4 Of The Most Iconic Music Samples In History
June 14 | Written By Jessica Hart
Music sampling has become a fundamental element of modern music production that allows producers to incorporate elements and snippets of existing tracks and transform them into new music. Sampling is used across every genre, from hip-hop to electronic dance music to pop music. But what are some of the most recognisable samples of all time, and what makes them so enduring? In this article, we will explore a few of the iconic samples that have shaped music history.
The Winstons – Amen Brother
This 1969 funk soul song is often considered one of the most sampled songs of all time. According to whosampled.com, this track has been sampled over 6,000 times. It has been used across many genres from rap to dance to R&B. The song is best known for its famous Amen Break. Some notable interpolations of this sample include NWA’S Straight Outta Compton, Pigs by Tyler The Creator, and Mindfields by The Prodigy.
Lyn Collins – Think About It
This 1972 single is another track that has been sampled across multiple different genres over many decades. The iconic “Yeah, Woo!” drum break has been used in thousands of songs by many artists including Kanye West, Carly Rae Jepsen and Janet Jackson. The most widely known use of the sample is perhaps It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock which reached platinum status in the 90’s.
Stevie Nicks – Edge of Seventeen
This iconic 1982 song by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks hasn’t been sampled as many times as our previous features. However, its samples are so iconic that they deserve a place on this list! The song’s memorable opening guitar riff is used on Destiny’s Child’s 2001 track Bootylicous, and more recently in Miley Cyrus’ 2020 hit Midnight Sky.
The Clash – Straight to Hell
Also released in 1982, this punk rock track by The Clash is another sample that hasn’t been used as many times as out first two features, but the iconic nature of the sample secures its place. Released in 2008, M.I.A’s track “Paper Planes” brings The Clash’s track into the 21st century. Both songs explore the same theme of society’s prejudice against immigrants, which makes the sample even more fitting.
These are just a few of the many samples that have made their mark on the world of music. Sampling has become an essential tool for artistic expression that continues to mould the landscape of modern music, and it will be exciting to see which of today’s hits will be echoed through sampling in the future!