The ultimate poker soundtrack
Originating in biblical times, poker is an ancient card game that has impacted hugely on popular culture for centuries. Whether it’s the latest celebrity scandal or Lady Gaga’s newest hit, there’s no limit to the influence that poker has on today’s society, particularly on the music industry.
If you’re hosting a poker night or just playing by yourself online casino games, here’s the ultimate gambling and poker soundtrack to get you in the poker mood.
House of the Rising Sun – The Animals
‘My father was a gambling man/down in New Orleans’ – this eerie 60s hit was a forewarning to all listeners about the dangers of gambling. While many listeners ignored the band’s warning, they had the last laugh – it was a number one in five countries.
Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley
As the city that launched Elvis’ fame, it was only fitting that he would sing a homage to the city of sin. This cheerful ditty was so popular that it also became a movie of the same name, making it a fitting hit for any gambling nights.
Luck be a Lady – Frank Sinatra
Another track from a musical, Frank Sinatra’s Luck be a Lady has all the seductive themes of a casino, while also featuring in Broadway hit Guys and Dolls. ‘A lady never leaves her escort /it isn’t fair, it isn’t nice’ are fitting lyrics for any poker playing looking to turn a losing streak around.
Easy Money – Billy Joel
He claims he didn’t start the fire, but Billy Joel has certainly been a bit naughty over the years, including dabbling in a little gambling. The song discusses the temptations of trying to ‘get lucky’ in a game of chance, something with which all poker players can empathize.
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
Telling the story of a wise gambler who ‘made a life out of reading people’s faces,’ this is the perfect track for those who still need to work on their poker face. With a few words of advice such as ‘if you’re gonna play the game you gotta play it right,’ this is a song that every rookie player should stick by.
Poker – Electric Light Orchestra
It’s easy to guess what this one’s about – using the classic poker/love analogy, the B-side to ELO’s Last Train to London warned its listeners about the danger of gambling with love. With ‘the joker closing in’ this eerie hit was a further warning to all cards players.
Gambler – Madonna
Madonna’s Gambler pretty much summed up any serious poker player’s aims – ‘I’m a gambler, and I will take you by surprise /gambler, I’ll aim this straight between your eyes.’ Quite threatening then, but not when you consider that it was used in the 1985 film Vision Quest.
Losing Hand – Ray Charles
Blues legend Ray Charles was heartbroken in 1957, telling his listeners ‘I gambled on your love baby/ yes it got a losing hand.’ Poker players listening to this sad ballad would be well advised to look out for any of the ‘cheaters’ Ray mentions.
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
In 2008, Lady Gaga had her second smash hit number one with Poker Face, and turned a card game into a battle between lovers. The first on our list to mention Texas Hold Em Poker, Miss Germanotta certainly knows her poker.
Ace of Spades – Motorhead
This heavy metal anthem has had poker fans rocking out since it was first released in 1980. ‘You win some, lose some, it’s all the same to me,’ is perhaps not the blasé attitude that some poker players would like to adopt, but it would be a sin to miss this one from your poker soundtrack.
