Songs Where the Drummer Deserves a Bonus Check

Great Drumming in a Song: A Workout Surprise

When the Drums Make the Song: A Workout Surprise

Have you ever had one of those moments where a song hits you? Not just a casual, toe-tapping, head-nodding kind of way—but in a damn, I forgot how good this is way?

That happened to me the other day while I was working out. One second, I’m minding my own business, suffering through a set of deadlifts, and the next, Goodbye by Army of Anyone pops up on my playlist. Before I even knew it, my focus had completely shifted from exercise to holy sh*t, this song grooves. Then—just when I thought it couldn’t get better—BAM. That drum solo at the end slapped me like a gust of wind on a freezing New York morning.

And this got me thinking.

There are certain songs where the drumming doesn’t just support the song—it elevates it. Not in an over-the-top, “Hey, look at me!” kind of way, but this makes the song better without stepping on any toes.

Which, let’s be honest, is the opposite of theater music.

I love Broadway, but most of the time, the drum parts are like a well-trained butler—always polite, never disruptive, and definitely not stealing the show. But in actual music? Drummers get creative, take risks, and craft parts that make the song feel right.

So let’s talk about some tracks where the drumming is just next level:

1. In Bloom – Nirvana (Dave Grohl)

Everyone always talks about Teen Spirit, but In Bloom? That’s where Grohl really shines. The way he opens up the groove in the chorus with those massive fills at the beginning? Pure power drumming. The ghost notes in the verse keep it tight and tension-filled, and then he absolutely explodes in the choruses.

2. Your Smiling Face – James Taylor (Russ Kunkel)

Russ Kunkel is a groove wizard. The drumming on this track is so effortless and locked in, but that snare roll in the second verse? Ridiculous. It’s subtle, but once you notice it, you can’t unhear it—it’s like Kunkel winking at the drummers in the audience.

3. Aja – Steely Dan (Steve Gadd)

The ultimate “What the hell just happened?” drum track. Gadd’s solo at the end of this song is pure wizardry, but even the groove leading up to it is perfectly in the pocket.

4. Soul Vaccination – Tower of Power (David Garibaldi)

David Garibaldi’s drumming on this track is a masterclass in funk. His syncopated patterns and tight grooves are the backbone of Tower of Power’s sound, especially on their live album, Soul Vaccination: Tower of Power Live.

5. Seven Days – Sting (Vinnie Colaiuta)

Vinnie Colaiuta on this track is ridiculous. It’s in 5/4, but somehow, it feels completely natural—but Vinnie is on a whole other level. This song stands out because he can make an odd time signature groove.

6. Judith – A Perfect Circle (Josh Freese)

Josh Freese is one of those drummers who can lay down a simple groove and still make it hit like a freight train. The power and precision on this track? Pure perfection.

7. A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton (Abe Laboriel Jr.)

Everyone remembers the piano riff. But listen to the drumming on this one. Abe is playing some seriously dynamic and intricate stuff. It’s way more complex than you think. Abe Laboriel Jr. is a monster behind the kit, and this track is way more than just a pop hit.

8. Misery Business – Paramore (Zac Farro)

High-energy, killer fills, and just enough restraint to let the song breathe. Zac Farro doesn’t get enough credit for making Paramore feel the way it does.

9. I Want to Be Free – The Ohio Players

Now, this is how you start a song. A drum solo right out of the gate! And then? Another one. And another one. This track is drumming fireworks from beginning to end. The groove is deep, the fills are explosive, and the entire track feels like a drummer’s playground. If you haven’t heard this one yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Aw girl!

10. Goodbye – Army of Anyone (Ray Luzier)

The song that started this whole rabbit hole. It grooves. It builds. And then, that drum solo at the end? If you’re not air-drumming to it, I don’t know what to tell you.

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Honorable Mention: The Joker – Steve Miller Band (John King)

Okay, this one is just wild. The cymbals on this track are insane—it sounds like the drummer only brought 19” and 20” crash cymbals and just went to town. They’re everywhere. The cymbal hits don’t make sense, but they somehow work. It’s the definition of controlled chaos, and I love it.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, great drumming isn’t about showing off—it’s about making the song better. Some drummers are flashy, and some are subtle, but the best ones elevate the entire track without making it about themselves.

So now I gotta ask: What’s a song where the drumming blew your mind—even if nobody else noticed?

Drop your favorites in the comments!

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com