The Definitive Ranking of Every Grand Theft Auto Soundtrack

Grand Theft Auto, the iconic gaming franchise, is not only celebrated for its gripping gameplay and captivating narratives but also for its groundbreaking soundtracks. The fusion of rock, metal, hip hop, pop, dance, and classical music has become a hallmark of the series. In this comprehensive ranking, we will explore and evaluate each main entry Grand Theft Auto soundtrack, delving into their unique musical landscapes, innovations, and cultural impacts.

Table of Contents

Prologue

7. Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)

Grand Theft Auto 2 builds on its predecessor with a diverse array of original compositions, introducing more radio stations based on the player’s location. Despite its expansion, it lags due to the overshadowing brilliance of Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, released shortly before, which featured licensed music for the first time. The decision to revert to a 100% original soundtrack felt like a missed opportunity, but GTA 2’s music remains noteworthy.

6. Grand Theft Auto (1997)

The original Grand Theft Auto was a game-changer with its immersive soundtrack, introducing the concept of an interactive, in-car radio that could switch between stations and genres. The soundtrack added depth to the open-world experience, providing a soundtrack for chaotic, subversive gameplay. This innovation set the stage for further evolution in the series.

5. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)

GTA III’s soundtrack, featuring three hours of both real-world and fictional artists, marked a significant leap forward in gaming soundtracks. From lush instrumentals to classical compositions, it offered a diverse selection of songs. The introduction of artists like Royce Da 5’9″ expanded the game’s musical landscape, showcasing the forward-thinking approach of gaming soundtracks in 2001.

4. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)

Returning to the present day, GTA IV brought a soundtrack that matched its contemporary setting. Electro-Choc, a new radio station, introduced glitchy EDM cuts, while Liberty City Hardcore delivered punk rock anthems. The soundtrack covered rock from various eras, hip hop, indie, pop, jazz, and reggae. Although lacking the defining anthems of previous titles, GTA IV’s music remained forward-thinking.

3. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

GTA V struck a perfect balance, paying homage to nostalgic soundtracks while injecting contemporary, cutting-edge tracks. The West Coast Classics Station featured Dr. Dre, N.W.A., and Snoop, while Radio Los Santos showcased fresh cuts from A$AP Rocky, The Game, and others. The game’s sheer variety in music made it stand out, setting a high bar for the series.

2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

Building spectacularly on its predecessor, San Andreas’s soundtrack expanded the blueprint. Adding diverse genres like r’n’b, soul, country, and reggae, it leveraged its 90s setting with tracks from heavyweights like 2Pac, Cypress Hill, Rage Against The Machine, and many more. The result was an eclectic, bulletproof soundtrack that appealed to music fans across the board.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)

Vice City not only boasts the best soundtrack in the GTA series but stands as one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time. Capturing the mid-80s setting impeccably, it features over nine hours of music across seven unique radio stations. From heavy metal classics to synth-pop hits and foundational hip hop anthems, Vice City created the perfect soundtrack for its iconic era, solidifying its status as the greatest of all time.

In this journey through the evolution of Grand Theft Auto soundtracks, we witness the series’ commitment to innovation, cultural representation, and the seamless integration of music into the gaming experience. Each entry contributes to the legacy of GTA’s soundscapes, with Vice City standing as the undisputed pinnacle of virtual auditory excellence. As we eagerly await Grand Theft Auto 6, the bar for its soundtrack is set remarkably high.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently planned for release in 2025 on Xbox Series X and S, and PlayStation 5.