• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Top 10 motown basslines

#2
Interesting that you would post this. I'm getting ready to school my son in the fine art of bass and plan to start with a healthy dose of Motown. Here's my list for starters:

My Girl
Get Ready
It's the Same Old Song
Reach Out, I'll be There
Money
I Want a Love I can See
For Once In my Life
Twenty Five Miles
Just My Imagination
Never Can Say Goobye
 
#4
AxtoOx said:
Does Sly Stone count?
Thank u fa lettin me b mice elf. (yeah I didn't look it up, I'll bet I spelled it wrong)

If you want me to stay.
Click to expand...
Sly was not Motown.

Motown was home of.......

The Temptations
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
The Four Tops
The Supremes
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Jackson 5
Marvin Gaye
Stevie Wonder
Lionel Richie
The Commodores,
Rick James,
Teena Marie
DeBarge

among other acts.
 
#5
Motown has so very many great tunes and singers. Strictly looking at bass lines, however, the aggressive playing on "Reach Out, I'll Be There" makes up at least 50% of the tune!

My 2 cents,

Paul (Eh_train)
 
#6
Top 10 motown basslines
Nice Topic!

No specific order here

Aint no mountain high enough
Bernadette
Aint nothing like the real thing
Dont mess with bill
For once in my life
It's a shame
Shotgun
I heard it through the grapevine
What's going on
Lovechild
Tears of a clown

a few i like : )
 
#9
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Guiseppe
#11
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Guiseppe
#12
Off the top of my head:

Darling Dear: Jackson 5

Sparrow: Marvin Gaye

I Like It: DeBarge

Bernadette: The Four Tops

On & On: Gladys Knight & The Pips

Let's Get It On: Marvin Gaye

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town: The Jackson 5

All I Do: Stevie Wonder

Contusion: Stevie Wonder

Do I Do: Stevie Wonder

And so on...
 
#18
Yeah, great mentions so far. I'm going to +1 on a few and maybe add a new one or two

Reach Out I'll Be There (Four Tops)
Bernadette (Four Tops)
My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder)
I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours (Stevie Wonder)
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (Stevie Wonder)

I think "Bernadette" and "I Was Made To Love Her" are some the BEST examples of that classic James Jamerson sound! He had busy fingers but it was ALWAYS groovy!:bassist:
 
#19
Bluesbreaker5 said:
Bernadette
Soul Man
Chain of Fools
Ain't Too Proud To Beg
What's Going On
Papa Was A Rolling Stone
Reach Out, I'll Be There
Respect
Think
Time Is Tight
Click to expand...

Soul Man and Time is Tight are STAX tunes played by Duck Dunn

Respect, Think, Chain of Fools(really?! I think the bass line sucks) were likely played by David Hood of the Muscle Shoals rhythm Section.

The rest were James Jamerson.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back