Jamie Reidy reveals his Top 10 most recognizable Opening Bass lines in Rock-n-Roll.

This is the third in a series. I have already covered my  Top 10 most recognizable guitar riffs and my Top 10 most recognizable piano/keyboard opening chords.  Drum beats will follow next week.

Before you start yelling at me for this list, I invite you to take a deep breath and re-read the headline.

It says “Most Recognizable.”  It does not say “Best” or “Most Epic” or “Most Influential.”  It says “Most Recognizable,” as in “The majority of the people in your car, bar or party instantly know what song it is by the first note of the song.”

That first note part is key.

And one more arbitrary rule: Only one song per band.

Now, for the Top 10 Most Recognizable Opening Bass Lines of All-Time.

I will go in descending order:

10. Stand by Me – Ben E. King

9. Man on The Moon – R.E.M.

8. She – Green Day

7. Walk on The Wild Side – Lou Reed

6. Don’t Stand So Close to Me – The Police

5. Breakdown – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

4. With or Without You – U2

3. Come As You Are – Nirvana

2. Another One Bites The Dust – Queen

1. Sweet Emotion – Aerosmith

Which bass lines did I miss?