11 OF THE BEST TRACKS TO TEST YOUR BASS

Everybody loves bass, right? To celebrate our love for low frequencies we have rounded up a list of some of our favourite test tracks when it comes to bass. Volume isn’t everything, so expect songs that showcase bass subtlety and detail – as well as some that will rattle your rib cage. Whether you listen on a stereo system or a decent pair of headphones, you’re in your car or testing a subwoofer, all of these bass test tracks will help when it comes to figuring out how your set-up handles low pitch frequencies.

FAT LARRY’S BAND ACT LIKE YOU KNOW

An instantly recognisable slice of early ’80s funk, thanks in no small part to its fat slap of a bassline. Sliding up and down the bottom-end of the frequency spectrum, the plucked bass notes should sound punchy, natural and full of detail. The vocals and keys make for a nice juxtaposition at the other end of the range, too.

FLEETWOOD MAC THE CHAIN

John Mcvie is on fretless bass for one of the most famous riffs in rock history. Made (even more) famous by its use on the UK coverage of Formula 1, its enduring popularity saw the song go triple platinum in March 2022 for sales and streams of over 1,800,000 units. A great bass line and fine tester of any system.

MASSIVE ATTACK ANGEL

A brilliant, brooding bass riff from the Bristolian trip-hop kings. We love the way this slow-burner looms into view, shifting through the gears as the track progresses, the bass note opening up, changing texture and getting louder by the end. A lovely workout for a subwoofer.

SBTRKT WILDFIRE

Minimal drums combine with a reverb-laden vocal and a squelchy bassline. The bass moves up and down the lower end of the frequency range, changing tone and texture as it does, ensuring there is plenty for any system to get its head around. Simple tracks are often the ones which will most easily trip up poor timing, so a good system will have it sounding cohesive and entertaining.

IGOR STRAVINSKY THE RITE OF SPRING

You might need to towel yourself down after this one, such is the power on show. Stravinsky himself referred to the end of this piece as “a noise”, and who are we to argue? It certainly builds to a cacophony of instruments, with ominous, pounding drums keeping the focus as the rest of the orchestra seemingly battles for supremacy.

Angry strings and rasping brass demand power and precision, and probably an apology to your neighbours.

DEAD PREZ HIP HOP

One of the most famous basslines in hip-hop, a genre well-endowed with sub-rattling bottom frequencies. With its wobbling sub-bass layered with a catchy mid-303 effect, it’s an almost non-stop bass assault, so an overbearing low-end will be all too apparent. Another good track for finding the right level on a subwoofer.

VAN MORRISON MOONDANCE

A textbook walking bassline, complete with live-style improvisation to the melody, sat comfortably in the background. The bass just ticks over throughout, keeping everything in time. A great check of the overall balance and organisation of your system.

HANS ZIMMER TIME

When it comes to bass weight and detail, coupled with stirring dynamics for good measure, few do it better than Time. This should really fill your room, and the move from mezzo to forte should be enough to bring a bead of sweat to your forehead. Without a firm handle on the vigorous strings, your system’s delivery will fall flat.

CREAM BADGE

It’s Jack Bruce’s nimble, bouncing bass riff that gives this track its energy and drive. The quick notes will test your system’s dynamics. They should stop and start on time to avoid slowing the song down and ensure the track is nicely balanced and light on its feet, despite the depth and weight of the bass licks.

MALA NEW LIFE BABY PARIS

Do you want to feel your bass as well as hear it? You’re in the right place. Characterised by scattered drums and sub-bass notes, this is an archetypal early dubstep track and a great test of rhythm and bass control. Deep bass hits sit beneath synth stabs and lazy drums for a complex rhythm that requires a careful hand. Good luck, speakers.

RHYTHM & SOUND MANGO DRIVE

Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus are the godfathers of dub techno, but here they are focusing on the dubbier end of the sound. A repetitive sub-bass pattern is filtered slowly and subtly, tweaking the sound enough to keep your ears engaged. Familiar reggae stabs reverberate higher up but it’s the bass heft that needs to be clean and assured to keep the track nodding along.