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)

Heaven’s On FireKISS

Kiss – Heaven’s On Fire

Heaven's On FireKISS

The legendary hard rock band, KISS.

They’ve been active since the time hard rock gained worldwide recognition, and they continue to enjoy enduring popularity today.

Among their works, a track I highly recommend for its cool intro is “Heaven’s On Fire.” It kicks off with the vocalist’s vocal ad-lib, crafting a striking opening right from the start.

From there, the hard rock charge never lets up, powering forward at high voltage—truly breathtaking.

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Master Of PuppetsMetallica

Metallica-Master Of Puppets (Lyrics)

Master Of PuppetsMetallica

One of the most famous songs in heavy metal history, it leaves a powerful impact right from the very start.

Released by Metallica in 1986 on their masterpiece Master of Puppets, it’s the title track and a live staple.

While it’s not as fast in BPM as the opener Battery, James Hetfield’s incredibly strong right hand powering through the intro riff with relentless downpicking is astonishing.

And from the first verse, their effortless use of odd time signatures is nothing short of brilliant.

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Little WingJimi Hendrix

Little Wing

Little WingJimi Hendrix

Among the songs left by Jimi Hendrix—the god of the electric guitar and an eternal guitar hero—this is a particularly simple, compact, and melodic ballad.

The intro, with its distinctly Hendrix-like use of sparkling counter-melodies woven into the main line and its exquisite chordal obbligato, can be called a legendary phrase in rock history.

If you can learn to play it solidly, you’ll likely feel a real sense of satisfaction—enough to know you’ve grown as a guitarist.

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When Doves CryPrince

Prince and the Revolution – When Doves Cry (Official Music Video)

When Doves CryPrince

This is the lead single from the landmark, monster album Purple Rain and a celebrated masterpiece widely regarded as one of Prince’s signature songs.

Even the Japanese title—“Beat ni Dakarete,” with its distinctly ’80s vibe—is fantastic.

Although Prince handled the instrumentation himself, that cool, hard-rock-style guitar you hear in the intro actually never returns after those opening bars.

In fact, the bass is completely omitted as well.

Take a fresh listen to the unique sensibility that turns this sparse, synth-driven arrangement into a flawless track.

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Wanted Dead Or AliveBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Wanted Dead Or Alive (Official Music Video)

Wanted Dead Or AliveBon Jovi

Bon Jovi is a rock band that’s hugely popular in Japan as well.

They’re one of America’s representative hard rock bands and have produced numerous classic songs to this day.

Among their works, a standout track I especially recommend for its cool intro is “Wanted Dead or Alive.” It’s a power ballad rooted in glam metal, but its intro—beginning with a blues-like guitar sound—creates a uniquely atmospheric vibe.

It’s an incredibly stylish and cool piece, so be sure to check it out.

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