A song with a cool drum intro
When you hear “songs with cool intros,” many people probably think of striking guitar riffs.
After all, the standout part in a rock band is the guitar—naturally.
That said, drums can be incredibly cool too! In this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of rock classics—both Western and Japanese—featuring songs with awesome drum intros.
We’ve got everything from tracks that kick off with flashy drum solos to more connoisseur-friendly picks where a simple beat overflows with groove and sounds unbelievably cool.
The playlist centers on timeless rock classics, but if you love drums, this is a must-see for everyone, young and old!
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Songs with cool drum intros (21–30)
You Know What You Are?Nine Inch Nails
This track, a song by the American rock band Nine Inch Nails, features a stunning hands-and-feet combination that really explodes.
The intro is built entirely from a sixteenth-note phrase constructed with just the bass drum and snare combination.
Being able to play such a long hands-and-feet combo with pinpoint precision is seriously cool.
From a drummer’s perspective, it’s a very catchy intro that really sticks in your ears.
Also, be sure to check out the heavy groove in the chorus section!
Squall04 Limited Sazabys
KOUHEI, the drummer of 04 Limited Sazabys, a hugely popular band in the Japanese rock scene, is also very active as a drum instructor and is known for his drumming.
No matter which of their songs you listen to, the tight, sharp, and precise drumming really sticks with you.
In this track, that drumming is showcased right from the intro.
It’s a brilliant phrase that surprises you with the China cymbal accents slipped in between notes, on top of a great hand-foot combination.
It’s a standout performance that stays rock-solid even live—be sure to experience it in person at a show!
Room45TOTALFAT
TOTALFAT’s sound, reminiscent of West Coast American pop-punk, is exhilarating, with outstanding musicianship and lyrics packed with fiery messages.
The opening of this track features a cool, laid-back, head-nodding beat, but what you should really pay attention to is the two-bar, effect-laden drum phrase right before the A section kicks in.
If you’re into Western pop-punk, you might have noticed—it sounds similar to the intro of blink-182’s “Feeling This”! In fact, Bunta has openly stated on Twitter that they intentionally crafted it that way as a sign of respect.
It’s so cool when artists include touches that reveal their roots, isn’t it?
pyramid[Alexandros]
![pyramid[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Nqhr58oUxNk/sddefault.jpg)
This ambitious work expresses a powerful will to move toward the future with an impactful rock sound.
Written by [Alexandros], it will be released in February 2025 as the four-track single “SINGLE 3.” It has been selected as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Private Banker.” The track brilliantly captures the worldview of this suspense drama set in the financial industry.
Its emotional, dramatic progression is compelling, and the lyrics convey a determination to confront the harshness of reality and social pressures.
It’s a song that will give you a push when you’re facing new challenges in life.
You Could Be MineGuns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses’ “You Could Be Mine,” which became the theme song for the 1991 film Terminator 2 and a smash hit single.
On this track, the band’s second drummer, Matt Sorum, is on drums; the phrase that builds from an intro effectively using the floor tom and gradually adding cymbals heightens the transition up to the first verse.
The song is included on the album Use Your Illusion II, released the same year.
SuperstitionStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder, who has produced many hit songs, is famous not only as a singer but also as a multi-instrumentalist who can play the instruments himself.
This song, also known in Japanese as “Meishin” (Superstition), starts with a groovy drum intro with a perfectly timed laid-back feel—and it’s actually Stevie himself playing those drums.
Incidentally, the song was originally written for guitarist Jeff Beck.
Beck later performed it himself, and it was included on the first album by Beck, Bogert & Appice.
Festival FrenzyToukyou Jihen
When talking about drummers active in Japan’s rock scene, you can’t leave out Tokyo Jihen’s drummer, Hata Toshiki—he’s a key figure.
His unique drumming style stands out, with phrases that seem simple at first glance but are actually full of clever ideas.
His knack for crafting those groove-heavy, refined lines is highly acclaimed.
Even in the intro of this track, you can hear a comfortable beat with an overwhelming sense of groove.
The perfectly tight hits and fills leading into the intro are stylish and sophisticated.
A must-listen!