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

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] (41–50)

AngryThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Angry (Official Music Video)
AngryThe Rolling Stones

The legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones have released their first new song in about three years, “Angry,” the lead single from the album Hackney Diamonds.

Its intro, featuring a guitar riff in open G tuning and a distorted lead guitar tone, is simple yet instantly grabs the listener.

The lyrics portray the agony and conflict of a relationship on the verge of collapse while still conveying affection for the other person.

Created by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Angry” is supreme rock ’n’ roll born from a career spanning more than half a century.

Now in their 80s, their overwhelming energy is something we’d all love to tap into.

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

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.

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.

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Smoke On the Water (Official Music Video)
Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple

This timeless masterpiece, included on Deep Purple’s 1972 landmark album Machine Head, stands as one of the band’s signature songs and a piece etched into music history.

As one of the pioneering bands of hard rock, Deep Purple created an intro guitar riff that countless guitar kids around the world—past and present—have tried to play at least once.

Crafted by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, a creator of many iconic phrases, this riff shines with his distinctive sensibility and will continue to be hailed as one of the most famous riffs in rock history for generations to come.

Trouble’s ComingRoyal Blood

Royal Blood – Trouble’s Coming (Official Video)
Trouble's ComingRoyal Blood

Royal Blood are a rock duo from England.

Their musical style is wide-ranging, mainly centered on blues rock, garage rock, and hard rock, and they make their mark with a distinctive sound.

Among their works, a track I recommend for its cool intro is ‘Trouble’s Coming.’ The intro is simple yet incredibly impactful and memorable.

It also carries an old-school vibe that evokes the trendy sounds of the 1980s.

LosTBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – LosT (Official Video)
LosTBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon’s latest single “LosT” is a track that strongly reflects emo and pop-punk influences, evoking the band’s roots.

The guitar riff in the intro is simple yet striking—nostalgic for those who spent their youth in the 2000s, and instantly gripping for younger music fans as well.

The lyrics candidly explore loneliness, self-doubt, and the search for meaning in life, conveying empathy for those dealing with mental pain and highlighting the healing power of music.

The song showcases the band’s ongoing evolution and their curiosity in blending diverse genres.

Released as a lead single from the album Post Human: Nex Gen, it has also drawn attention for its music video.

With melodies that resonate and a strong message, “LosT” is a track recommended for anyone who believes in the power of music.

Smooth OperatorSade

Sade – Smooth Operator – Official – 1984
Smooth OperatorSade

Sade is a UK band known as a quintessential presence in adult contemporary music.

With their distinctive sound, they were highly active from their 1984 debut through the 2000s and have received immense acclaim worldwide.

Smooth Operator is one of their albums, and its title track was released as a single and gained popularity.

The piece is notable for its adult contemporary intro with a Latin-flavored feel.