Western Music: A Collection of Iconic Big Beat Tracks (Great for Rock Fans Too)

Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout DubApollo 440

Apollo 440 – Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Dub (HQ)

Centered around the Gray brothers from Liverpool and Noko, Apollo 440 effortlessly leap over the boundary between rock and dance music.

The track that put their name on the global map was the standout single released ahead of their album Electro Glide in Blue in February 1997.

Notably, the song boldly samples that famous Van Halen guitar riff.

Its sound—where rapid-fire breakbeats intersect with lines from sci-fi films—creates a world that fuses rock’s raw heat with a cool, futuristic edge.

The title, which says “talk about dub, not love,” perfectly encapsulates their musical stance.

Peaking at No.

7 on the UK Singles Chart and featured in sports broadcasts, this track is the perfect detonator when you want to crank your adrenaline to the max.

We Have ExplosiveThe Future Sound of London

We Have Explosive

The Future Sound of London are an electronic duo who combine contrasting talents—technology and melody.

While they’ve always maintained an experimental approach from ambient to IDM, since this is an article about big beat, I’d love for you to check out a track from their 1996 masterpiece, Dead Cities.

This piece boldly uses samples from Run-D.M.C., where hip-hop aggression and rock-style guitar riffs collide fiercely—an explosively energetic track, indeed.

Its cool, hard-edged sound was featured in the popular game wipE’out 2097 and the film Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, and it reached No.

12 on the UK Singles Chart.

Its destructive beats and distorted basslines are sure to win over rock fans as well!

Give the Po’ Man a BreakFatboy Slim

Fatboy Slim – Give The Po’ Man A Break (Official Audio)

Fatboy Slim, who has an unusual background as a former rock band bassist, made his leap into the big beat scene with a track from his debut album “Better Living Through Chemistry,” released in September 1996.

While the title suggests a social message, the sound is simply exhilarating: a distorted bassline and thunderous breakbeats collide to create a dynamic groove that also resonates with rock.

The track is also known for being featured in the 2000 film “Traffic.” It’s the perfect number for when you want to crank up your adrenaline or relive the heat of the ’90s club scene.

The Funk PhenomenaArmand Van Helden

Armand van Helden – The Funk Phenomena (Official Video)

Armand Van Helden is a producer known for his wide-ranging musicality, from house to speed garage.

Among his works, this is the one I recommend to anyone who wants to feel the raw, early energy of big beat.

Fusing the tough texture of hip-hop with the dynamism of house and adding a fierce dose of funk, the sound seems to spark a “phenomenon” on the dance floor.

Its dirty, sample-heavy construction is packed with groove that moves your body on instinct, no explanation needed.

Featured on his debut release, Old School Junkies: The Album, which came out in October 1996, this track hit No.

1 on Canada’s dance chart.

With distorted bass and explosive, high-speed breakbeats, it’s sure to win over rock fans as well.

Bentleys Gonna Sort You OutBENTLEY RHYTHM ACE

Bentley Rhythm Ace – Bentlys Gonna Sort You Out

Bentley Rhythm Ace is an electronic music duo from Birmingham, England, formed in 1995.

The unit consists of Mike Stokes and Richard March.

They released their debut album, Bentley Rhythm Ace, in 1997, which spawned the single Bentleys Gonna Sort You Out!.

They are known as representative artists of the big beat era and their music spans big beat, electronica, electro house, and electronic rock.