Genre-defying bass: A Crutchfield playlist

e were discussing music recently and one of our writers talked about partying in her younger days, when hatchbacks sacrificed all cargo space to the gods of bass. Back then, if a song wasn’t a clear sub-buster, it wasn’t worth playing.

We challenged her to get out of her bass bubble and explore unexpected genres.

Even in music that isn't necessarily bass heavy, a subwoofer still adds a lot of depth and body to the sound. With help from our colleagues, we found a bunch of surprising tracks that hit hard and really benefit from the presence of a subwoofer.

Some of those songs and a few notes on why our folks use them as go-to bass tracks are listed below.

What songs bring the bass from genres you’d never expect?

Song picks from our crew

Zak, Crutchfield Video Program Coordinator

1. "Habanera" by Georges Bizet
   “‘1812 Overture’? Fuhgeddaboudit. A sub enhances any loud orchestral hit. It gives cellos a nice meaty backbone and enhances tympani and bass drum hits in a very satisfying way. The London Philharmonic version of ‘Habanera’ from Bizet’s Carmen has wonderful dynamic swings, with big orchestra hits alternating with softer strings. It’s nice to actually feel those hits!”
2. "Never There" by Cake
   "Subwoofers increased my appreciation for Cake, because they often have a cool bass line, and I never got to hear their music on a decent sound system until I put one in my car after I started working here!"
3. "Can't You Hear Me Callin'" by Crooked Still
   "Bluegrass/Americana music out of Boston, with a deep-digging standup bass and gritty cello parts that really need a sub to appreciate fully."
4. "Cure for Pain" by Morphine
   "There are layers to Mark Sandman's playing. And the saxophone hits deeper with a sub."

This shallow-mount 10" Kicker sub fits a wide range of cars and brings the rich low-end you need to enjoy classical tracks.

Dave D., Crutchfield Car Audio Writer

1. "Poison Arrow" by ABC
   "So, a New Wave pop group backed by an orchestra? They pull it off with a catchy pop gem with a dash of funk."
2. " I Want Your Love" by Chic
   "This is one song where I began to truly appreciate the bass player in a song. Right from the beginning, I marveled at that sweet, speedy, and sustained bass line. I mean it’s just soooo good. And the rest of the song accompanies it beautifully."
3. "More Than This" by Roxy Music
   "Roxy Music’s ethereal drums and bass provide a united bass line that really keeps this song humming. Just a great song that reengages me every time when I hear it with a subwoofer. Excellent bass on the rest of the album, too."
4. "Limelight" by Rush
   "I suppose this could be 'hard rock,' but between Peart’s drums and Lee’s bass, you’ve got some artistry here you can’t deny. I dare somebody not to play air drums when the lower-end thump kicks in on this one."
5. "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck Quartet
   "The drum set and subtle bass give this great jazz piece part of its enduring life. The slight, controlled rumble through a subwoofer keeps me completely engaged."
6. "Roundabout" by Yes
   "Lightning finger prowess on the bass. I had to get over the slight, pleasurable shock of that bass before I could actually get into listening to the song itself when I first heard it as a kid. And now, I just perk up when I hear it begin playing."

The Kenwood Excelon P-XW1221D is two 12" subs in a ported box. This monster handles 600 watts and brings deep, plentiful bass.

Rucker, Crutchfield Advisor

"Adding a sub helps deliver a well-rounded audio experience — you maintain clarity in the mids and highs, even at lower volume levels, by effectively letting the subwoofer handle the bass tones."

1. "Highway in the Sun" by Cecilio & Kapono
   "This song evokes the pleasure of leisurely drives while enjoying captivating scenery. My current setup ensures a robust bass response that delivers a rich sound without the need to enhance low frequencies through the head unit."

Amanda, Crutchfield Photo Studio Manager

1. "Boadicea" by Enya
   "When I was little, my dad made a mixtape (yes, a cassette) of Enya songs to help me fall asleep at night. ‘Boadicea’ has always been a favorite. It has a lot of beautiful, deep tonal ranges because it’s only made with a synth and her vocals — a good sub allows her humming to envelop you and creates a visceral, immersive experience as it vibrates down to your bones and makes your skin tingle."

Josh, Crutchfield Art Director

1. "Cumbia and Jazz Fusion" by Charles Mingus
   "The bass and drums don't drop in until after 2:30. But when they do..."

Ken, Crutchfield Car A/V Editor

1. "The Man Who Knew Too Much" by Bernard Herrmann
   "Nice low brass and percussion kicking out the lows here."
2. "Vertigo Suite" by Bernard Herrmann
   "A more subtle display, but some nice low-end stuff filling out the ends of the phrases."

Rayna, Crutchfield Graphic Designer

1. “Cardiac Arrest" by Bad Suns
   "I spent a whole summer karaoke-ing in my car to Bad Suns. Even at stoplights."
2. “Damocles" by Sleep Token
   "This song has me in a Chokehold (haha, Sleep Token fans will get it). And it sounds great in a car with a sub."
3. “Hundred Mile High" by Cameron Whitcomb
   "I’ve been on such an alt country and sad-cowboy kick this year. This one is fun to play in the car with my friends who don’t usually like anything remotely country! A guaranteed bop. I feel like I could drive a thousand miles when I’m rockin’ to this song!"
4. “It’s Alright" by Cecilia Castleman
   "This is the kind of song that just melts around you."
5. "Leaving" by Pet Shop Boys
   "I can bop to any song, no matter how happy or sad or boppy it really is. Especially if there is a good subwoofer and the windows are down!"
6. “My Ego Dies at the End" by Jensen McRae
   " You know when you absolutely crank this song and have a religious experience? No?? You’re not listening right then."

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Matt, Crutchfield Car A/V Editor

1. "Jacksonville" by Sufjan Stevens
   "I use this track anytime I'm testing new components. It's so perfectly balanced, with the banjo, piano, and vocals nestling lovingly with the bass and kick drum...both of which deliver solid chest-punches from a sub without overwhelming the rest of the instruments. The whole experience is lush and gorgeous."

Robert, Crutchfield Car A/V Editor

1. "In the Evening" by Led Zeppelin
   "Amazing intro and Zepp sounds – bass, guitar, vocals."
2. "Crazy on You" by Heart
   "Another amazing intro, good bass, and female vocals. Everything you need for a good test track."
3. "Girl U Want" by Devo
   "Great synth for mids and highs, plus – it’s DEVO!"
4. "Children of the Sun" by Billy Thorpe
   "An awesome audio experience and all-around great song. The melody comes to life on a good system."
5. "The French Song" and/or "Androgynous" by Joan Jett
   "Mostly because she’s my Punk Patronus and these two songs are just awesome. A subwoofer gives these tracks the bottom end that fills out the music and gives it that emotional "oomph" that brings it home."

Add a subwoofer to your car stereo system

Excited to add a sub to your system and let all your music play its very best? We can certainly help with that. And don't forget to check out our full genre-bending playlist on Spotify.

Check out our Subwoofer Buying Guide for more info and shop our full line of subwoofer and bass system offerings, from compact powered subs to multi-sub loaded boxes. If you need a hand picking the right one, give us a call at 1-888-955-6000, or chat with one of our Advisors.