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

Addicted To That RushMr. BIG

Mr. Big – Addicted To That Rush (MV)

A song by MR.

BIG, the American rock band that enjoys immense popularity in Japan.

It opens with a rapid-fire tapped bass phrase, followed by unison lines and call-and-response with the guitar—a dazzling performance that overturns conventional ideas about the bass.

Another highlight is how the bass doesn’t stay front and center the whole time; it creates contrast by firmly holding down the root under the vocals.

A must-listen track for bassists.

Sunshine Of Your LoveCream

Cream – Sunshine Of Your Love (HD)

This is “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream, the British three-piece rock band led by Eric Clapton.

The bassist is Jack Bruce.

The performance skillfully weaves together unison sections where the bass plays the same phrase as the guitar and parts where it plays a different bass line, further enhancing the song’s appeal.

It’s a track that really shows how important the bass is as an instrument!

Town Called MaliceThe Jam

The Jam – Town Called Malice

Just hearing that bouncy, syncopated bass line is enough to make your heart dance—The Jam at their finest! Led by Paul Weller, long respected as a big-brother figure among British musicians, The Jam were the quintessential band of the so-called Mod scene.

Despite a relatively short run of about five years, they produced many classic songs and influenced countless bands that followed.

They’re also known for their deep admiration of American soul and R&B, and this Town Called Malice—just listen and you’ll hear it—is pure Motown style.

Their final album, The Gift, which includes this track, is heavily infused with Black music influences and features prominently assertive bass throughout.

If you’re a bassist or simply love a strong bass sound, it’s a must-check!

Dance The NightDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Dua Lipa, a British singer-songwriter known as a UK pop icon.

The track she released in 2023 for the Barbie movie soundtrack captivates with its pop-meets-disco vibe.

Featuring a funky rhythm and striking cello tones, it also boasts a pleasantly resonant bassline.

The lyrics, which depict the sparkle of outward appearance alongside inner conflict, emphasize the importance of self-expression.

Lipa reportedly composed the song while watching the film’s dance scene.

It’s a must-listen not only for dance music lovers but also for fans of the Barbie movie.

GIFT HORSEIDLES

IDLES – GIFT HORSE (Official Video)

The new track “GIFT HORSE” lets you fully savor IDLES bassist Adam Devonshire’s weighty basslines.

Released in 2024, its satisfying low end captivates listeners.

The driving force that runs through the band’s sound fuses exquisitely with the meticulous rhythm section.

Meanwhile, the lyrics are laced with phrases that hint at a love that transcends self-love and a rebellion against power, brimming with a powerful message and positive energy.

This is a song that will set your heart racing in any scene and is a must-listen for everyone who loves the bass.

Included on the 2024 album “TANGK,” its quality makes it easy to see why it has already won high praise from many critics.

You’re sure to be blown away when you see it live!

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Mark Ronson’s 2014 release “Uptown Funk.” The standout feature of this track is the build-up before the chorus.

When it came out in 2014, smooth, funky tracks were appreciated, but the dominant trend was flashy EDM.

While the song is rooted in a retro funk groove, it goes all-in on flashiness for the build-up and drop, incorporating elements of dubstep.

During this section, instead of anchoring the low end, the bassline ascends along with the build-up.

This creates a big sense of movement in the track, pulling listeners in all at once.

Panic AttackDream Theater

Panic Attack

Centered around members who graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Dream Theater is a globally acclaimed band whose members all possess outstanding technical prowess, and they are pioneers of so-called progressive metal.

Among them, John Myung—also known as a Chapman Stick player—commands a six-string bass with astonishing freedom, employing a three-finger technique to unleash blistering lines.

The track introduced here is from the 2005 album Octavarium, and the thunderous bass playing that erupts from the intro is nothing short of overwhelming.

Spanning over eight minutes, the song’s technical performances will make you realize the vast potential of the bass as an instrument.