The tambourine is a percussion instrument that has been used for centuries in a variety of musical traditions. That’s why we excitedly wrote this article and listed for you 21 popular songs with the tambourine. See if your favorite song is there on the list!
The tambourine is often used to provide rhythm and texture in music, and it has played an important role in many genres, including folk, rock, and hip-hop. The tambourine is often thought of as a simple instrument, but when used skillfully, it can add a complex and interesting layer to a song.
The best tambourine parts are those that complement the rest of the music, enhancing the rhythm and adding subtlety and texture. When used in this way, the tambourine can be an essential part of a song, rather than just an afterthought.
The tambourine plays a vital role in creating the distinctive sound that has made them classics. Skillful use of the tambourine can take a good song and make it great.
| Nr | Song | Artist | About |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Satisfaction | The Rolling Stones | Learn More |
| 2 | After Midnight | J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton | Learn More |
| 3 | Tangerine | Led Zeppelin | Learn More |
| 4 | She’s Waiting | Eric Clapton | Learn More |
| 5 | The Wanderer | Dion | Learn More |
| 6 | Daydream Believer | The Monkees | Learn More |
| 7 | Wheels | The Foo Fighters | Learn More |
| 8 | I Want You Back | The Jackson 5 | Learn More |
| 9 | No One | Alicia Keys | Learn More |
| 10 | Green Tambourine | The Lemon Pipers | Learn More |
| 11 | Radar Love | Golden Earring | Learn More |
| 12 | Got To Get You Into My Life | The Beatles | Learn More |
| 13 | Shake It Out | Florence | Learn More |
| 14 | Cherry Cherry | Neil Diamond | Learn More |
| 15 | With a Little Help from My Friends | The Beatles | Learn More |
| 16 | Buffalo Stance | Neneh Cherry | Learn More |
| 17 | Lay Lady Lay | Bob Dylan | Learn More |
| 18 | The Sound of Silence | Simon & Garfunkel | Learn More |
| 19 | Pictures Of You | The Cure | Learn More |
| 20 | Bennie and the Jets | Elton John | Learn More |
| 21 | Fame | David Bowie | Learn More |
21 Best Songs With Tambourine
Whether used as part of an ensemble or as a standalone instrument, the tambourine is sure to add some extra flair to any song. Below are 21 Best Songs With Tambourine.
1. Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
The opening riff of “Satisfaction” is one of the most iconic in rock history, and it wouldn’t be half as effective without the tambourine. The tambourine provides a perfect counterpoint to the guitar, its high-pitched jangles cutting through the heavy distortion.
The Rolling Stones were no strangers to using unusual instruments in their music, and the tambourine was just one of many that they employed on “Satisfaction”.
Other examples include the sitar, which can be heard during the middle eight, and the alarm clock that rings during Keith Richards’ famous guitar solo.
These unconventional sounds helped to make “Satisfaction” one of the most distinctive tracks of the 1960s, and cemented The Rolling Stones’ reputation as innovators.
2. After Midnight – J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton
This blues-rock tune features tambourine playing from the band members. The use of a variety of sounds throughout the melody makes the song pleasant to listen to.
In addition to the tambourine, the guitar work is excellent and makes the song highly memorable. The rhythm is easy to dance to and compels listeners to move their bodies in time with the beat.
This one is great for gatherings that take place outside.
3. Tangerine – Led Zeppelin
One of the most iconic tambourine moments in rock music is Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine”. The tambourine keeps time throughout the song, providing a steady backbeat that propels the track forward.
But it’s the solo in the middle of the song that really puts the tambourine in the spotlight. The tambourine keeps pace, adding a touch of funkiness to the proceedings.
The result is a classic rock anthem that wouldn’t be nearly as effective without the tambourine’s contribution.
4. She’s Waiting – Eric Clapton
When one listens carefully to the beginning of the song, one can pick out the sound of the tambourine. The song is about moving on from a previous relationship, and the protagonist is shown as sitting about waiting for her chance to give life another shot.
She is constantly on the hunt for the most advantageous chance, and once she finds it, there will be nothing that can stop her from seizing it.
5. The Wanderer – Dion
Dion’s 1968 hit “The Wanderer” features a distinctive tambourine part that helps to drive the song’s energetic rhythm. The tambourine is played throughout the verses and chorus, providing a steady backbeat that gives the song its propulsive feel.
In addition to its percussive role, the tambourine also contributes to the song’s melody, adding a bright, jangling sound that complements Dion’s vocals.
The tambourine part is integral to “The Wanderer,” and its contribution to the song’s overall sound is impossible to overstate.
6. Daydream Believer – The Monkees
The tambourine is featured in the arrangement of this soothing and pleasant song. This catchy pop track is deserving of a spot in the list of The Monkees’ best songs due to the fact that it is a pleasure to listen to whenever and wherever one chooses.
There are a lot of people who will be able to identify with this song especially because we have all entertained fantasies in which we want something for ourselves.
Even if it has nothing to do with being homecoming queen, there is undoubtedly something that both your mind and heart are set on achieving.
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7. Wheels – The Foo Fighters
Though it is often associated with folk and world music, the tambourine has also found its way into many popular songs, including “Wheels” by the Foo Fighters. In this upbeat track, the tambourine provides a steady groove that helps to drive the song forward.
The tambourine also adds a bit of flavor to the mix, giving the song a distinct sound that sets it apart from other tracks on the album.
Though it may not be the most prominent instrument in the song, the tambourine plays an important role in making “Wheels” a memorable track.
8. I Want You Back – The Jackson 5
This is a pop classic that features a memorable tambourine solo from young Michael Jackson. The Jackson 5’s hit song “I Want You Back” features a prominent tambourine part, which helps to create the song’s catchy hook.
The tambourine provides a bright and cheerful counterpoint to the song’s lyrics, which are about the pain of lost love. The contrast between the happy sound of the tambourine and the sad lyrics creates a memorable and effective pop song.
Tambourines are often used in pop music to add energy and excitement.
9. No One – Alicia Keys
This is a slower R&B ballad with a beautiful tambourine melody that provides the perfect accompaniment to Keys’ emotive vocals. Alicia Keys is one of the many artists who have made use of the tambourine in their music, and her song “No One” is a perfect example of its power.
The steady beat of the tambourine helps to create a sense of forward momentum, while the jingling sound adds an element of fun and playfulness.
In addition, the tambourine provides a nice contrast to Keys’ soulful vocal performance, making “No One” a truly memorable song.
10. Green Tambourine – The Lemon Pipers
The song features a prominent tambourine solo played by band member Bill Cunningham. Cunningham’s solo was improvised on the spot, and he later said that he was inspired by the sound of raindrops hitting the windowpane.
While “Green Tambourine” is the only song to feature a tambourine solo, the instrument remains an essential part of the Lemon Pipers’ sound. In addition to Cunningham’s zills, the band also uses tambourine to provide rhythm and texture.
As a result, the tambourine is an integral part of the Lemon Pipers’ distinctively sunny sound.
11. Radar Love – Golden Earring
Golden Earring, from the Netherlands, topped the charts with their song “Radar Love.” The song starts, and within the first few seconds, the tambourine can be heard playing for the first time.
The sound amplifies the excitement of the song, which in turn makes listening to it more pleasurable.
This album of hard and progressive rock received a lot of respect from fans located in other countries as well, which helped to solidify its status as an enduring work for the band.
12. Got To Get You Into My Life – The Beatles
The tambourine can be heard playing from the very beginning of this upbeat and easygoing song. It is a tune about being taken by surprise when you finally meet the love of your life.
Because the melody has such a wistful tone, it will make you want to fall in love as well.
The performance is magnificent, as is to be expected from the Beatles, and fans will never weary of listening to this recording no matter how often they do so.
13. Shake It Out – Florence
Florence’s “Shake It Out” is a haunting, yet ultimately uplifting song about overcoming difficult times. The song features a driving beat punctuated by the sound of a tambourine, which adds an element of urgency to the track.
The tambourine also provides a counterpoint to the song’s more ethereal elements, such as the echoed vocals and synthesized strings. In addition to its musical role, the tambourine also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Ultimately, the tambourine is a powerful tool that helps to create an unforgettable song about overcoming adversity.
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14. Cherry Cherry – Neil Diamond
Cherry, Cherry is a great example of Neil Diamond’s versatility because he is responsible for the song’s writing, composition, and performance. What a multi-faceted and talented individual this person is!
Neil is all of those things and even more. The sound of the tambourine becomes increasingly prominent throughout the song. As the chorus lines continue to play, the sounds grow more apparent and convey an intensity that lends this record some further allure.
The audience could not help but come to the conclusion that this work is incredibly enjoyable and unforgettable.
15. With a Little Help from My Friends – The Beatles
The Beatles’ song “With a Little Help from My Friends” features a tambourine prominently throughout the song. The tambourine adds a lively feeling to the song and helps to keep the beat.
The tambourine also plays a solo during the bridge of the song. “With a Little Help from My Friends” was released on The Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967.
The song was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon. “With a Little Help from My Friends” was a hit single in the UK, reaching number one on the charts. The song has been covered by many artists over the years.
16. Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
In her 1988 hit single “Buffalo Stance,” Cherry Fever used the tambourine to add rhythm and texture to the song’s verses. The tambourine’s distinctive sound helped to make “Buffalo Stance” one of the most memorable tracks of the decade.
Today, the tambourine remains an important part of pop music, appearing on hits by everyone from Taylor Swift to Bruno Mars.
Whether it’s being used for its rhythmic or its sonic properties, the tambourine continues to be one of the most versatile and essential percussion instruments.
17. Lay Lady Lay – Bob Dylan
The tambourine is a versatile percussion instrument that has been used in a wide variety of musical genres, from folk to rock to pop. Bob Dylan’s 1969 song “Lay Lady Lay” is a prime example of how songs with tambourines can add texture and interest to a track.
The tambourine part in “Lay Lady Lay” is relatively simple, but it serves as an important counterpoint to the song’s guitar melody. The result is a catchy and distinctive tune that has become one of Dylan’s most iconic songs.
While the tambourine might not be the most popular percussion instrument, it has certainly made its mark on popular music.
18. The Sound of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel
In “The Sound of Silence,” Simon & Garfunkel use the tambourine to create a sense of foreboding and tension. The tambourine is first heard during the verse, adding an unsettling underlying rhythm to the song.
Then, during the chorus, the tambourine provides a driving beat that contrasts with the gentle melodies. This contrast helps to create a feeling of unease and suspense, which builds throughout the song until it reaches its climax.
By using the tambourine in this way, Simon & Garfunkel are able to create one of the most iconic and unforgettable songs of all time.
19. Pictures Of You – The Cure
In “Pictures of You” by The Cure, the tambourine is used to great effect, adding an element of levity and lightness to what is otherwise a fairly dark and brooding song.
The tambourine is played by striking it with the hand or with a stick and can be used to keep time or to accentuate certain notes. In this song, the tambourine is used sparingly, but its presence is felt throughout.
It provides a counterpoint to Robert Smith’s ethereal vocals and helps to create an overall sense of atmosphere. The tambourine is an essential instrument and helps to make the song a classic song that it is.
20. Bennie and the Jets – Elton John
“Bennie and the Jets” is a classic song by Elton John that has been beloved by fans for decades. One of the things that make the song so special is its use of a tambourine.
The tambourine adds a distinctive sound to the track, and its rhythmic patterns help to drive the song forward. In addition, the tambourine provides a counterpoint to the piano and other instruments in the song.
As a result, it plays an essential role in making “Bennie and the Jets” the timeless classic that it is.
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21. Fame – David Bowie
Bowie’s use of the tambourine in his song “Fame” is particularly noteworthy. The tambourine helps to create a driving rhythm that propels the song forward and gives it a sense of urgency.
Additionally, the tambourine provides a bright counterpoint to Bowie’s vocals, giving the song an added layer of texture. In “Fame,” the tambourine provides a perfect counterpoint to Bowie’s ethereal vocals, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.
The song would not be the same without this unique instrument, which adds an extra layer of depth and dimension. The result is a truly unique and unforgettable recording.
Last Words
The tambourine is a musical instrument that has been used for centuries. Its unique sound has been featured in many different genres of music, from folk to rock. The tambourine is traditionally played handheld and shaken, but it can also be played with drumsticks.
The instrument is made up of a circular frame with small metal jingles, called “zills.” These zills create a bright, tinkling sound when they are struck. The songs with tambourines tend to be sweet to listeners’ ears.
The tambourine can also be attached to a drumhead, which gives it a deeper, more resonant sound. In addition to its musical uses, the tambourine is often used as a tool for movement and dance.
Its rhythmic nature makes it perfect for keeping the beat in both live performances and recordings. Whether used as a solo instrument or part of a larger ensemble, the tambourine is sure to add some spice to any song.
