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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 basslines in Western music: classic and popular picks recommended for bassists (51–60)

HelloBlack Pumas

Black Pumas – Hello (Official Video)
HelloBlack Pumas

Black Pumas’ “Hello” is the perfect track for fully savoring the allure of a bass that resonates within a band ensemble.

Dominating the international music scene, they’re a group leading a new wave of psychedelic soul, with a bold and thrilling bass tone that commands a confident presence.

Featured on their album “Chronicles of a Diamond,” released October 27, 2023, this song is a sublime fusion of soul and psychedelia.

Its groovy bassline elevates Eric Burton’s passionate vocals.

Bass lovers, and music fans in general, should experience it at least once!

GIFT HORSEIDLES

IDLES – GIFT HORSE (Official Video)
GIFT HORSEIDLES

The new track “GIFT HORSE” lets you fully savor IDLES bassist Adam Devonshire’s weighty basslines.

Released in 2024, its satisfying low end captivates listeners.

The driving force that runs through the band’s sound fuses exquisitely with the meticulous rhythm section.

Meanwhile, the lyrics are laced with phrases that hint at a love that transcends self-love and a rebellion against power, brimming with a powerful message and positive energy.

This is a song that will set your heart racing in any scene and is a must-listen for everyone who loves the bass.

Included on the 2024 album “TANGK,” its quality makes it easy to see why it has already won high praise from many critics.

You’re sure to be blown away when you see it live!

3121Prince

Prince, an artist who commanded overwhelming support in the 1980s with his extraordinary talent.

Owing to the intensity of his popularity and his contrasting style, he’s famously regarded as a counterpart to Michael Jackson.

Among his works, the track “3121” stands out for its especially prominent bass.

It’s a late-period song of his, notable for its innovative melodies and structures that don’t fit into any single genre.

The bass distortion is off the charts, so it’s a must-listen for fans of deep, heavy low end.

Dance The NightDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]
Dance The NightDua Lipa

Dua Lipa, a British singer-songwriter known as a UK pop icon.

The track she released in 2023 for the Barbie movie soundtrack captivates with its pop-meets-disco vibe.

Featuring a funky rhythm and striking cello tones, it also boasts a pleasantly resonant bassline.

The lyrics, which depict the sparkle of outward appearance alongside inner conflict, emphasize the importance of self-expression.

Lipa reportedly composed the song while watching the film’s dance scene.

It’s a must-listen not only for dance music lovers but also for fans of the Barbie movie.

Western songs with cool basslines: classic and popular tracks (61–70) recommended for bassists

Super FreakRick James

Rick James – Super Freak (Official Music Video)
Super FreakRick James

Rick James is one of America’s quintessential funk musicians.

He’s also highly regarded as a bassist, and his bass playing had a major influence on 1980s funk music.

A track where you can especially savor his bass is “Super Freak.” Since MC Hammer sampled it for “U Can’t Touch This,” it’s a tune almost everyone recognizes.

Be sure to check out the simple yet strikingly cool bass line.

A Love InternationalKhruangbin

Khruangbin – A Love International (Official Video)
A Love InternationalKhruangbin

Khruangbin stands out with a uniquely colored presence in the Western music scene, and at the heart of it all is Laura Lee, whose captivating bass takes center stage.

In particular, A Love International from the album A La Sala is a track I highly recommend to bassists.

Performed at Bonnaroo 2024, the song mesmerized listeners with its richly atmospheric bassline and Laura Lee’s dazzling technique that showcases her impeccable taste.

Her passionate, groove-laden playing colors the track beautifully—an absolute must-listen for anyone who loves the bass!

Only GirlStephen Sanchez

Stephen Sanchez – Only Girl (Official Video)
Only GirlStephen Sanchez

A song that sings of deep love and devotion has arrived from Stephen Sanchez.

This work embodies his wish to bring the counterculture of 1964 into the present, powerfully expressing a love that he won’t surrender to anyone.

Released in April 2023 as part of the album SS1*, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Production by Ian Fitchuk and Konrad Snyder delivers a moving experience that highlights the vulnerability of the lyrics.

On Spotify, it has surpassed one billion streams.

For those feeling heartbreak or uncertainty in their decisions, this track is sure to resonate.