Park
In the 2000s, two genres dominated the music scene – hip hop and alternative rock. Appropriately, towards the end of the decade the two collided, as artists began to collaborate and create a brand-new, hybrid sound.
One of our favourite rapper x alt-rock songs is ‘We Made It’ by Busta Rhymes featuring Linkin Park. ‘We Made It’ made it (pun intended, thanks) to the Madden 09 soundtrack because of its uplifting spirit, memorable lyrics and totally timely sound.
Madden Soundtrack 2010
‘Can’t C Me’ – 2Pac
To build a successful future, sometimes you just have to look back, which is exactly what EA did with the soundtrack for Madden 10.
2 Pac’s ‘Can’t C Me’ – originally released in 1996 on the rapper’s All Eyez on Me album – is undeniably the best track on the Madden 10 soundtrack. The song’s street-inspired beat and well-paced rhythm helps gamers escape into EA’s sports-centric world and makes us seriously nostalgic for the nineties.
Madden Soundtrack 2011
‘We Ready (ft Bubba Sparxxx)’ – Archive Eversole
The throwback vibe continued the following year with ‘We Ready’ by Archie Eversole featuring Bubba Sparxxx on the Madden 11 soundtrack.
In case you’re not familiar with Eversole, he’s a German-born, Atlanta-based rapper best known for his 2002 hip-hop record Ride Wit Me Dirty South Style. As for the song, well, it’s exactly what you’d expect from an early 00s rap track, with a kooky sample (‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ by Steam), catchy lyrics and an addictive rhythm.
Madden Soundtrack 2012
‘Pass Out’ – Tinie Tempah
As Brits, we were surprised to learn that national sensation Tinie Tempah’s number one hit ‘Pass Out’ made it to the States, never mind onto the Madden 12 soundtrack. Having said that, we can see why it works for the game.
The British rapper’s debut single marked a new age of British rap – one that was just as accessible as pop, and just as good on the radio as in the clubs. Evidently it worked well for video games too.
Madden Soundtrack 2013
‘Crazy Train’ – Ozzy Osbourne
For Madden 13, EA returned to the game’s rock music roots by featuring tracks from the likes of Kiss, Blur and Ozzy Osbourne on the soundtrack. Osbourne’s track Crazy Train was the standout song on the playlist.
Originally released in 1980, Crazy Train is the quintessential Ozzy Osbourne track – fun, fiery and literally and figuratively electric. When we heard it during gameplay back in 2014, it instantly brought smiles to our faces.
Madden Soundtrack 2014 (NFL 25)
‘Boom Boom Pow’ – Black Eyed Peas
EA released Madden NFL 25 to celebrate the game’s 25th anniversary in the 2013/2014 season. Appropriately, they pulled out all the stops for the soundtrack.
Our favourite? It’s got to be the irresistible ‘Boom Boom Pow’ by the Black Eyed Peas. Not only is it an absolute banger, it’s also great for helping players stay awake during the early hours of the morning as they hone their virtual football skills. An absolute winner.
Madden Soundtrack 2015
‘Spend It (Remix)’ – 2 Chainz ft T.I.
The Georgia hip hop scene came through in the early 10s when College Park-born 2 Chainz and Atlanta-born T.I. teamed up for ‘Spend It (Remix)’. Though the song wasn’t fully appreciated when it was first released back in 2011, EA gave it another lease of life by sticking it on their Madden 15 soundtrack.
It works perfectly for the American Football game as it gives the gaming experience a little extra edge; one that we sometimes feel is missing from EA Sport’s other offerings such as FIFA (yes, that’s another hint).
Madden Soundtrack 2016
‘Can’t Feel My Face’ – The Weeknd
Everyone is familiar with ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, the hit that rocketed Canadian artist The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) into the mainstream, but why was it chosen for the Madden 16 soundtrack? Well, we think there are a few good reasons...
Firstly, its atmospheric synth opening instantly pulls the listener into Tesfaye’s world and the world of Madden 16. The slightly retro vocal delivery – heavily inspired by the 80s – sounds familiar, both to those who are acquainted with the song and those who aren’t. Finally, the funky beat works harmoniously with the game’s high-tech interface to create an enticing experience for both young and old gamers.
Madden Soundtrack 2017
‘Come Down’ – Anderson .Paak
We really love music, so it’s a rare event when Madden NFL features an artist we’ve never heard of before. But back in 2016, we were introduced to the super-talented Anderson .Paak through the game, for which we’re eternally grateful.
The Anderson .Paak song that appeared on the Madden 17 soundtrack, ‘Come Down’, made us instant fans of the Californian rapper. The groovily contagious beat, layered under the artist’s idiosyncratic vocals, makes for an uplifting hit that instantly puts players a good mood.
Madden Soundtrack 2018
‘Rollin (ft Future and Khalid)’ – Calvin Harris
Finally, we get the chance to voice our opinion on Calvin Harris’s Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 album, so here it is: IT’S SEVERELY UNDERRATED. Fortunately, the people at EA know the score and put ‘Rollin’ on their Madden 18 soundtrack.
The song layers a funk-inspired beat under the transportive voices of rapper Future and singer Khalid to create a song that serves up infectious summertime energy. Needless to say, this energy perfectly fits the Madden 18 experience.
Madden Soundtrack 2019
‘If You Know You Know’ – Pusha T
In 2018, Kanye West produced no less than five albums through his label, G.O.O.D. Music: his own, one with himself and Kid Cudi; and one each for Teyana Taylor, Nas and Pusha T. In our humble opinion, the best song from all five albums is Pusha T’s ‘If You Know You Know.’
EA picked up the East Coast rapper’s song for the Madden 19 soundtrack because the immersive beat keeps the listener in the zone. Plus, the builds mirror the American Football experience, growing more exciting by the second. It’s also brimming with unexpected moments.
Madden Soundtrack 2020
‘Back Up (ft Wiz Khalifa)’ – Don Toliver
We associate powerful hip hop tracks with Madden games, and the soundtracks offer an amazing platform for rising talent. EA featured ‘Back Up (ft Wiz Khalifa) by upcoming rapper Don Toliver on the Madden 20 soundtrack, which doubtless had a little to do with his subsequent success.
Toliver’s unique tone, Khalifa’s too-cool-for-school vibe, and the brass and bass-led production make for a song that captures the big band spirit of NFL games. Just listen, and you’ll know why we love it.
Madden Soundtrack 2021
‘Powered Up’ – EarthGang
ICYMI, EarthGang are all the rage. Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot, the American hip hop duo, are novel and quirky, and ‘Powered Up’ is one of the best songs they’ve released so far.
The track has Madden all over it, with its peppy beat, motivational lyrics (who doesn’t want to power up their game?) and anthem-like backing vocals to really help get your head in the game. For these reasons and more, it’s our favourite track on the Madden 21 soundtrack.
Madden Soundtrack 2022
The Madden soundtrack for 2022 featured an extraordinary list of over 50 songs. Plus, it was the first time EA Games had released an EA Sports Madden NFL soundtrack album; they worked with Interscope, ‘one of the most forward-thinking, risk-taking hip hop labels in the industry’ according to Steve Schnur, President of EA Music.
Each artist featured on the soundtrack was chosen because of their love of both football and Madden. Our pick? Swae Lee, who released his new song with Jack Harlow, ‘Ball is Life’, on the Madden NFL 22 soundtrack.
Madden Soundtrack 2023
This year’s game isn’t quite as dense as last year’s when it comes to the soundtrack. But the 39-strong list still includes hard hitters such as Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg ft. Nas, Drake and Tyler, the Creator. And, as Steve Schnur says, ‘Over the past decades, Madden NFL has become a platform for fans to discover new music, launching new stars’. This year’s newbies include LA rapper Malachiii, Japanese DJ Nigo and female MC Doechii.
EA Games says that 2023’s soundtrack ‘delivers a starting lineup of MVP artists, all-star collaborations, gifted rookies and gritty exclusives that will hit everything all season long.’ Three-time Grammy winner and writer/producer/rapper Hit-Boy has created 33 exclusive beats for the game’s cinematics. He also collaborated with Grammy nominee Cordae on the bespoke track ‘Checkmate’, which will debut in Madden NFL 23 around NFL Kickoff.
Hard-hitting tracks by Killer Mike and Bas will be available only in-game. Check out the full soundtrack release on August 19th.
Soundtrack Your Video Game
If you’re a gamer, you’ll understand how vital music is to the whole experience. Looking to produce your own video game? Take a look at our ever-growing selection of production music tracks to help your players immerse themselves in the world you’ve created.
To start exploring our expansive music catalogue, head over to our mood/emotion and genre playlists, including the best sports tracks. Or check out our in-depth look at all things games, music, film, TV and ads on The Edit – including the best ever sports movies and their soundtracks.
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