‘Billie Jean’ Crowned One of the Greatest Basslines Ever

A new music study has sparked major buzz across fan communities, especially Michael Jackson fans, after revealing the greatest basslines of all time. While Queen may have claimed the top spot overall, it was Michael Jackson’s immortal “Billie Jean” that once again proved its untouchable legacy, securing a powerful #2 ranking and standing tall as the highest-placed non-rock track on the list.

Few songs in music history have a bassline as instantly recognizable as “Billie Jean.” From the first pulsing notes, it defines not only the track but an entire era of pop music. Its appearance this high in the ranking further cements what MJFam has always known: MJ’s grooves don’t just move the world, they shape it.

The survey, which asked 2,000 music fans to vote on the most iconic basslines ever recorded, crowned Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” at #1, followed by MJ’s “Billie Jean,” and Queen’s “Under Pressure” at #3. Queen’s bassist John Deacon dominated the list and was even named the greatest bass player of all time. Yet it’s Michael’s presence, with just a single solo entry, that speaks volumes. One bassline. One song. One legend.

Beyond “Billie Jean,” the Michael Jackson legacy appears again with “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, a timeless Motown groove that still inspires bassists more than five decades later.

The study also revealed that nearly half of listeners believe bassists are the “coolest” members of the band, and most agree the instrument remains underrated, despite being at the heart of some of the biggest hits ever, many of them tied directly to Michael’s groundbreaking sound.

Top 20 Bass Lines of All Time (as voted):

1. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

2. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

3. Under Pressure – Queen

4. The Chain – Fleetwood Mac

5. Radio Gaga – Queen

6. Come Together – The Beatles

7. Stand By Me – Ben E. King

8. Killer Queen – Queen

9. Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) – Pink Floyd

10. Walking on the Moon – The Police

11. I Want You Back – The Jackson 5

12. Money – Pink Floyd

13. With or Without You – U2

14. Good Times – Chic

15. My Generation – The Who

16. Love Will Tear Us Apart – Joy Division

17. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry

18. You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon

19. Walk on the Wild Side – Lou Reed

20. Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Once again, the King of Pop proves that when it comes to groove, nobody does it like Michael Jackson.

Source: Nova