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

Super FreakRick James

Rick James – Super Freak (Official Music Video)

Rick James is one of America’s quintessential funk musicians.

He’s also highly regarded as a bassist, and his bass playing had a major influence on 1980s funk music.

A track where you can especially savor his bass is “Super Freak.” Since MC Hammer sampled it for “U Can’t Touch This,” it’s a tune almost everyone recognizes.

Be sure to check out the simple yet strikingly cool bass line.

LongviewGreen Day

Green Day – Longview [Official Music Video] (4K Upgrade)

This is the song “Longview” by Green Day, an American punk band that’s hugely popular in Japan.

While they’re strongly associated with a straightforward punk sound, they also have tracks that use the bass in this way.

The ability to completely change a song’s vibe by switching up the sound is the real charm of the bass.

JekyllHiatus Kaiyote

Hiatus Kaiyote – Jekyll

The unit with the intriguingly mysterious name “Hiatus Kaiyote” is a band formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 2011.

Their musical style, which uniquely blends elements of soul, jazz, and funk, is often described as future soul.

The charismatic sole female vocalist, Naomi “Nai Palm” Saalfield—who also handles guitar and keyboards—has a captivating voice as well.

“Jekyll,” included on their second album Choose Your Weapon released in 2015, is a standout track featuring a very cool performance by Paul Bender, who commands both six- and five-string basses.

The bass line, entwined with the tribal rhythm, is the kind that would make any bassist nod in admiration.

A Love InternationalKhruangbin

Khruangbin – A Love International (Official Video)

Khruangbin stands out with a uniquely colored presence in the Western music scene, and at the heart of it all is Laura Lee, whose captivating bass takes center stage.

In particular, A Love International from the album A La Sala is a track I highly recommend to bassists.

Performed at Bonnaroo 2024, the song mesmerized listeners with its richly atmospheric bassline and Laura Lee’s dazzling technique that showcases her impeccable taste.

Her passionate, groove-laden playing colors the track beautifully—an absolute must-listen for anyone who loves the bass!

So GoodOmar Apollo

Omar Apollo – So Good (Official Video)

Omar Apollo is a unique singer from the United States.

He began attracting attention in the late 2010s, and the song that sparked it was “So Good.” It blends elements of disco music and synth-pop, and overall has a simple structure.

While most of his music is sexy and mellow, this track also has a catchy groove, making it a great recommendation for driving music and the like.

We Make HitsYard Act

Yard Act – We Make Hits

Yard Act’s “We Make Hits” is a gift to fans captivated by the allure of the bass guitar.

Since its 2024 release, it has drawn instant attention with its meticulously crafted basslines.

The lyrics, while chasing dreams, deliver a wry take on one’s place in the real world, reflecting the voice of a savvy youth.

Ryan Needham’s bass playing commands a presence that could be called the backbone of the album “Where’s My Utopia?”.

For bass enthusiasts—and anyone who wants to savor a band’s sound in depth—this track is a must-experience.

FlowersMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

Miley Cyrus, who has produced hit songs across a wide range of genres.

Her 2023 release, “Flowers,” is crafted as a dance number that evokes Cuban music.

Within it, there’s a section inspired by disco, where the bass plays a crucial role in tightening the overall track.

Be sure to check out the music video featuring beautiful nightscapes as well—it will help you feel the song’s world even more vividly.