We often forget the crucial role the bassist plays. This steady, repetitive, deep presence is as important to each piece of the funky music as every other piece in the song. Songs with good bass will be much of an impact on the sound.
Their head spinning and instrument breaking into an isolated yet full embodied groove has nothing to prove anything to them whatsoever. They are quiet and organized rhythm guitarists.
We compiled the lists of 38 best bass songs from many genres of music, including rap, EDM, dubstep, rock, hip hop and more. We also included videos for each song to make things easier for you to get your favourite one out.
See the full list of 34 best bass songs that can be listened to with heavy bass:
There are lots of new songs and classical music to enjoy on the list. Without further comment, let us jump to the list.
1. I Can’t Stop by Flux Pavilion
Dubstep didn’t become popular in the United States until 2010 when we saw a huge change. Heavy basslines and synths rounded with 122-127 bpm range defined what is known today as electronic dance music (EDM).
The “I Can’t Stop” location is cool and cliche, pleasant and naughty. Flux Pavillion is credited with founding mainstream dubstep. It is clear by listening to “I can’t stop” that he had his approach to the genre of music often replicated but never copied. It gives it a distinct taste not found at most Dubstep productions, which is often not encountered at most dubstep projects. The song is heavy and abrasive, rumbling and rolling over speakers that sound like they are shaking the water in an earthquake, not a chill trance.
2. Sail by AWOLNATION
“Sail” has some serious pop appeal with its plodding synthesizer-laden backing track, the distorted bass hand clapped percussion and heavily distorted vocal. The blow-out bass sound is certainly ideal for those bumpy convertible summer oceanside drives. Even the lyrics are too try-hard in an excessively nonchalant devil may care attitude, leaving no emotion for the narrator. But that’s just one individual opinion, and if the bass is your thing, don’t let my opinions influence you either way.
3. Finding You by Stwo (Not Existing)
A South London-based producer just 21 years old has mastered the modern techniques of creating future beats. This distinctive sound takes you out of this world while bringing you back to your senses. So is known for his beats, which are often only one or two carefully designed sounds that flow in and out of each other.
Finding You has a great bassline that begins at 1:04, with the beat dropping shortly after at 1:15. The steady pulsing string-like melody continues throughout the song, though it’s a fairly simple melody that is extremely easy to follow.
4. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons
The song includes a mid-tempo arrangement more elaborate than was anticipated in 2012. The song starts with a mix of layered acoustic guitar, electric guitar and fretted instruments. It builds back to the chorus and is enhanced by gang vocals and additional instrumental layers. The bottom line, however: the dirty bass and heavier percussion give that song his bottom end. Not my favourite song, but a good one for a test bass, but this is not my favourite but one of a few songs I have heard in a good way. It gave way to groups in a similar way like AWOLNATION, although if I were to pick.
5. Everything Is Beautiful by Ray LaMontagne
The lyrics take us on an emotional roller coaster that begins with “I want to live like there’s no tomorrow” and continues to a hopeful tone for the future. Ray’s jazz-infused songs have been heard from many different media sources over the past decade, making him one of the most well-known singer-songwriters in today’s industry.
While Everything Is Beautiful begins with only Ray’s vocals, it quickly swells with great melodies introduced at 0:34. The beat comes in shortly after at 1:10 to bring it all together, which is why the song was selected for this list.
6. Future by 21 Savage ft. Lil Uzi Vert, Landon Cube & Designer
One of the biggest hits from Future’s sophomore album, DS2 (pronounced “dirty sprite two”), this track has features from some of hip hop biggest names at the moment. Lyrically, Future describes his lavish lifestyle with lines like “I got so many chains they call me Chaining Tatum.”
The song starts with a long intro, simply an instrument cover of the popular song XO Tour Life by Lil Uzi Vert. The bassline that follows has a similar pattern to the intro but drops a bit more at 0:28 with an added effect – this is where it starts to sound like Uzi’s “XO Tour Life.”
7. Boss by DopeHead
Taken from their latest album, “No Shame,” Boss features a tone of great basslines. The song is about someone who’s been down on their luck, but they refuse to give up and will keep going until they become successful. DopeHead is a rap duo out of Atlanta, GA, consisting of a producer and a rapper.
The song begins with an ambient intro that segues into the bassline at 0:45. This bassline continues throughout the song. However, there are many effects added to it that make this one stand out. At 2:36, there is even a section where the bass swells in volume then drop back down shortly after.
8. Feels Like Forever by Childish Gambino
The song starts with the lyrics “It feels like forever since I’ve spoken to you” and continues to describe some of the things they’re looking for in someone else – “I can’t find peace of mind, not even in my dreams.” From Donald Glover’s latest album, “Awaken, My Love!” this song follows in the same funk-influenced style of many tracks that came before it.
The bassline that opens the track is slow and steady, with a very simple pattern throughout the song. It begins at 0:17, even though there are several other instruments in the intro as well. The bass is the most interesting sounding of any on this list, so it was included here.
9. It Ain’t Me by Kygo ft. Selena Gomez
Kygo has become one of EDM’s most popular producers in recent years, thanks to his tropical house style, which he often uses during live performances. “It Ain’t Me” features Selena Gomez providing the vocals auto-tuned in some sections.
The song has a very tropical sound to it, thanks to Kygo’s influence over the genre. He also credits his production abilities on this one for that – especially when you add the perfect balance of the bassline. This particular track also has an element of sadness that is portrayed by the lyrics, describing feelings for someone who isn’t there anymore.
The bass drops in at 0:46 to bring the song together with a subtle background effect that follows. Although many people think of Kygo as simply an EDM producer, he’s proven himself on this track with his ability to incorporate tropical house elements with hip hop and R&B.
10. Strike It Up by Black Box
An influential dance group from the 90s featuring the vocals of Martha Wash, this song will always be known as one of the most memorable songs in their discography. The lyrics are about having fun and making the most of life, while the bassline in the background is one of the simplest on this list.
While it starts slow, there are several sections within this song where the bass gets faster – especially at 2:32 when all other instruments drop out, leaving only that iconic bassline playing before picking up again with the rest of the song.
The bassline starts at 0:25 and continues playing throughout until the track fades out after 3:40 to leave only a tone that holds steady for a minute or so. Credits also go to Wash for her vocals, as they were integral in making this such an iconic dance parties hit.
11. Mob Mentality by Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys are well known for their unique vocals, lyrics, and style of music. Their 1989 album “Paul’s Boutique” is often praised as one of the greatest rap albums of all time, with tracks like “3-Minute Rule” and “Hey Ladies.” One of the more underrated songs from this album is “Mob Mentality,” which features the bassline starting at 0:53.
The track begins with an R&B-style intro that sets up the tempo for what’s about to come, followed by the bass. Overall, this song has a bit of a sinister feel thanks to lyrics like “I got a pocket full of hope and an 8-Ball to roll” – which, in the context of R&B music, is one of the stranger lines you’ll hear.
The bassline starts at 0:53 with a very simple pattern/sequence that continues until 1:37, when it drops out entirely before coming back again for a short time until 2:04. As usual, the Beastie Boys demonstrate their unique approach to the rap genre regardless of when this song was produced.
12. Paul McCartney’s “Coming Up”
Paul McCartney’s “Coming Up” is decidedly quirky while remaining very attentive and danceable. It will be hard to escape when you hear this song’s intro. The Paul bass line was pure brilliance while delivering an even more avant-garde feel and a touch of spice.
It carries a serious pocket weight delivering a taste and texture to the sound of the song’s voice. The 1979 song was released online, and its songs are available online at iTunes and [link]. For the newest new news about the Beatles, click here.
13. No Way Out by Sublime
Sublime is one of those bands that has influenced so many people in the modern-day, especially in California, where they’re from. Their 1994 album “40 Oz. to Freedom” featured what would become one of their most famous songs: “Santeria,” along with the radio-friendly (and more pop-friendly) “What I Got.”
The bassline in No Way Out starts at 0:07 and continues until 1:10, when it is replaced by a chant from the rest of the band. There’s also a section in the middle that picks up for a little while, which is an important part of this song’s chorus.
14. Van Morrison – Moondance
The title track on one of the best albums of all time has a textbook walking bassline. It features live improvisation on the melody sitting comfortably in the background. Bass runs through everything, preserving everything in time.
It is what made Van Morrison’s work stand out in jazz, blues and pop. It opened up doors for other artists to follow in his footsteps. The lines are solid with a groovy feel that makes it easy to dance or walk to.
The bassline starts at 0:40, following the vocals until 1:07, when the drums come in, and they run together until the song’s end at 3:36. The song fades out around 5:00 – just as all instruments drop out, and there is only a tone left playing by itself for a minute or so.
15. This Is How We Do by Katy Perry
Katy Perry has always been known for her pop music that fits into the dance genre, but she also tends to delve into other styles of music like rock and funky/soulful elements.
It is how we do combine all of these different genres, interestingly enough, with the bassline starting at 0:56.
The track itself seemed very experimental in terms of its sound. We can see Katy Perry’s influence in that, with lyrics like “Oh I’m a hot mess, but I look classic as fuck” serving as an example of the unique combination of these genres.
The actual bassline comes into play at 1:18 and continues until 2:08, when it drops out entirely. It is another song where you’ll notice Katy Perry writes lyrics that work well with the beat and vice versa, so there’s a strong sense of cohesion throughout the entire track.
16. Trainwreck 1979 by Death From Above 1979
Death From Above 1979 consists of two members: Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler, a bass player. The band came about during the 2000s when punk rock was still alive and well, but they have a unique take on it using electronic elements.
The song begins with some spoken dialogue before the bassline starts at 0:15. This bassline is quite different because it’s a bass solo instead of simply playing the root note under the main melody, so it’s technically an instrumental track at that point.
This song is a bit slower and more melodic compared to the rest of this list, but it still counts because the bassline starts at 0:00 and plays alongside System Of A Down’s vocals for quite some time.
The bassline comes into play again, starting at around 2:24 and playing until 3:41, when the bridge starts. This song is a bit more melodic and mid-paced than the others, but it still works extremely well with its lyrics and beat, so we have included it here.
17. This Is Gospel by Panic! At The Disco
Towards the end of their 2015 tour for Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!, Panic! officially released this song as a single. People were excited to see what was coming for the band because their previous album felt like it might have been their last, so it would be interesting to see where they went next musically.
The opening bassline starts right away at 0:00, and you could argue that Panic! At The Disco is generally a pop-rock band, but this song leans much more towards the alternative side. There are even some funk metal influences in it, and we can hear those several times throughout this track, like at 0:59 and 2:20.
The Disco has started incorporating new instruments over time, like synthesizers and pianos, so it’s an intriguing experience to hear this track go from bass-heavy all the way to laid back and atmospheric at 4:22.
18. Here Comes The Boom by Saliva
Saliva is one of those relatively big bands during the 2000s but continues to tour today even though they haven’t put out any new material in quite some time.
This one features a nice and funky bassline at 0:00 alongside lyrics that refer to not giving up – “I ain’t gonna life forever, I just want to live while I’m alive.” Not only is this song good for its bassline, but it will also help you power through a workout!
The bass line doesn’t come back in until 2:36, and it remains until 3:33. After that section, the song’s tone changes completely as we go into a break with some Spanish-influenced instrumentation before heading right back into another verse with some synth being used more prominently than before and a bass guitar solo.
19. This Is What I Know About Being Gigantic by The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan is a band that we’ve covered before in this list because they have such an eclectic sound that many people don’t know how to classify them even though math rock and progressive metal are good labels to use.
This track can be found on The Dillinger Escape Plan’s compilation album called “Irony Is A Dead Scene.”The bassline isn’t as heavy as others on the list, but it reminds you that this song is by a metalcore band. It also has a nice groove to it and sounds similar to many other basslines you might hear during a DJ set.
However, this song is full of quick changes, so it’s always exciting to hear what they will do next musically!
20. Through Being Cool by Paramore
Paramore is one of the biggest pop-punk bands today that have slowly evolved their sound throughout the years to keep up with the times.
This track is a bit of a throwback to their earlier days but still holds up nicely even though they haven’t played it on any tours since before 2010.
The bassline is very simple – it plays octaves repeatedly throughout the song and only comes back in during the chorus after some synth was used more prominently. There isn’t much else to say about it because the whole song is fairly short and simple.
That being said, the song is catchy, and you’ll likely be singing “oh-oh through being cool oh-oh I made my mistakes” in your head for hours after listening closely!
21. “Hysteria” by Muse
At the heart of the immediate melancholic rock, the tune is a movement-heavy bass line that carries the song’s weight from start to finish. Muse is fantastic. I do not think that’s their best work personally, but it’s the bass line, as I said.
If you’re interested in the bass heavier songs, this is one of those. Overall, I think it’s one of the band’s best works, but it’s not my best work. It’s not sure if it’s Muse’s best work. Basslines give guitarist Matt Bellamy his space needed for texture and atmosphere.
22. When The Music’s Over by The Doors
The Doors are one of the most iconic bands of all time, with each member being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after their deaths. The Doors were mainly driven by Jim Morrison’s ambiguous presence, which is likely why they are often labelled a “psychedelic” band.
The bassline for this song starts early on during the first verse at 0:24 and continues to play throughout the entire track up until the end. It’s very dark sounding and works well with Morrison’s lyrics about war, death, and destruction.
The drums keep the beat simple throughout most of this song, but they get significantly more complex during the guitar solo from 2:00 until 2:13. Other than that section, it isn’t that hard to play and doesn’t require many different techniques if you want to learn it independently.
A great song by a band that has a unique sound!
23. Welcome To Paradise by Green Day
Green Day is one of those bands that will be recognized by pretty much anyone, even those who don’t listen to rock music. While not as popular as they were back in the 1990s, the band is touring again and recently released a new album titled “Revolution Radio.”
Their early work was primarily characterized by their extremely distorted sounding guitars that came from using a Boss DS-1 with heavy overdrive, which you hear on this song and some of their other tracks from the 1990s.
The bassline for this track starts at 0:14 and continues until 0:33, where there is a short orchestral break that lasts about 10 seconds before the bass comes back in again with a similar rhythm to what was played during the intro.
The song itself is very fast-paced and more difficult than many others on this list, so some may find it more challenging than others!
24. The River by Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte was one of the pop-punk bands popular in the late ’90s/early 2000s, but you wouldn’t know it if you listened to this song. This track is more rock than anything else with its heavy instrumentation and gruff vocals.
It starts very quietly with only the drums playing, which is why this song sounds more like a rock track than a pop-punk one. Once the 0:15 mark hits, everything comes in together, and it’s full speed ahead from there!
The bassline itself is rather repetitive but is pretty easy to learn. A lot of the song is repetitive but still fun to play!
25. Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga isn’t necessarily a “rock” artist, but she certainly has her fair share of songs that are considered rock-based. This song, in particular, has more of an electronic/dubstep feel but is still considered a rock song by many.
This track features a unique bassline that fits right in with the rest of the electronic sounds coming from the drum machine and synthesizer accents. If you haven’t listened to this song before, it might sound weird at first because of how unlike anything else it is.
While the bassline is pretty repetitive throughout the song, it’s still a great one to learn if you’re looking for something truly different. Otherwise, just listen to it! It’s not that hard to learn and should only take about 20 minutes, depending on your skill level.
26. I want to Rock by Twisted Sister
While Twisted Sister isn’t as popular today as they were back in the 1980s when they first came onto the scene, they still have a strong following, and this song is one of their most well-known jams.
The bassline for I want a Rock is extremely repetitive with only two notes- G and A. That’s it. Literally! While the riff itself is very simple, there are quite a few different variations throughout the song to provide some depth to the bassline.
The guitarist only plays one note during this song, and it’s an open string, so anyone can play it even if you don’t know any chords at all! Since I want a Rock is a classic rock/heavy metal bar chord staple, you can learn it even if you’re a beginner and then branch out into other songs.
27. “Brick House” by Commodores
The Commodores’ Brick House has a killer bass which can make us giddy to jump and dance. The bass holds the heart and gives any other instrument the structure needed to breathe.
Another fun song to crank in your car with an easy and funky groove and a good bass line that makes it feel like you’re going to get up and dance with it too. It’s unlikely that you know this song before – it’s always there in TV commercials or films.
28. “Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz
“Be Good Inc. ” is Gorillaz’s most recognizable single to date. These messages are extremely clear and very lucid. The main themes in the music video are intellectual freedom and a downgrading of cultural production through media.
We’re not sure what that song was about, but the music is surprisingly haunting. For a song called “Feel Good. Inc.” yes, it is dancing though the text is so abstract that it is not danceable.
It’s strange and brusque, especially its hip-hop influences. The videos are so frightful that you can’t understand.
29. Miles Davis – So what?
Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue is a great track for a good sound system. Each note has an attack, decay, reverb, dynamics and fine details. Can you hear a room’s size but feel the smoke in the air inside? Your system has passed the test.
30. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
The Godfather of Heavy Metal, his name is almost synonymous with the genre itself. While he’s been in the spotlight for many years, his best-known work dates back to when he was still with Black Sabbath in the 1970s and 1980s.
The bassline for this song is one of the most iconic elements, even though it’s just a few notes that repeat throughout the entire song with minor deviations here and there to provide some variation.
But when you think about it, a repeating bassline is all you need in a song like this!
If you want something simple and fun to play, but is also a classic staple of the genre, then give Crazy Train a try. Just make sure that if you cover it or perform it live, you don’t do what Ozzy himself does and forget your lyrics!
31. GoGo Penguin – Raven
Manchester’s band brings a stadium-ready track that has complex yet quickly accessible elements both in their own right. The bassline on Raven is a fast twitching, roller-coaster ride from a double bass explosion.
32. Get Up And Jump” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are considered among the most skilled musicians in rock. Get Up And Jump” offers the sort of freakish funk I think the band should’ve leaned more heavily on. Flea’s bass tone is nothing but colourful, heavy and time perfect.
It is no secret that we don’t see this decent song on such lists. The band did not find their sound. However, millions of fans believe. The song’s one of the best globally, and the band has more guitarists than stars in heaven. The band’s next album is their fifth.
33. James Brown – Say It Loud I’m Black and I’m
James Brown Say it Loud I’m Black, and I’m Proud has been a respected success with most African-Americans over the past two decades. It began to be released in 1969 and was designed as an ego booster for some oppressed people.
The bass and the electric move back and forth as though they were talking. The performance of bassist Charles Sherrell was excellent, along with James Brown. Basslines also have some movement, particularly when they are moved to the bridge.
34. Kool & the Gang – Get Down On It
Get Down On It became an instant hit song after releasing in 1981. This line of bass is tuned in EADG or standard tuning. Bass intro doubled as another bridge in the song.
The main riff carries through the major portions of the song. Even those with no talent for dancing tend to want to keep up their grooves and dance to this immortal tune.
This riff alternates with E open E, A and 4th fret to decrease the number of notes with an uptempo paced song. The song alternates multiple notes and frets to the uptempo sposy song. Even someone who can dance doesn’t need dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What song has the strongest bass?
AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, Paul McCartney’s Maybe I’m Amazed and Black Sabbath’s Iron Man
What do all these songs have in common?
They’re my favourite songs with the best bass lines ever. All three of them can be heard in different genres of music, ranging from pop to metal and everything in between.
Regardless of the different genres these songs can be found in, it is still hard to deny that they’re the best bass lines ever.
The Beatles’ I Am The Walrus is another great song with an amazing bass line.
What music has heavy bass?
Heavy metal
What is the loudest bass song?
Iron Man by Black Sabbath. Not even kidding. The first time I heard it, my chest began to vibrate from how extreme it was. But don’t worry, your eardrums will be just fine as long as you don’t listen to it at maximum volume on a stereo system.
What kind of song has the best bass?
The bass is steady heavy metal songs or anything by The Beatles.
What are three of the best heavy metal basslines ever?
Thunderstruck by AC/DC, Iron Man by Black Sabbath, and Crazy Train also by Black Sabbath. These aren’t my favourite, but they’re good examples of typical heavy metal basslines.
What songs have the best bassline?
AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed,” and Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” These songs have the best bass line, in my opinion.
How many times do you have to play a note in a song with great bass for it to be considered a riff?
I don’t think there’s a specific number. It would probably depend on the song, tempo, and style of bass playing.
Are there any best bass songs with a great beginning?
There are plenty of best bass songs that have great beginnings! “Thunderstruck” from AC/DC is a good example. That is what makes a riff a riff too. A certain part that is played through the whole song makes it easier to recognize.
What song has the most bass rap?
Hip hop songs typically don’t have any bass lines. I’m not sure what you’re referring to when you say “bass rap.”
Conclusion
The best bass-heavy songs are the ones that make you feel alive. They provide a thumping, powerful vibration to your body and soul while filling up any room with sound.
Some of our favourite icons in this genre include Bassnectar, Skrillex, Tipper, Rusko and many more! All in all, if you are looking for the best bass-heavy songs to crank up your speakers or headphones, then this list is a great place to start.
The variety of genres and artists on this list should have something that suits just about anyone’s taste.
Have you found your perfect bass-heavy song? If not, we recommend searching for it on Spotify or SoundCloud today! What’s been your favourite experience listening to these tracks?