Why do we humans like a lot of bass?
As humans, we like a lot of bass for a variety of reasons.
Groove & Rhythm
Good bass along with drums, provide the foundation for rhythm. Strong cohesive rhythms can act as a pulse, engaging listeners to enjoy and even move
Frequency & emotional response
Low frequencies can have a powerful emotional impact depending on depth and intensity. These can evoke human response feelings of excitement and in contrast, even melancholy. These are especially found in EDM or hip-hop where the bass is so low it enters sub. Read more audio terms here.
Texture & melody
Good bass adds texture to a complete musical sound. It complements the mid/higher-pitched instruments in a rich spectrum of cohesive melody.
The easiest instruments to play are the Bongos, Castanets, Recorder and Tambourine. There are plenty more out there that didn’t make the top 7.
1# Wonder by Galimatias
Wonder is the most recent release on this list. Galimatias is an electronic, hip-hop, and lo-fi artist who uses advanced production techniques.
In Wonder, he surrounds listeners with a calming sub-bass texture accompanied by world instruments. The melody in the mids seems to bounce between the left and right pan creating an ambiance.
He leaves so much space for the sub-bass to thrive, adding only 1 minimal lead melody at a time in the form of his vocals. Once his modulated vocals finish, an eastern melody leads. This signals a stronger sub-bass coming in together with a more structured drum beat. It is a kind of gentle drop, which then drives the rest of the song.
2# Starboy by The Weeknd
Starboy is one of the more modern examples in this article. It’s by The Weeknd, named the world’s most popular artist with 111.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Now, this song has lots of sounds to unpack. First is the heavy bass which is an 808 bass line. This is a tuned and pitched sub-bass coming from a classic drum machine. There are also sections of the song with synth bass, making this hit by The Weeknd a great example of layering different bass sounds. This track is great for demonstrating a unique bass made with a bit of creativity.
3# Mean It In The Morning by Loyle Carner
The track opens with a deep, powerful bassline that sets up an irresistible laid-back vibe. It's complemented by subtle drum touches in this all encompassing groove.
A smooth vibrato based electric guitar moves around forming harmonic chords with the bass before leaving in its own melody.
Carner's vocal delivery is typically conversational, reflecting the personal and introspective nature of the lyrics. His unhurried flow allows each word to resonate, drawing listeners into his narrative. This approach interacts seamlessly with the instrumental groove backdrop. A cohesive sound.
Listeners praise "Mean It in the Morning" for its soulful vibe and relatable lyrics. The combination of deep bass, thoughtful lyrics, and Carner's distinctive delivery creates a song that resonates on multiple levels. It's a track that invites repeated listens, each time revealing new layers of discovery.
#4 12 Juin 3049 by Caravan Palace
Caravan Palace are described as an electro-swing band which is a genre that is quite hard to imagine without hearing.
With 12 Juin 3049, They transport you to a speakeasy wine bar inside a submarine from the future. The song features one of the best vibraphone solos you’re ever likely to hear.
The role of this bassline covers all 3 reasons mentioned why humans like a lot of bass. It creates texture, groove, and emotional response as it slides around with its own melody.
It’s clear the bassist is recording with an upright electric bass imitating a double bass. The way the bass melody slides up and down the fretboard creates a smooth soothing space. It’s impossible not to bop your head in agreement.
The band uses traditional instruments like double bass, guitars, and piano. We love the melodic lead clarinet, which is one of the hardest instruments to learn. They tie these together with a Novation launchpad which allows for samples and sound manipulation. The Novation Launchpad often appears in the band’s videos.
5# Angel by Massive Attack
Massive Attack's "Angel" is all about the bass. It hits deep and steady, pulling you in from the start. The low-end is heavy, with a thud that shakes the speaker drum. The bass doesn’t just back the track—it leads it, driving every moment forward.
The song builds slowly, almost unsettling, as the bassline creeps in. Horace Andy’s haunting vocals glide over the top, adding an edge. Then the drums hit, steady and grounded, locking in the rhythm. Fans often describe the track as hypnotic. Each layer of sound feels carefully placed, creating a slow burn that keeps building.
Heavy guitars and synths slide in, adding more weight, while the bassline never lets go. It’s steady, unrelenting, anchoring everything as the track expands into something massive.
The atmosphere of "Angel" is dark and intense. The bass isn’t just deep—it feels in both in the back and upfront, like you can touch it. This track will definitely get the speakers rumbling.
6# A Milli By Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne's "A Milli" is a bass-heavy track that hits hard. The deep, booming 808s drive the song, creating a powerful low-end thump. The bassline will definitely shake speakers and delivers a chest-thumping experience.
The beat is minimal, allowing the bass to take center stage. This simplicity lets Lil Wayne's rapid-fire lyrics stand out, while the relentless bassline maintains the track's energy. Fans appreciate how the sparse production emphasizes the heavy bass, making it a go-to track for testing sound systems.
7# Crawl by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino's "Crawl" delivers a punchy bassline that take all the attention. The low-end is thick and gritty, giving the track pure raw energy. In this track, the bass hits hard making it the standout element.
The song's structure is dynamic. It shifts between intense verses and a catchy hook. The production layers distorted bass with sharp percussion, creating a dense soundscape. Listeners appreciate how the bass complements Gambino's aggressive delivery, enhancing the track's impact.
Get inspired!
We like a good bass line in a track for many different reasons. Hopefully, these bass songs have offered some inspiration or sparked some ideas for your next production.
Written by Janice Tobin.
