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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!

Songs with cool drum intros (31–40)

Kick it awayAkeru yoru no hitsuji

The Next Night’s Sheep “Kick It Away” Music Video
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!