I’ve become fascinated by kickass riffs from artists who don’t normally concern themselves with ass-kickery.
Examples:
Darling Nikki by Prince
Movin’ Out by Billy Joel
Beat It by Michael Jackson (though it’s sorta explained by Eddie Van Halen’s presence)
Post your own.
I think of Prince Rogers Nelson as a groove guy more than an ass-kicker. He made music for dancin’ and screwin’, not headbangin’.
edit: Tense’d