RAG MusicMusic
Lovely Western music

[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] (51–60)

UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – Unholy (Official Music Video)
UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith became famous for hit songs like “Stay With Me.” His collaboration with German singer-songwriter Kim Petras, “Unholy,” is a piece notable for its heavy choral intro.

The low bass that comes in right after is incredibly cool, and it sticks in your head after just one listen.

When this song plays in a clothing store or a hair salon, you can’t help but perk up at the intro and think, “It’s ‘Unholy’!”

Shit, Damn, MotherfuckerD’Angelo

D’Angelo “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” Live at Montreux 2000
Shit, Damn, MotherfuckerD'Angelo

D’Angelo is an American singer-songwriter known as a pioneer of “neo-soul,” a genre rooted in R&B and soul that blends funk, jazz, and hip-hop.

He was a standout artist in the 1990s, and his talent was highly regarded by top-tier musicians around the world.

“Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” is one of his signature songs, notable for its lyrics filled with broadcast-prohibited words.

This time, we’ve picked a live version.

The intro is striking, featuring a stylish neo-soul groove with a performance that evokes hard rock.

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.

The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre

Dr. Dre – The Next Episode (Official Music Video) ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg
The Next Episode ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate DoggDr. Dre

Dr.

Dre’s “The Next Episode” became a big hit with its intro sampling “The Edge.” David Axelrod, who created the original, said at a concert that it was actually hard to put on because the fee was small, but it became possible thanks to the substantial income he received after “The Next Episode,” which sampled his “The Edge,” became a huge hit.

He concluded by saying that although it was ironic because he used to dislike sampling, he now loves it.

That statement also helped increase the number of people who view sampling positively!

[Grabs Your Heart] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2026] (61–70)

Smooth ft. Rob ThomasSantana

Santana – Smooth (Official Video) ft. Rob Thomas
Smooth ft. Rob ThomasSantana

Guitarist Santana, who has gained worldwide popularity for his uniquely expressive guitar technique, is also hugely popular in Japan.

His hit song “Smooth ft.

Rob Thomas,” a collaboration with the acclaimed artist Rob Thomas, was released in 1999.

The intro, infused with a Latin flavor, is especially captivating, so if you enjoy styles like flamenco, bolero, or rumba, be sure to give it a listen.

I’m Not A VampireFalling In Reverse

Falling In Reverse – “I’m Not A Vampire (Revamped)”
I'm Not A VampireFalling In Reverse

Formed in Las Vegas, Falling in Reverse is a rock band whose sound is rooted in post-hardcore and pop punk, though lately they’ve been venturing into emo and gothic works as well.

As the title suggests, “I’m Not A Vampire” puts a fully gothic sound front and center.

The intro is a simple piano, yet it’s crafted into a heavy, classically inspired sound.

If you’re into gothic metal, be sure to check it out.

Fire We MakeAlicia Keys, Maxwell

Alicia Keys, Maxwell – Fire We Make (Official Video)
Fire We MakeAlicia Keys, Maxwell

A cool intro isn’t limited to intense, rock-style openings.

Plenty of people want to hear stylish Black music intros, too, right? For those listeners, I recommend Fire We Make.

It’s a collaboration between R&B singers Alicia Keys and Maxwell, crafted into a sultry neo-soul love song.

The intro starts off quietly—nothing flashy—but it creates an incredibly sexy and cool vibe.