If you’ve ever sat down at the kit and wondered, “What should I play today?” — you’re not alone.

One of the most effective (and fun) ways to improve your drumming, especially your sense of groove, is to play along with real songs. But not just any songs — we’re talking about tracks that are groove-driven, feel amazing to play, and teach you something at every stage of your journey.

Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, these 7 songs will help you tighten your timing, improve your coordination, and develop that all-important feel behind the kit. Let’s dive in.

1. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Groove Focus: Consistency, hi-hat control, pocket playing

You knew this would be here.

"Billie Jean" is an absolute classic — and for good reason. It’s one of the best songs ever written for working on playing in the pocket. The groove is simple: a straight 8th-note hi-hat pattern with a rock-solid backbeat on 2 and 4. But don’t be fooled — this track is a masterclass in feel.

Playing it well means locking in with the bassline, staying relaxed, and resisting the urge to rush. It’s perfect for beginners working on coordination, and for more experienced drummers trying to refine their internal clock and touch.

What to watch for:

• Even hi-hat dynamics
• Snare placement (try playing slightly behind the beat for more pocket)
• Bass drum control

2. “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes

Level: Beginner

Groove Focus: Simplicity, timing, confidence

If you’re just starting out and need a song that makes you feel like a rockstar right away, this is the one.

The drum part in “Seven Nation Army” is extremely accessible — mostly kick and snare — but it forces you to keep solid time and develop confidence in playing repetitive patterns. That’s exactly what you want in early practice: simplicity with just enough challenge to lock in.

Why it’s great:

• Repetitive = perfect for learning consistency
• Easy to memorise
• Encourages you to play with energy

Bonus tip: Try playing it with a metronome, then without, and see if your tempo stays steady!

3. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder

Level: Intermediate

Groove Focus: Funk grooves, dynamics, swing feel

"Superstition" is a groove workout disguised as a funk party. The main beat is built around a broken (swung) 16th note hi hat pattern, the Stevie varies at will to create the funky, loose and groovy as hell beat that every drummer needs to know.

What you’ll develop:

• Hand control on the hi-hat
• Syncopated foot-hand coordination
• Great for developing swung 16th on the HH

If you really want to go deep on this one, drop the track into a stem seperating app, and isolate the drums, and marvel in the full funkiness of Stevies drumming.

4. “Use Me” – Bill Withers

Level: All levels

Groove Focus: Feel, restraint, consistency

This is one of the most understated but effective grooves in funk and soul drumming. James Gadson’s playing on “Use Me” is so laid-back and greasy it almost feels wrong — but it’s oh-so-right.

The genius is in the simplicity. There’s nothing flashy — but it oozes confidence and feel. That’s what groove is all about.

Why you need it:

• Teaches you how to play with the band, not over it
• Reinforces the “less is more” concept
• Helps build your internal pulse

If you can make this groove feel good, you’re on your way to becoming a truly musical drummer.

5. “No One Knows” – Queens of the Stone Age

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Groove Focus: Driving rock feel, four on the floor with off beat snares.

Why it’s great: Dave Grohl’s playing here is heavy, confident, and full of energy. The song revolves around a powerful, straight crotchet-based groove that feels hypnotic and driving.

Skill focus:

• Consistency at medium tempo
• Loud backbeats
• Energy without rushing

Practice tip: Work on playing this groove with power but without tensing up. Groove should feel big, but still relaxed.

6. “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Groove Focus: Dynamics, ballad feel, space

Yes, another Bill Withers tune — but this one’s all about space and emotion.

Playing slow songs well is much harder than fast ones, because you can’t hide behind speed. Every note counts. “Ain’t No Sunshine” forces you to listen deeply, control your volume, and stay emotionally connected to the music.

This track teaches you:

• How to play with dynamics and restraint
• Where to place the backbeat for maximum feel
• Patience (a vital drumming skill)

Try recording yourself playing along, then listen back — it’s a great test of how well you’re really grooving.

7. “Rosanna” – Toto

Level: Advanced

Groove Focus: Shuffle feel, ghost notes, phrasing, independence

The “Rosanna Shuffle” — made famous by Jeff Porcaro — is legendary in the drumming world. It combines the Purdie Shuffle, John Bonham's half-time shuffle, and Porcaro’s own laid-back magic into a groove that feels amazing but is notoriously tricky to master.

While it’s definitely a more advanced track, it’s worth the time. Even working slowly through the pattern will make you a better player.

Why this groove matters

• Develops ghost notes and hi-hat dynamics
• Tests your left-hand consistency
• Forces total independence and feel

If you’re not ready yet, work on half-time shuffles first, then come back to Rosanna as a long-term goal.

✨ Bonus Tips for Groove Practice

Regardless of which song you choose to work on, keep these tips in mind:

1. Slow Down to Reach a Deeper Pocket

Groove isn’t about speed — it’s about feel. Practise slowly and aim for control, not flash.

2. Use a Metronome or Click Track
Even if you’re playing along to music, occasionally drop out the drums and play to a click to test your timing.

3. Record Yourself
What feels right and what sounds right can be different. Recording reveals everything — in a good way!

4. Focus on One Thing at a Time
Don’t try to perfect everything in one go. Work on dynamics one day, then hi-hat consistency another.

5. Enjoy the Music

The most important part of groove practice? Loving the music. These songs are more than exercises — they’re experiences.

🎯  Final Thoughts

Practising grooves with songs is one of the most powerful ways to build real-world drumming skills. These seven tracks cover a wide range of styles, tempos, and challenges — and there’s something here for everyone, whether you're just starting out or levelling up.

Each time you sit down to play, remind yourself: Groove is what makes the drums musical. It’s the difference between playing notes and playing music.

So pick one of these tracks, fire up your kit, and dig into the groove. And if you're looking for step-by-step guidance and structured plans to accelerate your progress, check out my free resources and courses over at Jules Drums.

Jules