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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.

Songs with cool bass in Western music: Classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists (41–50)

Number Of The BeastIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – Number Of The Beast (The Book Of Souls: Live Chapter)
Number Of The BeastIron Maiden

Iron Maiden, legends of the heavy metal world.

This is one of their hit numbers, and the bass is absolutely the best.

Your attention tends to go to the guitar work and vocals, but Steve Harris’s bass—starting from the intro—has a presence that rivals the guitars.

The way he executes his role to perfection makes him a man among men.

YYZRush

Speaking of Rush, they’re a national rock trio that Canada is proud of, and a band renowned as a pioneer of progressive rock in North America.

All three members are highly skilled, and while keenly responding to the movements of the times, they have remained active for a long time since releasing their debut in 1974.

The track being introduced here, YYZ, is an instrumental number that ranks among Rush’s most popular.

While leveraging the advantages of a minimal lineup, the band’s ensemble is overwhelming—pushing the possibilities of a trio to the absolute limit.

You could say the guitar, bass, and drums are all in the spotlight, but Geddy Lee’s bass lines generate a surging groove, and his flashy playing captivates with solos woven in throughout.

If you’re a bassist aiming to improve your technique, you’ll definitely want to try covering it at least once!

Stay With Me ft Justin Timberlake, Halsey & PharrellCalvin Harris

Calvin Harris – Stay With Me (Official Video) ft Justin Timberlake, Halsey & Pharrell
Stay With Me ft Justin Timberlake, Halsey & PharrellCalvin Harris

Calvin Harris is a music producer from Scotland.

He has collaborated with a wide range of artists and created numerous hit songs.

One such work is “Stay With Me ft.

Justin Timberlake, Halsey & Pharrell,” a collaboration with Justin Timberlake, Halsey, and Pharrell Williams.

It’s a summer-tinged disco-funk track with a distinctive, bouncy bass line.

bad guyBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish, a new-generation star whose debut album released in 2019, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, became an explosive hit and achieved the remarkable feat of winning five awards at the 62nd Grammys, including the four major categories.

One of her signature songs, bad guy, features a simple yet strikingly cool bass line.

Because her tracks are fundamentally minimalist with a restrained number of sounds, each note that appears in the music stands out.

Even in the heavier developments in the latter half, the bass plays a crucial role, so keeping that in mind when you listen to the song may offer a whole new way to enjoy it.

Get Lucky ft. Pharrell Williams, Nile RodgersDaft Punk

Daft Punk – Get Lucky (Official Audio) ft. Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers
Get Lucky ft. Pharrell Williams, Nile RodgersDaft Punk

Daft Punk disbanded in 2021, leaving music fans around the world in tears.

Released in 2013, Get Lucky can fairly be called a song that represents their long career.

It features singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, whose sexy vocals are a major draw.

The way the bass, drums, and guitar mesh perfectly is another big highlight.

None of the instruments overpower the others; each fulfills its role.

There’s nothing flashy going on, but the performance has an incredibly cool tone because of that.

Bassists struggling with their production should definitely take it as a reference!

HelloBlack Pumas

Black Pumas – Hello (Official Video)
HelloBlack Pumas

Black Pumas’ “Hello” is the perfect track for fully savoring the allure of a bass that resonates within a band ensemble.

Dominating the international music scene, they’re a group leading a new wave of psychedelic soul, with a bold and thrilling bass tone that commands a confident presence.

Featured on their album “Chronicles of a Diamond,” released October 27, 2023, this song is a sublime fusion of soul and psychedelia.

Its groovy bassline elevates Eric Burton’s passionate vocals.

Bass lovers, and music fans in general, should experience it at least once!

Penny LaneThe Beatles

One of the famous songs by the original rock band, The Beatles, “Penny Lane.” The violin-shaped bass that Paul McCartney plays is known as his trademark.

This track features his rich, weighty bass tone and a cheerful walking bass that’s sure to lift your spirits.