Best Rhythm Game Songs
What are the best rhythm game songs? Some of these cacophony-causing classics are so iconic, you’d be forgiven for mistaking their iconic chiptune riffs for actual music. The genre has its roots in music games, like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, but the best rhythm games have brought their own unique flair, with unique input methods, gameplay styles, and – most importantly – unforgettable tracks.
From the upbeat indie jams of Rock Band to the K-pop, anime music, and even Beethoven, these are the best songs in rhythm games, including the most iconic Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and Dance Dance Revolution tracks.
Dani California – Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Rock Band series boasts countless iconic songs, and picking one is a difficult task. While it’s hard to go past the likes of DragonForce’s “Through the Fire and Flames” and Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” for their respective games’ highest difficulties, we instead go for the beloved indie rock anthem “Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The song perfectly encapsulates the laid-back vibes of the late-noughties indie rock scene and is a highlight in one of the best Guitar Hero games.
Pop/Stars – K/DA
The rhythm game genre and K-Pop have more in common than you might think. While rhythm games do require a level of skill, they’re not quite as intimidating as the genre they spawned from, and offer an accessible way to enjoy K-Pop.
K/DA’s Pop/Stars is one of the best songs in the genre, seamlessly combining Western and Korean pop artists. It’s so good, it even made its way into Fortnite as the Battle Pass’s dance emote.
Thumper – Drool
Thumper, a lesser-known but highly polished rhythm game, boasts an incredible original soundtrack. While its signature track “Rave” is a great song to get your head bobbing to, the epic finale “Beetle” really steals the show. It’s the perfect example of how mind-bendingly difficult Thumper can get, and the song itself is unforgettable.
Butterfly – DJ Command
Dance Dance Revolution players will fondly remember the nightcore hit “Butterfly.” The song became engrained in our memories, not just because it plays at every arcade, but also because it was so catchy. Even years later, it’s still a dance track that you can’t help but bop along to.
Donderful Everyday – Taiko no Tatsujin
Taiko no Tatsujin requires players to use a drum setup, and the song “Donderful Everyday” showcases the game’s difficulty perfectly. Its lightning-fast notes and drum rolls start off slow, but by the song’s end, you’ll be sweating just trying to keep up.
Trombone Champ – Parappa the Rapper
Trombone Champ brought a breath of fresh air to the gaming scene. It’s hilarious take on Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony spawned viral content and was a fun diversion from the usual rhythm game songs. It was also a memorable track in Parappa the Rapper, the game that originated the genre.
Parappa’s Live Rap – Parappa the Rapper
Parappa the Rapper is one of the best games of all time, period. Even though it’s a 2D platformer, the laid-back 90s rap groove of “Parappa’s Live Rap” is an uplifting finale to one of the best games ever made.
Through the Fire and Flames – DragonForce
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock introduced DragonForce’s “Through the Fire and Flames,” known for being the hardest song in the game and an iconic track in rhythm game history. Guitar Hero games are known for their iconic covers, but DragonForce’s track is so good, it’s earned a place in our best Guitar Hero songs list.
The song is challenging at first, but once you nail its quick chord changes, it’s an enjoyable track to rock out to.
Good Life – Grand Theft Auto V
Guitar Hero isn’t the only rhythm game to feature iconic covers, as GTA V’s “Good Life” is a great homage to The Sims’ “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”.
