Lovely Western music

[Captivating] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2026]

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

What makes a song “good” varies from listener to listener, but many music lovers pay particular attention to how much the intro—the gateway into the track—pulls them in.

When we think of classic hits from years past, it’s often the memorable intro phrases that pop into our heads first, isn’t it?

In this article, we’ve rounded up famous intros from Western music that captivate listeners right from the start.

Articles like this tend to focus only on golden oldies, but here we’ve highlighted more recent releases across genres in the first half, and introduced classic masterpieces in the latter half and beyond, so listeners of all generations can enjoy it!

[Captivating] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2026] (51–60)

Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne

OZZY OSBOURNE – “Crazy Train” (Official Video)

Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, the emperor of heavy metal, beloved for his unique character.

This classic track comes from his 1980 masterpiece Blizzard of Ozz—Tales of a Bloodstained Hero, recorded as he set out to rebuild his career as a solo artist after being fired from Black Sabbath.

From Ozzy’s primal scream, the tight drums and bass lock in, and the late prodigy guitarist Randy Rhoads unleashes phenomenal playing—an intro that sounds incredible no matter how many times you hear it!

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My SharonaThe Knack

The Knack – My Sharona

My SharonaThe Knack

The Knack are an American rock band that drew attention with promotion evoking the early Beatles.

Their debut single, My Sharona, is known as a worldwide smash hit, including in Japan.

The intro riff, played in unison with the bass, uses few notes yet creates a catchy hook that defines the song.

It’s a rock tune whose trademark is its clever, skillful riff—one you still hear frequently on various TV programs today.

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Hoshino Takashi

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MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) (Official Video)

MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)Lil Nas X

Rapper Lil Nas X shows overwhelming individuality with his unique style.

Unlike typical rappers, he doesn’t sing about money or dr*gs; instead, he sings about his values and his bisexuality.

Among his works, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” became a global hit and energized the hip-hop scene in 2021.

Though the intro is short, the guitar—evoking Latin music—draws you into the track in an instant.

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Paint The Town RedDoja Cat

Doja Cat – Paint The Town Red (Official Video)

Paint The Town RedDoja Cat

The American rapper and singer-songwriter Doja Cat’s track opens with an intro that immediately grips the listener.

Some might find it familiar, and indeed, it boldly samples “Walk on By,” written by Burt Bacharach and sung by Dionne Warwick.

With superb taste, it instantly draws you in.

In this work, she powerfully asserts her identity and confidence, standing firm against critics and negativity.

Through her lyrics, Doja Cat emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining self-esteem.

Released in August 2023, the song dominated the upper ranks of the charts in many countries, including the UK, and was performed on numerous stages such as the MTV Video Music Awards.

Her unwavering determination inspires courage in anyone striving to live positively.

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UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – Unholy (Official Music Video)

UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith became famous for hit songs like “Stay With Me.” His collaboration with German singer-songwriter Kim Petras, “Unholy,” is a piece notable for its heavy choral intro.

The low bass that comes in right after is incredibly cool, and it sticks in your head after just one listen.

When this song plays in a clothing store or a hair salon, you can’t help but perk up at the intro and think, “It’s ‘Unholy’!”

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