Enthralling Bass Lines

The Bass line is the rhythmic pillar or melody of a song. It is the skeleton, backbone or the harmonic foundation of a song which is attainable through the use of the bass guitar or synth or double bass. It is that continual flow or sequence of notes which outline a song’s chord progression and rhythmic texture or configuration.

The memorability of a song is mostly attributed to the Bass line which spurs dancing and singing. It is my favourite part of a song and in this post, I share 38 songs with powerful and memorable bass lines.

1. Aaron Neville. “Everybody Plays The Fool” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOm8d4nMwM8

2. Barry White. “Baby’s Home” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBLkCNPVgws

3. Blackstreet. “Joy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXj6nihoZGE

4. Bob Marley. “Turn Your Lights Down Low” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRid8Tjw_bU

5. Boyz II Men. “Water Runs Dry” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOHwmYGbyaE

6. Celine Dion. “Call The Man” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq9_DMbrmpA

7. Chaka Khan. “Be bop Medley” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK9U5bdQzuY

8. Commodores. “Nightshift” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3FMFFdYkNo

9. Earth Wind & Fire. “Fall In Love With Me” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm7d50z-sjs

10. Gladys Knight. “Mr Love” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8lhaCGHy6U

11. India Arie. “I Am Not My Hair” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7ASsobU2C8

12. Isaac Hayes. “Shaft” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q429AOpL_ds

13. Janet Jackson. “Alright” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho-p8R3fbeM

14. Janet Jackson. “The Pleasure Principle” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXInTVW5h4Y Control (1986).

15. Kabaka Pyramid. “Natural Woman” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8YWEWuMWtk

16. K-ci & Jojo. “Girl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFsawWGMoSQ

17. Lauryn Hill. “Forgive Them Father” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YnmxhGegn4

18. Lionel Richie. “You Are” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM5Rd6oM-C4

19. Luther Vandross. “If I Didn’t Know Better” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvrkNy0tJd0

20. Mariah Carey. “Anytime You Need A Friend” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICL6BuyHsQU

21. Marvin Gaye. “What’s Going On” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kA3UtBj4M

22. Mary J. Blige. “All That I Can Say” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpuDsvWAC9M

23. M.C. Hammer. “Pray” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJT5_Y_H4_E

24. Michael Jackson. “Remember The Time” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM19eRgOK1Q

25. Michael Jackson. “She Drives Me Wild” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRp_FqCmsVA

26. Michael Jackson. “Dangerous” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jTq2FXKr0g

27. Michael Jackson. “You Rock My World” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiE1inuK5tE

28. Mint Condition. “Forever In Your Eyes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aEkyT7m9x4

29. Mother’s Finest. “Cry Baby” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIVm3_-TMKY

30. Oleta Adams. “Rhythm Of Life” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1auvGdVYvKc

31. Patti LaBelle. “When You’ve Been Blessed” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So-ERFcB6kQ

32. Prince. “Little Red Corvette” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCjg2X_hxi8

33. Ricky Martin. “Be Careful” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycofjIik7Zs

34. Sade. “By Your Side” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKCWHUudnmY

35. Shaggy. “Keep’ n It Real” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHy-oAMCpPc

36. Stevie Wonder. “Redemption Song” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZKjdTU_-Rk

37. The Jacksons. “2300 Jackson Street” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfGlxqYw56I

38. Tina Turner. “Golden Eye” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Aq5rQdPso

39. Toni Braxton. “Spanish Guitar” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czFLKT8MBqI

40. Toni Tony Tone. “Anniversary” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UviG2rGwi9A

41. Whitney Houston. “I Believe In You And Me” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DixNI7IRtVQ