Eight excellently exciting basslines from classic 1980s songs

The Jam - “Town Called Malice” 

Another excellent example of bass guitar not being just for a bit of funk or disco. The Jam emerged from punk and had developed their sound by 1982 when “Town Called Malice” was released. Having said they had their own style, this song did have a strong flavor of a solid Motown classic about it. 

The bass from Bruce Foxton was heavily responsible for that. It’s yet another simple riff, kicking the song off and setting the scene for that Motown-style rhythm and feel. The riff has all the right factors to make it memorable on its own, as the intro, and to make the song work perfectly. “Town Called Malice” hit number one in the UK immediately on release. It also had some success on the US Billboard Dance (number 45) and Mainstream Rock (number 31) charts, the bass certainly helping that Dance chart listing. 

Michael Jackson - “Billie Jean”

Michael Jackson may be somewhat out of favor these days. Despite that, it's hard to deny the great sounds of his many classic songs. “Billie Jean” in particular. There was a lot of studio preparation and work went into this 1983 song from his incredible Thriller album. 

And when it comes to the bass, and you learn that bassist Luis “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson played every bass guitar he had before Jackson decided the Yahama bass was the best sounding option, you get a feel for the depth of detail involved. In fact, it wasn't just Johnson’s bass giving the deep tones in that almost hypnotic rhythm. There are three different synthesizers set up to supplement Johnson's sound. 

The bass beat on the record from Johnson surprisingly owes a lot to ”State Of Independence” by Jon Anderson and Vangelis. Jackson’s producer Quincy Jones has previously admitted the link. A slight key change down and a slower speed from that song and the basslines tie in with “Billie Jean”. But that shouldn't detract at all from the Jackson/Johnson version being a classic. Although maybe I should have included that original song here. Have a listen and see if you can spot that connection. 

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