You know them all.
We love a good sporting montage here in JOE Towers but all those dramatic highlights, stirring narratives and memorable moments ultimately mean very little without a great song behind them.
TV editors will tell you that it’s difficult to match the visuals, tone and theme of a montage with the perfect piece of music but these tracks usually help.
Klaxons – It’s Not Over Yet
Used when: A team that’s in a relegation battle miraculously manage to find some form and win a few matches. Hope is not lost.
Muse – Time is Running Out
Used when: Some poor unfortunate manager is under serious pressure to get a few points on the board. Tick-tock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfwEUzzDtzo
Notorious B.I.G – Notorious B.I.G
Used when: McGregor mania is in town.
Drowning Pool – Bodies
Used when: War, tackles, drama, hatred, blood, anger, rivalry, action and passion. Whenever I hear this track my mind wanders to E.C.W’s memorable ‘One Night Stand’ pay-per-view from ’06 and the iconic Rob Van Dam.
Larry Mullen (producer), Moya Brennan (vocals) and Horslips (Dearg Dum riff) – Put ‘Em Under Pressure
Used when: The boys in green are about to be seen.
London Grammar – Strong
Used when: A manager has just lost his job. This montage usually contains an incredible amount of goals being scored against his former team as he looks on in frustration and disappointment. Standard.
Imagine Dragons – Radioactive
Used when: Two centres have collided in a bone-shuddering collision. It even makes fan-made efforts look incredible.
Kodaline – High Hopes
Used when: A new manager has just taken over a struggling team. Confidence is low but hope springs eternal.
Clint Mansell – Summer Overture
Used when: Win or lose. Make or break. All or Nothing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAXk-2uzu-k
Sigur Ros – Hoppipolla
Used when: An editor really wants to capture those moments that can lift sport into the realms of poetry, drama, despair and joy.
Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti
Used when: It’s time to pay homage to the king of montages. Eye of the Tiger is also acceptable.
Vangelis – Chariots of Fire
Used when: Suuuuuuupppppppppper slooooooooooooow mooooooooooo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSav51fVlKU
Any band – Their most famous song but performed by a choir
Used when: You probably know the new trend for montages and trailers by now. Simply take an iconic song and let a choir cover it.
To be fair, it does add some dramatic and haunting qualities. Don’t believe me? Have a listen to Nirvana’s most famous song below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTG2V1A_AmY
Dropkick Murphy’s – I’m Shipping Up to Boston
Used when: It’s time to paint the town green and get the adrenaline pumping. COYBIG!
Queen – We Are The Champions
Used when: Victory, sweet victory.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
