Thanks to NPR’s “All Songs Considered” blog, I’ve been inspired to post again. Here, in no particular order, are my 14 favorite album opening tracks. (Why 14? Because 10 wasn’t nearly enough, but I couldn’t think of a legitimate No. 15)
“Jimmy James” - Beastie Boys, from the album Check Your Head
“This next one…is the first song…on our new album” – and hence began one of the most influential albums of my youth. Just a killer opening track.
“6’1″” - Liz Phair, from Exile in Guyville
People say some opening cuts are “game changers.” They change your expectations of that artist, or a genre, or the entire musical landscape. This song was a game changer on a game-changing album, in so many ways.
“Honey” – Moby, from Play
Stunning - from an album that stunned many, including me.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” – Oasis, from Definitely Maybe
Has there ever – EVER – been a more appropriate first song on a band’s first album?
“Jackson Cannery” – Ben Folds Five, from Ben Folds Five
Again, one of those songs that hit me square between the eyes. It was like nothing else at the time. Love at first listen.
“Big Exit” - PJ Harvey, from Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea
An anthemic opener on a gorgeous album.
“Torch Singer” – Buffalo Tom, from Big Red Letter Day
One of those songs that lets me know within the first few chords, “Oh, I’m gonna love this band. I don’t even need to hear the rest.”
“Mojo Pin” – Jeff Buckley, from Grace
A perfect introduction to this amazing artist and his perfect album.
“Trying to Tell You I Don’t Know” - Freedy Johnston, from Can You Fly
See “Torch Singer” comment above.
“I Will Dare” – Replacements, from Let It Be
In my book, this song is beyond words. I’ve already wasted too many.
“Begin the Begin” – R.E.M., from Life’s Rich Pageant
Some opening songs ease you into an album. Others, such as this one, plunge you head-first. From Peter Buck’s opening riff, right on through Michael Stipe’s closing lyrics (“A philanderer’s tie, a murderer’s shoe/Let’s begin again, begin the begin/Let’s begin again”), you’ve been put on notice with this opener.
“Radio Free Europe” – R.E.M., from Murmur
R.E.M. seemed to put the world on notice with this song, the lead track on their debut album.
“Misunderstood” - Wilco, from Being There
Game. Changer. Wilco’s not your standard country-rock band, folks.
“I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” - Wilco, from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco’s not your standard band, folks.
