The 15 Best Bass Songs with Hypnotic Beats for Headphones

If you’re looking for the best bass songs to enjoy while wearing headphones, I’ve got a list of treats for you.

The bass lines you’re about to listen to are some of my favorite ways to experience the true depth and power of bass across multiple frequencies and music genres.

You might enjoy some of these songs, you might not. But I can guarantee you won’t leave here without a heightened sensory experience from at least one of these tracks.

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

The Best Tracks With Good Bass to Test Your Headphones

Why So Serious? – Hans Zimmer
Giorgio By Moroder – Daft Punk
Bad Guy – Billie Eilish
Runaway – Aurora
Dark Necessities – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Maria También – Khruangbin
Tadow – FKJ & Masego
Basshead – Bassnectar
Mahal – Glass Beams
Mirror Maru – Cashmere Cat
What’s The Use? – Mac Miller
Jumpsuit – Twenty One Pilots
Squarepusher Theme – Tom Jenkinson
Again – Still Woozy
YYZ – Rush

You want to get the most out of these songs? You need headphones that can actually handle the lows—the depth, detail, all of it.

I’ve listened to these songs on average headphones, and I’ve heard them on great ones. Trust me, there’s no comparison.

To hear the difference, check out our picks for the best headphones for bass.

1. Why So Serious? by Hans Zimmer

Starting with a personal favorite, we have Why So Serious? by Hans Zimmer from The Dark Knight soundtrack. The deep, haunting sub-bass in this score plays a huge role in building tension throughout the film, pulling you in closer and closer.

While I might be showing some bias with The Dark Knight solidified in my all-time favorite movie list, this classic representation of cinematic bass has always captivated me, and it truly stands out on its own.

The moment I enjoy the most comes at the 3:25 mark. This is when the higher-pitched shrieks of the string instruments suddenly stop, leaving you in a disturbing silence, wondering what’s next.

Then, a deep, heavy bass slowly starts creeping in, alternating from ear to ear. As it builds, it gets louder and more intense with every second almost punching into your ears to mimic the psychological twists of the Joker.

If you’re listening with quality headphones, you’ll feel every note of this transition move through you.

The first time I listened to this part with headphones was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had with music. It was disorienting yet utterly remarkable. My brain didn’t know what was happening.

The entire score showcases Zimmer’s uncanny ability to use bass in different ways to create a compelling and immersive soundscape that matches whichever movie he’s composing.

2. Giorgio by Moroder by Daft Punk

Giorgio by Moroder is a song often overlooked from Daft Punk’s 2013 album, Random Access Memories. It’s essentially a musical documentary that takes you through the history of electronic music through the words of Giorgio Moroder himself.

The track begins with Moroder discussing his early musical aspirations and pioneering exploration of using synthesizers in music, earning him the title “Father of Disco”. As Moroder speaks, an evolving bassline develops in the background, creating a dynamic soundscape that sets a rhythmic foundation for the rest of the song.

As the song progresses, you’ll experience Daft Punk’s creativity, with the bass transitioning from smooth and simple to more complex and layered, with moments of peculiarity jumping out at you in between.

This track celebrates musical innovation, demonstrating how bass can be used in different ways to create unique and compelling sounds while showcasing the experimentation that’s led to its evolution in music.

3. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

Bad Guy by Billie Eilish has two layers of bass that make an immediate impact as soon as you start the song. The catchy bass riff, accompanied by the resonating bass kicks (created by Billie herself and her older brother/producer Finneas), is why it’s so memorable and effective.

These bass elements create a menacing yet playful tone, defining the song’s character while complementing Billie’s soft, whispery vocals.

It’s a song that stood out to me immediately because it cleverly flipped the usual pop music norms on its head. Instead of leaving the bass tucked away as background support, it was placed front and center, turning it into the song’s main feature.

As you listen, the bass shifts the song’s dynamic to a more resounding, intense beat. This moment shows how well Finneas uses a heavy bass to drive the mood and movement of this particular track.

As a result, the song has become a hallmark of Billie Eilish’s style and unique sound, captivating music lovers worldwide. Since its release, “Bad Guy” has created a new trend in modern pop music, inspiring other artists to explore more ways to integrate a distinctive forward-facing bass into their songs.

4. Runaway by Aurora

The song Runaway has a soft but powerful bassline that resonates deeply beneath Aurora’s delicate vocals. Its slow and steady pace allows the deep tones of the bass to emerge cleanly and distinctly as you listen.

This creates a dream-like soundscape, where the bassline anchors the song and enhances its airy, expansive feel, adding to its depth and emotion.

The creative use of reverb and layering in the vocals on top of the bass adds to the song’s expansive feel, making it seem like Aurora’s voice is echoing through an open space.

What impresses me the most is how well the bass is mixed throughout the song – it never feels overwhelming or too subtle. It’s well-balanced and maintains support for the higher tones in the music.

Runaway is the perfect example of how a well-calibrated bass can take music to another level and is a great song to test how well your headphones differentiate between lower and middle range frequencies.

5. Dark Necessities by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Whenever someone asks me what my favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers song is, I point them to this one. The bassline in Dark Necessities is everything you’d expect from Flea—vibrant, rolling, and undoubtedly catchy.

It’s a smooth ride—where the bassline is dynamic but drives the song’s rhythm with an energy that meshes beautifully with laid-back vocals.

The way the rolling bass and soft piano notes interact with each other gives the track a textured feel that’s soothing and exhilarating.

This song captures the essence of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and their ability to put out innovative hits since the early ’80s. It’s the perfect track to get your day started with a dose of energy and nostalgia.

6. Maria También by Khruangbin

If you’re looking for a song that can immediately take you to another place, look no further than Maria También from Khruangbin. This song’s infectious grooves and psychedelic undertones are a treat for the ears.

The lurking bassline is foundational and adventurous, weaving effortlessly between the crisp, twangy guitar riffs and simple drum beat. It gives this song the mellow backbone it needs for the eclectic atmosphere created.

Even if you’re listening to this song for the first time, I can almost guarantee you’ll have difficulty sitting still.

This song is a good representation of Khruangbin’s ability to fuse global musical influences into a unique sound of their own. The bassline leads the way and stays with you long after you listen.

7. Tadow by FKJ & Masego

Tadow is the result of a jam session between artists FKJ & Masego. In this song, you’ll hear a sleek, jazzy bassline combined with Masego’s raw saxophone and smooth vocals.

The bass is fluid and expressive, perfectly matching the improvised feel of the song. What I love most about this song is how the bassline feels like it’s part of the conversation between the two musicians.

It shows what kind of magic can happen when two artists are truly vibing together and the main reason why it’s seen as an instant classic.

8. Basshead by Bassnectar

If you want a song that will test the bass limits of your headphones, just push the play button below.

Full disclosure—It will unleash some seriously booming bass, so you might want to start it at a lower volume and work your way up.

This was one of the most popular songs during the worldwide dubstep trend when artists like Bassnectar and Skrillex introduced a more gritty bassline and shuddering sub-bass in their songs.

It shows how low-frequency oscillations can transform electronic music into a physical sensation—delivering bass you can feel in your bones well before bone-conduction headphones were a thing.

It’s a staple in the EDM scene and bass music in general.

9. Mahal by Glass Beams

In Mahal, the bassline is a deep, reverberating force that supports the bridge between traditional Indian music and modern electronic beats.

It envelops you in a dense, rhythmic experience that feels primal and innovative. The bassline turns the entire piece into a journey you weren’t prepared for but one you’ll enjoy every second of along the way.

I had such a unique experience hearing this for the first time. The interplay between the bass, electric guitar/sitar, and tabla drums was mesmerizing, adding incredible depth to the song.

It pulls you into a trance-like state, magnifying the quality of the music. Be prepared for the hypnotic effect that will linger with you after you’re done listening.

10. Mirror Maru by Cashmere Cat

Mirror Maru has a way of drawing you in with its velvety, soft, hypnotic bass. It’s gentle but still fills the space, adding depth without becoming overpowering.

It’s an excellent example of how bass can create a cushion for the rest of the layered sounds to bounce off of. It surrounds you with a warmth that’s both comforting and inviting.

It’s the perfect background music for a night at home or if you need a reflective moment. Its gentle yet compelling sound will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a world of music. A place where you can let go of your worries and just enjoy the moment.

11. What’s the Use? by Mac Miller

Thundercat’s handiwork on the bassline in What’s the Use? is nothing short of a funk masterpiece. It’s groovy, fluid, and downright infectious.

From the first note, the bassline sets the mood of the song, infusing elements of hip hop with a smooth, energetic feel that syncs perfectly with Mac Miller’s laid-back vocal delivery.

The funky undercurrent adds a layer of sonic joy that’s contagious. It’s a vibe you’ll have a hard time not nodding your head to.

If you’re looking for a song to put you in a space that’s both chill and exhilarating, this one effortlessly hits the mark.

12. Jumpsuit by Twenty One Pilots

Jumpsuit is a song you’ll have to listen to more than once to appreciate the nuances in its bassline.

It starts with a distorted but high-energy bass riff that will make you sit up and listen. Once the vocals hit, the bass shifts into a more subdued rhythm, stepping back to let the lyrics take the spotlight. Then, it comes crashing back in with full force for the chorus, adding a sense of tension and urgency to the track.

The best part of the song though is when the bridge begins. That’s when everything slows to almost a complete halt, and the atmosphere completely changes.

You experience more of a spatial sound during this part but can still hear the thick bassline shadowing itself in the background. The basswork here is so clever because it uses the quietest and slowest part of the song to slowly pull you back to the energetic start, setting up the powerful return to the final chorus.

It’s a masterful use of bass. It amplifies the emotional impact of the moment, where you feel all the built-up tension finally released. It’s a brilliant way to tie all the sections of the song back together at the end.

13. Squarepusher Theme by Squarepusher

Squarepusher Theme is an intense, high-octane track where the bass drops into a musical world of futuristic jazz and breakbeat chaos.

Tom Jenkinson (Squarepusher) pushes the limits of what bass can do and it’s without a doubt, the star of the show. He takes full advantage of its versatility with lightning-fast runs and jarring rhythmic shifts that make your ears feel like they’re on a sonic rollercoaster.

It’s honestly mind-bending what he was able to accomplish here. The bass is aggressive yet precise.

It zig-zags and dances through a series of complex melodies, creating a musical unicorn that’s exciting to explore. By the time it’s over, you’ll be left feeling both exhilarated and breathless.

14. Again by Still Woozy

Jumping into the indie music scene, Again by Still Woozy brings you lo-fi intimacy and a dream-like soundscape.

This song uses a mellow bassline, anchoring the smooth vocals and layered synth textures. The bass tone is warm with a slighty gritty quality that complements the overall indie-pop/rock aesthetic of the track.

It’s another song where you can just sit back, relax, and take it all in. Whether you’re a fan of indie pop, indie rock, or just great music in general, it’s a must-listen track that leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed and inspired.

15. YYZ by Rush

Even though it’s last on this list, YYZ from Rush is one you can’t miss.

The bass riff you hear in the beginning spells out the song’s name, YYZ, in Morse code. The inspiration for this came when Neil Peart and Geddy Lee overheard the navigational signals transmitting from Toronto’s airport to Alex Lifeson while he was flying them around, helping him get his pilot’s license.

Giving a nod to their home airport, they built an entirely instrumental song around these beeps, which eventually received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1981.

The bassline shifts its style throughout the song to match the intricate drumming and guitar riffs. Initially, it’s fast-paced and punchy, closely following the melody. As the song moves into solos and bridges, the bass takes on a smoother quality that sits in the background, carrying the song’s momentum through each section.

It’s a rare track where the bass is as iconic as the song itself, proving that the bass guitar is a lead instrument in the right hands.

It’s an audio delight for any bass enthusiast and a classic example of the power of bass in rock music.