5 of the Best Rock Album Openers of All Time

Most legendary rock albums don’t open with their best song; the best is often saved for the meat of the record. However, quite a few songs that open up famous rock albums end up becoming fan favorites. Some even rival every other track on their respective albums. Let’s look at just five of the best rock album openers of all time!

1. “Whole Lotta Love” from ‘Led Zeppelin II’

The opener from one of Led Zeppelin’s most legendary albums took on a life of its own back in 1969. In fact, “Whole Lotta Love” showcases one of the most legendary (to this day!) guitar riffs in the history of rock music. The other elements of this song are thrilling to hear for the first time, from its raging howls to its booming drums.

2. “Thunder Road” from ‘Born To Run’

When it comes to the best rock album openers, this one is a little unexpected. “Thunder Road” opens up Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run in a way that can only be described as legendary. It lays out the theme perfectly; few songwriters have mastered the ability to set the “scene” with an opening track quite like Springsteen did with this 1975 hit.

3. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” from ‘Nevermind’

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was Nirvana’s introduction to mainstream rock, and it’s still their most well-known song among non-fans and diehards alike. Released in 1991, Nevermind opens with the band’s chart-topper, and it just seems to work perfectly. The song is a rallying cry that sets the vibe for the rest of the moody, rebellious grunge album.

4. “Purple Haze” from ‘Are You Experienced’

The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Purple Haze” was the song that introduced them to listeners in the US and thus popularized the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix on an international level. It’s an excellent start to one of the greatest debut albums of all time; that guitar riff is simply unforgettable.

5. “Baba O’Riley” from ‘Who’s Next’

No matter if you love hard rock or not, nothing hits like the chorus of “Baba O’Riley” by The Who. It’s still an addictive song today, decades after it was released in 1971. That classic organ sound, the futuristic-yet-classic vibe of the song, the glittering vocals… it can’t be beat. It’s a shame that The Who restrained themselves on this album; “Baba O’Riley” is more or less the most powerful song on Who’s Next.

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