For the longest time I’ve been meaning to create a list of the songs that have the best bass tracks for my taste. Some of these make me sit up straight and pay attention, while others will put me in a brooding trance, and some may actually well up my eyes (sorry! Too sensitive, aren’t we?). Before we go further, please remember to pause the music player to the right, on this page.
Carpenters For All We Know – This was definitely one of those that I mentioned before, which made me sit up and take notice right away. Joe Osborn (that’s right, it’s a link that opens in a new page) turned this sentimental ditty into a study in melancholy.
Tears for Fears Closest Thing to Heaven – Back in 2004, I hadn’t known that Curt Smith was a superb bassist. So I went to see Tears for Fears in one amazing concert (still remains one of the most enjoyable) in Austin. When they played this song, I was, oh…10 feet from Mr. Smith with his bass guitar. As soon as the bass line on the chorus kicked in, I realized this must be the most pronounced bass line I could remember by Tears by Fears. Agree? If you think there are others, please do comment.
George Michael Hard Day – If there is a Bass God, this bass line must have slipped and fallen straight out of his hands to earth. I mean, what a thumping, funky, melodic, driving bass line! I won’t attempt to describe it – you have to experience it. Whoever arranged it – I heard that GM does most of it – was a genius!
Genesis I Know What I Like – Now, coming to the song that actually pushed me into finally posting this list, after having postponed it for ages. The bass line under this chorus, just makes me happy! If I’m stressed out, or down for the count, this is my nectar of life.
Lenny Kravitz I Belong to You – Granted that this is just a very Pop-py, simplistic song that typically appeals to the masses. But the first time I heard this song, all I heard was the bass line. It really makes the tune.
John Mellencamp & Me’Shell Ndegeocello Wild Night – OK, I actually had to look up her name since, let’s be honest, that’s a hard name to remember. This is such a catchy bass line, even though it gets repetitive. I remember this song from my teens, when I would gawk at that girl in the video. Enough said.
Sting Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot – Only Sting could come up with such a melodic and strictly defined bass line under the verses. Whenever I sing this song when I’m by my lonesome self, I take turns between the words and the bass line (yeah I sing the bass line, what of it?). Take a listen and you will know why.
I’m going to stop here since it’s a week night and I gotta get some sleep. I promise I will add another list here soon. Hope I reminded you of/introduced you to some superlative pieces of music.
inspiredalien 