Top 10 Songs with the Greatest Rock Basslines of All Time

In this list, let's celebrate the essential backbone of many rock songs: the bass guitar. With its low-frequency rumbles and rhythmic drive, the bass guitar often plays a crucial role in setting the mood, building tension, and grounding the overall sound of a track.

With your help, we have compiled a list of the top ten songs with the greatest rock basslines, showcasing the immense talents and diverse techniques of legendary bassists who have left an indelible mark on the genre.

From infectious grooves to unforgettable riffs, these basslines not only stand out in the mix but have also inspired generations of musicians. So, strap in and prepare to be blown away by the richness and prowess of these truly amazing bass performances.

1. Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

   

   The best bassline is actually Under Pressure, also by John Deacon, but since that's not here, this one is top notch as well. Another One Bites The Dust, another John Deacon super creation. So glad that the genius of Deacy is finally being recognized, as he is the most underrated bassist, same as Queen, the greatest band on the planet, yet so underrated and not fully appreciated or recognized for their phenomenal talent and genius.

   Had Queen's obscure songs gotten proper exposure, they'd all be hits! If you know Queen, you know what I'm talking about. They have masterpieces galore among their lesser known stuff, much better than the popular ones in their Greatest Hits even. Yet they remain lovely hidden gems for huge Queen fans like me, truly a treasure trove of ecstasy!

   Queen is the most awesome band with 4 of the most talented, most incredibly brilliant, most eclectic, most innovative, and most versatile geniuses the music world has ever seen or heard. And then there's FREDDIE! No superlatives are enough to describe this GOD-like creature and his magic. Freddie Mercury is the God of Music! Freddie, Brian, Roger, and John = the perfection of QUEEN. QUEEN = A little slice of Heaven.

2. Money - Pink Floyd

   

   Despite what many people think, Roger is a great bass player, and this song proves it.

3. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

   

   Seven Nation Army is played on a guitar with heavy distortion, but I could see how people thought it was a bass. The White Stripes only has two members: Jack White on guitar and vocals and Meg White on drums.

   Love hearing it on the sound system at Ohio State football games. It's always a crowd favorite.

   Played on both bass and guitar clearly.

4. Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie

   

   Why in the world is this not even on the list? This and Another One Bites The Dust have got to be the best and most recognizable basslines, and I actually prefer Under Pressure. The fact that it is not in the list makes me rage.

5. Peace Sells - Megadeth

   

6. N.I.B. - Black Sabbath

   

   Funny list - so many great basslines so far down.

7. Roundabout - Yes

   

   Geddy Lee and I vote for this one.

8. Freewill - Rush

   

   I don't care what anybody says... Geddy is hands down one of the greatest bassists and vocalists of all time, and Rush kicks some serious butt!

9. Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith

   

10. Dazed and Confused - Led Zeppelin

    

    The song is driven around the bass of John Paul Jones.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

    

    I know it is more modern than other additions to this list, but it is still a great bassline nevertheless.

    Don't get me wrong, I voted for N.I.B. by Black Sabbath, but this is still worthy of the list.

12. ?

    I Want You (She's So Heavy) - The Beatles

    
The Contenders

13. Hysteria - Muse

    

    How is this under Longview and Come As You Are? Chris is a better bassist than Mike and Krist in my opinion.

    If it's not your number one, then listen until it is.

14. Come As You Are - Nirvana

    

15. Longview - Green Day

    

    You could recognize this song just by listening to the basslines.

16. YYZ - Rush

    

17. The Chain - Fleetwood Mac

    

18. Had a Dat - Sublime

    

19. The Pot - Tool

    

    It's extremely complex and catchy at the same time.

20. Powerslave - Iron Maiden

    

21. Tom Sawyer - Rush

    

22. American Life - Primus

    

    Les Claypool is amazing, and beats any bassline on this list. It's groovy, yet slightly dark in the song's context. Perfect!

23. Three Days - Jane's Addiction

    

24. Ramble On - Led Zeppelin

    

25. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream

    

26. Smoke On the Water - Deep Purple

    

27. La Villa Strangiato - Rush