The 411 Music Top 5 09.03.08: Greatest Opening Tracks
Posted by Blake Lauderback on 09.03.2008
This week the writers of 411 Music are taking on the challenge or listing our favorite opening tracks. From Floyd to Zeppelin and Danzig to Queen, find out if your favorite songs made the cut... and if we can keep the honorable mentions out of the triple digits.
Hello again (or for the very first time) and welcome to this week's edition of the Music Zone Top 5. For the purposes of this column, I scour the world for the utmost authorities on all things music which translates to a bunch of opinionated music lovers.
There is a reason that we use the medium of the internet to congregate and discuss our passion, and that reason is that it would be far too dangerous for the music world should we all ever be in the same location. What if something should happen to us all? How would the music continue to play, or would it be able to play at all? It is just like keeping the President and the Vice President in two different locations. You just don't want that much power in one isolated spot.
In reality, it is more likely that we would all die of starvation because we would be so busy arguing that we would all just forget to seek sustenance. That, and it is just too damn expensive to drive to our secret hideout (unless you all want to start paying us for gas).
Before diving into this week's topic, we need to take care of some business first. First on the agenda is to announce last week's Write in winner! This is the first time that a winner was selected straight from the message boards! So this is it, the voice of the people when it comes to the most disappointing albums to ever grace the planet.
Our weekly winner is
Michael L.
5. Test for Echo by Rush - While Rush is incapable of a bad album, this album was pretty disappointing compared to the rest of their 90's output. The music was all over the place, and for the first time in a while, the lyrics for many of the songs were substandard (Dog Years?)
4. Waiting for the Punchline by Extreme - After the amazing 1-2 punch of Pornograffiti and III Sides to Every Story, Extreme tried to go modern, and it failed on just about every level. This album essentially spelled the death of the band.
3. Helldorado by Wasp - One of my favorite bands from the late 80's and early 90's, WASP tried to return to their 80's sound. Unfortunately, they did so with absolute incompetence, putting out an album that is damn near unlistenable.
2. Virtual XI by Iron Maiden - I liked X Factor, which served as a dark turn for the band that nicely fit their new singer. However, this album was a complete mess, outside of a couple of songs (Futureal). It was boring as all hell, and you will want to cut yourself to distract from the 87th time Blaze sings the same lyrics in ANgel and Gambler.
1. St. Anger by Metallica - Unlike many, I liked the Load/Reload albums. However, i was excited to hear that Metallica was supposedly returning to its metal roots with this one. Unfortunately, they forgot that longer songs didn't necessarily mean better. This album might not have been so spectacularly bad if the production was at least passable--which it wasn't. Without a doubt, one of the worst albums by a band I actually love.
Outstanding work Mike (can I call you Mike?). Want to be like Mike? (Sometimes the jokes write themselves) Then send in your Top 5 for this week's topic!
There is one more item of business to take care of before we get down to the heart of the meeting. And that would be last week's top voted writer! The newest champion is one Mr. Dan Haggerty. How did Mr. Haggerty win? Was it his boyish good looks? (After all, he is quite a pretty man) His suave, debonair nature? Nope well maybe a little. When it really comes down to it, Dan won because he apparently hit the nail on the head with his comments on St. Anger. Oh and Dan, don't worry about offending me by not liking Motley Crue's version of "Helter Skelter," because it is horrendous. Dan is the man once again, and we bow to his magnificence.
I was disqualified right out of the gate because, apparently, I picked the wrong Coldplay album that sounds like all of their other albums. My mistake. I personally think they are all the same, but a few of you disagree. I also was accused of being a music nerd hating on Coldplay to be cool. I gladly embrace my music nerdiness, but I included A Rush of Blood to the Head for no other reason than because I think it is crap was disappointed by it.
Moving on.
After visiting some deep, dark, repressed emotions last week, I decided that it would be a good time to visit a happier place. So with that in mind, we are going to be dissecting our favorites albums in search of the perfect opening tracks. You know the ones. Those songs that you hear on the radio and leave you digging in the floorboard of your car in search of the albums they call home. Those songs that grab you by the throat and command your attention for the duration of the album's run time. Those songs that are number one in our hearts as well as on the liner notes
Damn you, Lauderback, damn you! Probably the hardest list I've had to do. How the heck do I pick the 5 best opening tracks out of my collection of 25,000 titles??? Screw it here's what I got right now; ask me this tomorrow and you'll probably get completely different answers.
HONORABLE MENTION: The Cars - "Good Time Roll", "Let's Go", Judas Priest - "Freewheel Burnin'", "Exciter", "The Hellion/Electric Eye", Kings Of The Sun - "Serpentine", AC/DC - "Rock & Roll Damnation", "Hell's Bells", Prince - "Let's Go Crazy", "1999", Metallica - "Blackened", "Enter Sandman", UFO - "Too Hot To Handle", Cheap Trick - "Hello There", "Surrender", Aerosmith - "Toys In The Attic", "Back In The Saddle", "Draw The Line", Foghat - "Fool For The City", Van Halen - "Runnin' With The Devil", "And The Cradle Will Rock", "Mean Streets", "Poundcake", Led Zeppelin - "Black Dog", "Good Times Bad Times", "Whole Lotta Love", "In The Evening", U2 - "Where The Streets Have No Name", Pink Floyd - "Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pt. I-V", "Signs Of Life/Learning To Fly", Tom Petty - "The Waiting", "So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star" (live version from Pack Up The Plantation), Lynyrd Skynyrd - " What's Your Name/That Smell", Queen - "Death On Two Legs", "Tie Your Mother Down", "Brighton Rock", Deep Purple - "Highway Star", "Burn" (live version from Made In Europe. Black Sabbath - "Neon Knights", "War Pigs", "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", Rainbow - "Tarot Woman", "Kill The King" (live version from On Stage), Blue Oyster Cult - "Godzilla", Bruce Springsteen - "Thunder Road", "Born In The USA", John Mellencamp - "Rain On The Scarecrow", Neil Young - "Rockin' In The Free World", Kid Rock - "Bawitdaba", Bob Seger - "Rock And Roll Never Forgets", "Hollywood Nights", Guns N' Roses - "Welcome To The Jungle", Blackfoot - "Road Fever", "Good Mornin'", Rob Zombie - "Sawdust In The Blood/American Witch", Heart - "Barracuda", Cyndi Lauper - "Money Changes Everything", Journey - "Don't Stop Believin'", "Separate Ways", Styx - "The Grand Illusion", Def Leppard - "Let It Go/Another Hit And Run", REO Speedwagon - "Like You Do" (live version from You Get What You Play For, Motley Crue "Wild Side", "Dr. Feelgood", "In The Beginning/Shout At The Devil", Ozzy Osbourne "I Don't Know", "Over The Mountain", The Kings "This Beat Goes On"/"Switch Into Glide"
5. Pink Floyd "Speak To Me/Breathe" from Dark Side of the Moon - The steady beat of a heart, random sounds such as clocks ticking and running footsteps, a random voice exclaiming "I've been mad for fucking years, absolutely years " all these and more slowly fade in and then with a scream, crash into a lush wall of guitars accented with pedal steel, thus opening arguably one of the longest-charting and most popular concept albums of all time. A great opening sequence that lays the groundwork for the intricate masterpiece that follows.
4. Led Zeppelin "The Song Remains The Same"/"The Rain Song" from Houses of the Holy - Ok, so I'm kind of cheating here, but even live, Zeppelin tended to play these two back to back. The urgent rush of "Song", with it's lyrics about touring, propels you non-stop through some intricate rhythm patterns and leads, only to slam to a stop and drift effortlessly into the delicacy that the opening chords of "Rain" lead off with, ultimately building to a climax complete with tympani. An excellent example of the diversity that Houses Of The Holy and Zeppelin themselves demonstrated throughout their career.
3. Black Sabbath "Black Sabbath" from Black Sabbath - If you've never heard the opening bell tolling in the distance (something that bands such as AC/DC and Metallica used later to great effect) and the thunderstorm and pouring rain that signals the beginning of one of the greatest metal albums of all time, then you owe it to yourself to check this out. Tony Iommi's use of "the devil's triad" coupled with Bill Ward's and Geezer Butler's rumbling foundation only add to the eerie ambience of this song, and when Ozzy's macabre voice asks "What is this that stands before me", a whole new sound and style was forged.
2. Rush "Spirit Of Radio" from Permanent Waves / "Tom Sawyer" from Moving Pictures (tie) - I couldn't choose between these two. On the one hand, you've got Alex's swirling triplet intro followed by some cool drum /bass interaction that just sweeps you up and carries you away (this is a great driving song); on the other, you've got this huge, filtered synth note that seems to drop forever, leading into those crashing power chords and drums, as Geddy spins the tale of a modern day warrior. Both of these are excellent openers and are representative of the beginning of Rush's more commercial phase.
1. Queen "We Will Rock You"/"We Are The Champions" from News of the World - How could it be anything else? Not only are these the most perfect combination of a one-two punch, they've become synonymous with sporting events worldwide (along with Gary Glitter's "Rock & Roll Pt. 2) and one would be hard pressed to find someone not familiar with them when have you not heard the tribal stomp drumming of "Rock You" not played at a major sporting event or the majesty of "Champions" signifying a win for the dominant team?
James Palm
"[Reviewer, Yet Another Condescending Record Store Clerk]"
HONORABLE MENTION: Minutemen - "Base King" from The Politics of Time, Slayer - "Angel of Death" from Reign In Blood, Pink Floyd - "Speak to Me/Breathe" from Dark Side of the Moon, Motorhead - "Overkill" from Overkill, Bad Religion - "Modern Man" from Against The Grain, Metallica - "Blackened" from And Justice For All, Kings of Leon - "Slow Night, So Long" from Aha Shake Heatbreak, Queens of the Stone Age - "You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire" from Songs for the Deaf, Pantera - "Cowboys From Hell " from Cowboys From Hell, Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention - "Hungry Freaks Daddy" from Freak Out!, Muse - "Newborn" from Origin of Symmetry, The Fiery Furnaces - "Single Again" from EP, Neutral Milk Hotel - "The King of Carrot Flowers, Pt 1" from In the Aeroplane over the Sea, Deep Purple - "Highway Star" from Machine Head, The Rolling Stones - "Brown Sugar" from Sticky Fingers. I'm aware that's a lot; this was tough.
5. Pixies "Debaser" from Doolittle/The Flaming Lips - "Race For The Prize" from The Soft Bulletin - I found it tough to split these two. First we have the Pixies. This was the album that propelled them into the conscious of the world, and it opened with a bang. "Debaser" seems odd whether you know what Frank Black is wailing about or not. The song references the Dali/Bunuel surrealist short film Un chien andalou while the band's soon-to-be-legendary wave of surf punk hooks you instantly. It is ample preparation for the classic album that follows. Meanwhile, the Flaming Lips finally came to the musical crossroads in 1999. Years removed from their acid punk days and settling into their more recognized ecstatic sensibilities, they unleashed a masterpiece. "Race For The Prize" is a hypnotic opener, setting the scene for the captivating new directions the band take themselves in.
4. Dead Kennedys "Kill The Poor" from Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables - Despite being sung from the perspective of the far right, this is perhaps one of the most loved punk songs of all time. Why? Because it's a great song at the top of a great album. Because most people get the joke. Because the balls taken to record a song like this are as big as California itself. East Bay Ray's guitar shimmers as Jello introduces us to the giddy yet manic wailing that we would come to love so much after this debut album. Though other songs on Fresh Fruit... would find great longevity as fan favorites "California Uber Alles", "Chemical Warfare", "Holiday In Cambodia" to name just a few this powerful opener still gets you in the mood to destroy society.
3. Led Zeppelin "Immigrant Song" from Led Zeppelin III - With Led Zeppelin, it's a matter of personal choice. Sure, III may be the least loved of the trilogy of four, but who can argue with this song. Page and Bonham start you off with a simple riff and drum combination, and then Robert Plant announces his arrival by screaming at you "Ah-ah-ahhhhhhhhh-ah! Ah-ah-ahhhhhhhhh-ah!". But the addictive riff keeps going, and suddenly you realize you're hearing a Viking war march, perhaps an early predecessor to the mighty fantasy metal sub-genre. You doubt the power of Zeppelin? Careful, they calmed the tides of war. They are your overlords.
2. Black Sabbath "Black Sabbath" from Black Sabbath - Yes, the treble. The most prolonged three chords in musical history introduce us to the twisted blues beast that would become the originator of metal in it's various shapes and sizes. It has it all; church bells, heavy rain, thunder and the most demonic lyric of 1970 - "Big black shape with eyes of fire/Telling people their desire/Satan sitting there he's smiling/Watches those flames get higher and higher/Oh, no, no, please God help me!". Then the effects drift away and Tony and Geezer step into the spotlight. Yeah, we're scary and all, but we also know how to play damn good music, so embrace the Devil and jam with us. Man.
1. Daft Punk "One More Time" from Discovery - What makes a great opener? For me, it came down to a few factors. The effectiveness of its introduction to the album. The quality of the album that follows. How often I would listen to it above other songs. "One More Time" is near perfect in each of these categories. Daft Punk were always popular within the dance scene and amongst interested outsiders. But Discovery turned the French duo into global superstars. Everyone heard this song. Everyone loved it. To this day, Daft Punk choose not to play the song in its entirety live. Rather, they sprinkle segments throughout the show, effectively playing it two or three times, due to its immense popularity. However the quality of the album doesn't drop off after the first 5 minutes. The first half itself could be a greatest hits disc, packed with songs like "Aerodynamic", "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" and "Superheroes". Any lesser song would be forgotten in the opening slot. No matter who you are, or what you listen to, "One More Time" is guaranteed to get you dancing like you've never danced before. And it's only the opener.
5. (Big Riff Openers) AC/DC "Highway to Hell" from Highway to Hell or Guns n Roses "Welcome to the Jungle" from Appetite for Destruction- so in '79, Bon Scott had one more album with AC/DC, the album that shares its name with this track, before shuffling off this mortal coil to the big rock 'n' roll arena in the sky... er, WAIT! Was it in the sky, or did he take a highway somewhere else? No matter, this one's a great title track and great opener all in one. Eight years later, in '87, hard rock got dirty and gritty again. Screw the poof-haired poser bands (though there are some photos of these guys with a bit of poof to their hair). Since nowadays G'N'R (or Axl, more specifically) is getting heaps of "who cares about democracy in China," here's a great example of a hungry and awesome opener from Appetite for Destruction.
4. (On the Dark Side Openers) The Doors - "Break on Through" from The Doors or Danzig - "Twist of Cain" from Danzig- I go back furthest with this one, all the way to '67. Some think the Doors were overrated. I'm not one of those folks. Not only is this one a great opener for the album itself, their sel-titled debut, but it's also a great opener to the actual band, where the doors to some place dark and strange swing wide open. Twenty-one years later on another self-titled debut, Danzig's Danzig ('88, in case you can't add), someone whose vocals have been compared to Jim Morrison's at times made his own statement with a much darker but equally killer opening track. There's something untouchably menacing and great not only on the opener, but on the entire album as well.
3. (Urban Cold Openers) Ministry "Theives" from The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste or NWA - "Straight Outta Compton" from Straight Outta Compton- in '89, in Chicago, industrial in the best term of the word or genre came together for a cold, mechanical, acid-fueled release, The Mind Is a Terible Thing to Taste. Rumor was the musicians dropped acid for a week, and this was the result. With the opening track, "Thieves," you're instantly thrown into an insane and cold factory, or 1984-ish Big Brother world. And speaking of cold, two years earlier in '87, NWA gave the world a gimpse into their own cold, harsh Los Angeles environment. Welcome to Compton, right? Unapologetically, the street knowledge is dished out. The opener shares its name with this debut album, a album that arguably spawned the whole gangster rap genre. It's a great track that sets the tone.
2. (We're Not in Kansas Anymore Openers) David Bowie "Five Years" from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars or Tom Waits - "Singapore" from Rain Dogs- it's a different place. Ziggy Stardust has landed ('72). The opener perfecly sets the mood. Is it the end of the world? Only five years left? Really? Well, we better make it last, and we beter make it good. That's what David Bowie's entire masterpiece does, and it all begins with this track. Tom Waits has been doing his thing for nearly as long as Bowie, and in the 80's, he got wonderfully weird at times. With this opener, we definitely aren't in Kansas anymore. It might be Singapore, but which Singapore that is, it's hard to say. A short and to the point opener, this one prepares the listener for the peculiar beauty that is Rain Dogs.
1. (Kick in the Teeth Openers) Slayer - "Angel of Death" from Reign in Blood or Judas Priest - "Painkiller" from Painkiller- if I'm the only one who picked the opening track off Reign in Blood ('86), I'll be a little surprised. More than a kick in the teeth, it's a punch in the balls, a crack in the head, a bomb in the brain, a... goddamn, you don't need to see it live to know this, but if you have seen Slayer o this one, no other thrash band touches it. Yet only four years later, in '90, heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest do match it for intensity (I said no other "thrash" band). I, like many, were shocked to hear this revived, relentless, speed metal, shiny steel buzzsaw version of the band, at least on this opening track. Time has passed, and it still kicks ass.
DISCLAIMER: I had a very difficult time with this one as well, and I asked the damn question. I suppose I decided to choose based on historical significance as well as my personal favorites.
5. Pink Floyd "Speak To Me/Breathe" from Dark Side of the Moon - The heart beats. While it has become more common to hear sound clips and effects in rock, it was shocking at the time for an album to start off in such a manor. The clips keep coming and coming screams seem to be coming towards you and then bam, there is the calm, mellow sounds of Pink Floyd at their best. It prepares you for exactly what to expect from this classic, absolutely brilliant music presented in a way that no one could have anticipated or expected. It is one of the most successful albums of all time and one of the greatest to have been created.
4. Metallica "Enter Sandman" from Metallica (The Black Album) - This song represents different things to different people. To some metal fans it was the song that signaled the end of their iconic gods. To others it was the beginning of a new era and the first kick in the face from a truly amazing album. To be honest, and I know I am in the minority, but I tend to lean a bit towards the latter. I also will not deny that I get amped up a bit from those first few chords and those thundering toms. Whether you like it or not, this song was the lead in to an album that changed the metal world forever.
3. The Who "Baba O'Riley" from Who's Next - The album kicks of in a very unusual way for The Who. This band that has thrived on power and energy, blaring guitars and chaotic drumming, kicks off what would go on to be one of their crowning achievements with a little organ and piano before coming in full force. It is clear from note one on this album that the band was continuing on with their path of greatness and that they were prepared to once again take us to the promised land of rock and roll. I cannot praise this particular song enough, because it is a crucial part to one of the most complete albums in rock history, and one of my personal favorites.
2. The Beatles "Taxman" from Revolver - I won't begin to compare this tune to some other classic Beatles tunes. "Come Together," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," and "Get Back" can certainly be considered better songs, but it is this album, Revolver that I believe first showcases the changes within the band and the changes that they were making to the industry and the art form. From the first sounds of George Harrison counting and the funky Paul McCartney bass line, to the sarcastic lyrics buried beneath the standard tight harmonies, this song was the first in a new era of rock and roll.
1. Led Zeppelin "Good Times, Bad Times" from Led Zeppelin I / Black Sabbath "Black Sabbath" from Black Sabbath (TIE) These two songs cannot be separated in my mind. When their respective albums begin, it wasn't too long before critics were covering their ears and fans were pumping their fists. It was the dawn of a new era, and neither band wasted a single moment in making their intentions known. They were here to rock, and they weren't planning on letting anyone escape their power.
There you have it folks, our thoughts on the perfect way to start of an album. Do you agree? Disagree? Have your opinions showcased by sending in your own list!
Plus, don't forget to vote for your favorite author!
Join us back here next week at the 411 Music Clubhouse when we will go in the opposite direction by listing our Top 5 Closing Tracks.
Until next time, make sure you are making a good first impression.
Five favourite opening tracks of mine (in no order):
* Surfing With The Alien - Joe Satriani.
* Angel of Death - Slayer.
* Welcome to the Jungle - Guns n' Roses.
* Ace of Spades - Motorhead.
* Pull Me Under - Dream Theater.
Posted By: WadeMcG (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 04:03 AM
Why do I feel like I just read a deleted scene from High Fidelity?
Posted By: BobbyC (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Jesse made a helluva pick with Singapore. Big in Japan, however, will always be my favorite opening track. Tom Waits > everyone.
Posted By: Hawkeye (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 07:32 AM
No Pearl Jam Once or Go?
Posted By: Guest#6036 (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 08:07 AM
"London Calling"- The Clash
"Wouldn't It Be Nice"- The Beach Boys
"Battery"- Metallica
"Generator"- Bad Religion
"Immigrant Song"- Led Zeppelin
Posted By: Mr. Mountain (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Damn. I thought Hell's Bells by AC/DC was a shoe-in for someone's #1.
Posted By: BJC (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 10:20 AM
"Can't Knock the Hustle" from Reasonable Doubt by the God Emcee Jay-Z. That's at the top of my list. Perfect 90's New York hip-hop, it doesn't get much better than that.
Posted By: Matt (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Daft Punks Discover is still a great cd, every track is a different story, and I agree totally about One more time being a good opening track even though, its out played(at shitty clubs) and danced to badly by way to many people.
Posted By: kinaj (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 11:42 AM
5. Like a Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan from Highway 61 Revisited
4. Purple Haze- Jime Hendrix from Are You Experianced (i know its spelled wrong)
3. In The Flesh?- Pink Floyd from the Wall
2. War Pigs, Black Sabbath from Paranoid
1. Break on Through (To the Other Side)- The Doors from The Doors
Posted By: ClassicRockGeek (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Blackened - Metallica
Posted By: Alan Kay (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Hon. Mention
Korn - Blind, ACDC - Thunderstruck, Rolling Stones - Paint it Black, Led Zeppelin - Black Dog
TOP 5 -
Road House Blues - As good of an opener as Break on Through was for Morrison and Co., Road House Blues was flat out Rock N' Roll. Morrison's voice howling over Ray's furiously dextrous fingers, and Robbie's guitars is the epitome of Rock N' Roll my friends.
Thin Lizzy - JailBreak
I dare any one of you to not want to bust out the old air guitar when this song comes on. Just classic classic Rock N' Roll from a vastly underrated band.
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
From the introductory chords, to Iommi's killer riffs, to Ozzy wailing about witches and war machines, and darkness this song is flat out balls to the wall greatness and the fact that it can hold its own on the same album as paranoid, ironman, and fairies wear boots is a testament in and of itself.
Pantera - Cowboys From Hell
Seriously. If you wanted to get your fucking face melted off, you listened to Pantera. If you had never bought a Pantera album before and you popped in Cowboys from Hell, when the first track spun its way into your speakers you knew you were in fact listening to a guitar forged in the seventh circle and the voice of Hell itself. Cowboys from Hell. Metal Greatness.
Sublime - Garden Grove
Man, where do I start? There has been many a wasted summer day that started out with this very song. Sublime's eclectic mix of rock, punk, reggae, and whatever else is not fit for rhetoric. It simply was. and Garden Grove, is where the party starts.
Posted By: JBone (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I second that guy who said 'Blackened'.
Posted By: Owain J. Brimfield (Registered) on September 02, 2008 at 03:01 PM
1. Welcome to the Jungle - GNR
2. Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
3. Burning Down the House - Talking Heads
4. Let's Go Crazy - Prince
5. London Calling - The Clash
Honerable Mention for Delia's Gone by Johnny Cash...
None of those made the lists huh?
*craps on lists*
Posted By: Guest#1821 (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 03:10 PM
5. Upon The Grave Of Guilt - Falconer. From their debut album in 2001, this track is number five on my list because it gives the listener a perfect sense of what to expect from the band. From Stefan Weinerhall's sophisticated and soulful riff to the majestic and almost heavenly voice of vocalist Mathias Blad, this track establishes what the band is about and what it will present it's listeners with. Can't ask for more than that of an opener.
4. Angel Of Death - Slayer. HOLY. SHIT. Words cannot describe just how furiously ferocious this track really is. It's the equivalent to being punched in the groin, however, the difference is that unlike in real life, you like the feeling and want to be punched there again. This is the track that made the world sit up and pay attention to Slayer. This is, without a doubt, their greatest track. Everything that Slayer is about is featured on this track. It's absolute insanity, and i love it.
3. Rebellion In Dreamland - Gamma Ray. Gamma Ray's greatest track on their greatest album. With the depature of Ralf Scheepers in 1993, fans of the band wondered if the band would sound even remotely the same or even remotely as good. Well, their prayers were answered. From the beautiful acoustic opening introducing us to Kai Hansen's beautiful voice to the unbelievably powerful fist pumping chorus, this track solidified Gamma Ray's position as the leaders in the power metal genre. While they may have lost a bit of their magic in recent years, this track is a reminder of just how amnazing a band they were and how influential they were on an entire genre of music. Amazing.
2. Painkiller - Judas Priest. After the abomination that was Turbo and the feeling of uninspiration that came from Ram It Down, Judas Priest were quickly slipping down the ladder of metal's elite. Then came the Painkiller album in 1990. For one brief glorious moment, Priest was back on top of the metal world. From Halford's awe inspiring, spine chilling screams to open the song to the mind numbingly powerful drumming from newcomer Scott Travis, this track grabbed metal fans by the neck and said "WE ARE JUDAS PRIEST. WE ARE BACK." The power of this track can't be described. A classic track that remains in their set list to this day. Unfortunately, Halford left the band after this album, and they've never been able to recapture the magic of the Painkiller album.
1. Neon Knights - Black Sabbath. Ozzy Who? From the classic and legendary Heaven & Hell album, this track comes blasting out of your speakers and hits you in the head like a ton of bricks....and you beg for more. Dio's voice soars like an angel's, Iommi busts out one of his best riffs of all time and Geezer pounds the bass like a madman. This track proved that Sabbath was always more than Ozzy.
Posted By: Geordie Angus (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 03:36 PM
No Sgt Peppers? Come onnnn.
Posted By: Tyler (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Actually, to the guy 3 or 4 up, welcome to the jungle did make the list
Posted By: John (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 04:09 PM
oh, white people. It's good to see that the legacy of black american music fuels opinions but actual black american music knowledge is as gone as Bristol Palin's v-card.
Posted By: Guest#5416 (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Good lord you boys like your metal.
But isn't this greatest opening tracks? Not your favourite opening track.
Posted By: Carl Amari (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Queen - We Will Rock You, News of the World
Oasis - Rock and Roll Star, Definitely Maybe
Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA, Born in the USA
Alice in Chains - Grind, Alice in Chains
Guns N Roses - Welcome to the Jungle, Appetite for Destruction
Guns
Posted By: Mav (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 05:24 PM
5. In the Presence of enemies , Pt. 1 Dream Theater
4. Blind, Korn
3. Davidian, Machine Head
2. Cowboys from Hell, Pantera
1. Battery, Metallica
Posted By: Metalhead (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Pull Me Under by Dream Theater was an awesome opener.
Posted By: Mr. C. (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Smells Like Teen Spirit anyone?
Posted By: Jcon (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 05:55 PM
My 5 Favorite Opening Tracks (in no order):
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Beatles - Sgt. Peppers Lonely heart club band/ With a little help from my friends.
Guns and Roses - Welcome to the Jungle
Led Zepplin - Whole Lotta Love
Rolling Stones - Gimmie Shelter
I have a classic rock bias, as you may notice.
Posted By: guest (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 06:20 PM
In response to the black music and white music.
Music has no color, it's sound, preference, and opinion.
Posted By: Metalhead (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I'm with the guy above, I though Hells Bells was an absolute shoe-in.
These lists don't seem to set a criteria for "greatest". You have to factor in success and influence along with personal opinion....
Posted By: Mike (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 06:30 PM
5. Blackened (Metallica,...And Justice For All)- A fast opener to an album that includes two 7+ epics (One,...And Justice For All)
4. Back In Black (ACDC, Back In Black)- The title track that introduces us to the new sound of Brian Johnston.
3. All My Life (Foo Fighters, One By One)- A hard angry track that gets everyone into the album.
2. Even Flow (Pearl Jam, Ten)- A grungy opener to a brilliant album.
1. Smells Like teen Spirit (Nirvana, Nevrmind)- I'm shocked nobody had this one. This is the song of the 90s and ius arguably Nirvanas best (though my favorite is All Apologies). This is an awesome opener that leads into another great hard track (In Bloom) before getting quiet (Come As You Are.) Just a great flow to that entire album.
Posted By: Bobby (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Holy Wars... The Punishment Due? Anybody?
Posted By: Jay (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Hexagram by Deftones is definitely on my short list. That track hits and you instantly knew you were in for a heck of a ride.
Posted By: Jeremy (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 10:24 PM
A few of my favorites...
*Iced Earth "Burning Times" (Something Wicked This Way Comes)
*Opeth "Windowpane" (Damnation)
*Flaw "Only The Strong" (Through the Eyes)
*Testament "D.N.R" (The Gathering)
*Oasis "D'you Know What I Mean" (Be Here Now)
Posted By: Steve307 (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Bobby, the opener for Ten was "Once", and the opener for Back in Black was "Hell's Bells". You should probably get your facts straight before you post, so as not to make yourself look like a jackass.
Posted By: JBone (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 11:56 PM
No "Thunder Road" on this list, that's bullshit.
Posted By: JB (Guest) on September 03, 2008 at 12:17 AM
5) Megadeth - Holy Wars (Rust In Peace)
4) Dinosaur Jr. - Little Fury Things (You're Living All Over Me)
3) Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock (Siamese Dream)
2) Iron Maiden - Prowler (Iron Maiden)
1) Hells Bells - AC/DC (Back In Black)
Hells Bells leads off too many of my CD mixes for my car.
Posted By: Soy (Registered) on September 03, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Go Figure nothing about hip hop. you guys should change the name of the music section to the rock n roll section cuz all you cover is rock. Im sorry but pink floyd sucks balls.
Posted By: SYC (Guest) on September 03, 2008 at 12:44 AM
1. Talking Heads - More Songs About Buildings and Food - "Thank you for sending me an angel" ---- literally the only cut on that album that didn't have a better version on "Stop Making Sense" which is a huge accomplishment.
2. Elvis Costello - My Aim is True - "Welcome to the working week" -- Costello is written off by many as arty or pretentious, but in reality he is the best songwriter since Bacharach. This whole album is made of fantastic 2:30 pop songs, and it is amazing he never got the commercial success that such pure pop songs deserve.
3. Thomas Dolby - The Flat Earth - "Dissidents"/"Flat Earth"/"Screen Kiss" --- Though viewed as a novelty by many, Dolby's album following the success of "blinded me with science" is one of the best of the 80s. The three song cycle leading off the album is simply fantastic, encompassing a paranoiac tale of dissidence, a surprising and disarming R&B track, and an ethereal look at depression and "suicide in the hills above old hollywood". Stunning.
4. The Beatles - Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band- Seriously, how could no one mention this iconic lead off.
5. Dire Straits - "Down to the Waterline" --- I can't say enough good things about Dire Straits. This whole first album was their greatest, and this track really set the mood. "Your hands are cold, but your lips are warm"
Posted By: Matt (Guest) on September 03, 2008 at 02:38 AM
While I definitely have some opinions on my favorite closing tracks, I'll hold until next week.
In the meantime, here are my favorite opening tracks
5: Mama--Genesis: Quite different from the rest of the list, this is an absolutely blistering tune that really captured how awesome the band could be.
4: Hellion/Electric Eye--Judas Priest: Starting off with a cool instrumental intro, Priest slams into the song proper with one of their most memorable riffs ever.
3: Rush--Big Money: I was tempted to go with the classic route, but IMO, this is my favorite opening track. It's loud and in-your-face and quite a different sound that what Rush has done before or since.
2: Aces High--Iron Maiden: Although the live version is better because of the Winston Churchill intro, this is still a pretty slamming opening tune for one of the band's best numbers. While I'm at it, i also want to give some love for Caught Somewhere in Time and Moonchild, both of which are also excellent openers.
1: Battery--Metallica: Metallica never was better than Master of Puppets, and this was the epitome of it.
Special mention goes to the following tracks:
Light and Space--Threshold: If you like prog music without the excessive wankery of bands like Dream Theater, you owe it to yourself to pick up Hypthetical. The opening track alone makes it worthwhile.
24 Hours Ago--Savatage: An incredible tour-de-force that began the transition from Savatage's metal days to the more mainstream TSO of today.
Lights and Thunder--White Lion: Make no mistake: this is an epic song from a band I didn't believe could put out epic tunes. Quite the surprise.
Posted By: Michael L (Guest) on September 03, 2008 at 04:08 AM
Hey, you picked the topic and didn't say there was a limit on the honorable mentions. You're lucky because I COULD have hit the triple digits. What I wrote down came in about the first ten minutes I thought about it and then I told myself to stop. And trust me, there were plenty I thought about afterwards I could have added. Sucks being an OCD musical encyclopedia.
Posted By: Dan Halen (Registered) on September 03, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Yep I did make a mistake. Thank you for correcting me though i dont thank you for being such a dick about it.
Posted By: Bobby (Guest) on September 03, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Teenage Riot - Sonic Youth
Rocks Off - Rolling Stones
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Alone Again Or - Love
Break On Through - the Doors
Posted By: jasonel (Guest) on September 04, 2008 at 04:10 AM
Great choices, no doubt. Here are my personal 5 favorite openers...in no particular order.
1. Van Halen - "The Seventh Seal" from Balance, 1995
2. Metallica - "Blackened" from ...And Justice for All, 1988
3. Living Colour - "Cult of Personality" from Vivid, 1988
4. Rush - "2112" from 2112, 1976
5. The Who - "Baba O'Reilly" from Who's Next, 1971
Posted By: Mr Miller (Guest) on September 04, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Another really really good one is Be In by the Dandy Warhols. What a fantastic way for an album to start.
Posted By: Hawkeye (Guest) on September 04, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I just thought of a few more great openers:
* Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough -Michael Jackson (Off The Wall).
* Carry on Wayward Son - Kansas (Leftoverture).
* American Pie - Don Mclean (American Pie).
* Roadhouse Blues - The Doors (Morrison Hotel).
* Live Wire - Motley Crue (Too Fast For Love).
* Controversy - Prince (Controversy).
* Freewheel Burning - Judas Priest (Defenders of the Faith).
"Go Figure nothing about hip hop. you guys should change the name of the music section to the rock n roll section cuz all you cover is rock. Im sorry but pink floyd sucks balls. "
Quite frankly, I haven't given a flying fuck about hip hop since the likes of White Lines (Don't Don't Do It) or The Message. Present day hip hop does not begin to come close to those two songs.
Posted By: WadeMcG (Guest) on September 05, 2008 at 03:27 AM
You people are crazy to have not mentioned.......
RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL from Van Halen's self titled debut
Posted By: Donnie Brasco (Guest) on September 05, 2008 at 11:21 AM
oh, white people. It's good to see that the legacy of black american music fuels opinions but actual black american music knowledge is as gone as Bristol Palin's v-card.
Posted By: Guest#5416 (Guest) on September 02, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Wow your opinion is awful. Just... awful. Get a new one. Oh wait, maybe that's because black people music SUCKS.
Posted By: Killface (Guest) on September 06, 2008 at 09:57 AM
