Best Drum Songs: Top 10 Hits with Awesome Beats

Drumming is the heartbeat of music, a timeless language that spans cultures. Throughout history, drums shaped our musical experience, from tribal beats to today’s rock. This article explores drumming’s rich history, its evolution, and highlights the top 10 songs with outstanding drums. These drum songs showcase the creativity and artistry of drummers who’ve made a lasting impact on the music world.

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Top Best 10 Drum Songs

1. In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins

Let’s talk about this right away. Seriously, when that acoustic beat starts, everyone gets into it. The drumming in this song is so famous that even Iron Mike Tyson took a moment of zen before knocking out Zach Galifianakis in The Hangover. And, no surprise, Phil Collins has been playing this song for years in his live shows.

2. Come Together – The Beatles

Ringo Starr’s simple drumming is the foundation of this famous song. “Come Together” by The Beatles is a classic rock tune, and Ringo’s drumming is a crucial part that makes it special. The opening drum riff, with its unique, swampy feel, immediately sets the mood. In this track, Ringo plays with a minimalist style, keeping it effective without overdoing it. He leaves space, letting other elements like John Lennon’s vocals and the bass shine. The drum pattern stays steady throughout, giving a consistent rhythm that ties the song together. This shows Ringo as a supportive drummer who cares more about the band’s overall sound than showing off his skills.

3. We Will Rock You – Queen

Roger Taylor’s drumming in “Queen – We Will Rock You” is a sports arena anthem. This classic rock song, released in 1977 on the album “News of the World,” has become more than just rock—it’s a universal anthem. Taylor’s simple yet powerful drum pattern is instantly recognizable. The song’s minimalistic style, led by Taylor’s stomping beat and clapping, later joined by Brian May’s blistering guitar solo, puts the driving rhythm front and center. This straightforward approach makes it a favorite at sports events and concerts worldwide. In this track, Taylor’s drumming may not be complex, but it shows the immense power of rhythm to bring crowds together and energize them.

4. Schism – Tool

“Schism” by Tool is an awesome progressive metal track that highlights Danny Carey’s incredible drumming skills. What makes the song stand out is Carey’s use of complex polyrhythms, where different rhythms play at the same time. His intricate drum patterns, always changing throughout the song, give a strong rhythm that fits perfectly with the heavy guitar riffs and Maynard James Keenan’s haunting vocals. Carey’s skill in keeping a steady beat while adding unexpected rhythms creates a distinctive and eerie atmosphere in the song. It’s a clear showcase of Carey’s technical expertise and creative drumming.

5. One – Metallica

“Metallica – One” is a standout from their 1988 album “…And Justice for All,” showcasing drummer Lars Ulrich’s technical skill and musicality. The song kicks off with a slow, clean guitar intro, allowing the drums to build suspense before exploding into a fast, double-bass-driven verse.

Ulrich’s drumming in “One” is marked by precision and power. His use of double bass drumming, especially in the latter part of the song, adds an extra layer of intensity and urgency, fitting well with the dark lyrical content about a severely wounded World War I soldier. His drum fills are intricate and perfectly timed, showcasing his impressive technical ability.

6. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

You might not initially think of this song as a drum showcase, given the focus on Steve Perry’s vocals and Neal Schon’s guitar hooks. Yet, Steve Smith’s drumming is impressively solid. His underrated syncopated grooves provide essential backbeats, highlighting every impactful note from the harmony and melody players along the way.

7. Baba O’Riley – The Who

Keith Moon’s explosive drumming perfectly fits this classic rock anthem. The song, written by Pete Townshend, the band’s main guitarist and songwriter, is titled “Baba O’Riley.” The name is a mix of two influences on Townshend: Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual master, and Terry Riley, an American composer known for his innovative work in minimalism and tape looping.

8. Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones

Charlie Watts keeps a steady beat in this spooky rock song. He’s the drummer for The Rolling Stones, and in this track, his drumming is like the song’s backbone. Even though his style is not flashy, it’s a really important part of how the Stones sound. In “Gimme Shelter,” Watts’ constant beat contrasts with the song’s eerie feeling, making things feel stable in the middle of all the excitement. This balance makes the song extra special and one of the most memorable ones the Stones have.

9. Every Breath You Take – The Police

Stewart Copeland’s drumming makes this song extra special. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police is known for its simple, haunting melody and unique guitar sound, but Copeland’s drumming is a big part of why it’s so good.

In this song, Copeland uses a mix of rock and reggae styles, something The Police were known for. His drumming has lots of details, making a steady and interesting background for the song. Pay attention to the hi-hat cymbals he uses—they create a sharp, ticking sound that adds to the song’s tense feeling.

10. By the Way – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Chad Smith’s cool drumming creates the catchy feel in this song. In “By the Way,” Smith’s drumming is full of energy and changes, making a strong rhythm that supports the singing and guitar playing. His drumming isn’t too complicated, but it stands out because it’s simple and right on target. He uses beats that come in unexpectedly and smart fills, keeping the listener interested.

What’s even cooler is how Smith smoothly switches between different rhythms, making the song’s catchy groove. He goes from a basic rock beat in the verses to a funkier rhythm in the choruses, matching the song’s different feelings. Plus, his use of the hi-hat and cymbals adds a bright touch to the overall sound, fitting in well with the bass and guitar parts.

Final Thoughts

Drumming has been part of music for a long time, changing with how music has evolved. Drummers, from ancient times to today’s rock, have made a big impact on music. The top 10 drum songs we talked about in this article are examples of really good drumming. They show how drumming can be like making art with rhythm, and how beats can feel like the heartbeat in the soundtrack of our lives.