Another One Bites the Dust’ and ‘Under Pressure’, played by John Deacon, came first and third in the list of music’s most iconic bass lines
The greatest bass lines of all time have been revealed – with Queen taking four of the top 10 spots.
‘Another One Bites the Dust’ and ‘Under Pressure’, played by John Deacon, came first and third in the list of iconic tracks. While ‘Radio Gaga’ and ‘Killer Queen’ were their other beloved tracks, with Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ and Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ other notable hits in the top 30.
Chic’s ‘Good Times’ also featured alongside U2’s ‘With or Without You’ played by Adam Clayton, according to the poll of 2,000 music lovers.
The survey was commissioned by Sky ahead of the launch of ‘Greatest Bass lines’ which airs on Sky Arts, Freeview Channel 36 and NOW, on Friday 28th November at 9pm.
A spokesperson said: “This has been a celebration of some truly iconic bass lines.
“A memorable bass motif can make or break a song, and turn it from a good track into one that stands the test of time for decades.
“In fact, most of the tracks here are ones that have been beloved for many years, which could be due to the classic four or five-piece band not being as popular today as they once were.”
Other tracks to make the groovy list included Stand by Me by Ben E. King, and Michael Jackson’s timeless Billie Jean.
The study went on to find John Deacon of Queen was named the best bass player of all time, beating out Paul McCartney of the Beatles and John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin.
Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, and Flea, the slap-bass master of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, rounded out the top five.
Nearly half of those polled believe bassists are the ‘coolest’ members of any band, and 63% reckon the instrument is underrated in popular music.
As for what makes a bass line iconic, 56% said it has to have a memorable rhythm, and 51% want it to ‘drive’ the entire song.
And 81% reckon a really good one has the power to make or break an entire song – while 22 per cent feel simplicity is key to a classic.
Legendary bass player, Peter Hook, formerly of New Order and Joy Division, said: “Basslines are the heartbeat of so many iconic tracks.
“I’ll always remember a guitarist asking me, “can’t you just play root notes on this one?’ My answer…NO.
“Greatest Basslines is a celebration of those grooves that have shaped music history, so no surprise to see Queen’s John Deacon leading the charge.
“Another One Bites The Dust. This shows how deeply basslines resonate.”
THE TOP 30 BASS LINES OF ALL TIME:
1. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
2. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
3. Under Pressure – Queen
4. The Chain – Fleetwood Mac
5. Radio Gaga – Queen
6. Come Together – The Beatles
7. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
8. Killer Queen – Queen
9. Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) – Pink Floyd
10. Walking on the Moon – The Police
11. I Want You Back – The Jackson 5
12. Money – Pink Floyd
13. With or Without You – U2
14. Good Times – Chic
15. My Generation – The Who
16. Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division
17. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
18. You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
19. Walk on the Wild Side – Lou Reed
20. Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers
21. Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
22. Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
23. Around the World – Daft Punk
24. Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – The Temptations
25. Temptation – New Order
26. The Joker – Steve Miller Band
27. I Wish – Stevie Wonder
28. The Sign – Ace of Base
29. Hysteria – Muse
30. Sabotage – The Beastie Boys
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