Who knew country music and Mario Kart could blend together so seamlessly? There's a whimsical, childlike nature to the Nintendo hit that doesn't exactly scream nature. The music in the game itself is sugary and uptempo to match the colorful environments on the racetracks. It's a game for children first so you have to match their youthful exuberance. The same appeal could be made for some of the adults out there, trying to capture what it felt like as a kid again. However, for many grown folks with loans and bills to pay, the Mario Kart music isn't going to reflect their realities. That's where country music might come in to play.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Lately, I've been scrolling through my endless TikTok algorithm before bed, briefly rotting my brain after giving 110% into work and life. One night, I come across this video from the account kountrykart. There, Wario tracks through 'Moo Moo Meadows.' Cows, barns, windmills, and wooden fences fill the area while Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon" soundtracks the race. Watching it felt spiritually correct; maybe it's just the fact that the song is a timeless classic. But hearing the duo croon captures an essence on the racetrack that I never would apply to Mario Kart previously.
@kountrykartt neon moon - brooks & dunn #brooksanddunn #kountrykart #country #countrygirl #countryboy #mariokart #gaming #fyp ? Neon Moon - Brooks & Dunn
Country Music Takes Over Mario Kart on TikTok
It certainly helps that, in my scrolling experience, I haven't come across any bad country songs yet. I haven't been blindsided by Luke Bryan or Florida Georgia Line slop. There's no lousy Jason Aldean rapping to leave a sour taste in my mouth. I'm sure it's out there, there's an audience for that. However, my algorithm has thankfully shown the best Mario Kart country edits they have to offer. Take this edit set to George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning." Luigi might as well by Strait himself on the song, driving and drifting through the western environment. Similarly, The Chicks' rendition of "Landslide" works perfectly in the orange, fall environment in the background.
Additionally, it's not just an excuse to reminisce on old country like Hank Williams Jr. or Toby Keith. They sprinkle in some of the new school as well. The edit of Zach Top's "I Never Lie" set to a myriad of different race courses highlights country's pivot to more traditional takes on the genre. It may not have quite the same magic as previous Mario Kart posts like the Brooks & Dunn classic. Still, it shows that Nashville doesn't have to be insular with its audience or peddle nostalgia for newer fans. Instead, it's all about packaging it the right way. Kountrykart seems to do it the right way with me.
@kountrykartt i never lie - zach top #kountrykart #zachtop #country #countryboy #countrygirl #mariokart #gaming #fyp ? I Never Lie - Zach Top
