20 Songs With Ostinato

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An ostinato is a repeating musical phrase that provides the foundation for a piece of music. This musical device can take many forms, from a simple bass line to a complex rhythm pattern, and it is a staple of many different musical styles. From classical to pop, rock to hip hop, ostinati have been used by composers and musicians for centuries to create memorable and impactful songs. In this list of the âTop 20 Songs with Ostinatoâ, we will be exploring some of the most iconic and enduring examples of this musical technique. Whether you are a seasoned music aficionado or simply a fan of great songs, this list is sure to have something for everyone. From timeless classics to modern hits, these songs demonstrate the versatility and power of the ostinato and how it can be used to create music that is both memorable and impactful. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the greatest songs with ostinato in the world of music.
1. âIce, Ice Babyâ by Vanilla Ice
âIce, Ice Babyâ by Vanilla Ice is a classic hip-hop song released in 1990. The song was Vanilla Iceâs debut single and was a huge commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features a sample from Queen and David Bowieâs âUnder Pressureâ and has become one of the most recognizable hip-hop songs of all time. Vanilla Iceâs energetic rapping style, catchy beats, and fun lyrics make this song a staple of any party playlist.
2. âBilly Jeanâ by Michael Jackson
âBilly Jeanâ by Michael Jackson is a classic R&B pop song released in 1982. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and is widely considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is confronted by a woman who claims that he is the father of one of her twins. The song is characterized by its smooth funk sound, Jacksonâs unique vocal style, and its memorable hook. The music video for the song features Jacksonâs iconic dance moves, solidifying his status as the âKing of Popâ. âBilly Jeanâ remains one of Jacksonâs most beloved and enduring hits, and continues to be widely played on radio and in popular culture today.
3. âU Canât Touch Thisâ by MC Hammer
âU Canât Touch Thisâ by MC Hammer is a classic hip-hop song that was released in 1990. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts across the world, and has since become an iconic piece of pop culture. The song features MC Hammerâs signature rapping style and energetic dance beats, accompanied by a prominent use of a sample from Rick Jamesâs âSuper Freakâ. The catchy chorus, with its upbeat and motivational lyrics, has made this song a staple at parties and in sports arenas. MC Hammerâs high-energy performance and distinctive style have made âU Canât Touch Thisâ a timeless piece of music.
4. âPompeiiâ by Bastille
âPompeiiâ by Bastille is a song that was released in 2013 and became a massive hit worldwide. The song was a part of their first studio album âBad Blood.â The song has a catchy pop beat with powerful lyrics and an anthemic chorus. The song is about the remnants of a failed relationship and how the singer is trying to move on and forget about it. The lyrics of âPompeiiâ are both introspective and universal, and the songâs upbeat melody makes it a fun listen. Overall, âPompeiiâ is a great example of Bastilleâs unique style of mixing pop, rock, and electronic music to create a memorable, upbeat song.
5. âBittersweet Symphonyâ by The Verve
âBittersweet Symphonyâ by The Verve is a classic alternative rock track from their album âUrban Hymns.â The song features a prominent sample from the Andrew Loog Oldham Orchestraâs rendition of âThe Last Timeâ by The Rolling Stones, which adds to its haunting and melancholic atmosphere. The lyrics speak about the struggles and difficulties of life, with a message about how to keep going despite the setbacks. With its prominent strings, driving beat, and passionate vocals, âBittersweet Symphonyâ is a powerful and timeless anthem that continues to be popular to this day.
6. âDark Horseâ by Katy Perry
âDark Horseâ by Katy Perry is a upbeat pop song with a mix of hip-hop, trap, and electronic elements. The song features rapper Juicy J and was released in 2013. The lyrics talk about how the singer is a âdark horseâ in love, and how her mysterious and unexpected qualities make her irresistible to her love interest. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning multiple awards and nominations. The music video features Katy Perry in a colorful, fantasy world filled with mythical creatures and magic, further emphasizing the songâs theme of being unpredictable and unique.
7. âStayinâ Aliveâ by N-Trance
âStayinâ Aliveâ by N-Trance is a dance floor classic and a high energy, upbeat track that is perfect for any party or dance occasion. The song is a cover of the Bee Gees hit of the same name and features a driving beat, soaring vocals and a catchy chorus that is sure to get the crowd moving. The song was a huge hit in the dance club scene in the late 90s and early 2000s and remains a popular choice for dance DJs to this day. With its infectious energy and upbeat vibe, âStayinâ Aliveâ is sure to get you up and dancing no matter where you are.
8. âSuperstitionâ by Stevie Wonder
âSuperstitionâ is a classic funk and R&B song by Stevie Wonder, released in 1972. With its catchy bassline and prominent use of the clavinet, this song has become one of Wonderâs most iconic and beloved tracks. The lyrics touch on themes of superstition and belief, encouraging listeners to let go of their fears and embrace their own power. Over the years, âSuperstitionâ has been covered and sampled by numerous artists across a variety of genres, solidifying its place as a timeless classic of popular music.
9. âLoserâ by Beck
âLoserâ is an alternative rock song by American musician Beck, released in 1994. With its lo-fi production, unconventional structures, and humorous lyrics, âLoserâ helped to define the alternative music scene of the 1990s and established Beck as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his generation. The song features a mixture of hip-hop, folk, and rock elements, blending together in a quirky and infectious manner that has earned it widespread praise and recognition. âLoserâ remains one of Beckâs most popular and enduring tracks, cementing its place as a classic of alternative rock.
10. âAnother One Bites the Dustâ by Queen
âAnother One Bites the Dustâ is a classic rock song by the legendary British band Queen, released in 1980. The song features a driving bassline and a catchy beat, with lyrics that touch on the theme of death and mortality. âAnother One Bites the Dustâ became one of Queenâs biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The songâs popularity has only continued to grow over the years, and it remains one of the bandâs most beloved and well-known tracks. Its infectious groove and catchy chorus make it a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
11. âBoys and Girlsâ by Blur
âBoys and Girlsâ is a pop-rock song by the British band Blur, released in 1995. The song features catchy guitar hooks and upbeat, energetic vocals that capture the spirit of youth and rebellion. With its memorable chorus and upbeat energy, âBoys and Girlsâ quickly became one of Blurâs most popular tracks and helped to solidify their place as one of the leading bands of the Britpop movement. The songâs lyrics touch on themes of youthful innocence and the complexities of growing up, making it a timeless and relatable anthem for generations of fans. âBoys and Girlsâ remains a staple of Blurâs live shows and a fan favorite to this day.
12. âDuel of the Fatesâ by John Williams
âDuel of the Fatesâ is a epic orchestral piece composed by John Williams for the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The song is most associated with the character Darth Maul and his appearance in âStar Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menaceâ. With its sweeping melodies and powerful orchestration, âDuel of the Fatesâ has become one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of music from the Star Wars franchise. The song has been used in numerous other Star Wars media and has been performed live by symphony orchestras around the world. The songâs soaring themes and dramatic intensity make it a fan favorite and a standout track in the Star Wars soundtrack.
13. âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ by Ricky Martin
âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ is a Latin pop song by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, released in 1999. The song became a worldwide hit and helped to propel Martin to international stardom. With its catchy chorus, upbeat energy, and fusion of Latin and pop music styles, âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ quickly became one of the most popular and recognizable songs of the late 1990s. The songâs Spanish lyrics and energetic performance style made it a staple of Latin music and helped to popularize Latin pop music around the world. âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ remains one of Ricky Martinâs most popular and enduring tracks, cementing its place as a classic of Latin pop music.
14. âStand by Meâ by Ben E. King
âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ is a Latin pop song by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, released in 1999. The song became a worldwide hit and helped to propel Martin to international stardom. With its catchy chorus, upbeat energy, and fusion of Latin and pop music styles, âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ quickly became one of the most popular and recognizable songs of the late 1990s. The songâs Spanish lyrics and energetic performance style made it a staple of Latin music and helped to popularize Latin pop music around the world. âLivinâ La Vida Locaâ remains one of Ricky Martinâs most popular and enduring tracks, cementing its place as a classic of Latin pop music.
15. âMambo No. 5â by Lou Bega
âMambo No. 5â is a pop song by German artist Lou Bega, released in 1999. The song is a cover of a 1950s mambo instrumental by Perez Prado and became a hit for Bega, reaching the top of charts around the world. With its catchy horns, upbeat rhythm, and playful lyrics, âMambo No. 5â quickly became a staple of pop music and a popular party anthem. The songâs lighthearted and nostalgic vibe made it a hit with audiences of all ages, and its enduring popularity has made it a classic of modern pop music. Despite its simple structure and straightforward melody, âMambo No. 5â remains one of the most memorable and catchy pop songs of recent decades.
16. âDrivers Licenseâ by Olivia Rodrigo
âDrivers Licenseâ is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, released in 2021. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on charts around the world and earning widespread critical acclaim. With its introspective lyrics, powerful vocal performance, and emotional intensity, âDrivers Licenseâ quickly became a fan favorite and established Rodrigo as a rising star in pop music. The songâs themes of heartbreak, longing, and personal growth have resonated with audiences, and its popularity has made it one of the defining songs of the early 21st century. With its memorable melody and powerful storytelling, âDrivers Licenseâ is a modern classic that continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of pop music fans.
17. âLivinâ on a Prayerâ by Bon Jovi
âLivinâ on a Prayerâ is a classic rock song by American band Bon Jovi, released in 1986. The song became one of the bandâs biggest hits and a staple of 1980s rock music. With its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and inspiring message, âLivinâ on a Prayerâ quickly became a fan favorite and remains one of Bon Joviâs most iconic songs. The songâs themes of perseverance, hope, and the power of love have made it a timeless classic, and its popularity has earned it a place in the pantheon of great rock songs. With its infectious energy, powerful vocals, and memorable melody, âLivinâ on a Prayerâ continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of rock music playlists around the world.
18. âTomorrow Never Knowsâ by The Beatles
âTomorrow Never Knowsâ is a psychedelic rock song by The Beatles, released in 1966 on the album âRevolverâ. The song is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential examples of psychedelic rock music and is considered one of the standout tracks from âRevolverâ. âTomorrow Never Knowsâ features a unique soundscape of tape loops, backward recordings, and various effects that were groundbreaking for the time and helped to establish The Beatles as experimental pioneers of popular music. With its trippy atmosphere, surreal lyrics, and avant-garde production, âTomorrow Never Knowsâ remains a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring influence of The Beatles on popular music. To this day, the song continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, and remains one of the defining tracks of The Beatlesâ legendary career.
19. âThrillerâ by Michael Jackson
âThrillerâ is a pop, R&B, and funk song by Michael Jackson, released in 1982. The song is one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in popular music and remains Jacksonâs best-selling single to date. With its catchy beat, upbeat melody, and memorable chorus, âThrillerâ quickly became a hit, reaching number one on charts around the world. The songâs accompanying music video, which featured a now-famous dance routine performed by Jackson and a cast of zombies, further popularized the song and helped to cement its place in pop culture. âThrillerâ remains a timeless classic and a testament to the immense talent and creativity of Michael Jackson. The song continues to be a staple of radio playlists and dancefloors around the world, and its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and enduring influence.
20. âAerodynamicâ by Daft Punk
âAerodynamicâ is an electronic dance music (EDM) song by Daft Punk, released in 2001. The song is a standout track from the duoâs critically acclaimed album âDiscoveryâ. With its fast-paced beat, intricate production, and memorable melody, âAerodynamicâ quickly established itself as a dance floor classic. The songâs innovative use of electronic instruments and sound effects, combined with its upbeat energy, set a new standard for electronic dance music and helped to push the genre in new and exciting directions. The songâs enduring popularity is a testament to Daft Punkâs ability to create innovative and timeless music. Over two decades after its release, âAerodynamicâ remains a staple of EDM playlists and continues to inspire new generations of electronic musicians and fans alike.