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[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)

Back in BlackAC/DC

AC/DC – Back In Black (Official 4K Video)

Back in BlackAC/DC

This is the title track of the monster album Back in Black, which sold 50 million copies, and one of AC/DC’s signature early songs.

The intro begins with a simple yet tasteful, solid riff from Angus Young—decked out in his blazer and short pants—that is probably one of the most famous phrases in the world.

It’s an intro that belongs in rock history—so cool that it needs no further explanation.

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Day TripperThe Beatles

The Beatles – Day Tripper (Official Video)

Day TripperThe Beatles

While the Beatles’ musical contributions are immeasurable, it’s also fair to say that, beyond their melodies, they left a huge legacy in music history by creating countless phrases everyone has heard at least once.

The ultra-famous main riff of the 1965 single “Day Tripper” isn’t technically difficult, but it perfectly embodies the principle that simplicity is what makes something cool.

And the fact that the bass doubles it in unison makes it all the more incredibly cool.

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StrongerKanye West

Kanye West – Stronger

StrongerKanye West

I also recommend Kanye West’s Grammy-winning song “Stronger.” Its intro features electronic music with a near-futuristic vibe, and throughout the track a famous quote by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is repeated.

Overall, it’s influenced by Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” but it has a more hard-edged, serious feel to it.

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I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

I Want You Back – The Jackson 5

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

The moment the intro starts, this huge Jackson 5 hit just puts you in a good mood.

It was their first single released after signing with Motown in 1969, and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

In Japan, it’s better known by its Japanese title, “Kaette Hoshii no” (“I Want You Back”).

Needless to say, Michael Jackson’s fresh, youthful vocals are amazing, and the chic guitar choppy rhythm and the rhythmic piano are truly wonderful.

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Walk This WayAerosmith

Aerosmith – Walk This Way (Live From The Office Depot Center, Sunrise, FL, April 3, 2004)

Walk This WayAerosmith

Unlike rock music that sticks to a straight 8-beat, this is a signature Joe Perry phrase with a groove sensibility shaped by funk.

The song itself appears on the classic 1975 album “Toys in the Attic,” but the 1986 cover by RUN DMC also made music history by achieving the first true fusion of rap and rock.

Be sure to check out the iconic music video as well—it clearly shows the relationship and distance between hip-hop and rock at the time!

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