Top 10 Songs with the Greatest Drum Beats
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When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
I cannot feel more assured as you guys when I read that "When the Levee Breaks" was at the top. It's the perfect combination of groove and power. It isn't about what John Bonham played. It's what he didn't play that makes the difference.
The effect of the echo and Bonham's groove makes this the most driving beat of all time. A classic example of simple and sophisticated.
The beat is so catchy and rhythmically in sync it is impossible not to like this drum beat. By far, it is the most catchy beat of all time! Nothing else comes close.
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YYZ - Rush
Neil Peart is the one who got me into percussion. He's not just a drummer. He's a professor of percussion. His time signatures and time changes are beyond this world. It's as if he has four arms and three legs, doing things even an octopus couldn't manage, if an octopus could play. If I could play one-tenth as well as him, I'd still have miles to travel before I could match even a fraction of that man's skill. Hats off to "The Professor."
Neil Peart, the greatest drummer to have ever lived. A technical master but always plays what serves the song and every nuance of his drumming feels natural.
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The Mule - Deep Purple
The best I know, and keep in mind it was released in 1971! A complex beat that almost creates a stand-alone melody. It was way ahead of its time. Ian Paice is the most underrated drummer ever.
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One - Metallica
How is this not in here? Just listen to Lars' drum beat during the "Darkness!" part! Every metal fan knows that beat anywhere.
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Ticks & Leeches - Tool
Danny Carey is literally an octopus on the drums. Just listen to the intro. It's absolutely mind-blowing. It's some very complex yet listenable drumming.
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Uprising - Muse
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Fly - Blind Guardian
On the song sample from iTunes below, you can't hear the drum beat I mean.
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Run to the Hills - Iron Maiden
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Toxicity - System of a Down
I'm a drummer... dude, this is NOT easy to do at all! Toxicity is an awesome song on drums, and when I'm pissed, I just play it twice then I just calm down. Toxicity is the song that will make me and my band get good.
The beat in this song is awesome, and yes, it should be in the top three.
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A Past and Future Secret - Blind Guardian
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Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
It's better than the guitar, in my opinion.
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Say Goodbye - Dave Matthews Band
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Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
The beat in this song is awesome. Deserves to be higher, I think.
Bonzo or John Bonham... Nothing much to say.
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No More Sorrow - Linkin Park
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Smooth - Santana
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Hot for Teacher - Van Halen
Unbelievable intro. Shows the skill of Alex Van Halen and just how underrated he is.
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Highway to Hell - AC/DC
Simple beat, yet done with a better feel than anywhere else.
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Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles
Ringo Starr, always so underrated in my humble opinion. His work on Tomorrow Never Knows is simply spellbinding. It's not just the beat. It's the sound of those skins as well. Never an overly flashy drummer, Ringo Starr has a creative style and subtlety that deserves more attention.
Sends a shiver down my spine. I haven't heard anything like this before. A very unique beat.
Nobody could've played this like Ringo. An amazing beat and the sound is just so Ringo.
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Down with the Sickness - Disturbed
It's the best, no one can defeat this amazing beat! Disturbed rocks and this is one of their best songs of all.
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Behind the Wall of Sleep - Black Sabbath
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Mercy - Duffy
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Freak on a Leash - Korn
Funky, yet aggressive. David Silveria is extremely underrated. He does not rely on tons of double bass. I love the drums in this song.
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Girl Gone Bad - Van Halen
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I Love It Loud - Kiss
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Bullet the Blue Sky - U2
It's got an attitude very unlike U2's other material. Great riff by The Edge! And Larry is at his best. Sinister song!
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Painkiller - Judas Priest
Not too hard, not too easy. I play this all the time and it is my favorite song to play on drums.
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All My Love - Led Zeppelin
