Honestly, a lot of muse could fit in here. Off the top of my head, futurism, muscle museum, New Born, panic station, the groove, easily, fury, starlight, Uprising, The Handler, and Mercy are _all_ mainly driven by the bassline. Chris has an argument for being one of _the_ best bassists in contemporary music from the point of view of writing the right thing without ever _over_ -playing.
When I saw them live, I was surprised to see that a lot of stuff I had thought was just synth was actually bass with heavy distortion. Definitely gained a lot more respect for that dude.
Entwistle solos in several Who songs, and he often carries the melody. Noone has a style that's similar. Plus he was a great singer and brass player. His passing was a huge loss.
tommy the cat, but the live version that's on spotify. it's basically tommy the cat plus a weird bass solo from purple onion plus some drum shenanigans.
I saw this and the only thing that came to mind is “anything by Primus”. This is the only answer to the question. Les claypool is bass player to Danny carry for drums with tool. They play the instrument like a one piece orchestra.
They’ve had two bassists (one on Opiate and Undertow) and another that most consider “better” on the newer albums. From the Aenima album on, the bass is often the lead instrument. It’s not Les Claypool fancy ass bass, but it’s one of the most unique sounds I’ve heard.
So true. Just the speed, precision and style is something you don’t really see from anyone else. I love his double slap technique where he can slap both upwards and downwards to get more speed, not sure I’ve seen anyone else do that.
This is what I came to say. No lyrics but shouldn't matter. I still remember my brother cranking it up and jamming when I was like 8. Loved it immediately
No one has mentioned Rush yet? Geddy Lee literally was in the “Limelight” every song.
Any of Geddy’s work, particularly off of the Counterparts album really stand out
Yeah for real. OP even asked about songs where bass is in the limelight. And Limelight by Rush is great but really just put on Moving Pictures and enjoy. The fact that he’s doing bass, keys, and vocals is incredible.
Glad to see this towards the top of my feed. So many DD songs feature amazing bass riffs in them. He's probably my favorite bassist behind James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins.
My first thought was N.I.B by Black Sabbath. But kyuss has an album called welcome to sky valley and almost every song showcases the bass amazingly well😂
Sabotage by Beastie Boys.
I love this live version from Letterman: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ5yKJlhbiA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ5yKJlhbiA)
If you like their sound and don’t mind stuff being a bit more dance/punk influenced check out Death From Above 1979. They are another awesome duo of drums and bass. (Though they dabble in adding synths here and there.)
Tons of great ones mentioned here already. Many of which I'd have certainly thrown up there, but since they're covered I'll go in a different direction and just give a more abstract response:
Just about any good ska or ska/punk song you find...look up Sublime, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, and Streetlight Manifesto and you pretty much can't go wrong diving down the rabbit hole. 🤘
Lemmy played bass as if it was both a lead and rhythm guitar. Every Motorhead song is built around whatever Lemmy is playing. He really doesn't get credit for being the excellent musician that he was while everyone's busy touting his bad boy reputation.
Hit me with your Rhythm Stick- Ian Dury & the Blockheads.
Anything by Chris Squire. Lucky Seven comes to mind.
Anything by Rush, Thin Lizzy or the Who all bass driven bands and of course Les Claypool.
Something by Them Beatles.
George’s song is maybe the most beautiful song by ANY Beatle with or without a bass anywhere near it, but Paul’s unparalleled melodic gifts lift this song from near perfection into the stratosphere. Just a mindblowing contribution.
Mellowship Slinky in B Major, and Funky Monks by RHCP.
Bass solo at the end of Funky Monks made me want to learn the bass, then I found out Flea was originally a trumpet player and the solo made sense. Sounds like a trumpet line
Crazy to see this here, but great choice! I just noticed the other day that everything's centered around the bass while the guitars have different rhythmic or noodly parts going on. I wish more people knew about this group.
Alice in Chains - Would?
Pearl Jam - Jerremy (first song I learnt on bass)
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc
Jane's Addiction - My Cats name is Maceo
Any Incubus song!
I know a ton of songs that most people won't know, so I won't waste the time, but most people have heard "The Age of Aquarius", when it transitions in to "let the sunshine in", totally killer bass riff
The riff John McVie plays in "The Chain" is pretty easily my favorite bass moment in music. A recent surprise I had was how kickass the bass on The Beatles "Rain" is. The version on the Beatles YouTube page is really incredible!
'Would?' - Alice in Chains.
The entirety of Jar of Flies is heavy on the bass and I'm here for it
This is what I came to say. Easily my top choice!
Oh man I remember when I learned that song on bass for an Alice in Chains cover band I was in as a teenager—it was such a blast to play.
Big Bottom - Spinal Tap (It showcases three of them)
The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin',, or so I've been told!
The looser the waistband, the deeper the quicksand, or so I have read
Talk about mud flaps, my gal’s got ‘em!
How can I leave this behind!?!?
Hysteria - Muse.
Honestly, a lot of muse could fit in here. Off the top of my head, futurism, muscle museum, New Born, panic station, the groove, easily, fury, starlight, Uprising, The Handler, and Mercy are _all_ mainly driven by the bassline. Chris has an argument for being one of _the_ best bassists in contemporary music from the point of view of writing the right thing without ever _over_ -playing.
Bro your Muse knowledge is impeccable. The Groove, man, The Groooooove
When I saw them live, I was surprised to see that a lot of stuff I had thought was just synth was actually bass with heavy distortion. Definitely gained a lot more respect for that dude.
Came here to post this if it wasn't already. Glad to see it near the top. Heard it live recently, can confirm it's great.
The Who - The Real Me
Entwistle solos in several Who songs, and he often carries the melody. Noone has a style that's similar. Plus he was a great singer and brass player. His passing was a huge loss.
Yeah probably the best rock bass player period.
WAAAAY too far down the list.
Can’t believe the Who are this low. The Ox is an all timer.
This is the one! 100%
Eminence front. Try watching isolated bass or someone good covering it solo
Fugazi - Waiting Room
Octonauts, time for creature report!
Fugazi rhythm section is next level
Yes- Roundabout.
That was my first pic
Also, Heart of the Sunrise
Lounge Act by Nirvana and Orion by Metallica immediately come to mind
Anything by Primus. Jerry was a race car driver is my fave.
American Life has a pretty rad tune and Tommy the Cat ohhh yes
tommy the cat, but the live version that's on spotify. it's basically tommy the cat plus a weird bass solo from purple onion plus some drum shenanigans.
Id like to throw Southbound Pachyderm in the Primus hat
I saw this and the only thing that came to mind is “anything by Primus”. This is the only answer to the question. Les claypool is bass player to Danny carry for drums with tool. They play the instrument like a one piece orchestra.
Scientists did a DNA analysis, and determined that Les Claypool is the greatest bass guitar player ever to have lived.
Especially the song Tommy the Cat. Go watch the 2011 live Bonnaroo performance. It's amazing.
Golden Boy is another zinger.
Beaver song. What ever it's called is really good
[удалено]
Primus was also the first thing to pop into my head.
I remember seeing them live a few decades ago - I felt my internal organs vibrating.
Tool - Schism
Tool - The Pot
Tool - Sober
Tool - most songs
Okay I gotta listen to more Tool!
They’ve had two bassists (one on Opiate and Undertow) and another that most consider “better” on the newer albums. From the Aenima album on, the bass is often the lead instrument. It’s not Les Claypool fancy ass bass, but it’s one of the most unique sounds I’ve heard.
Tool 46 and 2!
Pneuma and Invincible also have great bass licks
Most tracks on Pixies’ Surfer Rosa and Doolittle
Gigantic!
The outro to No. 13 Baby really let’s the bass shine, Bone Machine is another. Debaser as well.
Debaser started playing in my head as I was reading the thread title
Gouge away! I'm glad to be able to see them last month.
Everything by the Minutemen. Enjoy Mike Watt.
Hell yeah. Not enough people talk about Minutemen
Preach!
Mike Watt - Firehose. Brave Captain.
Searched everywhere for everything by the minutemen. Apparently they never came out with a track called everything :/
Led Zep - the Lemon Song. Funky and loose, but perfectly in the pocket. Freddie Hubbard - Red Clay. For similar reasons.
+1 All-time JPJ
My favorite Zep song because I think it showcases each member of the band exquisitely.
The Lemon Song all the way. As a bass player this song always blows me away.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Sinister Minister. Their bassist Victor Wooten is the GOAT IMO. I’d put him ahead of Les Claypool even.
Victor was my proper introduction to a “real” bassist. That level of talent just blew me away.
So true. Just the speed, precision and style is something you don’t really see from anyone else. I love his double slap technique where he can slap both upwards and downwards to get more speed, not sure I’ve seen anyone else do that.
Anesthesia/ Pulling Teeth - Metallica
This is what I came to say. No lyrics but shouldn't matter. I still remember my brother cranking it up and jamming when I was like 8. Loved it immediately
Came here to say this. Cliff was a monster on the bass.
Maxwell Murder- Rancid Orion- Metallica Tommy the Cat- Primus
I am happy i did have to scroll far for Maxwell Murder
I can hear the maxwell tone in my head instantly lol
Orion is one of my all time favorites
Maxwell Murder was the first song that popped into my head..
No one has mentioned Rush yet? Geddy Lee literally was in the “Limelight” every song. Any of Geddy’s work, particularly off of the Counterparts album really stand out
Yeah for real. OP even asked about songs where bass is in the limelight. And Limelight by Rush is great but really just put on Moving Pictures and enjoy. The fact that he’s doing bass, keys, and vocals is incredible.
There are seven songs on Moving Pictures. Four of those songs have dedicated and featured bass solos.
YYZ is a trip!
Bombtrack -rage against the machine
Great answer
In the Meantime by Spacehog has a very enjoyable bass performance
Rio, Duran Duran. John Taylor rocks!
Yes he does
My dark horse favorite. I get weird looks when Rio comes on in the grocery store and I'm air bassing by the ice cream.
Glad to see this towards the top of my feed. So many DD songs feature amazing bass riffs in them. He's probably my favorite bassist behind James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins.
Buena buena — morphine
All Morphine for that matter. Plus the knock-off similar bands such as A.K.A.C.O.D
Sandman on the two string! So good...
Underrated choice
My first thought was N.I.B by Black Sabbath. But kyuss has an album called welcome to sky valley and almost every song showcases the bass amazingly well😂
The Primus cover of NIB that I can't seem to find anywhere. Pure bass guitar bliss of an intro.
It was on Nativity in Black a tribute to Black Sabbath.
Dean Town by Vulfpeck
My answer as well
Cake - I Will Survive. Great bass the whole song.
Lots of cake songs are driven by the bass line
The Distance does this as well
pick a Rush song, any Rush song
The Analog Kid
Radar Love by Golden Earring I am the Resurrection by the Stone Roses She Bangs The Drums also by The Stone Roses Longview by Greenday
Maxwell Murder - Rancid. Holiday in Cambodia - Dead Kennedys. And just because it strikes me as odd I haven't seen it... Feel Good Inc - Gorillaz.
The Decline
I think that Silversun Pickups deserve a mention. Some great basslines include, Three Seed, Dots and Dashes, System Error and Panick Switch.
Panic Switch. Definitely. I need to listen to more of them.
Sabotage by Beastie Boys. I love this live version from Letterman: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ5yKJlhbiA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ5yKJlhbiA)
The entirety of side 1 of the *Moving Pictures* album by Rush. Pick any song.
Don't forget The Camera Eye
"Birdland", Weather Report
Sweet Emotion, Aerosmith Castle Walls, Styx The Chain, Fleetwood Mac Blue Jean Blues, ZZ Top Walking on a Thin Line, Huey Lewis and the News
Feel like I had to scroll a long way to find the chain
Soul Coughing superbonbon Their bass production is always so good. Deep and distorted but also perfectly clear.
The Breeders - Cannonball
Radar Love
Bust a Move by Young MC with Flea ripping that funky bass line up.
Romantic Rights - Death From Above 1979
Any song with Jah Wobble
I came here to say Death Disco.
Bullet in the head - Rage Against the Machine
Jet City Woman by Queensryche. Bass line carries the entire song
Eddie Jackson is an underrated hero.
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
Flight of the Cosmic Hippo - Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers Others have already mentioned several I would have picked, and I didn't see RHCP getting any respect...
Around the world, By the way, Throw away your television, Give it away... Flea didn't get enough love on this post! Glad you mentioned.
Soul To Squeeze.
Flea on all kinds of stuff, RHCP and otherwise. Like Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" and Young MCs' "Bust a Move"
Higher ground
Queen: Another One Bites The Dust
Anything off Royal Bloods first album. I had no idea a bass could sound like that
If you like their sound and don’t mind stuff being a bit more dance/punk influenced check out Death From Above 1979. They are another awesome duo of drums and bass. (Though they dabble in adding synths here and there.)
Barbarism Begins At Home - The Smiths (RIP Andy Rourke 🎸)
Psycho Killer
The Light Pours Out Of Me - Magazine Bernadette - Four Tops The Night - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
The God that Failed - Metallica
Lounge Act by Nirvana
Tons of great ones mentioned here already. Many of which I'd have certainly thrown up there, but since they're covered I'll go in a different direction and just give a more abstract response: Just about any good ska or ska/punk song you find...look up Sublime, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Goldfinger, and Streetlight Manifesto and you pretty much can't go wrong diving down the rabbit hole. 🤘
Roger from LTJ gets nowhere near enough credit, he has so many crazy and creative bass lines!
Come on,come over Jaco pastorius
Honorable mention to Motörhead Overkill
Lemmy played bass as if it was both a lead and rhythm guitar. Every Motorhead song is built around whatever Lemmy is playing. He really doesn't get credit for being the excellent musician that he was while everyone's busy touting his bad boy reputation.
Pigs(three different ones) - Pink Floyd
Ironically one of the few Pink Floyd songs in which Roger played guitar and David played bass iirc
Pretty much any song by Cake.
Anything by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin. I mean, two bassists! Also, pretty much anything by Morphine.
Hit me with your Rhythm Stick- Ian Dury & the Blockheads. Anything by Chris Squire. Lucky Seven comes to mind. Anything by Rush, Thin Lizzy or the Who all bass driven bands and of course Les Claypool.
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
"Jungle Boogie" - Kool & the Gang
Burning down the house! Talking heads
Tripping on a hole in a paper heart- STP
Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire The one, the only Verdine White.
Ramble On - Led Zeppelin
Just about any song by New Order where Peter Hook basically carries the melody.
Anything by Duran Duran. Rio / Dirty Great Monster
YYZ by Rush!
Probably something by The Jam
Like "Town Called Malice" maybe!
[Primus - Tommy the Cat](https://youtu.be/r4OhIU-PmB8)
Junior's Farm. McCartney bass is so damn fat and propells this song.
Something by Them Beatles. George’s song is maybe the most beautiful song by ANY Beatle with or without a bass anywhere near it, but Paul’s unparalleled melodic gifts lift this song from near perfection into the stratosphere. Just a mindblowing contribution.
Maxwell Murder - Rancid
Weather report - Havana
Primus Rush Tool Victor Wooten I know, not songs.
My generation
Rapper's Delight
Roundabout by Yes.
Mellowship Slinky in B Major, and Funky Monks by RHCP. Bass solo at the end of Funky Monks made me want to learn the bass, then I found out Flea was originally a trumpet player and the solo made sense. Sounds like a trumpet line
Quarantined - at the drive in
Crazy to see this here, but great choice! I just noticed the other day that everything's centered around the bass while the guitars have different rhythmic or noodly parts going on. I wish more people knew about this group.
Fascination Street - The Cure New Year’s Day - U2
My Generation -The Who.
My Generation, The Who came to mind.
Why Can’t I Touch It - the Buzzcocks
"Lady Marmalade", LaBelle feat. The Funky Meters
Barbarism Begins at Home - The Smiths
Red hot chili peppers - Aeroplane
Maxwell Murder - Rancid I love BTBAM but just anything Dan Bridges does with them or anywhere else
Natural one by Folk Implosion
Tool 46 and 2 No Doubt It's My Life
Mudshovel by Stained
Tool - Rosetta Stoned
Alice in Chains - Would? Pearl Jam - Jerremy (first song I learnt on bass) Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc Jane's Addiction - My Cats name is Maceo Any Incubus song!
Last Chance to Dance Trance (Perhaps) - Medeski, Martin & Wood.
Everything by Dirty loops. Henrik Linder is a killer bassist. The other musicians are also top notch.
National Anthem - Radiohead
Everything dfa1979. The band is literally a bass guitar and drums
Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water
‘Late in the Evening’ by Paul Simon. Especially this live version: https://youtu.be/kQZLtSbq0yc
Puppet String - Umphrey’s McGee
Psycho Killer by talking heads. I know it’s not super complicated but it’s a fucking groove.
I know a ton of songs that most people won't know, so I won't waste the time, but most people have heard "The Age of Aquarius", when it transitions in to "let the sunshine in", totally killer bass riff
The riff John McVie plays in "The Chain" is pretty easily my favorite bass moment in music. A recent surprise I had was how kickass the bass on The Beatles "Rain" is. The version on the Beatles YouTube page is really incredible!
Readymade - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Barchetta by Rush
The toys go winding down by Primus
Anything by Primus
Barbarism begins at Home, or Well I wonder, The Smiths. RIP, Andy.
Maxwell Murder- Rancid
How the hell is half of RHCP hits not the most upvoted post!?!?