Some songs don’t wait around to impress you – they hit hard from the very first note. Whether it’s a powerful beat, a dramatic vocal entrance, or an unforgettable instrumental hook, a strong intro can turn a good song into a replay-worthy obsession.
In this blog, we’re diving into a list of songs with good intros that instantly pull you in and refuse to let go. Expect a mix of classics, modern hits, and fan favorites.
Note: This list is based on a mix of personal opinion and additional factors like cultural impact, popularity, and fan buzz.
Top 10 Songs With The Best Intros Ever (Ranked)
Some songs don’t just start – they explode into your ears, instantly grabbing your attention. Here’s a curated list of songs with good intros that have become iconic, setting the tone for the rest of the track and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
| Rank | Song Title | Artist | Year | Intro Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smells Like Teen Spirit | Nirvana | 1991 | Explosive guitar riff |
| 2 | Superstition | Stevie Wonder | 1972 | Funky clavinet riff |
| 3 | Baba O’Riley | The Who | 1971 | Synthesizer loop |
| 4 | Gimme Shelter | The Rolling Stones | 1969 | Haunting guitar intro |
| 5 | Enter Sandman | Metallica | 1991 | Ominous guitar riff |
| 6 | Blinding Lights | The Weeknd | 2019 | Retro synthwave |
| 7 | Thunderstruck | AC/DC | 1990 | Rapid-fire guitar |
| 8 | Roundabout | Yes | 1971 | Acoustic guitar riff |
| 9 | Walk of Life | Dire Straits | 1985 | Synth-driven melody |
| 10 | Bootylicious | Destiny’s Child | 2001 | Sampled guitar riff |
Now, let’s look at these songs in detail!
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana (1991)
The intro to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is instantly iconic – a distorted, four-chord guitar riff that explodes into raw energy. It captures the angst and rebellion of the early ’90s grunge movement in just a few seconds.
The gritty tone and dynamic shift from quiet to loud set a defiant, electrifying vibe. This intro didn’t just launch Nirvana – it reshaped rock and became a cultural anthem for Gen X.
2. Superstition – Stevie Wonder (1972)
The intro to “Superstition” grabs you with its funky clavinet riff – sharp, rhythmic, and irresistibly catchy. It sets a groovy, soulful vibe that perfectly blends funk, R&B, and soul. This iconic intro became a signature sound for Stevie Wonder and helped define 1970s funk music.
Its infectious groove continues to influence artists and is instantly recognizable in pop culture as a classic party starter.
3. Baba O’Riley – The Who (1971)
The intro to “Baba O’Riley” is legendary for its pioneering use of a repeating synthesizer sequence, creating a hypnotic, almost spiritual atmosphere. This powerful blend of rock and early electronic music sets a futuristic, anthemic vibe that builds anticipation.
It revolutionized classic rock intros and became a defining sound of the ‘70s. The opening riff remains a cultural touchstone, instantly evoking feelings of youth and freedom.
4. Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones (1969)
The intro to “Gimme Shelter” is haunting and intense, opening with a chilling, echoing guitar riff layered with distant screams and rain sounds. It immediately sets a dark, urgent vibe reflecting the turbulent social climate of the late ’60s.
This blues-rock intro captures a sense of chaos and desperation, making it one of The Rolling Stones’ most powerful and culturally significant songs, often linked to protests and unrest.
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5. Enter Sandman – Metallica (1991)
The intro to “Enter Sandman” is instantly gripping with its clean, eerie guitar arpeggio that slowly builds tension before exploding into heavy riffs. It sets a dark, ominous vibe that perfectly matches the song’s themes of nightmares and fear.
This metal classic intro became a defining moment for ‘90s heavy metal, influencing countless bands and cementing Metallica’s place in pop culture as icons of the genre.
6. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd (2019)
The intro to “Blinding Lights” bursts with vibrant, retro ‘80s synths that immediately transport listeners to a neon-lit, nostalgic atmosphere. Its upbeat, pulsating vibe sets the energetic tone for the entire track, blending pop with synthwave influences.
This catchy, synth-driven intro helped revive ‘80s sounds in modern pop, making it a defining moment for The Weeknd and sparking a widespread retro revival in music and culture.
7. Thunderstruck – AC/DC (1990)
The intro to “Thunderstruck” is electrifying, featuring a rapid-fire, high-energy guitar riff that instantly grabs attention. Its powerful, rhythmic attack sets a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping vibe perfectly suited for hard rock.
This iconic riff became a hallmark of AC/DC’s style and a staple at sports events and arenas worldwide. Its raw energy and simplicity have made it one of rock’s most recognizable and enduring intros.
8. Roundabout – Yes (1971)
The intro to “Roundabout” is a masterpiece of progressive rock, featuring intricate acoustic guitar fingerpicking combined with melodic bass lines and layered keyboards. It sets a vibrant, adventurous vibe that perfectly showcases Yes’s technical skill and creativity.
This complex yet inviting intro helped define the prog-rock genre, becoming a beloved classic that continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike with its timeless, hypnotic charm.
9. Walk of Life – Dire Straits (1985)
The intro to “Walk of Life” features a bright, upbeat keyboard riff that immediately sets a cheerful and infectious vibe. Its rock and roll meets pop feel creates a feel-good atmosphere, perfect for both radio play and live shows.
This catchy intro helped the song become one of Dire Straits’ most popular hits, resonating widely in ‘80s pop culture as an anthem of optimism and everyday joy.
10. Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child (2001)
The intro to “Bootylicious” stands out with its instantly recognizable, funky guitar sample from Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen.” This clever blend sets a confident, sassy vibe that perfectly matches the song’s empowering theme.
The fusion of R&B and pop with this rock-inspired riff helped define early 2000s urban pop and solidified Destiny’s Child’s impact on pop culture with a bold, unforgettable opening.
Best Rock Songs With Killer Intros
Rock fans know that a killer intro can make a song unforgettable. Here are five rock tracks with intros that immediately grab your attention and set the perfect tone, minus the ones we already covered!
1. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
That iconic opening guitar riff by Slash is instantly recognizable. It’s melodic, emotional, and perfectly sets the stage for one of rock’s most beloved ballads.
2. Back in Black – AC/DC
The punchy, bluesy guitar riff kicks off this classic with undeniable swagger. It’s raw, energetic, and screams rock ‘n’ roll attitude from the first second.
3. Alive – Pearl Jam
A slow-building guitar intro that grows into an epic crescendo. It pulls you in emotionally and prepares you for Eddie Vedder’s powerful vocals.
4. Layla – Derek and the Dominos
Starts with a gentle, emotive piano riff that contrasts the rock anthem it turns into. This intro tugs at your heartstrings before the full band kicks in.
5. The Pretender – Foo Fighters
A sharp, punchy guitar riff and steady drum beat create tension and energy that explode as the vocals hit. It’s a perfect example of modern rock intensity.
Pop Songs That Nail the First Few Seconds
Pop songs know how to hook you fast with catchy intros that get stuck in your head. Here are five pop tracks with unforgettable openings you can’t help but love!
1. Bad Guy – Billie Eilish
The minimal, thumping bass beat and whispery vocals create an instantly eerie vibe that’s both playful and edgy, perfectly matching Billie’s unique style.
2. Toxic – Britney Spears
That distinctive, high-pitched string hook opens this track with an exotic, thrilling energy, setting the mood for one of pop’s most iconic dance anthems.
3. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
The bright, upbeat handclaps and synth chords kick off this feel-good jam with pure sunshine vibes, making it impossible not to smile and dance.
4. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
The playful snare drum rhythm and catchy vocal intro instantly set a fun, carefree tone, inviting listeners to shake off the haters and join the party.
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5. Roar – Katy Perry
Opening with a confident piano chord progression and soft vocal hum, this intro builds a powerful, uplifting mood that perfectly matches the song’s anthem of empowerment.
Hip-Hop Songs With Fire Intros
Hip-hop tracks often set the mood with fire intros – whether it’s an iconic beat, a memorable sample, or a spoken word that grabs your attention right away. Here are five that absolutely deliver.
1. SICKO MODE – Travis Scott
This intro throws you in with a spacey synth and abrupt beat switch, creating an unpredictable vibe that keeps listeners hooked from the jump.
2. Still D.R.E. – Dr. Dre
The smooth, classic piano riff combined with a crisp beat immediately signals West Coast greatness, making it one of hip-hop’s most legendary intros.
3. HUMBLE. – Kendrick Lamar
A sharp, minimalist piano loop and punchy drums start this track, matching Kendrick’s commanding vocal delivery and setting a raw, intense tone.
4. N.Y. State of Mind – Nas
The dark, jazzy piano and saxophone sample sets a gritty, storytelling mood, perfectly framing Nas’s vivid New York street narrative.
5. The Message – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
The spoken-word intro paired with a steady, hypnotic beat established the blueprint for conscious hip-hop, making it a groundbreaking classic.
Underrated Songs With Great Intros
Sometimes the best intros come from songs flying just under the radar. Perfect for music nerds and playlist diggers, here are some underrated tracks with intros that deserve way more love:
1. Elephant Gun – Beirut
Starts with a haunting accordion melody layered with subtle percussion, creating a folk-meets-world vibe that’s both unique and instantly captivating.
2. Elephant – Tame Impala
The fuzzy guitar riff kicks off with psychedelic swagger, setting a trippy, vintage rock tone that’s perfect for late-night jams.
3. Heartbeats – José González
An intimate, fingerpicked acoustic guitar intro creates a gentle, hypnotic mood, showcasing the beauty of minimalism in music.
4. Paper Planes – M.I.A.
The intro uses a memorable cash register sound and laid-back beat sampled from The Clash, immediately grabbing attention with its clever mix of genres.
5. Banana Pancakes – Jack Johnson
Starts with a smooth, easygoing guitar riff and relaxed vocals, instantly setting a chilled, feel-good vibe perfect for lazy mornings.
Why A Great Intro Matters In A Song
A great intro can make or break a song. It sets the mood, grabs attention, and gets you emotionally invested – all in a few seconds. Whether it’s an iconic riff, a moody synth, or a dramatic vocal line, the intro gives listeners a reason to stay.
In a world where skipping is easy, the songs that hook you instantly are the ones that stand out – and often become timeless favorites.
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Conclusion: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Tops This Unforgettable List
Great song intros are more than just a few seconds – they’re the gateway to the entire experience. No matter if it’s the explosive guitar riff of Smells Like Teen Spirit, the funky keyboard groove of Superstition, or the iconic synth build-up in Baba O’Riley, these intros hook you instantly and set the perfect mood.
From rock to funk to classic anthems, a memorable intro can make a song truly timeless. So next time you press play, listen closely – those first few seconds are pure magic!
FAQs
Intros set the mood and grab your attention. A great intro hooks listeners instantly, making the whole song more memorable and enjoyable.
Unique riffs, catchy beats, or distinctive sounds create a strong emotional impact that sticks with you long after the song ends.
A killer intro can make a song stand out on playlists, radio, and streaming platforms, boosting its chances of becoming a hit.
Rock and hip-hop often feature powerful intros, but pop and funk also deliver catchy openings that instantly hook listeners.
Explore curated playlists, read music blogs, or listen closely to your favorite genres – sometimes underrated gems have the best intros!
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