Who doesn’t love the drums! They’re are the heartbeat of music, providing rhythm, energy, and drive to some of the greatest songs ever recorded. Whether it’s the thunderous beats of rock, the intricate patterns of jazz, or the grooves of funk and R&B, drums play a key role in shaping the sound of all genres of music.
For kids who are learning about drums or just love rhythm, listening to songs with standout drumming can be an phenomenal way to appreciate the instrument. Listening and learning go hand in hand so as a drummer, I compiled a list of songs that not only have great drumming but are great to listen to with kids!
This list of songs spans a variety of styles and showcases the power of percussion. Some of these may be songs you love, some may become new favorites while others you might not like, that’s ok! This list is meant to give you and your children some great options to get your drum listening journey started. If your kids end up loving any of these songs, let them listen to them as much as they want. The more they listen the more their musical ear will develop. This will only serve them as they continue to play.
Even if your child isn’t learning to play drums, these are great songs to listen to with your family. So, sit back and enjoy some of the all time great drum songs. Before I forget, you can find a link to a Spotify playlist of these songs at the bottom of this article.
If you’d like to get your child started learning to play drums, give My Music Workshop a try! We have tons of drum lessons for kids that will get them started playing the right way. You can try them free for 7-days here.
Here’s the list of great drum songs, I hope you enjoy!
Drum Favorites To Listen To With The Family
This first group of songs has some of the most recognizable drum beats ever played along in some of the most famous songs ever recorded, spanning a variety of decades and genres.
1. “We Will Rock You” – Queen
- Why it’s great: I’ve started this list with a song that doesn’t actually feature a drum set. The stomps and claps are recording of people actually stomping and clapping. This song is easily recognized by its simple rhythm, and it’s an easy to play drumbeat for most beginners. We Will Rock You is an excellent introduction to the power of rhythm in song, whether played by drums or not.
2. “Come Together” – The Beatles
- Why it’s great: Ringo Starr’s laid-back yet complex drum groove makes this song memorable and fun to listen to. The steady, syncopated rhythm is great for kids learning about how the drums can play of the most important parts of a song.
3. “In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins
- Why it’s great: The famous drum fill at the 3:40 mark in this song is one of the most recognizable moments in drumming history, maybe even music history. Kids of all ages love to air-drum along with it! Phil Collins shows just why he’s one of the greatest drummers ever in this amazing and powerful song with an equally powerful drum groove.
4. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
- Why it’s great: The straightforward, driving beat played by Ndugu Chancelor is iconic and helps create the song’s infectious feeling. It’s a perfect example of how a simple drumbeat can be all that a song needs, especially when played in just the right way. This is a great song for kids to play along to when they start learning.
5. “Walk This Way” – Aerosmith
- Why it’s great: The syncopated, funky drumbeat played by Joey Cramer sounds like a hip hop drum machine and gives the song its swagger and attitude. It’s not a simple beat to play but it’s awesome and makes this song instantly recognizable.
6. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
- Why it’s great: Dave Grohl’s energetic drumming gives this grunge anthem its raw, powerful and HUGE feel. The explosive drum intro is one of the most iconic in modern rock.
7. “Rosanna” – Toto
- Why it’s great: Jeff Porcaro’s “half-time shuffle” drum part in Rosanna is one of the most famous grooves in rock. This is an advanced beat to play, but it’s so smooth and so good. It’s a true drummers drum beat.
8. “Home at Last” – Steely Dan
- Why it’s great: The groove is a half time shuffle, similar to “Rosanna,” but played slower with a more laid-back feel. This song features the legendary Bernard Purdie playing what he calls the “Purdie Shuffle.”
9. “Message in a Bottle” – The Police
- Why it’s great: Stewart Copeland combines rock, reggae, and punk drumming as only he can, in an energetic groove that drives the song.
10. “Back in Black” – AC/DC
- Why it’s great: This song’s simple, relaxed but powerful drumbeat played by Phil Rudd locks in perfectly with the guitar riffs, proving that drumming doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective.
11. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
- Why it’s great: Drummer Steve Smith plays a well crafted drum part in this classic rock masterpiece that gets every karaoke room jumping for joy. It’s a great drum beat that’s not actually too complicated for drummers with a bit of experience under their belt to play. I’ve taught this groove to some young drummers who nailed it and sounded great!
Great Jazz and Funk Drum Songs
In most rock, funk and R&B drumming you’ll hear grooves played with the snare hitting beats 2 and 4 and a straight, steady sense of time. Jazz drumming is much different. The focal part of the drums in jazz is the ride cymbal. You’ll hear it playing the jazz swing pattern with either a steady beat or more improvised patterns played on the snare and bass drum. These jazz and funk drumming classics provide a range of styles and beats that show some of the great drummers doing their thing.
12. “Sing, Sing, Sing” – Benny Goodman
- Why it’s great: Jazz drumming legend Gene Krupa’s drumming is the star of this swing classic, with a cool tom tom beat that starts the song. It quickly flows into a traditional swing pattern that’ll get your toes tapping.
13. “Take Five” – Dave Brubeck Quartet
- Why it’s great: The unusual 5/4 time signature and slick jazz drumming by Joe Morello introduces kids to different rhythmic structures in this song that transcends time.
14. “Moanin’” – Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
- Why it’s great: Band leader and drummer Art Blakey’s drumming is energetic and hard-hitting, which help define the hard bop jazz era of the 50’s and 60’s.
15. “A Night in Tunisia” – Dizzy Gillespie
- Why it’s great: The complex rhythms in this bebop classic are exciting and engaging, with standout drumming throughout.
16. “Caravan” – Buddy Rich
- Why it’s great: Jazz legend Buddy Rich, starts this track off with a rolling, powerful solo followed by some light cymbal work which launches into straight ahead swing. This song builds into more drum solo work by Rich who shows why he’s known as being perhaps the greatest drummer of all time.
17. “So What” – Miles Davis
- Why it’s great: This cool jazz classic features subtle yet intricate drumming by Jimmy Cobb, demonstrating the importance of space and feel in jazz drumming. He lets the soloists shine while adding subtle nuances that elevate the tune.
18. “Cissy Strut” – The Meters
- Why it’s great: One of the great drum grooves all time comes from Zigaboo Modeliste in this New Orleans style funk classic.
19. “Chameleon” – Herbie Hancock
- Why it’s great: Maybe the quintessential funk drum groove, this syncopated beat played by Harvey Mason introduces kids to jazz fusion and funk in a fun and super groovy way.
20. “Freddie Freeloader” – Miles Davis
- Why it’s great: The drumming in this cool jazz track is subtle and smooth, showing how drums can add texture without overpowering. Jimmy Cobb once again masterfully supports the melody and solos without standing out. IYKYK
21. “Blue Rondo à la Turk” – Dave Brubeck
- Why it’s great: The drums are very much part of the whole song, playing along with the complex time signature changes the drumming is intricate while still being fun. It goes from intense to laid back and then back again, stretching the listener to follow the bands emotional flow.
22. “Caravan” – Duke Ellington
- Why it’s great: The song starts with a tribal tom tom rhythm and changes abruptly to traditional swing then back again, creating a musical adventure led by the great drumming of Sonny Greer.
23. “Watermelon Man” – Herbie Hancock
- Why it’s great: This funky jazz tune has a rhythm that is catchy and playful, with infectious drumming by Billy Higgins.
Bonus: “Steps-What Was” – Chick Corea
- Why it’s great: Though it’s not exactly a kids song, this somewhat avante garte jazz song is an example of what hard hitting, improvisational jazz drumming can be. Played by Roy Haynes, it’s an example of a jazz drumming master playing and improvising like the master he is.
Soul and R&B Drum Hits
What’s a list of great drum songs without the outstanding drumming featured in Classic Soul and R&B music. These songs are sure to make your head bob and your toes tap. Surely, you’ll recognize some of these hits!
24. “ABC” – The Jackson 5
- Why it’s great: The funky, infectious rhythm and upbeat drumming by Gene Pello make this a fun, danceable track for kids with a great drum groove.
25. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
- Why it’s great: Did you know that Stevie Wonder himself played the drums on this classic R&B song? The steady, powerful drumming helps drive the funky feel and makes it impossible not to move to.
26. “Ain’t Nobody” – Chaka Khan
- Why it’s great: JR Robinson plays a super slick, syncopated drum beat that elevates this song. This is one of my favorite drum grooves ever and it took me years to figure out how to play it.
27. “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” – Michael Jackson
- Why it’s great: The tight, 16th note drum pattern is funky and danceable. Once again played by master JR Robinson (the same drummer as Ain’t Nobody), it keeps the energy high, making this a great example of rhythmic precision combined with great feel.
28. “Funky Drummer” – James Brown
- Why it’s great: One of the most sampled drum grooves in music history, this track played by Clyde Stubblefield showcases the funkiest of the funky drumming patterns. The drum break at 5:45 gives you a clear listen to what funk drumming is all about.
More Great Drum Songs
I couldn’t make a list of great drum songs without including some of these personal favorites. I’ll admit, not all of them are the most approachable for kids. But, if you have a drummer who loves listening to great drumming, play these for them.
29. “In Your Eyes” – Peter Gabriel
- Why it’s great: Peter Gabriel’s album “So” is layered and has a rhythmic complexity that is both aw inspiring and easy to listen to. The drums played by Manu Katche provide the perfect groove for this iconic song with World Music influences throughout. Manu is one of the truly unique drummers the rock and pop music world has ever heard (he’s also a jazz player).
30. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears
- Why it’s great: This world famous song has a deceptively tricky drum beat. The off-beat hi hats over a shuffled bass drum make this tricky to play and fun to listen to. Great song, great drumbeat.
31. “Seven Days” – Sting
- Why it’s great: In this rare pop song in an odd time signature (5/4), world class drummer Vinnie Colaiuta plays a beat that’s both simple and complex. Most drummers would trip and fall attempting the rhythmic mastery that Vinnie displays like it’s a walk in the park.
32. “Ordinary Day” – Vanessa Carlton
- Why it’s great: Legendary session drummer Able Laboriel Jr. plays a perfect groove that makes this interesting song jump out of the speakers. The first time I heard it I thought a new, super tight band that had just hit the scene, only to later find out the instruments were played by studio musicians.
33. “St. Theresa” – Joan Osborne
- Why it’s great: This organic sounding drum beat is in 4 over a song in 6, making the rhythm loop around and drive the song while also giving it a little complexity. It’s super cool and well played by studio drummer Andy Kravitz.
34. “Waiting on the World to Change” – John Mayer
- Why it’s great: Drumming legend Steve Jordan plays a groove that’s a nod to classic R&B drumming. He plays it masterfully, and it ads to the sonic uniqueness of this modern pop hit.
35. “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” – Paul Simon
- Why it’s great: This legendary Steve Gadd drum groove is one of the most creative beats ever recorded. This song wouldn’t be the same without it.
36. “Satellite” – Dave Matthews Band
- Why it’s great: Drumming hero Carter Beauford plays in his signature, syncopated way in this DMB classic tune from 90’s. The drumming is complex and totally unique to Carter. No one else could have come up with this beat or played it the way he does.
37. “Wish You Were Here” – Incubus
- Why it’s great: The dynamic drumming by Jose Pasillas helps drive the song’s emotional energy. He goes from playing a straight forward rock beat in the intro to a groove where he plays a syncopated pattern on the tom toms, then back again. It creates a great ebb and flow in this song.
38. “Tom Sawyer” – Rush
- Why it’s great: Drumming legend Neil Peart plays a tight, crisp and complex drum part in this time warping Rush classic. No list of great drum songs would be complete without Neil!
39. “Good Times Bad Times” – Led Zeppelin
- Why it’s great: Drum legend John Bonham plays in his signature heavy, funky, style that’s all his own. Tons of Led Zeppelin songs could have made this list but I just love what Bonham does with the triplets he plays on the bass drum in this song. Can’t go wrong with Bonham!
Final Thoughts
These 40 songs highlight just how important drumming is in music, across all styles and genres. Whether your child is just discovering the drums or already playing this magical instrument, these tracks should provide inspiration, energy, and plenty of beats to groove to. While any list of favorites leaves some great songs out, this list also does. If I left off any of your drum favorites, send me a message and tell me what drum songs you love!
If your child is ready to start learning to play, check out our drum lesson program for kids totally free for 7-days here.
Here is a Spotify playlist of all the songs on this list!
Happy listening and happy drumming!
