3 Album Openers That Waved in a New Era for Rock Icons

Not every new album is a completely new venture for a band. At times, they are nothing more than a new collection of music with very similar themes and sounds to their previous effort. Then, there are times when an album comes out of left field. These records completely change a group’s trajectory, jump-starting a new era. The three rock album openers below all helped bands change course. These songs were completely different from what had come before.

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“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones

It’s impossible not to feel like you’re entering into new territory with The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.” Decades after its release, this song still feels as fresh and innovative as it did the very first time people heard it.

This era-defining track opened up The Stones’ Let It Bleed. This song and the accompanying album took The Stones from blues-rock heavyweights to artists in their own, unique category. It completely rewrote The Stones’ legacy, but more importantly, it rerouted rock for the better.

“Where The Streets Have No Name” by U2

U2’s The Joshua Tree is steeped in American mythos. For an Irish band, U2 encapsulated the cinematic scenery of the American West perfectly. While every song on this record helps to paint that picture, “Where The Streets Have No Name” draws the curtain back, instantly letting the listener know they are in for something completely new.

This song doesn’t give the listener instant gratification. In fact, it takes quite a while for the track to ramp up. That extended intro gives this song—and, by extension, the album—scale. It’s the perfect opening number for an album as grandiose as this.

“Hell’s Bells” by AC/DC

Back In Black was the first AC/DC album without their founding frontman, Bon Scott. Creating this record was always going to be tricky. Fans were attempting to muddle through the loss of this rock giant, and his bandmates were certainly hit hard. Being able to replace a frontman as distinctive as Scott was tricky to say the least.

Nevertheless, AC/DC managed to create a record so undeniable that fans had no choice but to get on board. Back In Black became their comeback record, with “Hell’s Bells” opening up the album. A tribute to Scott, this song was the perfect transitional track for AC/DC’s new era.

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