March 19, 2024

Opinion: Five songs to pump you up for Saturday’s game

Unless you have been living under the biggest rock in all of Rocky Top, then you know that Saturday’s football game against the Oklahoma Sooners is perhaps the biggest game for the program in a decade. With all the hype surrounding the program and the game, UT fans already have an excuse to be pumped. However, before the game, if you really want to get your blood pumping and attend the game fully prepared to scream your lungs out, I have five songs that you all need to listen to before the game.

Photo by Kevan Elkins

Unless you have been living under the biggest rock in all of Rocky Top, then you know that Saturday’s football game against the Oklahoma Sooners is perhaps the biggest game for the program in a decade. With all the hype surrounding the program and the game, UT fans already have an excuse to be pumped. However, before the game, if you really want to get your blood pumping and attend the game fully prepared to scream your lungs out, I have five songs that you all need to listen to before the game. “Rocky Top” will always be number one in our hearts, but these five songs will help you all bring so much noise, the Sooners will never want to come to Neyland Stadium again.

“Bring Da Ruckus” by Wu Tang Clan (1993)

The first ever taste of Wu-Tang to the masses was this track, the opener to the iconic album 36 Chambers. Putting the energetic beat and flows aside, the title of this song alone tells all of you Vol fans what to do Saturday night: BRING DA RUCKUS.
“One More Time” by Daft Punk (2001)
Before Daft Punk got lucky, they were the most daring and innovative electronic music duo in the world, known for their unique blend of sampling, robotic vocals, quirky beats and all around mystery. Despite the mystery, the French duo knows how to write a catchy tune. “One More Time” was the group’s breakthrough hit and is one of the most iconic dance songs of all-time. This song will make you want to bring the hype…you guessed it…ONE MORE TIME.
“Takyon (Death Yon)” by Death Grips (2011)
If you ignore the barbaric screaming and the hyper violence within the lyrics, this is the definitive song to get your adrenaline pumping. The heavy beat, the primal screaming and the sheer noise make this song the perfect example of a song that will release your inner beast and intimidate the Sooners.
“Backseat Freestyle” by Kendrick Lamar (2012)
How can you leave out King Kendrick? The man is revered because of his versatility, and while Kendrick can out rap anyone and is not afraid to tackle social issues, the man knows how to write a hype, quotable, banger like “Backseat Freestyle,” featuring easily the best Eiffel Tower reference of all-time.
“Big Beast” by Killer Mike featuring Bun B & TI (2012)
Similar to Kendrick Lamar, Killer Mike is a versatile rapper who is unafraid of tackling social issues, but is also able to deliver hype tracks. Right from the jump, Killer Mike begins assaulting your ears with his ferocious and passionate delivery. The hi-hat heavy beat is full of energy and the features from Bun B and TI only enhance this song’s ability to get its listeners pumped.
There you have it. Listen to these five songs before the game, bring the noise and go Vols!
Featured Image by Kevan Elkins
Edited by Jessica Carr
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Follow me @DavidJBradford1 on Twitter, email me at dbradfo2@vols.utk.edu for any questions.