Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
Among the roles in a band, the bass is the unsung hero that supports a song and gives it conviction.
It plays a crucial part across a wide range of music, from rock to dance music.
Not only in the latest hits and trending tracks—there are also timeless classics that feature incredibly cool bass!
So we’ve selected some must-hear Western classics for low-end lovers, spanning genres and eras.
Enjoy not just the flashy bass solos, but also the jaw-dropping techniques subtly showcased behind the vocals and the many uniquely characterful basslines.
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Songs with awesome bass in Western music: classic and popular picks recommended for bassists (11–20)
Psycho KillerTalking Heads
A distinctive song defined by its unsettling atmosphere and lyrics that portray a psychopath’s psyche.
Released in December 1977 on the album “Talking Heads: 77,” it drew attention as Talking Heads’ debut track.
It was performed as the opening number in the 1984 concert film “Stop Making Sense,” where David Byrne’s presence on stage left a strong impression.
Selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll,” this work carries deep meaning that resonates with those who feel isolation and anxiety in modern society.
Use Me feat. Johnny Blue Skies & Dove CameronDiplo
Here is the track Diplo released as a collaboration with Dove Cameron and Johnny Blue Skies.
This song seems to blend nostalgia with freshness: a classic, old-school bassline sits atop a modern rhythm, creating a distinctive flavor.
The two vocalists deliver solid, traditional singing, so the firm bassline and the use of breaks to spotlight the vocals are especially effective.
Please give it a listen and enjoy.
RoundaboutYES
It’s the opening track of the fourth album by the British progressive rock band YES, Fragile, which was released in November 1971.
Later issued as a single, it became a major hit, and in 2012 it was used as the ending theme for the TV anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Chris Squire’s bass on this track is surprisingly groovy—contrary to what one might expect from its tone and the “prog” image—and it plays a crucial role in creating contrast within the song, especially against the quieter middle section.
Another One Bites the DustQueen
In recent years, thanks in part to the huge success of the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody, the legendary band Queen has been gaining more and more passionate young music fans.
They’re a rare band in which every member writes songs and has their own hits, and Another One Bites the Dust—whose irresistibly famous, driving funky bass line anchors the entire track—is a masterpiece created by bassist John Deacon.
Listening again, it’s striking how, while the arrangement clearly reflects the disco-to-funk influences that were popular at the time—heard not only in the bass but also in the guitar’s rhythmic chopping and the looping drums—the song still ends up sounding quintessentially Queen.
LisztomaniaPhoenix
A track with a strikingly cool bassline has been born.
Crafted by Phoenix, the piece is characterized by its catchy melody and brisk rhythm.
The lyrics depict the struggles of people pursuing fame and success, skillfully expressing the emotional turbulence of contemporary society.
Released in July 2009, the song is included on the album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” and received high praise from critics.
It has been widely embraced, featuring in TV shows, commercials, and film soundtracks.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor an energetic sound paired with profound lyrics.
London CallingThe Clash
A fierce warning sounded by the revolutionaries of punk rock.
They deliver concerns about social collapse and environmental issues over a powerful bassline and raw guitar sound.
Released in December 1979, the track reached No.
11 on the UK Singles Chart.
As the lead single from the album London Calling, it became a song that symbolized the band’s new musical ambitions.
It was also featured in the 2012 London Olympics, with its message resonating across generations.
Recommended for those who feel frustration and stagnation with society, and for anyone who wants to change the world through music.
Songs with cool bass lines in Western music: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists (21–30)
True BabeGwen Stefani
Let me introduce “True Babe” as a love song with a cool bass.
This track was released by Gwen Stefani, also known as the vocalist of No Doubt.
It portrays, from a woman’s perspective, the yearning she feels for someone special.
The intro features a calm, love-ballad-like sound, but as the woman’s emotions intensify throughout the song, the bass sound grows more powerful.
Also noteworthy is how the chorus shifts to a fresh, uplifting feel.