Intro
We all love board games and trivia. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be on Trivia Bliss! 2020 was an odd year, and most of us are eager to get back to face-to-face game nights. We’ve created this list of the top 10 Music Board Games for when we are all able to play together again!
Buying Guide
You should consider a few things when you are looking for this kind of game. Sure, you like music, but are you a fan of a specific genre? If you are a hip hop aficionado, then maybe don’t go for a game focusing on classic rock trivia! Most of the games below cover a range of genres which makes it easier to find people to play with!
You should also keep in mind your personality—and those of your friends and family. Are they outgoing or shy? Do you prefer interactive games or simple Q&As? Once you consider these questions, then you will find the perfect match for you.
Our Top Pick
This may be the ’90s kid in me coming out… the top pick is The MTV Game. Covering the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s—this game perfectly combines trivia and fantastic music!
1. The MTV Game
What is it?
Who doesn’t have fond memories of MTV?! The MTV Game, released in 2020, includes all the biggest MTV hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s—fantastic decades of music! The aim of the game is to be the first team to collect at least one Artist Card from all eight categories: Videos, Best of Unplugged, Pop Anthems, Headbangers, Teenage Angst, Hip Hop Hips, Queens of MTV, and Across the Pond. There is a quick-fire round, a description round, and a lyrics round.
Why is it popular?
Many people still have a strong sense of nostalgia for the good ole days of MTV and this game was released right at the start of quarantine—the timing couldn’t have been better.
Who is it good for?
’80s kids with at least a passing interest in music.
What groups is it best for?
Friendship groups of over four people. Some reviewers don’t recommend playing with less than six people because of the sheer amount of questions.
Is it good?
After two minutes of researching this, I pulled up Bryan Adams’ MTV Unplugged album on Spotify and am lightly rocking out to an acoustic version of Summer of ’69. The MTV Game is worth it for the nostalgia alone. One thing to note is that re-playability isn’t as good as in other games, but if you play in large and different groups, you will be fine.
- I WANT MY MTV Switch over to a music party game for adults and teens that’s filled with all the biggest MTV hits from the '80s, '90s and '00s
- FOR ANYONE WHO'S EVER HEARD A SONG: In the head to head round two players face off in a quick-fire MTV Challenge category battle naming song titles
- TRIPLE CHARADES JEOPARDY Afterwards, players have 30 seconds to describe in one word, speak the lyrics and perform songs from three famous bands for their team to guess
- TOTAL REQUEST LIVE The first team to collect an artist from all eight cassette categories wins the game Requires 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
- EASY TO LEARN, QUICK TO PLAY A new party board game for 2020 made specially for adults of the MTV generation 4+ Players, ages 13 and up
2. Game That Song
What is it?
Originally a 2019 Kickstarter campaign, Game That Song is now available to buy at a bunch of retailers. The premise? You pick cards, which have different situations on them. Each player plays a song that fits that situation (YouTube, Spotify, etc), and a judge picks the best one. The judge keeps on rotating so you aren’t stuck with one person’s music tastes the entire game! The first person to get to five rounds wins the game.
Why is it popular?
Game That Song is uncomplicated and incredibly easy to play. No one feels excluded as everyone gets the chance to judge and also to take part.
Who is it good for?
Pretty much everyone, but I, and the game producers, recommend from an age of 10 up to give everyone a fair shot!
What groups is it best for?
The group should have diverse music tastes, as this will make the game that much more interesting and fun.
Is it good?
YES! I love this game. The premise is so simple, and you can appreciate music even more when you associate it with a situation. A big thumbs up from me!
- Perfect for game night to build connections with adults, family and teens
- Easy to learn, but challenging to win! Choose the card, play the songs, pick the winner!
- Fun conversation starter to see how well you know the music taste of your family and friends
- Take it with you or play over videoconference. As long as you have a way to listen to music and the deck, you can play!
3. Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Party Game
What is it?
Released in 2019, the Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Party Game has two main segments: head-to-head and charades. The aim of the game is to collect records for your collection, and the winning team has the most by the end of the game.
Why is it popular?
The karaoke battles are hilarious. This basically entails starting a 15-second timer and shouting or singing the lyrics to a song in the category before putting the pressure back on the opponent to do the same!
Who is it good for?
The music covered is from 1960 to 2010 so kids born in the 2000s with no passion for oldies but goodies will be at a loss. Reviewers say that you should have a strong passion for music to play Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Party Game, otherwise, you won’t gain any records for your collection.
What groups is it best for?
A group with diverse music tastes—if you all have the same, then there will be moments when the game gets boring and slow.
Is it good?
It’s not bad, but not great. This game feels like it is trying a little too hard to encompass a bunch of fun elements when a simplified version could have been much more enjoyable to play.
- HEY HO, LET'S GO: in this party game two Superstar teams to go head-to-head and power slide their way into a rock’n’roll showdown.
- ANYONE CAN PLAY: this is a music board game for anyone who's ever heard a song, so you won’t have to be a music buff to get involved.
- THE TIME IT IS A’TICKING: To start, two players face off in a quick-fire category battle. Afterwards, you’ll have 30 seconds to describe, sing and hum three famous bands for your team.
- FROM BEATLES TO BON IVER: this game contains over 150 well-known artists from the 1960's to the 2010's, so there's something for everyone.
- FOR THOSE ABOUT TO PLAY, WE SALUTE YOU: This is a board game for adults and family alike - a perfect new addition to game night. Requires a minimum of 4 players. Requires 2 x AAA batteries (not included).
4. Record Deal
What is it?
Record Deal is a new-ish release from Shenanigames and has some great reviews online. How do you play? Each player draws a card with lyrics on it, spins for a song genre, and creates their own hit! The person with the most “record deals” (read, votes) wins!
Why is it popular?
You don’t have to be a music buff to do well in this game. A simple understanding of genres and a bit of creativity will get you through! This game will no doubt give you a heap of hilarious moments.
Who is it good for?
People who are not afraid to make a fool of themselves! No shy and retiring types for this game…
What groups is it best for?
Record Deal works best for friend groups or families with teenage/ grown-up kids. Most of the reviews also say it goes well with a drink or two (be responsible!)
Is it good?
Yes. It’s really fun and lets you dream about being a singer/songwriter for a good hour! You can live out your inner music god dreams!
- COUCH CONCERT: You don’t need to be a good singer to rock this hilarious game of beats and base. Look up your backbeats on our website and get ready to groove!
- HOW TO PLAY: Each player draws lyrics, spins for a song genre (backbeats provided) and gives their best performance for the other players!
- BUMPIN’ BEATS: Will you be crooning a Doo-Wop rendition of “Pancakes,” or jamming to “Dad Pants” with your best reggae beats?
- INCLUDES: 192 Song Cards, 12 Voting Chips, 7 Record Deal Tokens, 6 Fire the Band Tokens, 1 Genre Spinner, 1 Dry-erase Marker and 1 Ballot Box Cover (For ages 14 and up)
5. Spontuneous
What is it?
Spontuneous is a 2018 board game with a pretty cool premise. First, you write a list of “Trigger Words.” When it’s your turn, you announce one word from your list and start the timer. The first player to sing at least five words from any song that includes your Trigger Word gets to move forward on the board. This isn’t a trivia game, but anyone with a strong appreciation of music and fun will enjoy it!
Why is it popular?
It doesn’t require in-depth knowledge of any particular genre or era of music, which gives it a wide and global appeal.
Who is it good for?
Extroverts—people that are not afraid to make a fool out of themselves.
What groups is it best for?
Families! Spontuneous has an average playtime of 30 minutes (great for younger ages) and the rules aren’t complicated, meaning that you can literally unpack the game and go.
Is it good?
YES! I’ve played this a few times now, with my family and once with a group of friends. The 15 seconds on the timer fly by and it isn’t as easy as you think… laughs were had by all!
- HOW TO PLAY: If you've ever heard a word that's caused you to spontaneously break into song, then Spontuneous is for you! The rules are simple. Each player writes down several Trigger Words on their Hit List. When it's your turn, you announce a word from your list and flip the timer. The first player to sing at least 5 words from any song containing the Trigger Word gets to advance on the board. Stay alert for those extra musical challenge spaces scattered throughout the board!
- WHOLE FAMILY FUN: Spontuneous is fun for the whole family! Because of the easy game play and 30-minute average play time, this game holds the attention of even the most skeptical game night party goer. Anyone who knows a few songs will excel at Spontuneous, whether a kid, teen, or adult. It's sure to become your next family game night classic!
- FUN FOR ANY SEASON: Spontuneous fits perfectly into any party, trip, or family get-together. Going camping? Unplug for the evening and play around the campfire. At your child's next birthday party, pull Spontuneous out to entertain the kids until the pizza arrives. Bored on a rainy day? Spend your time laughing with your family and friends of any age as you try to think of your next song. Spontuneous can go with you anywhere, from home to your vacation.
- TALENT NOT REQUIRED: Feel shy or awkward about singing? No worries! Spontuneous brings out the star in everyone. Sing it or shout it—there's no vocal talent required to play this game. Knowing some lyrics to the most basic songs, old tunes, or even nursery rhymes is the only thing you need to enjoy this game. You don't even have to name that tune! Just draw on your memory for some music containing the given Trigger Word, and you'll be a winner in no time!
- UNPLUG & INTERACT: Spontuneous is a fantastic way for large or small groups of families, friends, and more to come together without electronics and spend quality time together. Nothing is better than unplugging and laughing with a group of your favorite people over a board game and making new memories. Choose Spontuneous for your next game night, gathering, or family home night.
6. Trivial Pursuit Classic Rock Edition
What is it?
I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume you already know what Trivial Pursuit is. Trivial Pursuit Classic Rock Edition includes over 2,000 questions from six categories covering Classic Rock bands/artists, their history, music, and more.
Why is it popular?
Trivial Pursuit is a much-loved board game around the world, so it’s normal that the special edition games would also be incredibly popular. The rules are the same as the original TP, the only difference is the theme.
Who is it good for?
Anyone who loves Classic Rock. Trivial Pursuit Classic Rock Edition will NOT be fun for those who aren’t particularly interested in the genre.
What groups is it best for?
We would say the older generation who lived through the classic rock period. No karaoke or singing here, so there can be a mix of personalities!
Is it good?
For those who enjoy more traditional board games, yes. If you want something more interactive, this isn’t the game for you. If you want an even more specialized topic, there are a bunch of different Trivial Pursuit editions including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones so you can fan out to your heart’s delight! There’s also a more all-encompassing Music Edition for the general music lovers. Be warned, though, this game is out of print, so available editions of it can run on the pricey side!
- 2,000 questions with various degrees of difficulty
- 334 Trivia Cards covering
- Six categories covering 1960 to early 1990's
- For 2+ players
7. Song Saga
What is it?
Song Saga, released in 2019, has quite a cool and unique premise… it allows people to share the stories and soundtrack of their lives. Each player pulls a card that sparks a memory. You then play a song that reminds you of that moment (via any music app) and share the story. You vote each round for the best song and story, and the person who wins the most votes wins.
Why is it popular?
This is not your usual game. It leads to you actually getting to know the group better, on a deeper level. There are also some pretty intimate cards in there that you might wish you never knew!
Who is it good for?
People 18 or over (some explicit content) who aren’t afraid to open up and share!
What groups is it best for?
Friendship groups—there are some things that you won’t want your family to know.
Is it good?
While this isn’t a trivia game, it is still music-based and really shows how music forms such a huge part of our lives. Song Saga is a great game to play, and a definite ice breaker for house parties!
8. Pull Your Card Hip Hop Edition
What is it?
Pull Your Card: Hip Hop Edition is a simple music trivia game with 180 questions based around Hip Hop music, both past and present.
Why is it popular?
It’s simple to play and one of the few games out there dedicated to this genre.
Who is it good for?
Hip hop lovers! If you aren’t a fan of this music genre, you really will get bored.
What groups is it best for?
This works well for any group, as long as everyone has the same music taste. It wouldn’t make for a fun night for a group in which three are pure hip hop fans and two are pop lovers!
Is it good?
The reviews say so! Pull Your Card: Hip Hop Edition is a good old-fashioned Q&A game focusing on a very popular type of music. If you are looking for something more quirky or varied, this isn’t the game for you. However, if you are a huge fan of hip hop, then I would urge you to buy this!
9. Sing For Your Supper
What is it?
Sing For Your Supper has a simple, yet weird, premise. Basically, you get rewarded with “supper” cards when you sing from the “song” deck. These supper cards are used to create dishes, and the aim is to be the first to create a full meal. To sing a song, decipher the “cue phrase” on a song card, then sing aloud a portion of the song. The first to say the first correct song title shares in the reward of supper cards. With a bunch of different genres from Hard Rock to Country, this has something for everyone.
Why is it popular?
With six decades of music included, this game is suitable for all ages. The supper cards are kind of random, adding a bit of a weird twist!
Who is it good for?
Music fans who aren’t afraid to sing!
What groups is it best for?
I would say this game is good for all people over the age of 15 with an expert knowledge of music.
Is it good?
The supper bit of this game is a bit redundant BUT it lends to a fun night. Not only is it enough deciphering the clue, the person then has to sing the song. Sing For Your Supper is a fun and easy addition to your game night!
10. MusicIQ
What is it?
Released in 2019, MusicIQ is designed for kids and adults alike. It’s a traditional music trivia game, with over 400 multiple-choice questions covering a period from the late 1960s to 2000s. Answers are counted as positive and negative IQ points, and the game can be played with two to 12 players.
Why is it popular?
The scoring system is unique from most trivia games—if you get a wrong answer, then you lose points. This adds a little more spice to the competition!
Who is it good for?
Anyone with an interest in music that is at least a little eclectic will enjoy this simple trivia game.
What groups is it best for?
I would say this is a great game for families with slightly older kids who will know a thing or two about music from the ’60s – ’80s. With an average gameplay of 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a family game night.
Is it good?
It’s not too bad, to be honest, BUT it is a little boring. With pretty much every game on this list offering something different regarding trivia or rules, MusicIQ just seems a bit too traditional.
- Playable in teams
- Favors learning
- Perfect gift for music lovers
- Over 130’000 units sold in thecollection as of 2019
- English (Publication Language)
There you have it! Our top 10 list of music-themed games to add to your next game night! Did we miss any? Let us know!
And you should definitely be sure to check out our list of the best trivia board games overall if you haven’t yet. They’re a great option to play with your non music-inclined friends and family.
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