Top 10 Licensed Songs in Grand Theft Auto

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Nostalgia can be a powerful force, lending weight to a work of fiction. Such is the case for this song, featured on the Los Santos Rock Radio station in “Grand Theft Auto V”. Its significance to the story at hand was first alluded to in a trailer for the game, focusing on the personal issues of middle-aged ex-criminal Michael De Santa. Thus, “Radio Ga Ga” feels fitting whenever it plays – it's a song driven by longing for the past, paralleling Michael's own internal conflict and inability to move on.

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
The fact that it was used so much to promote the game should tell a great deal about its value. This song by electronic rock band The Chain Gang of 1974 was drawn upon for many of the television spots and commercials for “Grand Theft Auto V”. One of the game's official trailers even used “Sleepwalking” in conjunction with dramatic scenes... which ended up foreshadowing its later use in the story. Franklin's murder of Michael in one ending is capped off by “Sleepwalking” playing over the credits, with the bittersweet feelings evoked being quite appropriate.

“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” (2002)
The 1980s were a time of excess and change, and the music had to reflect that idea. Thus, in 1982, we got “The Message”, which fixated on the struggle to overcome a troubled background and find success. This concept of seeking power and status for self-improvement fits with the entitlement and self-aggrandizement that crops up in 80s culture, making it a useful element of satirically-driven works like “Vice City”. At the very least, it's a believable reason for “The Message” being included on the game's radio soundtrack, to say nothing of the song's easy-going beat.

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Everyone needs a little pop in their life... probably. Anyway, M83's song “Midnight City” found its way into the extended “Grand Theft Auto V” radio soundtrack, playing intermittently on Non-Stop Pop FM. What makes this song interesting is its blend of melancholic lyrics and echoing instrumental work, creating a tune that evokes a sense of longing without becoming overly melodramatic. It's perfect, then, for late-night cruising and pleasant introspection through the busy streets of Los Santos.

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Such a depressing song – yet quite good as a change of pace. “Swimming Pools”, serving as Lamar's way of reflecting on the impact of liquor on his life, hammers home its tragic nature with a repeating central beat and generally grim sound. By its very nature it contrasts with the more energetic or nostalgia-driven tracks in the “Grand Theft Auto” series. Yet by virtue of its raw emotional force, it effortlessly offers players a unique means of reflecting and losing themselves in thought.

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004)
And good times were had by all. Guns 'N Roses' 1987 single “Welcome To The Jungle” found itself linked to “San Andreas” by way of being used in said game's trailers, reinforcing the intense action and amusement to come. The fact that “Welcome To The Jungle” cycles through the in-game Radio X station is a welcome bonus, especially considering the song deals with the struggles of big city life. A more fitting parallel to Carl Johnson's reluctant dive back into the criminal underworld, we could not conceive.

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Some songs thrive on the mood they set. “Feel Good Inc.” is one such song, a rap rock tune written to voice feelings of societal disconnect and isolation. Its underlying theme of longing to escape from society's pressures gave the song its simple but evocative appeal. It makes sense, then, that Rockstar would include “Feel Good Inc.” in the expanded Non-Stop Pop FM line-up. Michael, Franklin and Trevor – the three protagonists of “Grand Theft Auto V” - cope with similar dissatisfied feelings as those expressed in the song. It's nice when things match up like that.

“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)
Those listening to The Beat 102.7 radio station in “GTA IV” may have stumbled upon this Kanye West single, finding themselves left in awe at its tragic tone. The song deals with a relationship in decline, as well as the distasteful nature of paparazzi, with both Kanye and Dwele expressing remorse. Given how much of “Grand Theft Auto IV” focuses on the misfortune of its characters, particularly the player character Niko Bellic, it's appropriate that a song about losing one's way would show up.

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Another addition made to Los Santos Rock Radio via the re-release of “Grand Theft Auto V”, this particular track manages to fit the game's tone whilst being excellent as a singular work. The protesting tone inherent to “Fortunate Son” has been adapted for a variety of purposes elsewhere – meaning there's a precedent for its use to emphasize the over-the-top criminal antics here. Yet it's distinct and hard-edged enough to stand out, retaining the spirit that spurred its creation in the first place.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' – Michael Jackson
“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” (2002)
The Set Up – Favored Nations
“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Photograph – Def Leppard
“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Only Girl (In The World) – Rhianna
“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Strange Times – The Black Keys
“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)
Few things sum up the sheer audacious nature of “Grand Theft Auto” like this. Originally recorded for the 198- film “Top Gun”, this Kenny Loggins song was added to “Grand Theft Auto V” in its remastered edition. Not only can “Danger Zone” be found and enjoyed via Los Santos Rock Radio, its simply inspiring tune caps off a heist setup mission... intended specifically as an homage to its film of origin. While both fuelling a positive energy in players and underlining the game's broader theme of nostalgia-based longing, it's also a bold and fun song in its own right.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite song in Grand Theft Auto? For more musically-inclined Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.