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

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

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 basslines in Western music: classic and popular picks recommended for bassists (81–90)

RUNAWAYOneRepublic

OneRepublic – RUNAWAY (Official Music Video)

RUNAWAYOneRepublic

A track where a driving pop-rock sound is colored by a resonant bassline.

It’s OneRepublic’s first new song since “I Ain’t Worried,” released in May 2023 and featured on the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack.

The band’s performance propels lyrics that depict an escape from the everyday and a yearning for freedom.

In step with Ryan Tedder’s passionate vocals, a rhythmic bassline unfolds.

Tune in to the cool bass riffs etched into the heavy beat.

The music video was filmed across eight cities in Southeast Asia.

It’s a perfect song to play when you want to bring your A-game or take on a new challenge.

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All About That BassMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass (Official Video)

All About That BassMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor is an artist known for her charming looks and distinctive musical style centered on doo-wop.

She was hugely active in the 2010s, and even now she sometimes ranks high on the charts.

Many people probably recognize her appearance and her singing voice.

Her song “All About That Bass” is one of her biggest hits, with a double bass that delivers a strong presence, adding a cool edge to its cuteness.

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In conclusion

Focusing on the bass, I introduced some classic Western songs that I’d love for you to listen to.

When you listen this way, don’t you feel that “songs with cool bass lines aren’t just about the bass—they’re highly polished as complete pieces”? The bass often gets called understated, but even in songs you know well, you might discover something unexpected if you pay attention to the low end.

I hope you find a personal favorite of your own.