The Early Innovators: Yellow Magic Orchestra
One of the pioneering bands to integrate video game sounds into music was Japan’s Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). In their 1978 self-titled album, YMO sampled sounds from Space Invaders, a game that had taken the arcade world by storm. Their hit single "Computer Game" from the same album sold over 400,000 copies in the United States, highlighting the global appeal of video game-inspired music. YMO’s work would go on to influence much of the video game music composed during the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, embedding their legacy into gaming history.
The "Space Invaders" Phenomenon
The immense popularity of Space Invaders in the late 1970s sparked a wave of songs inspired by the game. Tracks like "Disco Space Invaders" (1979) by Funny Stuff, "Space Invaders" (1980) by Player One (also known as Playback in the U.S.), and "Space Invader" (1980) by The Pretenders captured the zeitgeist of the arcade era. Uncle Vic’s "Space Invaders" (1980) also became a hit, further cementing the game’s influence on pop music. Notably, Player One’s track "Space Invaders" later provided the bassline for Jesse Saunders' "On and On" (1984), considered the first Chicago house music record.
"Pac-Man Fever" Takes Over
By 1982, Pac-Man had become a global sensation, inspiring the hit song "Pac-Man Fever" by Buckner & Garcia. The track reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies, earning a Gold certification. The accompanying album, also titled Pac-Man Fever, featured additional arcade-inspired tracks and achieved similar commercial success. That same year, R. Cade and the Video Victims released an album titled Get Victimized, which included songs like "Donkey Kong" and further celebrated the arcade culture of the time.
The Birth of Chiptune: Haruomi Hosono’s Contribution
In 1984, Haruomi Hosono, a former member of YMO, released an album entirely composed of Namco arcade game samples, aptly titled Video Game Music. This groundbreaking record is considered one of the earliest examples of chiptune music, a genre that would later gain immense popularity. Hosono’s work demonstrated the artistic potential of integrating video game sounds into mainstream music.
Arcade Sounds in Hip Hop and Electro
The influence of arcade games extended beyond pop and electronic music, leaving its mark on hip hop and electro genres during the early 1980s. The mechanical and electronic sounds of games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man provided a fresh auditory palette for artists. This trend persisted into the 1990s with tracks like I-F’s "Space Invaders Are Smoking Grass" (1997), which paid homage to Atari-era gaming with its burbling electro beats and vocodered vocals.
I Know You're Gonna Dig This
"Tetris" by Doctor Spin was a 1992 dance track inspired by the Tetris theme, this UK chart hit brought the iconic game’s music to a new audience. Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Nigel Wright under the pseudonym Doctor Spin, it showcased how video game themes could cross into mainstream music charts.
Honourable Mentions
"Donkey Kong" by R. Cade and the Video Victims (1982): Another arcade-inspired track from the early 1980s.
"Space Harrier" by Hélène Croce (1986): A lesser-known but captivating song inspired by Sega’s classic arcade game.
"Theme from Tetris" (Various Artists): Although not strictly a pop song, countless artists have reimagined this iconic melody in different styles, showcasing the enduring influence of video games on music.
Modern-Day Homages
Video games continue to inspire contemporary music across genres, with artists frequently referencing games or incorporating their sounds into new works. Some popular modern examples include:
- "Megalovania" by Toby Fox: Originally composed for the EarthBound ROM hack, this track gained widespread acclaim as part of the Undertale soundtrack, becoming a cultural phenomenon in its own right.
- "Tron Legacy (End Titles)" by Daft Punk: While inspired by the Tron franchise rather than a specific game, Daft Punk’s soundtrack for Tron: Legacy captures the aesthetic and feel of retro-futuristic gaming.
- "8-bit" by Deadmau5: This electronic track pays homage to the chiptune sounds of classic video games, blending nostalgic melodies with modern production techniques.
- "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey: Although more metaphorical in its approach, the song’s title and themes evoke a sense of longing and escapism often associated with gaming.
- "Gerudo Valley" covers and remixes: The iconic track from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been reinterpreted by countless artists, showcasing the enduring influence of video game soundtracks on modern music.
- "Minecraft Volume Alpha" by C418: The official soundtrack to Minecraft has become a staple in ambient music, with its minimalist compositions earning praise from gamers and music enthusiasts alike.
These examples illustrate how video games have become an enduring source of inspiration for musicians, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation.
The Legacy of Video Game-Inspired Music
The crossover between video games and music has only grown stronger over the decades. From the early adoption of game sounds by pioneering bands to modern-day homages in electronic and pop music, video games continue to inspire creativity across genres. These songs not only celebrate the cultural impact of gaming but also demonstrate the unique synergy between two of the most influential entertainment industries of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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