17 Best Intro Songs: Killer Intro Tunes
Get ready to amp up your sets with these “17 Best Intro Songs” that are sure to ignite any crowd.
From iconic rock anthems to unforgettable classics, these tracks will not only kick off your sets with a bang, but also help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Dive in and let the music guide you!
Here are the best intro songs that you can check out.
List Of Best Intro Songs
Best intro songs in a list format:
1. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses
Author: Guns N’ Roses Album: Appetite for Destruction (1987)
“Welcome to the Jungle” is an energetic and iconic rock song that perfectly introduces Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The raw power and wild intensity of the song sets the tone for the entire album.
2. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
Author: Nirvana Album: Nevermind (1991)
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is the grunge anthem that propelled Nirvana into the mainstream. This explosive track captures the spirit of the early 90s alternative rock scene and remains one of the most recognizable and influential songs in rock history.
3. “Come Together” by The Beatles
Author: The Beatles Album: Abbey Road (1969)
“Come Together” is a groovy, bluesy track that kicks off The Beatles’ classic album, Abbey Road. The song features memorable bass lines and distinctive vocals, showcasing the band’s versatility and songwriting prowess.
4. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince
Author: Prince Album: Purple Rain (1984)
“Let’s Go Crazy” is an electrifying, upbeat song that starts off Prince’s legendary album, Purple Rain. With its infectious energy and unforgettable guitar solos, the track sets the stage for an album filled with emotion, passion, and creativity.
5. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Author: AC/DC Album: The Razors Edge (1990)
“Thunderstruck” is a high-voltage rock anthem that opens AC/DC’s The Razors Edge album. The song’s iconic guitar riff and powerful vocals create an unforgettable atmosphere, making it a quintessential intro song.
6. “My Name Is” by Eminem
Author: Eminem Album: The Slim Shady LP (1999)
“My Name Is” is the first track on Eminem’s groundbreaking album, The Slim Shady LP. With its catchy hook and controversial lyrics, the song instantly captures the listener’s attention and perfectly introduces Eminem’s unique persona.
7. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
Author: Bob Dylan Album: Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
“Like a Rolling Stone” is a poetic and powerful song that opens Bob Dylan’s celebrated album, Highway 61 Revisited. The song’s thought-provoking lyrics and unforgettable organ riff make it a classic introduction to a seminal album.
8. “Debaser” by Pixies
Author: Pixies Album: Doolittle (1989)
“Debaser” is a dynamic and energetic track that kicks off the Pixies’ influential album, Doolittle. The song’s catchy melody and unconventional lyrics showcase the band’s unique style, setting the stage for an innovative and memorable album.
9. “Good Times Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin
Author: Led Zeppelin Album: Led Zeppelin (1969)
“Good Times Bad Times” is the opening track of Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs create an exciting introduction to one of rock’s most legendary bands.
10. “Once” by Pearl Jam
Author: Pearl Jam Album: Ten (1991)
“Once” is the gripping opener of Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten. The song’s raw energy and emotional intensity set the tone for the rest of the album, showcasing the band’s talent and passion.
11. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin
Author: Led Zeppelin Album: Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
“Black Dog” is a classic rock track that opens Led Zeppelin’s iconic fourth album, Led Zeppelin IV. The song features a captivating riff and powerful vocals, making it an excellent introduction to an album filled with memorable and influential tracks.
12. “London Calling” by The Clash
Author: The Clash Album: London Calling (1979)
“London Calling” is the title track and opener of The Clash’s influential double album. This song combines punk energy with reggae influences and thought-provoking lyrics, creating a distinctive sound that defines the band’s style.
13. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Author: The White Stripes Album: Elephant (2003)
“Seven Nation Army” is the opening track of The White Stripes’ fourth album, Elephant. The song’s iconic guitar riff and catchy melody make it an unforgettable intro that sets the stage for the rest of the album.
14. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who
Author: The Who Album: Who’s Next (1971)
“Baba O’Riley” is the opening track on The Who’s classic album, Who’s Next. The song’s innovative use of synthesizers and powerful guitar chords create an unforgettable sound that has made it one of the band’s most popular songs.
15. “In the Flesh?” by Pink Floyd
Author: Pink Floyd Album: The Wall (1979)
“In the Flesh?” is the dramatic and theatrical opener of Pink Floyd’s ambitious concept album, The Wall. The song’s intense build-up and powerful instrumentation set the stage for the rest of the album’s exploration of isolation and personal struggles.
16. “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie
Author: David Bowie Album: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
“Ziggy Stardust” is the title track and opening song on David Bowie’s groundbreaking album. The song introduces the character of Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous rock star, and sets the tone for the album’s exploration of fame, identity, and self-expression.
17. “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones
Author: The Rolling Stones Album: Let It Bleed (1969)
“Gimme Shelter” is the powerful opening track of The Rolling Stones’ classic album, Let It Bleed. The song’s haunting vocals and intense lyrics create a captivating atmosphere that draws the listener into the band’s world of raw emotion and rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Fun Facts: Best Intro Songs
Fun Fact 1: “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was inspired by a piece of graffiti that Kurt Cobain’s friend, Kathleen Hanna, wrote on his wall. She scribbled, “Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit,” referring to a deodorant brand popular among teenage girls at the time, but Cobain interpreted the phrase as a rebellious, anarchic slogan.
Fun Fact 2: “Come Together”
“Come Together” was originally written by John Lennon as a campaign song for Timothy Leary, who was running for governor of California against Ronald Reagan. However, Leary’s campaign was cut short when he was arrested for drug possession, so the song was later repurposed for The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.
Fun Fact 3: “Thunderstruck”
AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” has become a popular sports anthem around the world. The song is often played at stadiums and arenas to pump up the crowd during high-energy moments in games, making it a favorite among fans and athletes alike.
Fun Fact 4: “Like a Rolling Stone”
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” was initially a ten-page piece of verse before it was trimmed down to create the song we know today. When it was released as a single in 1965, it was considered unusually long for a pop song, with a runtime of over six minutes.
Fun Fact 5: “Baba O’Riley”
“Baba O’Riley” was inspired by two of Pete Townshend’s influences: Indian spiritual leader Meher Baba and minimalist composer Terry Riley. The song’s famous opening synthesizer loop was created using an early synthesizer called the Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 organ, which was fed into a custom-built sequencing device.
And there you have it, folks!
These 17 epic intro songs are guaranteed to kick-start any DJ set and captivate your audience.
As you continue your journey to become a skilled DJ, remember that great music always speaks for itself. So, keep exploring, stay inspired, and most importantly, have a blast while you’re at it. Happy spinning!
Thanks for reading.
TBone