EA Sports soundtracks shifted from predominantly indie rock and alt-pop in the 2000s to a broader mix of hip-hop, house, grime, drum and bass, and alternative electronic music starting in the 2010s. Dedicated music supervisors Cybele Pettus and Steve Schnur have curated these selections across titles like FIFA/FC, SSX, and Need for Speed for roughly 15 years.
Whether the genre shift is positive depends on who you ask. Many users praise the diversity and the consistent discovery of up-and-coming artists who later gain significant popularity. Others feel recent soundtracks are bland or too focused on commercial rap, leading them to mute the in-game music entirely.
The change largely reflects generational differences in taste. Older players nostalgic for the indie rock and alt-pop of FIFA 06, 14, and 15 often prefer the older soundtracks, while the genre shift has undeniably shaped many players' music tastes over the years, introducing them to artists and styles they might not have encountered otherwise.
Standout soundtracks
FIFA 06Remembered as one of the legendary FIFA soundtracks
FIFA 14Frequently cited as a favorite that shaped players' music tastes
FIFA 15Mentioned alongside 06 and 14 as iconic
Burnout 3Featured iconic rock tunes that influenced players' tastes
Burnout RevengePraised alongside Burnout 3 for its rock soundtrack
Evolution of Genre and Curation
Shift to broader genres: EA Sports soundtracks, particularly for FIFA/FC, have expanded from primarily indie rock and alt-pop in the 2000s to incorporate house, hip-hop, grime, drum and bass, and alternative electronic music. "The 00s were predominantly indie rock and alt pop. the 2010s started incorporating house and hip hop."
Dedicated music supervision: EA employs a team, including Cybele Pettus (Music Supervisor) and Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive and President of Music), responsible for curating music across various titles like FIFA, SSX, and Need for Speed. "To answer your question quite literally, the two notable people who were responsible for the better soundtracks for the last 15 or so years are Cybele Pettus (Music Supervisor for EA) and Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive and President of Music for EA)."
Discovery of new artists: Many Users praise EA Sports for consistently featuring up-and-coming artists who later gain significant popularity, helping players discover new music. "How the series consistently finds gems from artists that are up and coming is phenomenal. I can't state how many times I've discovered an artist from FIFA / FC who's up and coming but not big, only to see 6 months later they've blown up."
Nostalgia vs. Modern Soundtracks
Preference for older soundtracks: Many Users feel that older FIFA soundtracks, particularly from FIFA 06, 14, and 15, were more "legendary" and evoke a stronger sense of nostalgia. "FIFA 14 for me, my 2nd FIFA and it like truly developed my taste in music at the time"
Criticism of recent soundtracks: Some Users criticize recent soundtracks, particularly for FIFA/FC games, for being "woeful," "bland," or too heavily focused on rap and commercial music, leading them to mute the in-game music. "The soundtrack this year is woeful. Like I genuinely can’t stand it. There’s like 2 good songs, and all the rest of them are so bland."
Generational taste differences: The shift in music taste is sometimes attributed to generational changes, with newer soundtracks reflecting the preferences of younger audiences, while older players prefer the indie and rock-heavy sounds of the past. "The music reflects the youth of today’s tastes I guess."
Impact and Influence
Shaping music tastes: EA Sports soundtracks have significantly influenced the music tastes of many players, introducing them to various genres and artists. "Burnout 3 and Revenge had some iconic tunes. It also shaped some of my music taste on the rock side."
Soundtrack settings and customization: Some players opt to turn off in-game music to listen to their own playlists or podcasts, indicating a desire for more personalized audio experiences. "Mute soundtrack is my first action every year 😅"
Do you think the change in soundtrack genres is a positive development for EA Sports games?
Bottom line
EA Sports soundtracks have evolved from predominantly indie rock and alt-pop in the 2000s to a broader mix including hip-hop, house, and electronic genres in recent years, with dedicated music supervisors curating the selections. While some Users appreciate the diversity and discovery of new artists, others express nostalgia for older soundtracks and criticize newer ones for lacking the same appeal.
FAQ
Who picks the music for EA Sports games?
Cybele Pettus is the Music Supervisor for EA, and Steve Schnur is the Worldwide Executive and President of Music for EA. They have been responsible for curating soundtracks across titles like FIFA/FC, SSX, and Need for Speed for approximately 15 years.
What genres are in EA Sports soundtracks now?
Recent EA Sports soundtracks feature hip-hop, house, grime, drum and bass, and alternative electronic music. This is a significant shift from the 2000s when indie rock and alt-pop dominated the selections.
Why did EA Sports change their soundtrack style?
The genre shift reflects generational changes in music preferences. Newer soundtracks cater to younger audiences, with users noting that the music reflects the tastes of today's youth.
Which FIFA soundtrack was the best?
Many users consider FIFA 06, FIFA 14, and FIFA 15 to have the most memorable soundtracks. FIFA 14 in particular is credited with shaping players' music tastes at the time.
Can you turn off the music in EA Sports games?
Yes, players can mute the in-game soundtrack. Some users report muting the music as their first action every year, preferring to listen to their own playlists or podcasts.
Do EA Sports soundtracks help artists get famous?
Yes, many users praise EA for consistently featuring up-and-coming artists who later gain significant popularity. Players frequently report discovering artists through FIFA and FC games months before those artists blow up.
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