A great bass riff is like pure gold.
Far too often, bassists are expected to simply follow the guitarist’s lead, sticking to root notes or doubling up on the guitar riffs. And that’s all well and good, but we really love it when the bass takes over!
Of course, we know that the bassist is really in charge anyway (if a guitar plays a G chord, it’s not really a G unless the bassists plays a G too!), but it’s always great to hear an incredible bass riff shake, rattle, and roll a song!
With that in mind, last week we started to explore some of music’s most iconic and powerful bass lines. This week, we’ve got a few more for you to sink your teeth into!
Come Together – The Beatles
Could this be McCartney’s best baseline? Quite possibly. As with most things found in popular music, The Beatles took a stab at having a great, ear-catching opening bass riff – and what a success! Oddly enough, “Come Together” began its life as a song John Lennon wrote as a theme tune for Timothy Leary’s campaign for governor of California. Weird but true!
This iconic bass line has helped this tune become one of The Beatles most covered songs, with versions done by Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, and even Marilyn Manson.
Around the World – Red Hot Chili Peppers
What a way to start an album! As one of the most incredible bassists to ever make it to the big show, Flea will always have a place on any greatest bass line lists. But when it comes time to pick just one of his songs as the “best,” there are just too many to choose.
Flea has often been the dominant musical voice for the Chili Peppers, but this song, off 1999’s explosive Californication, took that dominance to its most incredible logical conclusion. Using a simple Boss overdrive pedal, Flea’s bass crushes your speakers as he flies through a flurry of notes. Simply thrilling!
Sabotage – The Beastie Boys
Could this be one of the best music videos ever produced?! It may surprise you to learn that New York’s rap pioneers, The Beastie Boys, were actually accomplished instrumentalists as well as game-changing hip-hop stars. A few of their albums even featured some examples of them jamming: Mike D on drums, Ad-Rock on guitar, and the late, great MCA on bass.
As one of these examples, MCA steals the show on “Sabotage,” with a pounding, overdriven bass line that moves the song forward with incredible force. With some delicious fills (especially during the “police car jump” breakdown), and a pulsing rhythm that never lets up, this bass line will have the whole room play air-bass!
Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
And now for something a little more contemporary!
This song from the animated band, Gorillaz, won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals in 2006. The lyrics are interesting, talking about all the things in life that make people feel good, including some of the darker things that give people pleasure, like addiction. But the chorus reverses a little to talk about loving others and encouraging the listener to stop thinking about only the things that make them feel good. In the end, the windmill represents love making the world go round.
Powerful lyrics coupled with that instantly recognizable bass line – it’s no wonder people are still tapping their toes to this one 14 years later!
YYZ – Rush
“YYZ” from Canadian band Rush, is most often praised for the late Neil Peart’s incredible drumming, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. But, Peart’s part isn’t the only impressive area of “YYZ” – named for Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport.
Geddy Lee, who is the band’s lead vocalist as well as bassist, puts in an undeniable performance with his bass – one that is often considered one of the best riffs in rock history. Thanks to these two powerful parts, “YYZ” was nominated for a Grammy in 1982 for Best Rock Instrumental.
These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra
Written in 1966 by Lee Hazlewood, “These Boots…” walked all the way to #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as the UK Singles Chart. The jangly, walking bass line simply oozes confidence and a no-nonsense attitude.
It’s no wonder it’s gone on to become hugely popular for covers, with versions recorded in a massive range of styles; everything from metal, pop, punk, and rock, to country, dance, and industrial. Megadeath, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Ella Fitzgerald are among the most famous artists to give this tune a turn.
I Want You Back – The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5’s seminal 1969 single featured this incredible bass line, played flawlessly by session bassist Wilton Felder.
“I Want You Back” offers a prime example of post-James Jamerson funky, soulful bass playing. It bounced around all over the place, while never releasing its hold on that all-important ‘60s and ‘70s groove. This one is so iconic that it’s still guaranteed to fill any dance floor, even more than 50 years later.
Orion – Metallica
This over-eight-minute instrumental, mostly written my Metallica’s bass player Cliff Burton, is one for the ages.
Burton’s solos are so good, they’re often mistaken for guitar solos. He achieved the distinctive opening sounds by using a wah wah pedal with his bass. Often regarded as the greatest composition of Burton’s career, he’s even claimed it was his favourite Metallica song. And so, it was fittingly played at his funeral when he passed away in 1986.
The song is so iconic, that Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, James Hetfield, had the bass line notes tattooed on his arm as tribute to his fallen bandmate.
Did we miss your favourite bass line? With so many to choose from, it’s hard to nail down the best! Tell us your favourite bass lines to listen to and play in the comments! And if it’s bass lessons or classes you’re looking for, check out our programs here!