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

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 bass lines in Western music: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists (21–30)

True BabeGwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani – True Babe (Official Lyric Video)
True BabeGwen Stefani

Let me introduce “True Babe” as a love song with a cool bass.

This track was released by Gwen Stefani, also known as the vocalist of No Doubt.

It portrays, from a woman’s perspective, the yearning she feels for someone special.

The intro features a calm, love-ballad-like sound, but as the woman’s emotions intensify throughout the song, the bass sound grows more powerful.

Also noteworthy is how the chorus shifts to a fresh, uplifting feel.

Hit MeDIRTY LOOPS

Dirty Loops is a powerhouse fusion band whose members all possess monstrous technique.

Featured here is their debut track, “Hit Me.” While a standard bass has four strings, the band’s bassist, Henrik Linder, plays a six-string.

The groove of the song is driven by the bass, but one misstep could throw the entire rhythm off.

On the other hand, playing it too simply won’t create a groove either.

Henrik Linder’s bass lines hold the music right on the edge—just before things might start to unravel—where the most exquisite and satisfying groove emerges.

Highly recommended for listeners who want to savor a bass line packed with countless techniques.

Songs with awesome bass in Western music: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists (31–40)

What’s Going OnMarvin Gaye

What’s Going On (Original Single Mix)
What's Going OnMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye, a singer who was active in the 1960s and ’70s.

This track showcases his gentle, crystal-clear voice at its best.

It’s one of the iconic songs representing Motown Records, a label that made a huge impact on Black music at the time.

The band backing him is unbelievably cool, too.

The bass line is lively without ever sticking out in a bad way, yet it locks in the groove perfectly.

It’s a track where you can savor truly outstanding bass.

RumorsTHE DRIVER ERA & Ross Lynch

THE DRIVER ERA & Ross Lynch – Rumors (Official Video)
RumorsTHE DRIVER ERA & Ross Lynch

A brisk dance number born from the combined talents of Ross Lynch and Rocky Lynch, Rumors was released on October 23, 2023.

As a comfortable bass sets the rhythm, sharp insights into everyday rumors and gossip unfold over a buoyant beat.

The determined, confident lyrics are sure to energize listeners.

Ross’s own words—saying they kept at it until they were fully satisfied—convey the passion embedded in the tasteful bassline.

Even if you’re not a bass aficionado, be sure to feel the song’s uplifting sense of positive empowerment.

London CallingThe Clash

The Clash – London Calling (Official Video)
London CallingThe Clash

A fierce warning sounded by the revolutionaries of punk rock.

They deliver concerns about social collapse and environmental issues over a powerful bassline and raw guitar sound.

Released in December 1979, the track reached No.

11 on the UK Singles Chart.

As the lead single from the album London Calling, it became a song that symbolized the band’s new musical ambitions.

It was also featured in the 2012 London Olympics, with its message resonating across generations.

Recommended for those who feel frustration and stagnation with society, and for anyone who wants to change the world through music.

Shit, Damn, MotherfuckerD’Angelo

D’Angelo “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” Live at Montreux 2000
Shit, Damn, MotherfuckerD'Angelo

Are you familiar with neo-soul, a genre of soul music that blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, and funk? D’Angelo is said to have created this neo-soul genre and possesses an exceptionally high level of songwriting ability.

His classic “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” features a subdued track on the studio recording, but the live version is turned into something intense, driven by a powerful bassline and kick drum.

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)
Don't Start NowDua Lipa

With its nostalgic bassline, this track will especially resonate with fans of disco music! “Don’t Start Now,” released in 2019 by British singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, is a danceable song about a protagonist who shakes off heartbreak and moves through life lightly, as if dancing.

The crisp, subtly shifting bass tone adds motion to the track, and nostalgic strings come in during the latter half.

While it undeniably embraces contemporary trends, it also conveys a sense of respect for the pioneers who built the history of disco music.