If you’re a music enthusiast eager to explore the most bass-driven tracks of the 1970s, this list is for you. From legendary funk to groundbreaking rock, these songs showcase the power of bass lines that defined an era and continue to influence music today. Whether you’re a bassist, a collector, or just a fan of heavy grooves, get ready to dive into some of the most iconic, bass-heavy tunes of the 70s.
1. Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust” (1980, but inspired by 70s funk influences)
Though technically released in 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen was heavily inspired by 70s funk and disco grooves, with John Deacon crafting a bass line that became legendary. Its infectious, rhythmic pulse drove the song’s popularity and made it a staple in clubs and on radio. The bass line’s simplicity combined with its groove-defining quality exemplifies 70s bass-driven songwriting that crosses genres.
2. Led Zeppelin – “D’yer Mak’er” (1973)
Led Zeppelin’s “D’yer Mak’er” is notable for its reggae-inspired bass line, played by John Paul Jones. The song’s groove is laid-back yet heavy, blending rock and reggae with a prominent bass presence that anchors the track. It’s a prime example of how Zeppelin integrated diverse influences into their sound, with bass driving the rhythmic feel that gives the song its infectious quality.
3. Funkadelic – “Maggot Brain” (1971)
Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain” is a soulful, psychedelic epic featuring a deep, resonant bass line that underpins the entire track. Bootsy Collins’s bass work is both melodic and rhythmic, creating a hypnotic groove that complements George Clinton’s soaring guitar solos. This song exemplifies the importance of bass in creating atmospheric, emotionally charged music of the 70s.
4. The Who – “Baba O’Riley” (1971)
While primarily known for its iconic synthesizer intro, “Baba O’Riley” features a compelling bass line by John Entwistle that drives the track’s rhythm forward. The bass’s punchy tone and steady groove support Pete Townshend’s powerful guitar work, making it a quintessential example of 70s rock with a prominent bass presence that adds depth and drive.
5. Chic – “Le Freak” (1978)
Chic’s “Le Freak” is a disco classic with a bass line by Bernard Edwards that’s both funky and tight. Edwards’s bass groove is central to the song’s dancefloor appeal, showcasing the groove-based style that made Chic a defining band of the disco era. Its punchy, syncopated bass pattern remains one of the most recognizable and influential in dance music history.
6. Pink Floyd – “Money” (1973)
Pink Floyd’s “Money” features a distinctive bass line played by Roger Waters, based on a 7/4 time signature that gives the song its hypnotic rhythm. The bass’s syncopation and groove create a compelling foundation for the song’s thematic lyrics about greed and materialism. It’s a masterclass in how bass can shape the mood and storytelling of a track.
7. Stevie Wonder – “Superstition” (1972)
Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” is driven by a funky clavinet riff and a deep, punchy bass line by Nathan Watts. The bass groove is infectious and tight, forming the backbone of the song’s irresistible groove. This track exemplifies how bass and rhythm can fuse to create a timeless funk classic that still energizes audiences today.
8. Fleetwood Mac – “The Chain” (1977)
“The Chain” features a notable bass line by John McVie that weaves through the song’s complex arrangement. The bass provides a steady, driving force that unites the song’s multiple sections, emphasizing its themes of interconnectedness. Its prominent bass work makes it a standout example of 70s rock with a powerful rhythmic backbone.
9. Parliament – “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” (1976)
Parliament’s “Give Up the Funk” is a funk anthem built around a deep, pulsating bass line by Bootsy Collins. The groove is relentless and danceable, exemplifying the peak of 70s funk bass playing. Its heavy, rhythmic bass line helped define the genre and remains influential in funk and hip-hop sampling.
10. Black Sabbath – “N.I.B.” (1970)
Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” features a dark, heavy bass line by Geezer Butler that forms the foundation of the track’s ominous mood. Its prominent presence and melodic bass riffs set a precedent for heavy metal’s use of bass as a lead instrument. This song highlights how bass can be both rhythmic and melodic, adding depth to heavy rock sounds.
How to Choose
When selecting bass-heavy songs from the 70s, consider the song’s overall groove, the prominence of the bass line in the mix, and how the bass interacts with other instruments. Some tracks feature a simple, dancefloor-ready groove, while others have complex, melodic bass riffs that serve as the song’s core. Listening to the tone, feel, and role of the bass in each track will help you find your favorites based on your musical preferences—whether you love funk, rock, or disco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which 70s song has the heaviest bass line?
Many consider Bootsy Collins’s bass in Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain” or Parliament’s “Give Up the Funk” as some of the heaviest and most influential of the decade.
Q2: Were bass guitars standard in 70s bands?
Absolutely. Bass guitars became more prominent in the 70s, with artists like John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, and Bootsy Collins pushing the instrument’s role from simple rhythm to melodic and lead functions.
Q3: Can I hear the bass clearly in these tracks?
Most of these songs feature prominent bass lines, especially in funk and disco tracks, where the bass is mixed to be a driving force. Rock tracks like “N.I.B.” or “Baba O’Riley” also emphasize bass in the mix.
Q4: How did 70s bass playing influence later music?
The innovative bass lines from this era laid the groundwork for funk, disco, and even hip-hop. They demonstrated the bass’s potential as both rhythmic and melodic, inspiring countless musicians in subsequent decades.
Final Thoughts
The 1970s was a transformative decade for bass music, blending genres and pushing the instrument’s boundaries. From the funky grooves of Chic to the heavy riffs of Black Sabbath, these tracks showcase the power and versatility of bass lines that continue to resonate today. Whether you’re a musician seeking inspiration or a fan wanting to revisit classic grooves, these songs are essential listening for anyone interested in the bass-driven sound of the 70s.
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