Music is a powerful medium. Capable of stirring up long-forgotten memories and evoking powerful emotion in the listener, music can reduce even the burliest of blokes into blubbering, crumpled heaps. And who says that us guys are afraid to show their sensitive side? Poppycock. Of course, video games are no exception to this rule, and as often is the case, a stellar soundtrack can greatly accentuate the on-screen antics, elevating even the most perfunctory scene to hard-hitting greatness.
In a continued celebration of some of gaming’s ear-pleasing aural accomplishments, PSU presents yet another instalment in our on-going Classic Tracks series. This time around, we’re buckling up for Rockstar’s classic crime romp Grand Theft Auto and the iconic gangster number ‘Joyride.’
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Name: Joyride
Soundtrack: Grand Theft Auto
Composer(s): Craig Conner (credited to the fictional DaShootaz in-game)
A staple on GTA’s N-CT FM, the expletive-filled Joyride perfectly encapsulates Rockstar’s seminal top-down crime fest in its modest 2 minutes without breaking a sweat. Filled with potty-mouthed tales of drugs, cops and fast cars, this infectiously foul ditty is perhaps the most recognised offering from Grand Theft Auto’s diverse soundtrack, and certainly one of the most controversial. After all, back in 1997 swearing wasn’t exactly commonplace in videogames.
Still, let’s face it; Joyride is the perfect companion for cruising down the high-street mowing down civilians and cops alike like the malicious bastards we are. Then again, the amusing juxtaposition to be had by slaughtering innocents while listening to hillbilly’s singing about hairy, scary women makes it all the worthwhile tuning into GTA’s country radio station once in a while. Go on, give it a try.
Check out Joyride below and recall a time when GTA had yet to enter the realms of 3D visuals.