Groove Through Time: Top 10 Bass Lines of the ’70s

The 1970s was a golden era for music, and one of the elements that defined this period was the mesmerizing bass lines that accompanied iconic songs.

Let’s take a nostalgic journey through time and explore the top 10 bass lines of the ’70s that continue to captivate listeners even today.

10. Led Zeppelin – Black Dog (John Paul Jones)

In Led Zeppelin’s legendary “Black Dog,” John Paul Jones took the reins and crafted a bass line that perfectly complemented Jimmy Page’s guitar wizardry. Often overshadowed, Jones’s contribution shines when you focus on the intricate bass work that weaves seamlessly through the song.

9. Blue Öyster Cult – Godzilla (Joe Bouchard)

While Buck Dharma’s riffs grab the spotlight in Blue Öyster Cult’s “Godzilla,” let’s not overlook the thunderous bass work of Joe Bouchard. His skillful play adds depth to the heaviness of the song, making it a standout piece of its time.

8. War – Low Rider (B. B. Dickerson)

In the legendary “Low Rider” by War, the late B. B. Dickerson leaves an indelible mark with his grooving walking bass line. Sadly, we lost this musical maestro in April, but his legacy lives on through the timeless beats of “Low Rider.”

7. Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side (Herbie Flowers)

Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” introduces us to the intriguing bass lines of Herbie Flowers, who skillfully handles the double bass. Amidst Reed’s unconventional albums, this track stands out as a testament to Flowers’s bass prowess.

6. Sly & the Family Stone – Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Larry Graham)

Larry Graham, the master innovator of the bass guitar, showcases his skills in Sly & the Family Stone’s “Thank You.” Credited for inventing the slap technique, Graham’s bass work in this song is a testament to his influential contribution to the instrument.

5. Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion (Tom Hamilton)

Traveling back to the 1970s, we encounter the energetic sound of Aerosmith in “Sweet Emotion.” Tom Hamilton’s bass lines add a distinctive groove to this track from the “Toys in the Attic” album, offering a glimpse into the band’s earlier musical landscape.

4. Fleetwood Mac – The Chain (John McVie)

“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac is synonymous with John McVie’s bass mastery. While the final section often steals the spotlight, the entire song is a showcase of McVie’s exceptional bass work, contributing to the timeless appeal of this classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDG2m5hN1vo

3. Yes – Roundabout (Chris Squire)

A song that transcends generations, “Roundabout” by Yes features Chris Squire’s unforgettable bass lines. Whether you discovered it as a meme or through classic rock archives, the intricate bass work remains a key element in making “Roundabout” a rock masterpiece.

2. Pink Floyd – Money (Roger Waters)

“Pink Floyd’s “Money” challenges musical norms with Roger Waters’s bass lines in an odd meter. The main riff, despite being in 7/4, exudes an undeniable groove. Waters’s creativity shines through, making “Money” a standout piece in the progressive rock landscape.

1. Black Sabbath – N.I.B. (Geezer Butler)

At the pinnacle sits Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.,” with Geezer Butler’s bass solo in the intro standing as one of the most significant in music history. Butler’s innovation is evident throughout the entire piece, solidifying “N.I.B.” as a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.