What's the best opening track of an album?

[twojman]

Detroit Rock City on the Destroyer album...KISS.

 

[Turn2]

I think by this point everyone has listed their favorite band/album. There's a reason the hit leads it off.

Think You Have a Hit? Make Sure It's the First Song on Your Album

In the age of Apple Music and Spotify, artists make sure to lead with the hits

www.rollingstone.com

 

[JP4CY]

If I've missed it, I apologize. I'll throw a vote out there for Audioslave on their self titled album, Cochise.

Audioslave rocked.

 

[algonacy]

I think a first track on an album is so important and there are many great examples (as listed by others) but the one that stands out for me is going to be a "cheat" in this category. In my mind, the side 2 of AC/DC's Back in Black was really side 1. The lead-in song of Back in Black is the perfect juxtaposition of introducing Brian Johnson as the new lead vocalist after the death of Bon Scott. Then that leads into 4 of the greatest rock songs of all time. I think they made a political choice to switch side 1 and side 2, but to me side 2 of Back in Black is one of the greatest sides of a vinyl album of all time and when I play the album I always start with side 2 (which in my mind is really side 1).

 

[jcyclonee]

Thunder Road, Born to Run, Boss, not even close.

I'm only a minor Springsteen fan but this is the one that jumps out to me. I don't know if there's another song that causes me to actually visualize the lyrics like Thunder Road.

 

[t-noah]

I think a first track on an album is so important and there are many great examples (as listed by others) but the one that stands out for me is going to be a "cheat" in this category. In my mind, the side 2 of AC/DC's Back in Black was really side 1. The lead-in song of Back in Black is the perfect juxtaposition of introducing Brian Johnson as the new lead vocalist after the death of Bon Scott. Then that leads into 4 of the greatest rock songs of all time. I think they made a political choice to switch side 1 and side 2, but to me side 2 of Back in Black is one of the greatest sides of a vinyl album of all time and when I play the album I always start with side 2 (which in my mind is really side 1).

Here you go. And you are right, side 2 is way a little better?

 

[DavidR4isu]

Great tune for while you’re driving. Careful you don’t get a ticket.



Technically 3 tracks but they have to be listened to together.

 

[t-noah]

I think a first track on an album is so important and there are many great examples (as listed by others) but the one that stands out for me is going to be a "cheat" in this category. In my mind, the side 2 of AC/DC's Back in Black was really side 1. The lead-in song of Back in Black is the perfect juxtaposition of introducing Brian Johnson as the new lead vocalist after the death of Bon Scott. Then that leads into 4 of the greatest rock songs of all time. I think they made a political choice to switch side 1 and side 2, but to me side 2 of Back in Black is one of the greatest sides of a vinyl album of all time and when I play the album I always start with side 2 (which in my mind is really side 1).

And listening to AC/DC some, the replacement singer, Malcolm Johnson is very good and fits well w/ the band. However, Bon Scott was a one of a kind singer and front man. He died far too young, in 1980. He had so much more to give.

 

[t-noah]

And speaking of Bon Scott, here is a really cool background story about him, and how he became lead singer for AC/DC.

 

[t-noah]

Interesting history on this 'album from 1967' finally released in 2004!

Smile (The Beach Boys album) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org