Over the last several weeks, we’ve been exploring some of the musical world’s most iconic parts for the guitar, piano, and bass. Let’s keep this train rolling and dive into some of the most incredible drum songs of all time!
So, what, exactly, are drum songs?
That’s easy – they’re rock and pop songs that have become famous for their amazing drum parts! Drummers form the all-important backbone of each song, keeping the rest of the band in time. But drummers do a lot more than simply keep time – they also lay down some pretty complex beats and rhythms, which often become the centerpiece for a song.
In no particular order, here’s 8 of our favourite drum songs!
Come Together – The Beatles – Ringo Starr
It’s become something of a cliché to say that “feel” is the most important part of good drumming. Be that as it may, Ringo Starr is a prime example of great “feel.” He’s never been as fast around the drum kit as some others who will appear on this list, but his unique style and feel are iconic and instantly recognizable.
“Come Together” is a perfect example of Ringo at his finest. Don’t tell me you don’t air drum those amazing fills!
YYZ – Rush – Neal Peart
Appearing for the second time in as many weeks, Rush’s “YYZ” is instrumental rock at it’s very finest, with drummer Neal Peart shining brightest. Technique and technicality at its best, the rhythm is actually the morse code for YYZ, the code for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport – Rush’s local airport. Peart starts off with this code as the foundation for this drum beat, before adding more and more intricate fills and complexities to the beat.
The song is so complicated that the band doesn’t even bother adding lyrics over the top. Imagine singing over that? Their heads might pop!
My Generation – The Who – Keith Moon
It can be difficult to choose just one of Keith Moon’s songs, but for this list, we’ve got to go with “My Generation.” Here, Moon goes with a more simplistic drumbeat, but makes sure to throw in some complicated and distinctly chaotic drum fills in between, making for a high energy and legendary performance.
Of course, if that’s not high energy enough for you, check out this performance of “My Generation” on TV – Moon packed his bass drum with gunpowder, causing an explosion big enough to permanently damage Pete Townshend’s hearing!
Superstition – Stevie Wonder/Jeff Beck
The unique drumbeat for Stevie Wonder’s mega-hit “Superstition” actually came together when he walked into the studio to hear guitarist Jeff Beck playing around on the drum kit and playing the opening beat. The two produced the first demo together, but Wonder ended up re-recording the track and playing the famous drum pattern himself for the studio version.
Beck would later release his own version, but, unsurprisingly, it was unable to match the success of Stevie Wonder’s.
When the Levee Breaks – Led Zeppelin – Jon Bonham
Led Zeppelin is another group with such a long list of greats it can be hard to pick just one. But we’ve got to go with “When the Levee Breaks,” simply because it’s so instantly recognizable. The beat has a distinctive and iconic echo-y sound that was created by Jon Bonham putting his drum kit at the bottom of a staircase and recording it through microphones placed at the top.
Led Zeppelin has tried to cover the song before (which was originally recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929), but it was never quite right until Bonham laid down that iconic beat.
In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins
Everybody knows “In the Air Tonight,” and that’s probably because of that so well-known drum solo that kicks in around 3 minutes and 15 seconds into the tune. As you listen to the video above, you may notice that the drums in “In the Air Tonight” have a somewhat different sound than other songs that we have touched on in this list. The reason Phil Collins was able to create such a unique sound is thanks to the reverse talkback option that was available in the studio at the time.
This song was originally recorded without the background drums, but they were added to make the solo at the end stand out more. I think it worked!
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes – Meg White
It’s amazing to think that Meg White wasn’t really a dedicated drummer until teaming up with Jack White. As a matter of fact, she only started playing drums with Jack on a whim, and has a straightforward style that many really enjoy. “Seven Nation Army” is definitely the band’s biggest hit, and it features some heavy-duty drum sections that start right at the very beginning, with the closing segment bringing the house down!
Wipe Out – The Ventures – Mel Taylor
It’s hard to find a group that is more influential in the surf- rock genre than The Ventures. And their song with the best drum solo has got to be the iconic and instantly recognizable “Wipe Out.” The drum solo is completely critical to this song, and you can find solos scattered throughout the song’s entire runtime.
This drum part was originally performed by The Venture’s first drummer, Mel Taylor, but after this unfortunate death, many drummers, like Max Weinberg if the E Street Band, have had their chance to perform the iconic solo.
With so many incredible drummers throughout history, and so many iconic drumbeats to choose from, there’s no way this could ever be considered a complete list. Did we miss your favourite drum song? Tell us about it in the comment!
And if it’s drum lessons you’re looking for, check out our programs here!