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] (31–40)

24K MagicBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (Official Music Video)

24K MagicBruno Mars

Bruno Mars’s single “24K Magic,” released in 2016.

The album of the same name that features this track became a worldwide hit.

The intro to “24K Magic” is nothing short of glamorous and sexy! Although the intro may sound like singing, it’s actually not a human voice.

It uses a unique instrument called a talk box, where you put a tube in your mouth to shape the articulation while producing the tone with a keyboard.

Despite being an instrument, it conveys an intensely soulful vibe, making it an irresistible intro for fans of Black music.

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hot girl bummerblackbear

blackbear – hot girl bummer [Low Budget Video]

hot girl bummerblackbear

Starting the song by jumping straight into the chorus is a tried-and-true pop strategy and certainly impactful, but without a strong enough melody and lyrics to match, it often ends in disaster.

In that regard, this track released in 2019 by blackbear—a young, in-demand artist and singer-songwriter—succeeds by opening with mellow vocals that deliver blunt, explicit lyrics, winning over listeners while also boosting the song’s overall persuasiveness with a melodic line reminiscent of 2000s emo.

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SnowRed Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh) (Official Music Video)

SnowRed Hot Chili Peppers

This song, included on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2006 album Stadium Arcadium, comes from a band affectionately known here in Japan as “Recchiri.” While the Chili Peppers are known for producing a wide range of classics—from hard-hitting funk tunes to mellow ballads—this track highlights their mellower side.

John Frusciante’s guitar in the intro isn’t flashy, but it stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship, demanding precise alternate picking.

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Crashing ThroughFriko

Friko – Crashing Through (Official Video)

Crashing ThroughFriko

Currently the talk of the town among Japanese music fans and slated to perform at Fuji Rock 2024, Friko is an indie rock band based in Chicago.

This track, which has drawn attention as the first single from their debut album “Where we’ve been, Where we go from here,” impresses with a grand, hook-laden sound that skillfully weaves in elements of post-punk and chamber pop.

The intro—erupting with dynamic drum rolls and fiercely distorted guitars—evokes ’90s alternative rock while pulling listeners into their music as a reflection of the present.

Their ability to portray the subtle emotional shifts of a sensitive period with delicacy, yet express them with power, is emblematic of Chicago, a city that has produced countless legendary bands, and it conveys a universality that gets to the essence of rock.

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And So It WentThe Pretty Reckless

The Pretty Reckless – And So It Went (Official Music Video)

And So It WentThe Pretty Reckless

The Pretty Reckless is an alternative rock band fronted by Taylor Momsen, who is active as an actress and model.

In Japan, when an actor serves as a band’s vocalist, it often feels like there’s a lack of skill, but she’s completely different.

With steady vocals and a consistent musical style, the band has earned widespread popularity.

Their classic track And So It Went is a remarkable piece, featuring an unforgettable intro marked by gritty guitars and drums that really get your heart pumping.

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