It’s not necessarily something you notice unless it’s pointed out to you (unless you’re a musician) that the beat sometimes makes the song.
Obviously, the beat plays a crucial role in most music, but it’s not always the centerpiece, and it’s not always accentuated either.
The following songs, on the other hand? Well, they all have very steady beats, and they often are emphasized and highlighted by other instruments.
So, let’s look at the best songs with a steady beat.
“Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant
Year: 1983
Eddy Grant’s catchy 80s party anthem “Electric Avenue” features a very steady beat over which synths and guitars gradually provide additional textural layers of interest. The drumbeat only features a few fills. For the most part, the drums consist of that familiar “kick – snare – kick – snare” rhythm, a staple in many of the songs featured here.
Of course, if you listen closely, you realize this is not a party anthem at all, but an angry, socially conscious song about violence, racism, famine, and poverty contrasted with British consumerism and partying excess.
“1999” by Prince
Year: 1982
Prince is well known for his extreme musicianship, larger than life onstage personality, and preoccupation with sexuality.
But many of his hits were, in fact, very much a product of their time. Prince brought his own style to everything he did, sure, but as with many funk and synthpop songs in the same vein, “1999” featured a very steady beat.
The song opens with a series of kicks. As the song builds, there is the occasional drum fill, but for the most part, the beat is held down with a heavy emphasis on kick – snare – kick – snare.
“The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News
Year: 1985
Huey Lewis & The News was hell bent on writing a catchy, memorable tune for the explosive hit film, Back to the Future, and they succeeded with the unforgettable “The Power Of Love,” which practically became the movie’s theme.
Compared to some of the other songs on this list, you may find that the drumbeat features more shots, stops, and fills. But if you listen closely, you’ll notice that it still carries with it that standard 80s kick, snare, kick snare beat heard on many recordings coming from artists and bands of the same time in similar genres.
“Addicted To Love” by Robert Palmer
Year: 1986
Prince and Huey Lewis & The News are one thing, but Robert Palmer must be cut from a different cloth, right? Not so fast. Even on “Addicted To Love,” you will hear that heavy kick, snare, kick, snare pattern laid down with exacting precision.
The one notable difference is that you can hear the hi-hat used a little more prominently on “Addicted To Love,” and it does have the occasional stop too. But other than that, it’s the expected deliverable.
“You Make My Dreams” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Year: 1981
At first brush, “You Make My Dreams” may appear a syncopated dance number. And to be fair, the trademark keyboard part is kind of funky. But once the beat comes in, it becomes apparent that we’re in for another steady, straightforward 80s adventure, save for a few stops.
The drums are even accentuated with the bouncy guitar part, emphasizing the two and four of the beat.
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Year: 1982
Thriller is one of the best-selling albums of all time, and reportedly features only the best songs and best musical ideas across dozens, possibly even hundreds of song ideas mapped out by Quincy Jones and team.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the most sophisticated music ever composed. Rather, it’s the culmination of simple ideas creating sophisticated layers. If in doubt, listen to “Billie Jean,” a song with one of the steadiest beats in all the 80s.
“Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz
Year: 1993
Even from his early days, it was clear that Lenny Kravitz was influenced heavily by the music of the 60s and 70s. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” is his take on rock from decades past, and he captured the feel to a tee.
Aside from a few simple fills, you will find that this song features a very steady, driving beat.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Year: 2014
You can generally count on funk songs to have a very steady beat, and Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” is no exception. The steadiness of the groove allows singer Bruno Mars to float on top, with the bass, guitars, horns, and synths adding additional flare and syncopation to keep it funky.
There’s the occasional fill and stop but otherwise you mostly hear that familiar and steady kick – snare – kick – snare beat.
“Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
Year: 1983
This unforgettable 80s classic shows some sophistication in terms of chord progressions, modulation, and melodies. But listen closely to the beat and you will find it’s driving the whole song.
It features a variation on the typical kick-snare feel we’ve already explored extensively, though, which could be a welcome departure to your ears.
“Y.M.C.A.” by Village People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS9OO0S5w2k
Year: 1978
Novelty disco songs were all the rage (and almost on their way out) upon the release of Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” in 1978. This song is recognized internationally, and it was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Like I said earlier, though, a steady beat is the very hallmark of funk and disco tunes, and you will find that this song rarely deviates from the expected.
“Party In The U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
Year: 2009
Opening with a repetitive dirty funk / country guitar riff, Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A.” is impossible to get out of your head once you’ve heard it.
Holding down the backbone of the song is a hard-hitting, big club beat – kick-snare-kick-snare.
“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Year: 2011
Love it or hate it, “Call Me Maybe” nailed a formula. For its time, this pop hit was rather revolutionary, featuring strings (likely synthesized) and distorted guitars no less.
The song opens with steady kicks, and then builds into that time-tested beat we know so well – kick, snare, kick, snare. Steady as she comes.
“Runnin’ With The Devil” by Van Halen
Year: 1978
When it comes to songs with steady beats, it’s hard to forget the late 70s hard rocker, “Runnin’ With The Devil.” Alex Van Halen being one of rock’s best drummers, you might expect this one to be less steady than it is, but he follows very closely Michael Anthony’s steady, pounding bass save for a few fills.
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Year: 2003
Consisting of the duo Jack and Meg White, The White Stripes’ songs were often simple out of necessity. After all, they weren’t the type or group to play to tracks or hire a band, especially in their early days.
The drumbeat to “Seven Nation Army” is obnoxiously simple (mostly consisting of kick and floor tom). But there’s no denying Jack White was inspired, crafting what could be considered one of the most memorable alt-rock riffs of the last 20 years.
“Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie
Year: 1974
David Bowie went through many transformations physically (characteristically) and musically but it’s not too much of an exaggeration to say “Rebel Rebel” is one of his 70s classic rock catchiest.
The driving rhythm supplies the signature guitar riff (Bowie himself wrote) with plenty of breathing room. And the vocals float on top, with the lyrics at their rebellious best.
“Lust For Life” by Iggy Pop
Year: 1977
Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life” is well remembered for its funky, trademark riff. The song was co-written with David Bowie (on a ukulele), and its overall rhythm was reportedly inspired by the Armed Forces Network call signal.
The steady drumbeat is much imitated.
“When The Levee Breaks” by Led Zeppelin
Year: 1971
When you listen to tunes like “When The Levee Breaks,” you can tangibly feel Jimmy Page’s intention to evolve beyond the blues with Led Zeppelin.
The sound of John Bonham’s drums is characteristically huge, and they mathematically pound out a steady 4/4 blues beat.
“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
Year: 1970
Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” will forever be remembered for its unmistakable vocal hook. Its riff is simple but driving, perfectly complementing the steady beat Bonham pounds out in the background.
My favorite part, though, will always be the dissonant mess the song transforms into by the end.
“Barracuda” by Heart
Year: 1977
The angry “Barracuda” is unmistakably Heart. The song will always be remembered for its saturated guitar riffs, but you will also find a driving rhythm undergirding it all. The beat goes through some changes, for sure, but that driving quality is what makes this a great selection for this guide.
“Layla” by Derek And The Dominos
Year: 1970
The emotionally charged “Layla” is a classic rock epic. The wall of guitars is legendary, but what makes it perfect for road trips is unmistakably that driving drumbeat holding it down.
“Highway Star” by Deep Purple
Year: 1972
From the opening notes, its clear that Deep Purple’s “Highway Star” is going to be a high energy steady Eddie. The song is adorned with some shots, and an interlude, of course, but what keeps it moving at highway speeds is that pounding eighth-note rhythm accentuated by most instruments at one time or another.
Amid hits like “Smoke on the Water” and “Black Night,” it can be easy to forget this high-speed chase, but the solos alone make it worth a listen.
“We Will Rock You” by Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJYN-eG1zk
Year: 1977
Queen were no strangers to themes of triumph, and “We Will Rock You” is practically the poster child of such endeavors.
The song holds down a steady beat because it must. It would lose that tribal feel (and the beat altogether) in an instant without the infamous stomps and claps.
Queen was sure to take it over the top with a closing electric guitar solo too, though.
“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John
Year: 1982
The interaction between the drums and the bass are what make the beat to “I’m Still Standing” especially steady. If you listen closely, you’ll probably notice that it’s a bit like “You Make My Dream.”
I love this song for its unforgettable hook.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
Year: 1984
Speaking of songs that have a Hall & Oates vibe, Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is certainly up there. I don’t know if it gets any more “sugary rainbows” than this, but the song’s catchiness is unmistakable.
The beat features some shots and stops, but you’ll find it’s very steady in the parts that count most.
“Faith” by George Michael
Year: 1987
George Michael’s velvety smooth voice is on full display in “Faith.” But this song would not be what it is without its trademark rhythm. The beat is very tight, but very steady – just not in a “four on the floor” kind of way. It’s got a steady, funky beat instead.
“Animal” by Def Leppard
Year: 1987
If you do the looking, you will find that many Def Leppard songs feature a very steady beat. It could be due to drummer Rick Allen’s limitations; it could be because it makes their songs better. Either way, Allen’s drumming is largely there to keep a steady beat, not to be overly flashy.
His steady drumming on “Animal” lets the layered guitar and vocal parts float on top with ease.
“The Final Countdown” by Europe
Year: 1986
This 80s anthem may have never caught on if not for its steady beat. “The Final Countdown” is over the top 80s metal, with galloping rhythm guitars, soaring twin guitar solos, synth hooks, and gang vocals just to be safe. The secret to holding down the final seconds before an explosive launch are undeniably the steady drums.
“Got To Have You” by Nuno Bettencourt
Year: 1997
Nuno Bettencourt’s post-grunge alt-rock of “Got To Have You” is moody, dreamy, and surprisingly catchy.
The steady clang of the heavy drums is what glue the entire track together and add weight to the shifting eighth-note guitar riff.
“Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus
Year: 2000
The steady beat probably isn’t what you remember most about this early 2000s angst-ridden loser rocker. But listen closely, and you’ll see just how unfaltering the drummer is in delivering the steady backbone this track always needed to become a big hit.
“Bright Future In Sales” by Fountains of Wayne
Year: 2003
“Bright Future In Sales” opens with raucous snare hits, but once it gets going it’s the steadiest of bluesy rockers save for a few shots here and there.
And as per usual, Fountains of Wayne deliver on catchy harmonies, memorable guitar hooks, and some keys to bring the entire track to life.
“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
Year: 1987
In the 80s, songs based around drum machines and synthesizers were normalized. “Never Gonna Give You Up” is certainly a product of its time, and some would consider it quite cheesy. But it’s not completely without merit, because it’s still one of Astley’s most remembered songs, if not his best.
Arguably, most songs featuring a drum machine have a steady beat, but this one is nothing short of lazy in that regard. We’re not calling anyone specific lazy, mind you.
“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
Year: 2001
The alt-rock of Jimmy Eat World is very representative of the early 2000s, and if it was any punkier, it would probably have to be lumped in with blink-182. The guitar work is certainly a step beyond pop-punk, mind you.
“The Middle” is marked by an eighth-note rhythm, largely outlined by the layered guitars, and this is where it gets its steady beat from as well.
“Sentimental Blvd.” by Harem Scarem
Year: 1993
Canadian AOR outfit Harem Scarem (a personal favorite) may have missed the 80s metal train by mere years, but that didn’t stop them from making some great music throughout the 90s and beyond.
This gem is from Mood Swings, the album most fans would consider one of their best.
“Sentimental Blvd.” features a steady beat, possibly to accommodate drummer Darren Smith’s rare appearance as lead singer on the track. Smith delivers a Paul Stanley style performance well suited to the emotion of the song.
“Just Like Paradise” by David Lee Roth
Year: 1988
David Lee Roth’s post-Van Halen release, Skyscraper, came with this rocker, a song that sounds as though it could have been a Van Halen hit if tensions weren’t so high between its members. On this track, virtuoso Steve Vai steps in on guitar to deliver, and deliver he did.
In the background of “Just Like Paradise,” though, you’ll notice a plodding bass along with one of the steadiest drumbeats of the genre.
“For the Love of Money” by BulletBoys
Year: 1988
The BulletBoys’ take on this O’Jays classic was raucous, heavy, and on point. Sometimes, covers like these have a way of falling apart, especially when they are products of their time, but somehow, this ingenious take on “For the Love of Money” still holds up today.
Does it have a steady beat? You better believe it!
“Get To You” by Dan Reed Network
Year: 1988
Dan Reed Network’s “Get To You” is funky and catchy. While there is no denying its product of time status, its energy is still tangible, and its hook still impactful. Anything other than a steady beat would have ruined the song.
“Purple Haze” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Year: 1967
The opening shots in The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Purple Haze” are iconic, and it’s fair to say the song imparted that same drive to many modern rock tunes.
Jazz drummer Mitch Mitchell’s drumming on “Purple Haze” is far from straightforward, not surprisingly, but undergirding the entire track is a steady beat. The opening shots are the steadiest part of the song, mind, so think of this as a bonus.
Top Songs With A Steady Beat, Final Thoughts
When it comes right down to it, songs with a steady beat aren’t that hard to find, especially in a time when beats are often “drawn to the grid” to be uniform, on time, and repetitive. Some songs do emphasize the beat more than others, mind you, and those are the ones that stand out most.
We hope you enjoyed this guide and found plenty of songs worth exploring. What songs do you like most? What is your favorite steady beat? Why does it work so well?