NT10: Top 10 Isolated Bass Tracks

In celebration of our 10 year anniversary this month, we’re taking a look back at some of the most popular features in our history.

Over the years, our Isolated Bass clips have been listened to 1.5 million times. We’ve published over 50 of them, and we’re so glad we don’t have to rank them ourselves. Thankfully, we leave that to you. Here are the top 10 reader favorite isolated bass clips over our history.

Marvin Gaye & James Jamerson: “What’s Going On” Isolated Vocals and Bass

1. Marvin Gaye & James Jamerson: “What’s Going On” Isolated Vocals and Bass

Here’s a new take on Marvin Gaye’s hit “What’s Going On” the way we like it: with James Jamerson‘s bass line loud and clear in this bass and vocals only isolated track.
The Beatles: Something (Paul McCartney’s Isolated Bass)

2. The Beatles: Something (Paul McCartney’s Isolated Bass)

For today’s isolated bass track, we’re treated to some great bass by Paul McCartney on the George Harrison tune, “Something”. The tune appeared on the Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” and was “the only song written by him to top the US charts while he was in the band.”
Led Zeppelin: “Ramble On” – John Paul Jones Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

3. Led Zeppelin: “Ramble On” – John Paul Jones Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

Our week-long celebration of “all bass” continues, with this isolated bass track for Led Zeppelin’s 1969 classic, “Ramble On”, from “Led Zeppelin II.” John Paul Jones and his awesome, melodic bass line from the tune is heard loud and clear, the way we like it
Rush: “YYZ” – Geddy Lee’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

4. Rush: “YYZ” – Geddy Lee’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

Rush’s “YYZ” is one of the greatest bass lines of all time. Recorded in late 1980 and released on “Moving Pictures,” this tune has been a favorite among bassists for years, and one Rush consistently performs in concert. And now, we can enjoy the isolated bass of Geddy Lee.
Jackson 5: “I Want You Back” – Wilton Felder’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

5. Jackson 5: “I Want You Back” – Wilton Felder’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” is another iconic bass line, and here it is, isolated in all its glory. And like the Geddy Lee track we shared yesterday, not without a little controversy. For starters, there’s been some debate on who actually played bass on the track. The consensus pick is Wilton Felder.
Chris Squire: “Roundabout” Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

6. Chris Squire: “Roundabout” Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

Today we’re kicking off a week-long celebration of bass with a number of isolated bass tracks, starting with the bass work of Chris Squire on the classic Yes hit “Roundabout”.
Duran Duran’s “Rio”: John Taylor’s Isolated Bass Line

7. Duran Duran’s “Rio”: John Taylor’s Isolated Bass Line

John Taylor really brought it in the Duran Duran tune “Rio”. His active bass line locks in with the drums and drives the song forward. Luckily, we have a video of Taylor’s isolated bass line to scope out his groove and tone.
Rage Against the Machine: “Killing in the Name” Isolated Bass

8. Rage Against the Machine: “Killing in the Name” Isolated Bass

I’m not as familiar with the music of Rage Against the Machine as many of you probably are. So for today’s isolated bass, I consulted with NT’s Managing Editor Kevin Johnson – our resident expert in everything I’m not an expert in. Kevin said RATM is known for their big groove and it’s neat to hear this isolated bass track.
The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence”: Paul McCartney’s Isolated Bass

9. The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence”: Paul McCartney’s Isolated Bass

Today we get a good listen to the bass line on the Beatles’ song, “Dear Prudence” from the 1968 album known as The White Album. Paul McCartney covered a lot more than just the bass on this one – including drums, piano, flügelhorn, tambourine, cowbell, handclaps, and backing vocals.
Won’t Get Fooled Again: John Entwistle’s Isolated Bass (Live, 1978)

10. Won’t Get Fooled Again: John Entwistle’s Isolated Bass (Live, 1978)

Has there ever been anyone cooler than John Entwistle? I don’t think so, and here’s Exhibit A – the Ox’s isolated bass from “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, performed live in Shepperton, UK in 1978.

Be sure to check out our complete Isolated Bass archives as well.

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Share your thoughts

  1. Kurt Morrow

    Amen!

  2. I just wanna know why chuck rainey is not on the list somewhere pick anything and he did it first. Most heard and recorded bass player of all time. Millions imitate him but all fail.

  3. Consider Mick Karn’s bass line in Visions of China.

  4. Rosen

    ok, these are all awesome and large influences on me when I was younger and learning. But no Bootsie or soul players made the list? Or they just are not isolated? Fantastic stuff! Thanks!

  5. Mike

    Rather, the top ten bass tracks that are obviously good without isolation.