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)
Song for the DeadQueens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age are an American alternative rock band that debuted in 1997.
On their massively successful third album from 2002, Songs for the Deaf, Dave Grohl—also known for his work with Nirvana and Foo Fighters—plays drums.
Especially on the album’s title track, his drumming explodes as if led in by the opening guitar riff, delivering a powerful performance that makes full use of tom fills.
First Dateblink-182
If you’re into Western pop-punk, this is probably a song that comes to mind! Travis Barker, the drummer, is one of the greats who’s active not only in the rock scene but also in hip-hop and pop.
The intro groove he plays here is compact yet driving and feels so good.
The key is the toms that come in on the off-beats! That’s what makes the phrase incredibly satisfying and memorable.
And his playing form—while it looks wild, he’s hitting everything with precision—honestly, it’s moving to watch!
Songs with cool drum intros (31–40)
Kick it awayAkeru yoru no hitsuji
From the very start, an aggressive drum roll explodes, perfectly locking in the song’s sense of speed! Released in 2024, “Keritobashite” is a track by Akaru Yoru no Hitsuji, the first four-piece band to emerge from Sakura City in Chiba Prefecture.
With Kawano Yui’s striking vocals that seem to reach straight into your heart and a refreshing guitar sound that sits squarely in the mainstream of 2020s Japanese rock, they’ve been drawing attention on the indie scene.
“Keritobashite” is especially captivating for its catchiness, grabbing even first-time listeners right away.
Noguchi Ayumu’s drumming centers on a simple, aggressive 8-beat, while subtle arrangements throughout firmly support the song’s world—one that conveys both power and poignancy.
The playing from the guitar solo through the C section is particularly intense and impressive, so be sure to listen for it!
Doomsday ClockThe Smashing Pumpkins
This song, built around a phrase combining toms, snare, and bass drum, is a Smashing Pumpkins track.
The phrase itself is very simple, yet it creates a powerful, striking opening.
In the latter half of the intro phrase, the china cymbal comes in, making a memorable contrast with the tight first half.
After the full band kicks in, the beat remains solid and weighty—one of those tracks where the drums really command your attention!
In conclusion
We’ve rounded up a bunch of songs with awesome drum intros.
The list leaned more toward Western music than Japanese, and featured more classic rock anthems than recent tracks, but I think drummers would agree they’re all undeniably cool! From flashy drum solos to simple, groove-packed beats, our respect for these master drummers—who show such a range of expression—just keeps growing.
And of course, the greatness isn’t limited to the intros, so be sure to give each track a careful listen!