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!

[Grabs Your Heart] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2026] (21–30)

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana

With that one intro alone, it changed the music scene from the ’90s onward.

As you’ll see if you try to copy it, despite its terrifyingly simple and rough chord progression, it became a song etched into history thanks to Kurt Cobain’s genius songwriting sense and vocals, backed by an unshakable rhythm section.

It’s so famous that if you play this phrase while trying out gear at a music shop, you’re guaranteed to draw someone’s attention—so be warned.

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Lose Yourself (Soundtrack Version)Eminem

Lose Yourself (From “8 Mile” Soundtrack)

Lose Yourself (Soundtrack Version)Eminem

Eminem, known for his overwhelming skill, has a classic hit in “Lose Yourself.” Even people who aren’t into hip-hop have probably been struck by the sheer intensity of this track.

The song is known for its memorable intro that starts with a quiet electric guitar, but the “Lose Yourself (Soundtrack Version)” is arranged differently from the version we usually hear.

It actually adds an intro that begins with an emotional keyboard.

From there it flows into the signature guitar intro, and the way it transitions is exquisite—so give it a careful listen.

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JumpVan Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

JumpVan Halen

No matter how much time passes, hearing that triumphant synth brass from the Oberheim OB-Xa in the intro inexplicably lifts your spirits, doesn’t it? Released in 1984 and included on the globally successful album 1984, it’s one of Van Halen’s signature songs that almost everyone has heard at least once.

For the band, it was the album—and the song—that boldly brought synthesizers into a hard rock style and opened up new horizons.

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Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre

Dr. Dre – Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop Dogg

Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre

A classic you can’t avoid if you want to understand hip-hop: “Still D.R.E.

ft.

Snoop Dogg.” Produced by Dr.

Dre, known as a pioneer of G-funk, and featuring Snoop Dogg, the track became a massive hit worldwide.

You could even call it a textbook of hip-hop.

And the iconic intro is no slouch either.

Its source is the jazz guitar classic “The Edge,” but by speeding up the BPM, they crafted a distinctive melody that, although played on piano, doesn’t quite sound like a typical piano line.

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Green-Tinted Sixties MindMr. BIG

Green-Tinted Sixties Mind — MR. BIG — guitar

Green-Tinted Sixties MindMr. BIG

Among the songs by Mr.

Big—the band featuring guitarist Paul Gilbert, who was hugely popular among guitar kids in the ’90s—I think this one has the most distinctive intro riff.

That riff, played with two-handed tapping, was something those guitar kids rushed to copy.

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