Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists

Immigrant SongLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song (Live 1972) (Official Video)

This is Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” a hard rock band with many fans in Japan.

While guitarist Jimmy Page often gets the spotlight, bassist John Paul Jones was also indispensable to the band.

In this song in particular, he delivers an astonishing bass line behind the chorus.

AttentionCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth – Attention [Official Video]

Charlie Puth is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for his wide-ranging musicality.

He rose to fame with the theme song See You Again from the film Fast & Furious.

He has produced numerous hit songs, but among them, Attention is a track where the bass stands out as especially cool.

The chorus features a very unusual arrangement centered on vocals and bass, which really showcases the strength of the bass.

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)

With its nostalgic bassline, this track will especially resonate with fans of disco music! “Don’t Start Now,” released in 2019 by British singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, is a danceable song about a protagonist who shakes off heartbreak and moves through life lightly, as if dancing.

The crisp, subtly shifting bass tone adds motion to the track, and nostalgic strings come in during the latter half.

While it undeniably embraces contemporary trends, it also conveys a sense of respect for the pioneers who built the history of disco music.

Hold Me CloserElton John, Britney Spears

Elton John, Britney Spears – Hold Me Closer (Official Video)

“Hold Me Closer” is a classic dance track that’s incredibly satisfying to listen to.

It’s crafted by British singer Elton John and Britney Spears.

Just the fact that it’s a collaboration between global superstars is exciting, isn’t it? The song is packed with delights like their harmonies and beautiful lyrics, but the bass technique is actually a major highlight too.

Keep that in mind as you listen.

As an aside, knowing that Elton John’s nickname is “Rocket Man” will help you enjoy the lyrics even more.

My GenerationThe Who

The Who – My Generation

The Who are counted, along with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as one of the three greatest rock bands from the UK.

Among their songs, the especially popular “My Generation” stands out.

The bassline, which almost feels like the roles of guitar and bass have been reversed, is truly shocking! Bassist John Entwistle was posthumously ranked No.

1 in 2011 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest bassists, nine years after his death.

TreasureBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Treasure (Official Music Video)

Wouldn’t you say the global revival of ’80s disco music started around this track? Bruno Mars’s 2013 release “Treasure” is crafted as a retro disco-pop number that evokes artists who defined the ’80s, like Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Even for those who aren’t keen on EDM and other dance music, a dance track that uses live instruments—like this one—might be easier to listen to.

It’s especially recommended for anyone who wants to hear a classic, upbeat disco-music bassline!

HysteriaMuse

Muse – Hysteria [Official Music Video]

MUSE, the most powerful trio in the modern rock scene to come out of the UK.

Since releasing their debut album in 1999, they’ve gained worldwide popularity with a sound that wields advanced technique and incorporates elements from a wide variety of genres.

While frontman Matthew Bellamy, who effortlessly commands technical guitar and piano, draws the eye with his intense charisma, Chris Wolstenholme’s effects-heavy bass presence is no less formidable.

A track where you can fully savor Chris’s thick, growling bass lines is Hysteria, featured on the 2003 masterpiece Absolution.

The bass takes such a leading role in this song that it’s fair to call it the star—an absolute must-listen for bassists in particular!