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!
- [J-Pop] A Compilation of Songs with Awesome Drums [2026]
- [2026] Grabs Your Heart! Songs with Cool Intros. Classic Tracks with Electrifying Openings
- [2026] Practice Songs for Beginner Drummers: Easy and Cool Recommendations
- Speaking of this rhythm! Five Western songs with drum intros that leave a lasting impression!
- Recommended practice songs for intermediate drummers: a collection of tracks to develop expressiveness and performance skills
- Recommended songs for beginner bands: simple and crowd-pleasing tracks.
- [2026] For Band Beginners! Recommended Songs from Popular Bands That Get the Crowd Going at Live Shows
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- [2026] Japan’s Leading Famous Drummers — From Veterans to Rising Stars
- Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands at School Culture Festivals
- [2026] Get Pumped Just by Listening! A Roundup of Recommended Popular J‑Pop Songs
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
Songs with cool drum intros (21–30)
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.
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!
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.
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!