Do you love bass? Do you love great bass songs? We’ve got the perfect list of 35+ Bass Songs for your next party playlist!
From old-school funk to modern pop, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your headphones or turn up the volume and get ready to groove!
Best Bass Songs of All Time
1. My Generation by The Who
My Generation features one of the most iconic bass lines in rock history. If you want to get the party started, crank up this classic tune!
It is important to note, however, that the bass line is actually played by guitarist Pete Townshend.
2. The Old Man’s Back Again by Scott Walker
If you’re looking for a song that sounds like it would be used in film noir, look no further than The Old Man’s Back Again.
An ominous bass riff sets the mood in this song, and that is followed up by a short but sweet solo about halfway through.
3. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
John Deacon, the former keyboardist of Queen and current bassist for The FREE Committee, not only composed the fundamental bass line in “Another One Bites the Dust” but also played it.
Its spare production highlights a funky, in-the-pocket riff that will get your head nodding and feet tapping.
4. Down with the Bass by fIREHOSE
Down with the Bass is an up-tempo number that is perfect for a little pick-me-up.
The bass line is fast and fun and will have you bobbing your head along with it in no time.
5. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) by Sly & The Family Stone
The unmistakable bounce of Sly Stone’s bass line and funky rhythm guitar will remind you why so many consider this to be one of the most influential songs in popular music.
Thank You song was the band’s third number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is a must-listen for any fan of classic soul music.
6. Coming Up by Paul McCartney
Coming Up was a No. 3 pop hit for Paul McCartney in 1980. The synthesizer-driven tune was originally intended to be a John Lennon solo song, but McCartney ended up recording it himself.
McCartney has said that the song is about coming of age and features some of his most creative lyrics.
7. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
What’s Going On is one of the most important songs in Marvin Gaye’s discography. The song was released in 1971 and peaked at No. 1 on the pop charts where it stayed for 5 weeks, becoming one of Gaye’s biggest hits in his career.
The song addresses social and political issues of the time, including the Vietnam War. Gaye’s impassioned vocals make it clear that he is frustrated with the state of the world, but his lyrics are optimistic about what can be done to change it.
8. Lovely Day by Bill Withers
Lovely Day is one of Bill Withers’ most popular songs. The soulful ballad was released in 1978 and became a No. 1 hit on the pop and R&B charts.
The song is about finding happiness in the simple things in life, and its positive and upbeat message has made it a favorite among fans of feel-good music.
9. Badge by Cream
Cream’s Badge was a No. 18 hit for the band in 1969 and is one of the best songs from their only studio album, Goodbye.
The song was written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison and is about the pleasure and pain of being in a band.
10. Licking Stick by James Brown
James Brown’s Licking Stick is a bass funk classic that will have you moving your feet. The song was released in 1970 and became a popular dance floor filler.
Brown’s falsetto vocals and the hard-hitting beat make this one of the most infectious songs in his catalog.
11. Hysteria by Muse
Muse’s Hysteria is an early single from the UK band. The bass song was released in 2003, but it wasn’t until Muse hit the mainstream with their album Black Holes and Revelations that fans really started to appreciate this track.
The band included a new version of the bass song on their 2009 compilation album Hullabaloo Soundtrack, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
12. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons’ Radioactive was one of the biggest hits of 2012. The bass song was released as a single in October of that year and became an instant hit, topping the charts in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The anthem-like track is about being empowered by music and has become a favorite of fans of modern rock.
13. Yeah! by Usher
Usher’s Yeah! was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts in 2004, and it remains one of Usher’s most popular bass songs to this day.
The bass song features Lil Jon and Ludacris, who contribute guest verses that complement Usher’s energetic vocals.
14. Brick House by The Commodores
The Commodores’ Brick House is an iconic funk song that has been covered by a variety of artists over the years. The bass song was released as a single in 1977 and became a No. 1 hit on the R&B charts.
The lyrics are about a strong woman who is not going to be messed with, and the song’s empowering message has made it a favorite among women.
15. Come As You Are by Nirvana
Nirvana’s Come As You Are is one of the most iconic songs in rock music. The bass song was released in 1991 as the lead single from their second album, Nevermind.
The dark and introspective track became a hit thanks to its catchy riff and angst-filled lyrics. It has since become a favorite among fans of the grunge scene.
16. Rock You Like a Hurricane by The Scorpions
The Scorpions’ Rock You Like a Hurricane is one of the most well-known hard rock anthems of all time. The bass song was released in 1984 as the lead single from their album Love at First Sting.
The track is about being swept away by the love and has become a favorite among fans of classic rock.
17. Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace’s Animal I Have Become is one of the band’s most popular songs. The bass song was released in 2006 as the lead single from their album One-X.
The track is about embracing anger and negativity and has become a favorite among fans of hard rock music.
18. Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet
Jet’s Are You Gonna Be My Girl is a rock classic that was released in 2003 as the lead single from their debut album. The song became a hit thanks to its catchy melody and lyrics.
The track is about wanting someone to be with you forever and has become a favorite among fans of vintage rock music.
19. Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
Black Eyed Peas Boom Boom Pow was released in 2009 as the lead single from their album The E.N.D., which went on to become one of the best-selling albums of that year.
The track is about wanting everyone to get hyped up and has become a favorite among fans of hip hop music.
20. Papercut by Linkin Park
Linkin Park’s Papercut is one of the band’s earliest singles. The bass song was released in 2001 as the lead single from their debut album, Hybrid Theory.
The track is about feeling overwhelmed by life and has become a favorite among fans of nu-metal music.
21. Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz
Gorillaz’s Feel Good Inc. was released in 2005 as the lead single from their album Demon Days. The bass song became a hit thanks to its innovative blend of pop, hip hop, and rock music.
The track is about feeling good even in the face of adversity and has become a favorite among fans of alternative music.
22. Oh! Darling by The Beatles
The Beatles’ Oh! Darling was released as a single in 1969 and was the B-side to their hit bass song Get Back. The bass song was written by Paul McCartney and is about a man who is begging his lover to stay with him.
The soulful track has become a favorite among fans of classic rock music.
23. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You was released in 1992 as the lead single from the soundtrack to the movie The Bodyguard. The song became a hit thanks to Houston’s powerful vocals and has since become one of the most popular love bass songs of all time.
The track is about being deeply in love with someone and has become a favorite among fans of soul music.
24. In the End by Linkin Park
Linkin Park’s, In the End, is one of the band’s most popular songs. The bass song was released in 2000 as the lead single from their album Hybrid Theory.
The track is about facing death with courage and has become a favorite among fans of nu-metal music.
25. I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness
The Darkness’ I Believe in a Thing Called Love was released in 2003 as the lead single from their debut album, Permission to Land. The bass song became a hit thanks to its catchy melody and lyrics.
The track is about believing in love no matter what and has become a favorite among fans of classic rock music.
26. All These Things That I’ve Done by The Killers
The Killers’ All These Things That I’ve Done was released in 2004 as the lead single from their debut album, Hot Fuss. The bass song became a hit thanks to its soulful melody and lyrics.
The track is about being grateful for all the good things that have happened in life and have become a favorite among fans of alternative music.
27. We Will Rock You by Queen
Queen’s We Will Rock You was released as a single in 1977 and was the opening track to their album News of the World. The bass song was written by lead singer, Freddie Mercury, and became an anthem for the band’s fans.
The track is about showing strength even in the face of adversity and has become a favorite among fans of classic rock music.
28. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run was released in 1975 as the lead single from his album of the same name. The song became a hit thanks to its anthemic lyrics and has since become one of the most popular rock bass songs of all time.
The track is about the struggles of chasing your dreams but has become a favorite among fans of classic rock music.
29. Concrete Angel by Martina McBride
Martina McBride’s Concrete Angel was released in 1995 as the lead single from her album The Way That I Am. The bass song became a hit thanks to its moving lyrics and has since become one of the most popular country songs of all time.
The track is about a young girl who falls victim to abuse and has become a favorite among fans of country music.
30. Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
Keane’s Somewhere Only We Know was released in 2004 as the lead single from their debut album Hopes and Fears. The bass song became a hit thanks to its catchy melody and lyrics.
The track is about finding love in unexpected places and has become a favorite among fans of indie music.
Best Bass Songs o All Time
There are so many great bass songs out there, it was hard to choose just 30! These are some of our favorites, but we’d love to hear your thoughts. What is your favorite bass song?
Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: What is the best bass song of all time?
A: That depends on what kind of music you like. There are so many great bass songs out there, it’s hard to choose just one! Our list has some of our favorite bass songs, but we’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments!
Q: What is a good bass song to learn on the guitar?
A: All of our picks are songs that can be played using open chords. Try playing along with any of these songs and you’ll be playing some great songs in no time!
Q: What are some good songs for beginner bass players?
A: The good news is that most popular songs are relatively easy to play on the bass. Our list includes some great songs that are perfect for beginner bass players. Give any of these songs a try and you’ll be sounding like a pro in no time!
Q: Are there any good rock bass songs for beginners?
A: Yes! Rock music is a great genre for beginner bass players. Our list includes some great rock bass songs that are perfect for beginners. Give any of these songs a try and you’ll be rocking out in no time!
Q: What is the easiest bass song to play?
A: That’s a tough question, as almost any song can be made easier or harder based on the skill level of the player. That said, our list includes some easy songs that are perfect for beginners or players who are just starting out with bass!
You can also check out 75+ Best Karaoke Songs for Women and Top 50 Easy Rock Songs to Play on Guitar.
