Why the bass is so important to music in general, even though it doesn’t sound loud in most songs?

Question

I feel it “fills” the song but I dont know how to express this in better words

In:

Answer 1

Depends on the music you are listening to. Most pop songs will have the bass ride the root notes. Bass players job is to keep time and out line the chord. So that in genres like rock, jazz, blues, etc the other instruments like piano, guitar, horns can solo and improvise. Jazz music is a great example. Bass “walks” the chord progression while keep time with the drummer, keeping the overall feel and rhythm while the improvisation is done.

Check out Miles Davis “So What”