Western Music: A Collection of Iconic Big Beat Tracks (Great for Rock Fans Too)

Give the Po’ Man a BreakFatboy Slim

Fatboy Slim – Give The Po’ Man A Break (Official Audio)

Fatboy Slim, who has an unusual background as a former rock band bassist, made his leap into the big beat scene with a track from his debut album “Better Living Through Chemistry,” released in September 1996.

While the title suggests a social message, the sound is simply exhilarating: a distorted bassline and thunderous breakbeats collide to create a dynamic groove that also resonates with rock.

The track is also known for being featured in the 2000 film “Traffic.” It’s the perfect number for when you want to crank up your adrenaline or relive the heat of the ’90s club scene.

Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout DubApollo 440

Apollo 440 – Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Dub (HQ)

Centered around the Gray brothers from Liverpool and Noko, Apollo 440 effortlessly leap over the boundary between rock and dance music.

The track that put their name on the global map was the standout single released ahead of their album Electro Glide in Blue in February 1997.

Notably, the song boldly samples that famous Van Halen guitar riff.

Its sound—where rapid-fire breakbeats intersect with lines from sci-fi films—creates a world that fuses rock’s raw heat with a cool, futuristic edge.

The title, which says “talk about dub, not love,” perfectly encapsulates their musical stance.

Peaking at No.

7 on the UK Singles Chart and featured in sports broadcasts, this track is the perfect detonator when you want to crank your adrenaline to the max.

BreatheThe Prodigy

The Prodigy – Breathe (Official Video)

A track produced in November 1996 by The Prodigy, known as revolutionaries of the ’90s electronic music scene.

Its sound—fusing a fierce beat sampled from Thin Lizzy’s drum break with a ground-crawling, undulating bassline—is arguably the very emblem of big beat.

The call-and-response-style vocals by the late Keith Flint and Maxim evoke the inner turmoil of someone driven to the brink, instilling a suffocating sense of tension in the listener.

Taken from the classic album The Fat of the Land, the track topped the charts in multiple countries including the UK and Finland.

Its aggressive sound even made it a pro wrestler’s entrance theme—an energetic song that resonates with rock fans as well.

Chemical BeatsThe Dust Brothers

The Dust Brothers – Chemical Beats

Before the big beat genre even had a name, this groundbreaking track defined its sound.

The masterminds behind it are The Chemical Brothers, now mainstays of the UK dance scene.

In their early days, they performed under the same name as the American producer duo, The Dust Brothers.

This track fuses rapid-fire breakbeats with a ground-crawling, distorted bassline to deliver a sound that truly embodies rock’s dynamism.

It was first released on the 1994 EP “Fourteenth Century Sky,” and later included on the 1995 classic album “Exit Planet Dust.” Its aggressive groove reached beyond the club thanks to its placement in the near-futuristic racing game Wipeout.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to lose themselves in the music without overthinking.

Rock fans, too, will feel the impact—savor those hard-hitting beats!

Brimful Of Asha (Norman Cook Mix)Cornershop

Cornershop – Brimful Of Asha, Norman Cook Mix (Tjinder Singh) Official Music Video

Cornershop is a distinctive band that fuses UK indie rock with Indian music.

This is the Fatboy Slim remix of a track from their album “When I Was Born for the 7th Time.” While preserving the indie vibe of the original, the beefed-up big beat sound is widely known.

Packed with love for Bollywood cinema and vinyl culture, the song topped the UK charts in February 1998.

It was also used in the popular TV series Friends, so many of you may find it familiar.

It’s a highly recommended work that can spark an indie rock fan’s discovery of the joys of dance music!

AishaDeath In Vegas

Death In Vegas – Aisha

Death in Vegas captivates with a dark, thrilling sound where heavy breakbeats entwine with psychedelic guitars.

Formed in London in 1994, they’re known for their distinctive musicality that, while grounded in big beat and trip-hop, also absorbs elements of rock and dub.

This track, from the acclaimed album The Contino Sessions featuring guest Iggy Pop, reached No.

9 on the UK charts in February 2000.

Iggy Pop’s low, ominous narration feels like listening to the deranged monologue of a serial killer, and together with the violent sonic landscape, it envelops the listener in unfathomable suspense.

Its inclusion in the popular game Gran Turismo 3: A‑Spec helped imprint its shocking sound on rock fans as well.

It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a cinematic, dangerous-feeling musical experience that makes you forget the everyday.

We Have ExplosiveThe Future Sound of London

We Have Explosive

The Future Sound of London are an electronic duo who combine contrasting talents—technology and melody.

While they’ve always maintained an experimental approach from ambient to IDM, since this is an article about big beat, I’d love for you to check out a track from their 1996 masterpiece, Dead Cities.

This piece boldly uses samples from Run-D.

M.

C.

, where hip-hop aggression and rock-style guitar riffs collide fiercely—an explosively energetic track, indeed.

Its cool, hard-edged sound was featured in the popular game wipE’out 2097 and the film Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, and it reached No.

12 on the UK Singles Chart.

Its destructive beats and distorted basslines are sure to win over rock fans as well!