Jukebox Heroes: The Secret World's radio songs

With its contemporary setting, The Secret World has the opportunity to include not only an original score but regular songs as well. Funcom's handled this by broadcasting rock, techno, and other genre tunes over the many in-game radios, much as how Grand Theft Auto fans can tune into different stations to hear a wide variety of tracks.

Not so long ago, the studio even held a contest for fans and artists to submit additional tunes to be included in the game, ending up with 11 new tracks that you might hear while clothes shopping, hanging out at a club, or perusing records at a store. Some are pretty darn good, too.

So let's dispense with the traditional format of this column today and take a listen to what Radio TSW has to offer us. Alas, there will be no "Thriller." We checked.

1. The Zombie Stare by Amy Sweet and Clyde Shorey

"More zombies, more zombies, all we need are more zombies!" a chirpy female voice intones over a techno-industrial beat. We're not talking about a lyrically complex tune here; we're talking about fun. It's an infectious ditty that seems to welcome the ever-present horde of zombies in the game, and for my part, I think it's time that our undead brothers and sisters got their own anthem.

2. Sleepless Lullaby by Bright September

If you've played through Issue #7 and explored a certain nursery, then you're already familiar with this song. Sleepless Lullaby is the music that Orochi was using in its experiments on the lil' kids, and it's everywhere in the mission, from lyrics scrawled on the walls in blood to playing over radios in mostly empty rooms. It's haunting and sad and more than a little creepy.

3. Nassir's song

Nassir is well-known in TSW for two things: being obsessed with pop culture and doing a hilarious jig with an automatic rifle as he listens to this song on the radio. I'm not quite sure who made this track, but it's pretty decent on its own. It definitely has a Middle Eastern/Indian sound to it and gets 100% better when you see Nassir getting funky to it.

4. Motivation: Cody by Noise Angel

I'm a big fan of electronica and trance, especially when it just takes me on a ride without getting too loud, too mellow, or too shrill. A good electronica tune just snaps into your psyche and lets you groove on it for a while, which is what I feel Motivation: Cody does. It's just a galaxy of notes buzzing and zipping around each other while keeping a toe tapping beat going throughout.

5. Hate by Witchhammer

Hang out at the Crusades night club in London long enough and you might hear this play. I always thought it was a little weird how the music makes it sound as if someone's performing this song live, but the main stage is always empty. Anyway, it's not necessarily my most favorite type of music, but there's a little something to this track. Enthusiastic drumming and yelling, definitely.

6. Unknown song in Susie's Diner

I don't think there's any great reason to hang out in the tiny Susie's Diner in the game unless you want to check out the grossest bathroom ever, but I suppose the good music is a start. I couldn't figure out who performs this track, but I know that I like it. It's a rollicking good rock tune that all of the sea monsters like to dance to when they come in for a cup of coffee and a slice of cherry pie.

MMOs aren't just about looks; they also have great soundtracks that often go unnoticed. Heroes don't stand for that! Every Tuesday, Jukebox Heroes will check out a game's soundtrack and feature the best tunes to share and discuss. Your DJ for the hour is Justin Olivetti, and the request line is open!