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.
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Songs with cool bass lines in Western music: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists (21–30)
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
The role that the bass plays in soul and funk music is truly essential, and you can clearly understand why by listening to the massive hit “September.” This classic, with its unforgettable falsetto-led melody in the chorus that everyone has heard at least once, was released by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978.
It’s one of the group’s signature songs and arguably the most famous disco track of all.
The bass line by Verdine White, the younger brother of the band’s central figure Maurice White, revolves around disco-style octave playing, with rhythmically lively phrases that are fun to follow by ear.
It’s also highly recommended as a practice piece for funk bass!
Higher GroundRed Hot Chili Peppers
This is Red Hot Chili Peppers’ cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.” When talking about the Chili Peppers, you can’t forget their bassist, Flea! From that small frame, he produces an unbelievably funky, groovy bass.
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.
HysteriaMuse
MUSE, the most powerful trio in the modern rock scene to come out of the UK.
Since releasing their debut album in 1999, they’ve gained worldwide popularity with a sound that wields advanced technique and incorporates elements from a wide variety of genres.
While frontman Matthew Bellamy, who effortlessly commands technical guitar and piano, draws the eye with his intense charisma, Chris Wolstenholme’s effects-heavy bass presence is no less formidable.
A track where you can fully savor Chris’s thick, growling bass lines is Hysteria, featured on the 2003 masterpiece Absolution.
The bass takes such a leading role in this song that it’s fair to call it the star—an absolute must-listen for bassists in particular!
LisztomaniaPhoenix
A track with a strikingly cool bassline has been born.
Crafted by Phoenix, the piece is characterized by its catchy melody and brisk rhythm.
The lyrics depict the struggles of people pursuing fame and success, skillfully expressing the emotional turbulence of contemporary society.
Released in July 2009, the song is included on the album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” and received high praise from critics.
It has been widely embraced, featuring in TV shows, commercials, and film soundtracks.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor an energetic sound paired with profound lyrics.