Steve PMHThe bass guitar can give any song that perfect flow whether it’s headbanging or soul moving.
Random in no particular order every song on this list has something unique and powerful to say.
Different opinions help create diversity in the popularity of songs, but a great bass hit can stand on its own.
Rockers and bass enthusiasts can both sit back to enjoy songs from all walks of life.
Whether you rock the black nails and mohawk or big beards and biker vests rock ‘n’ roll can bring us all together.
Below you will find fun facts and information on the 77 iconic bass songs.
1. Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers
In 1991 they released this song as a single for their fifth album Blood Sugar Sex Magik.
Not only will you be rocking back and forth with the music that consumes you, but the lyrics will also drill into your brain. “Give it away, give it away, give it away now”.
While the video can draw you into a trance with its black, white, and chromed out feature.
2. Kill Em All – Metallica
Metallica offers immense variety with their many well-known songs full of headbanging bass.
1983’s classic, Kill Em All with Cliff Burton’s epic bass solo, is critically acclaimed as one of the fastest and heaviest rock tracks.
3. Hysteria – Muse
The word, Hysteria, nearly screams out the meaning behind the music to take the listener into an amped fast-paced bass flow.
The entire group shares credit for writing this song.
4. Money – Pink Floyd
This great classic Pink Floyd hit was released in 1973 on the iconic album, The Dark Side of The Moon.
You are unsure what to expect from the start with simple change jingling. Then, Roger Waters begins his magical work removing all uncertainty.
Roger isn’t merely the bassist for this song, but the author as well.
5. Should I Stay Or Should I Go – The Clash
Paul Simon helps pave the way for a quicker and more upbeat bass style in this hit by The Clash.
He hits every note just right to have you moving along wondering if you should stay or go.
6. I Wish – Stevie Wonder
We all know Stevie Wonder and his many hits. Stevie’s bass player, Nathan Lamar Watts, helps deliver the hit, I Wish, from start to finish.
As a listener, you will not want to miss one single second of the sound.
The 1976 album Songs In The Key Of Life not only had this bass-filled classic but numerous others including Sir Duke.
7. Maneater – Daryl Hall & John Oates
Rocking in with bass and smoothing things over with the saxophone, Maneater will have you wanting more.
8. Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones
Even though he is far from the group’s bassist Keith Richards played the bass for its original recording.
Bill Wyman is the group’s bassist and plays bass for the song on stage.
9. I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
Bassists James Jamerson takes the walk with Marvin Gaye through the grapevine. The tremendous bass helps make every lyric more perfect no matter how high the pitch.
10. The Real Me – The Who
A 1973 classic for any bass lover, even being slightly overwhelmed by the drums you can’t miss the guitar leading through the song from start to finish.
11. Buzzards Of Green Hill – Leslie Edward Claypool
Even though rejected and unable to become a member of Metallica has never stopped Les Claypool from standing as one of the greatest bass players of all time.
A true example of how bass can be for hardcore rockers, Buzzards of Green Hill will also thrill those who enjoy a slightly more laid-back music type.
12. La Grange – ZZ Top
Even though the song La Grange is about a whorehouse in Texas that fact has never stopped fans from rocking out to this classic hit.
La Grange is a real Texas town located between Austin and Houston, mainly known for its Coca-Cola bottling plant until the 1973 song was released.
Dusty Hill has been ZZ Top’s bass guitarist from the very beginning but, his infamy goes farther.
In a fun fact, he is the cousin of King of the Hill’s very own Hank Hill.
13. No More Tears – Ozzy Osbourne
This song has so much meaning behind it, given that the No More Tears album was the first Ozzy recorded after becoming sober.
Not only is this his first sober album in 20 years, but it was also his first ever that didn’t have a demonic feel or cover art.
The song No More Tears itself will have you feeling the moments of a fresh start right along with Ozzy.
14. Living Dead Girl – Rob Zombie
From the 1998 Hellbilly Deluxe album Living Dead Girl puts a spin on fight songs.
Take on the devil and fight back with this raging track. Spook those who dare to question you.
15. The Beautiful People – Marilyn Manson
The Beautiful People released in 1996 and like many of Manson’s selections, this song holds a creepy, demonic feel that flows throughout the video.
The whole vibe of this song couldn’t have been completed without the magic performed by bassist Jeordie Osbourne White.
Also known as Twiggy Ramirez or more simply just Twiggy, White was previously with the group A Perfect Circle and toured with Nine Inch Nails after sadly leaving Manson in 2002 to become the lead vocalist for Goon.
16. Dragula – Rob Zombie
Matthew Montgomery, commonly known as Piggy D, is allowed his chance to shine within this classic Rob Zombie song.
Every bass hit will have you rocking back and forth hitting the ditches as if riding in the Dragula yourself.
17. Magic Man – Heart
Heart’s iconic sound exemplified in the hit, Magic Man showcases their enormous talent. Steve Fossen’s bass prowess storms a blast of power into the vocals.
18. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
Bass is brought to life within this 1982 classic by the British rock group Whitesnake’s lead vocalist David Coverdale and bass guitarist Neil Murray keeps you on your feet.
The song, Here I Go Again, is also well known for being the only song by the group to get airplay on adult contemporary stations, yes despite the fact is This Love was number 38 on charts and Here I Go Again never made the charts.
19. Nobody’s Fool – Cinderella
Reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 between the years 1986 and 1987, Nobody’s Fool quickly turned into a classic.
The music video to Nobody’s Fool was a second part to their previous video Shake Me.
Bassist Eric Brittingham was the man challenged to bring Nobody’s Fool to life and accomplished it.
Even still to this day Eric enjoys putting bass into people’s lives playing for the Bret Michaels Band.
20. Zombie – The Cranberries
Bassist Mike Hogan takes you into a fighting state of mind with this song’s flowing fury and energy all while the vocals of Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals keep you calm.
Zombie was recently covered in 2018 by Bad Wolves who keep the love for bass guitars flowing through their version as well.
21. Hail To The King Ragnar – Avenged Sevenfold
In 2014 bassist Johnny Christ was nominated for Best Bassist at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, though he didn’t win it was still one of the many awards this song deserved.
Hail To The King was also nominated for song of the year and won the best drummer alongside best guitarist.
Also featured in the 2013 Loudwire Music Awards, it won as the best rock song.
This group truly knew what they were doing and had the perfect heavy metal song selling 159,000 copies in the United States alone in the first week of its release.
22. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Lead vocalist Kurt Cobain and bass guitarist Krist Novoselic created this song to move the listener and give them the feel of the American alternative rock band from Boston, The Pixies.
Cobain attempted to write the rock song with a pop twist and fans approved. Krist Novoselic stayed with Nirvana until the death of Cobain in 1994.
23. 18 And Life – Skid Row
The single released in June of 1989 quickly climbed the charts and got named number 60 on the best hard rock songs of all time by VH1.
The song 18 and Life never made number 1 but stayed close to the top-earning the number 4 slot on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on Canada Top Singles.
Though the band went through a few lead vocalists, Rachel Bolan remained their bass player and back-up vocals from 1987 to present-day.
24. Hungry Like A Wolf – Duran Duran
Bass guitar player John Taylor brings this song to life walking you throughout the smooth sounds accompanied by his bandmates.
Though Duran Duran has three band members all with the last name Taylor, none are related.
Hungry Like a Wolf did receive gold status from RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) in the United States.
25. Truckin’ – The Grateful Dead
Bass player Phil Lesh never misses a beat as you rock along with the members of The Grateful Dead in this 1970 classic from the American Beauty album.
Phil Lesh was born in March of 1940 and stayed with the band from beginning to end.
When they decided to disband in the late 90s, Lesh choose to keep the Grateful Dead traditions alive with a family music project called Phil Lesh and Friends.
Phil and his project continued the Grateful Dead legacy with covers and performances of original Dead songs that pay homage to his classic roots.
26. Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
Production manager and bassist Jason Cox plays bass for this Gorillaz hit that released back in 2004.
Gorillaz known for amazing cartoon music videos continues to please with Feel Good Inc.
Instead, even to this day, it’s known as one of their greatest songs due to its catchy lyrics, memorable laugh, and upbeat tune.
27. Chop Suey – System Of The Down
Originally called Suicide, Chop Suey, is still often mistakenly called that.
Though the heavy metal band changed the name long before its release as the single on their second album Toxicity.
Chop Suey! was released in 2001 and bass player Shavo Odadjian takes the world by storm carrying the group with every stroke of his guitar.
28. Bodies – Drowning Pool
Introduced in the 2002 movie XXX starring Vin Diesel, the song Bodies became known worldwide.
The strong quality of the bass draws you in as Vin Diesel launches his car off the bridge at the beginning of the movie.
The song then lets the lyrics and bass carry you away in the wind as the car falls.
29. Down With The Sickness – Disturbed
This 1999 Disturbed hit has become a concert staple and one of their best-known songs of all time.
The group has created many hits along with covering great classics like The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel and putting their unique touch to everything they cross.
Bass player Steve ‘Fuzz’ Kmak will always be known for his original work on this track.
However, today Disturbed’s bass guitarist role was taken over in 2004 by John Moyer. Moyer can be heard in songs including Ten Thousand Fists.
30. I Stand Alone – Godsmack
This song became instantly known when it helped introduce the movie Scorpion King that starred Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Not only was I Stand Alone nominated for all kinds of awards, but it also won many including Rock Artist Of The Year in 2001 at the Billboard Awards.
Bassist Robbie Merrill isn’t only a key member of the group, but a founding member who helped get the band started back in 1986.
31. Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple
Though Deep Purple has had many great bass players including Nick Simper, Glenn Hughes, and Tommy Bolin.
Bassist Roger Glover gets credit for his outstanding performance on Smoke On The Water. Glover was a member of Deep Purple during the years 1969 through 1973.
Yes, during the years the band was considered its most successful. Simply more proof a good bass player can complete any group.
32. Click Click Boom – Saliva
Bassist and founding member Dave Novotny has stayed with the group through all its ups and downs.
He even held his head high and remained hopeful for the band’s future while lead singer Josey Scott departed after a 15-year run with the group.
Click Click Boom helped the band become more worldly known after being featured in The Fast and The Furious, along with other movies including The New Guy and Cradle 2 The Grave.
33. Bawitdaba – Kid Rock
North Dakota native, Aaron Julison is not only the bassist but back up vocalist for Kid Rock. The work and style of Julison can also be heard with the Twisted Brown Trucker Band.
Bawitdaba release in 1999 as the single for the Devil Without A Cause album.
34. Crazy Bitch – Buckcherry
Inspired by their ex-girlfriends, Buckcherry hones their sound with lyrics that sound more like a guitar riff than a chorus.
The iconic tune Crazy Bitch is just that all wrapped up in a song.
35. Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
One of the world’s most commonly misunderstood songs, Pour Some Sugar On Me, remains a bass-filled classic as well as good for a laugh.
Many people strangely hear “Cuz I’m hot, say what” instead of the words “Cuz I’m hot, so hot” turning the hit into a completely different song.
But no matter what version of words you hear as the song plays the bass sounds are a treat for the ears.
36. I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll – Joan Jett and The Black Hearts
When thinking of great bass sounds and awesome music, you can’t forget the legendary Joan Jett.
As you think of this great song, it is almost always associated with Joan and the Blackhearts, when it was a remake that the women used to set the world on fire.
37. Play That Funky Music White Boy – Wild Cherry
A classic hit whether you’re simply a Wild Cherry fan, or heard it for the first time during the hilarious movie The New Guy.
Star D. J. Qualls puts all his comic talent into the portrayal of new kid Dizzy Harrison and Wild Cherry helps stir up the scenes with Play That Funky Music White Boy like a hurricane.
38. White Wedding – Billy Idol
Billy Idol’s bass player Stephen McGrath has not only enhanced many of Billy’s songs, but his past work with Tom Petty is unforgettable.
White Wedding stayed at the top of the charts for many weeks in the 36th slot on the United States Billboard Hot 100. It did reach number 4 in the Billboard’s Top Tracks.
39. Rebound – Volbeat
Kaspar Boye Larsen is Volbeat’s second bass guitarist. That fact occurred after he proved himself a valuable member of the group during a U.S. tour.
Rebound is one of the first songs Larsen performed as main bass player for Volbeat.
40. Hells Bells – AC/DC
To many AC/DC songs have epic bass rips, narrowing it down wasn’t easy.
When considering all of their epic bass rips a look at the many AC/DC songs, it is not easy to narrow down the best.
Hells Bells, however, stands above the others with the infamous bell tolls, rings true for all bass enthusiasts.
41. Black Betty – Ram Jam
The 1977 classic has been covered numerous times over the years, but none can compare to the bass-thumping boot-stomping, feel Ram Jam gives you.
Bass player David Goldflies later replaced Howie Arthur Blauvelt, but Howie gets credit for Black Betty and all Ram Jam’s songs from the year 1977 to 1978.
42. Du Hast – Rammstein
Du Hast, a German rocker’s dream song, is similar to the song Bodies by Drowning Pool because of their connection to Vin Diesel.
The 2002 movie XXX, features many great rock songs with a strong bass influence, but Du Hast will remain playing in your mind long after the movie ends.
43. Bad To The Bone – George Thorogood
Thinking of songs with a strong bass influence has to include ‘B-b-b-b-b-b-b-bad’ and George Thorogood.
Bad to the Bone hits all the levels of bass greatness and will go down in infamy.
44. The Joker – The Steve Miller Band
A song that is known by many names that include Space Cowboy is one of Steve Miller’s most famous tunes.
Often called a stoner’s anthem this song will have you swaying back and forth enjoying every beat.
It will not matter if you are a stoner or not anyone can feel like Maurice.
45. Legend – The Score
First recognized in early 2015 with the song Oh My Love, The Score went on to make a lasting impression in 2017 with the release of Legend.
This song helps to rock the fans with bass you can feel down deep in your soul.
46. B.Y.O.B. – System Of The Down
B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bombs) released in 2005 on System Of The Down’s album Mezmerize.
Yet, another classic that features the group’s bass player, Shavo Odadjian allowing the world a glimpse at his musical talent.
47. Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
Strangely enough, Kung Fu Fighting stands tall in the Disco world as it does for those lovers of a great bass sound.
But Carl Douglas has accomplished that in this blast of the past, that was originally a sidekick on the B-side.
48. Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
Music lovers can agree Queen delivers a hit unlike anything else on the charts with Another One Bites the Dust.
Not only does John Deacon perform one of rock’s most iconic bass events, but he wrote the classic as well.
This song stands alone in the world of music with the vocal talent of Freddie Mercury and the magic fingers of Deacon.
49. Iron Man – Black Sabbath
Known worldwide as a rock god, Ozzy Osbourne can attribute the beginnings of that status to the years of amazing work among the group Black Sabbath.
Young and old all know the iconic song, Iron Man and bassist Geezer Butler.
Butler not only was the bassist for Black Sabbath, but he also did songs for Ozzy when he was solo and even other groups including Heaven and Hell, as well as a few solo songs in the 1990s.
50. Sweet Dreams – Marilyn Manson
Manson takes his cover of Sweet Dreams and twists the Eurythmics classic into a deep, dark vision only he could pull off.
51. VooDoo – Godsmack
Shortly after being released in 1999 VooDoo received the Platinum certification through RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) after selling an outstanding 1,000,000 copies.
52. Pissed Off and Mad About It – Texas Hippie Coalition
A rock ‘n’ roll group that’s lead singer looks like a rough and tough biker that you wouldn’t want to make mad.
Longbeard and country feel yet hardcore sound make Texas Hippie Coalition a must-hear group.
Their song Pissed Off and Mad About It showcases those qualities in all their rugged glory.
53. Push It – Static-X
Push It was the first single ever released by the band Static-X and features their first bassist, Tony Campos.
In 2010 Campos left the band allowing Andy the Kid to join Static in 2012 as their new bass player.
54. When Worlds Collide – Powerman 5000
A true rock anthem, When Worlds Collide, is about self-worth, being strong, and never giving up.
A heavy start and soft midsection combine in the song to truly blow your mind with a heavier screaming end.
This song was done with their former bass player, Dorian 27 (Dorian Heartsong) who stayed with the group until 2001.
After Dorian 27’s exit, the group experienced numerous ups and downs with many bass players.
They finally found another that could compare in the talented persona of Murv3 (Murv Douglas) who has remained with the group since 2015.
55. This Is Halloween – Marilyn Manson
In all of the darkness that Manson is famous for possessing, this version of Danny Elfman’s Halloween is delivered in a true scratchy bass style that is Marilyn Manson.
56. Basket Case – Green Day
Paranoia is the basis of the hit by Green Day allowing the feeling of anxiety to shadow a deep tone in the 1996 hit.
57. Uma Thurman – Fall Out Boy
After selling 2,000,000 copies, Uma Thurman was awarded a 2x Platinum award by RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for Fall Out Boy.
The song was released in 2014 with lyrics describing the dancing by actress Uma Thurman in the cult-classic film Pulp Fiction.
58. Cherry Pie – Warrant
Super hilarious start to the romantic comedy movie When In Rome reminds you if you walk in a church mute your phone, especially if Warrant is your ringtone.
That simple movie moment helps to show a listener each aspect of the great sound that is Warrant.
59. Dude (Looks Like A Lady) – Aerosmith
The style of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry remain true with their hit Dude Looks Like a Lady.
This talented pair author their band’s songs out of a notion they can compose better for themselves than anyone else.
Originally titled ‘Cruisin’ for the Ladies’, the band revised that mundane line for the incarnation you know today.
60. Bad Girlfriend – Theory Of A Deadman
Bass player Dean Back not only slays the stage as he slams on his guitar, hearing his vocals in the back truly make this song a must hear.
A song about a girl who works hard, yes as a stripper, but she works hard and is faithful to the one she loves.
A tune that will keep you on your feet singing along from the start to the finish.
61. Burn It To The Ground – Nickelback
Bass influenced rock songs have been used at sporting events for years and Burn It To The Ground sits at number three on the top ten list.
During the creation phase of the song, the band’s producer asked for something that would make you “want to crack open a beer and party.”
Nickelback achieved that goal after more than one revision.
62. Kiss – Prince
Prince music royalty long before he changed his name to a basic symbol will leave you speechless and wowed.
His vocal ability is enhanced by the accompaniment of bassist Tony Christian. Kiss also placed 464th on The Rolling Stone magazine’s top 500 rock songs of all time.
63. Poison – Alice Cooper
Bass sound and back up vocals for Alice Cooper are delivered by Chuck Garric.
Not only does he play bass, but Garric has also helped write many of Cooper’s hits that include Master Of The Moon.
Volkswagen used a slightly modified version of Poison and was used on television for the Volkswagen Passat.
64. The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
Another breakout hit brought Jimmy Eat World to the forefront. This alternative song took the charts by storm reaching number 1 on the Modern Rock chart in 2001.
It continued to stay strong in popularity the following year by reaching number 5 on the Top 100.
65. Bring Me To Life – Evanescence
Bassist Francesco DiCosmo helps bring lead singer Amy Lee’s voice to life.
From many of their hits including My Immortal, Bring Me To Life will leave you wanting more.
66. In Too Deep – Sum 41
In Too Deep features bass player Jason McCaslin.
Though the band has featured many different bassists over the years, Jason is why In Too Deep will always be known as a classic.
This Canadian musician born in 1980 is more than just a simple bass player. He has written and produced many songs as well through his journey.
67. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm
One of the most covered songs on the charts is Smooth Criminal.
However, Alien Ant Farm takes the bass to a different perspective that Elvis or Michael Jackson before them.
All of that was accomplished on their debut album in 2001.
68. Hey Ya! – OutKast
A song anyone who likes to laugh and smile as they rock out would have to hear. Hey Ya! will keep you smiling and dancing from start to finish.
69. Can You Feel My Heart – Bring Me The Horizon
Bring Me The Horizon penned Can You Feel My Heart with the concept of admittance.
This idea stood as the starting point for their album working to bring their fans on a journey through emotions.
70. Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden
Soundgarden’s Jason Everman was the bass player to originally record this one-hit wonder, only to leave the band shortly after its release.
His exit opened a spot for Ben Shepherd to join the band.
71. Bad Company – Five Finger Death Punch
This stands as one of the greatest remakes of a rock song in decades. Bad Company was originally performed by the group Bad Company.
Five Finger Death Punch’s version enhanced by the strength of lead singer Ivan L. Moody and bass player Chris Kael gives this classic an updated freshness.
72. Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
ZZ Top uses their synthesizers blended with the bass to create a song rock heavy and finishes with a longer than average instrumental finish making Sharp Dressed Man an instant hit for the band.
After the release of their video on MTV, ZZ Top grew in popularity.
73. Smokin In The Boys Room – Motley Crue
This hit from 1985 took Motley Crue to the charts for the first time in their career. That accomplishment happened with what started as the cover of a great song.
Nikki Sixx takes the bass of Smokin In The Boys Room and pushes the limits helping secure Motley Crue in rock’s history.
74. In The End – Black Veil Brides
Dueling bass guitars in the song, In The End, will have you rocking along feeling the lead singer’s pain of losing someone dear to him.
75. We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister
Rock music has several anthems that fit many different situations, but We’re Not Gonna Take It stands as the number one for standing against the authority of any kind.
Twisted Sister screams to the whole world through the music and lyrics of We’re Not Gonna Take It with a song that has been included in countless movies.
76. Enemies – Shinedown
Bassist Eric Bass brings you closer to your enemies with every stroke. He joined the group Shinedown after Brad Stewart left in 2007.
Bass was recording and making hits by 2008 with Shinedown.
77. Make Me Wanna Die – The Pretty Reckless
Bassist Mark Damon combines with former Gossip Girl actress, Taylor Momsen to deliver this hardcore alternative rock in a tribute to a death march.
The song struts along with Momsen’s rough voice and Damon’s heavy bass tones to deliver a hit for their debut album.
Conclusion
Songs from the early ’60s to the late 2000 era all have their unique flair and twist to having bass guitars within them.
Each of the listed songs has one strong thing in common, the fact that rockers love headbanging tracks.
They want those iconic sounds they can feel in their bones. Headbanging tracks they can move to and help pass in their day-to-day life.
Music is truly the universal language, and rock ’n’ roll helps the world keep spinning.
But it can be the bassists within each music genre that help keep our hearts pounding.
With every pluck of their strings, you can feel it flow through your body and into your soul.
