28 Best Songs to Play Drums To: Unleash Your Inner Rhythm

Updated at: 19/03/2025

This isn't about a specific artist, band, or album, but rather a collection of songs perfect for aspiring and seasoned drummers alike. The sheer variety of rhythms and styles represented in this list is what makes it so exciting. From the iconic, stadium-filling power of classic rock anthems to the grunge-fueled energy of the 90s, this compilation offers a diverse drumming experience. We've compiled these tracks not just as a technical challenge, but as a celebration of the enduring power of rhythm and the timeless appeal of some of rock's most recognizable beats. Think driving, relentless rhythms that will test your stamina and precision, layered beats that demand creativity, and iconic grooves that have shaped generations of drummers.

This carefully curated selection aims to introduce both familiar favorites and hidden gems, offering something for every drummer, regardless of skill level. Whether you're a beginner looking to hone your technique or a seasoned pro seeking fresh inspiration, you'll find yourself transported by the energy and complexity of these songs. The list celebrates the legacy of rock drumming and provides an accessible entry point for exploring the rich history of rhythmic innovation. Preparing to tackle these tracks is a journey through rock history itself; a journey which will undoubtedly improve your skills and enrich your appreciation for the art of drumming.

1
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
1991
Nevermind (Remastered)
2
Back In Black
AC/DC
1980
Back In Black
3
We Will Rock You
Queen
1977
News Of The World (2011 Remaster)
4
Come As You Are
Nirvana
1991
Nevermind (Remastered)
5
Paint It, Black
The Rolling Stones
1966
Aftermath
6
One
Metallica
1988
...And Justice for All (Remastered Deluxe Box Set)
7
Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
1981
Escape (2022 Remaster)
8
In The Air Tonight
Phil Collins
1981
Face Value (Deluxe Editon)
9
Killing In The Name
Rage Against The Machine
1992
Rage Against The Machine - XX (20th Anniversary Special Edition)
10
Whole Lotta Love
Led Zeppelin
1969
Led Zeppelin II (1994 Remaster)
11
No One Knows
Queens of the Stone Age
2002
Songs For The Deaf
12
Come Together
The Beatles
1969
Abbey Road (Remastered)
13
Message In A Bottle
The Police
1979
Reggatta De Blanc (Remastered 2003)
14
Take Five
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
1959
15
Tom Sawyer
Rush
1981
Moving Pictures (2011 Remaster)
16
Sing, Sing, Sing
Benny Goodman
1937
The Essential Benny Goodman
17
Hot for Teacher
Van Halen
1984
1984 (Remastered)
18
Bleed
Meshuggah
2008
19
Mouth for War
Pantera
1994
20
When the Levee Breaks
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
21
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Paul Simon
1976
Still Crazy After All These Years
22
My Generation
The Who
1965
My Generation (Stereo Version)
23
The Dance of Eternity
Dream Theater
1999
24
Wipe Out
The Surfaris
1963
The Young Rascals
25
Digital Bath
Deftones
2000
White Pony
26
Funky Drummer
James Brown
1970
27
Where Eagles Dare
Iron Maiden
1988
Piece of Mind (2015 Remaster)
28
Rust in Peace... Polaris
Megadeth
1990