Music has long been proven to improve athletic performance, that is why it is such a big feature in most of our sports - including hockey.
Music is played in the arena before games, when goals are scored, and in the breaks between the halves.
Many professional athletes will tell you that their pre-game pump-up music is a crucial part of preparing for a game.
It gets them in the right mindset and helps them to control the adrenaline that is pumping through their veins.
Today, we are going to share with you 10 songs that definitely need a play on your pre-game playlist.
Titanium, David Guetta feat. Sia
"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire away, fire away…"
This song not only comes with a motivational tune but affirmative lyrics as well.
They are paired perfectly together to make a song that will leave anyone feeling.
There is a persistent and driving beat that continues throughout the song that makes it feel quite fast-paced even though Sia is singing quite slowly.
It's easy to listen to this song and imagine it playing over the top of a montage of all your greatest hockey moments.
This song is about carrying on no matter what the odds are. This is something that many hockey players will relate to.
Often you will go into a match as an underdog and want to prove everyone wrong.
In moments like that, you can feel bulletproof.
Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Off with your head, dance, dance, dance 'till you're dead…"
This song makes many people think about Halloween, but it can make the perfect pump-up song.
Especially for anyone who has a tough game up ahead of them and needs to get in a winning mood.
In many ways, this song strikes a similar tone to Seven Nation Army - another huge sporting anthem that we will talk about later.
It is impossible not to get pumped up listening to the unique combination of synths and guitars that this song has created.
And don't forget the great lyrics. The phrase "heads will roll" is often used when a landslide victory is expected.
This can be a great phrase to get into your head just before you start playing a game. It shows you have confidence in yourself and the rest of your team.
After you have finished listening to this song, you should definitely listen to Super Massive Blackhole by Muse.
POWER - Kanye West
"No one man should have all that power…"
This song is so closely tied to sports now, that a sporting advert including this song seems a little cliche.
But things often become cliche because they work. There is no denying that in this song, Ye has created one of the best pump-up songs of all time.
If this song is not on your pre-match playlist then you should change that right now.
Even listening to the choir singing at the start of this song will send shivers down your spine.
In this song, West talks about being a chosen one with a huge amount of talent.
Listening to these lyrics will really help you get into the right headspace for winning games.
The chorus is not just catchy but empowering and you will find yourself singing it for the rest of the evening.
Seven Nation Army - The Black Keys
"I'm going to fight them off, a seven nation army couldn't hold me back …"
This is a song about taking control, but this song is more famous for its iconic baseline.
It first got popular because the song worked really well being played through stadium sound systems but it has really taken on a life of its own.
You will see fans all over the world sing this song in the stadium, with people singing out the notes of the solo and baseline. In soccer, hockey, and many other sports.
This song is about to turn 20 and it is more popular than it's ever been. We're not surprised by that.
Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor
"Rising up straight to the top, Had the guts, got the glory, Went the distance, now I'm not going to stop, Just a man and his will to survive…"
We don't need to tell you why this song has made it onto this list - the lyrics, the vocals, and the music come together to make a song that might just be perfect.
This song is so closely linked with sports because it was used in Rocky 3 and since then it has become the ultimate montage music.
The song is about getting up and fighting even when things aren't going your way - and we think that is something every athlete can relate to.
In The Air Tonight- Phil Collins
"I've been waiting for this moment all of my life…"
Just the drum solo in this song could have earned it a place on this list. But the lyrics are perfect for anyone preparing for a big game.
And the build-up… Well, it leaves us speechless every time we listen to this song.
Put this song towards the start of this playlist and we know you will be in the mood to destroy the opposition by the end of this song.
In this song, Phil talks about betrayal, forgiveness, and how that can affect someone's life.
The song feels like it's building up to a big battle at the end of a movie. There is nothing better than before you play a game of hockey.
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
"But it's just the price I pay, destiny is calling me, so open up my eager eyes 'cause I'm Mr. Brightside…"
This song was a set of lyrics that are relentless, the singer almost doesn't take a moment to breathe until the end of the first chorus.
Beware, once you put this song on your playlist it will be stuck in your head 24/7.
While this song may not have much to do with sport, it perfectly captures how it feels to want to prove yourself and make something of yourself.
This is something we all feel before we step out on the ice.
Especially when they say, "coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine, gotta gotta be down because I want it all…"
Ain't No Rest For The Wicked - Cage The Elephant
"I can't slow down, I can't slow down, Even though I wish I could, You know there ain't no rest for the wicked, Until we close our eyes for good…"
If you like smart lyrics, fast lines, funky guitar riffs, and a chorus that will play in your head over and over again - then look no further.
This song is so fast that you can't help but raise your energy levels by listening to it. It will definitely put a pep in your step.
This song from Cage is less than three minutes long and is a complete masterpiece.
Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting - Nickelback COVER
"Don't give us none of your aggravation, We had it with your discipline, Saturday night's alright for fighting"
This cover is very different from the original version of the song but brings a completely different energy to it.
One that is perfect for hockey. We all know that fighting isn't uncommon in this beloved game of ours.
This song was originally written by Elton John but this cover by Nickelback had become completely intertwined with hockey.
It is used for the Saturday Night Hockey Show in Canada - one of the most appropriate theme songs of all time.
Once you listen to it, you will completely understand why.
I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness
"I believe in a thing called love, Just listen to the rhythm of my heart, There's a chance we could make it now, We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down…"
Nothing will get you pumped for a game of hockey like the guitar solos in this song.
They will have you dancing in the changing rooms and headbanging all the way onto the ice.
There's something about this song that lifts everyone up when they listen to it.
You didn't think that listening to a love song before a game of hockey would get you in the zone, but The Darkness continues to surprise us.
You may not be able to stop yourself from breaking out the air guitar while listening to this one.
So you may want to listen to it in private to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of your teammates.
Unless, of course, you have some showstopping air guitar moves…
Summary
When you are preparing for a hockey match, you want a playlist that is going to get you excited and in the mood to win.
These 10 songs above will make a great start to a playlist that will do just that.
And don't forget your chirps. We have prepared a post for that too.