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
- 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] Practice Songs for Beginner Drummers: Easy and Cool Recommendations
- [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 (1–10)
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
Their secret to popularity lies in song quality so high you’d never believe they’re a three-piece—powerful vocals and top-tier musicianship across every part.
Of course, drummer Takao Suzuki’s exceptional playing is a huge part of the appeal! In particular, in this especially well-known song of theirs, the interplay with the guitar in the intro, followed by the hand-and-foot coordination once the bass comes in, is truly superb.
Despite the intricacy of the phrases, everything locks in perfectly, making it incredibly satisfying to listen to.
I’d love to be able to play this phrase as tightly as Suzuki does!
Sing, Sing, SingBenny Goodman
One of the classic tunes that has long been beloved as a representative piece of swing jazz.
It was performed in the film “Swing Girls,” and it’s probably so famous that even people who don’t usually listen to jazz have heard it.
This time, I’m introducing the drum phrase from the intro of this song.
It’s a simple beat made up of just the floor tom and a hi-hat keeping time on the offbeats, but it’s incredibly cool! I think this phrase alone is a masterful line that oozes groove.
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
When you think of songs with a cool drum intro, isn’t this the first one that comes to mind among Japanese music? In recent J-rock, it’s definitely one of the most memorable drum intros! You can divide it into two parts: first, the section where the cymbal, snare, and kick are struck alternately, and then the snare-and-tom combination that follows.
Among these, the standout is the latter—the snare and tom combination.
Even though it’s based on sixteenth notes, the shifted accents make the phrase incredibly striking.
It looks cool if you can play it, and it’s a technique you can apply to other phrases too!
Honor Thy FatherDream Theater
Dream Theater, the super band that impresses hardcore fans with their technical performances.
No matter which song you listen to, their high-level phrases, backed by outstanding musicianship, leave a strong impression.
Among them, the intro of this track features a bewilderingly complex phrase that someone like me—who usually only listens to so-called regular rock—can’t even imagine how it’s being played.
Of course, the snare, kick, and tom combinations in the first half are incredible, but the groove that follows has a uniquely distinctive feel and is a must-hear.
Be sure to listen closely and repeatedly to analyze it.
Walk This WayAerosmith
The intro of this song is also extremely famous—so much so that even people who don’t usually listen to Western rock probably know it well.
It’s well known as the theme song for “Odoru! Sanma Goten!!,” right? The intro’s brisk guitar phrase is supported by an incredibly simple beat made up of just hi-hat, snare, and kick drum, yet this beat is so iconic that it practically defines the song.
The tight, funky groove of this phrase is beyond words.
In any case, give it a careful listen.
PainkillerJudas Priest
When it comes to songs with badass drums and flashy phrases, you just can’t leave out metal! Among them, the drum phrase in the intro of this song is especially flashy and cool.
It’s a signature track by the British heavy metal band Judas Priest.
Right from the very beginning, a jaw-dropping hand-and-foot combination phrase bursts in.
On top of that, the displaced accents on the cymbals add another layer that makes the phrase even more intriguing.
In the latter half of the intro, the groove shifts dramatically into a beat with steady hi-hat patterns, which then flows straight into the intro guitar riff.
It’s a brilliant drum solo that’s both flashy and foundational, setting the groove for the entire track.
Rock and RollLed Zeppelin
For those who have seriously studied rock drumming or have been immersed in rock for years, many probably think: when it comes to a cool drum intro, it has to be this song! The intro phrase by Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham—one of the greatest bands in rock history—is incredibly famous.
If you ignore the accents, he’s essentially just playing eighth notes on the snare and hi-hat, but by manipulating the accents freely, he turns it into a remarkably impactful, iconic phrase.
Creating a cool groove with something simple—that’s the ideal we drummers should aspire to.