Lovely Western music

[Grabs Your Heart] A Compilation of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2025]

Freelance music writerTakashi Hoshino
I’m Takashi Hoshino, a freelance writer currently juggling work with parenting. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years since I first picked it up when I started high school, and I’m still active in a band today. Ever since I began playing, I’ve been drawn to hard rock and heavy metal, and I enjoy intense music, whether Japanese or Western. At the same time, I keep in mind something I was told long ago: “If you want to play rock, you should know more than just rock!” With that in my heart, I make a point of listening to a wide range of genres every day. My experience as a writer is still growing, but I’ll keep working hard to recommend all kinds of music to as many people as possible!
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

What makes a song “good” varies from listener to listener, but many music lovers pay particular attention to how much the intro—the gateway into the track—pulls them in.

When we think of classic hits from years past, it’s often the memorable intro phrases that pop into our heads first, isn’t it?

In this article, we’ve rounded up famous intros from Western music that captivate listeners right from the start.

Articles like this tend to focus only on golden oldies, but here we’ve highlighted more recent releases across genres in the first half, and introduced classic masterpieces in the latter half and beyond, so listeners of all generations can enjoy it!

[Captivating] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2025] (11–20)

Colorado BulldogMr. BIG

Paul Gilbert with Mr. Big – Colorado Bulldog – Live in Japan 1993

Colorado BulldogMr. BIG

A song by the American rock band Mr.

Big.

Featured on their third album, Bump Ahead, this track stunned listeners from the very first notes—an intro that could only be born from the band’s overwhelming musicianship.

Its aggressive guitar riffs, jazzy bass lines, and technical drumming set crowds ablaze at live shows.

The fusion with the soulful vocals on top creates a sound that only Mr.

Big could produce.

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GloryDizzy Mizz Lizzy

Glory (2010 Digital Remaster)

GloryDizzy Mizz Lizzy

The Danish alternative rock band Dizzy Mizz Lizzy is known for its powerful guitar sound and memorable melodies.

This track, included on their 1994 debut album Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, stands out with energetic guitar work and strong vocals.

It’s also a fan favorite live, having been performed at their Tokyo show in 2023.

A powerful song that’s irresistible for fans of ’90s rock.

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Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)Journey

Journey – Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Official HD Video – 1983)

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)Journey

Songs by the American rock band Journey are characterized by emotional choruses and catchy synth riffs.

Released in February 1983 as the lead single from the album Frontiers, it reached No.

8 on the U.

S.

Billboard charts.

In Japan, it’s often used in combat sports and variety shows, so it’s likely well known across a wide range of generations.

With its powerful sound and memorable melody, it’s a track that really stays with you.

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Kill The KingRainbow

Kill The King

Kill The KingRainbow

A monumental hard rock classic that grabs your ears from the intro.

Known as one of Rainbow’s signature songs, this track was included on the 1978 album Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The heavy, overwhelming sound woven by Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar riffs and solos, Cozy Powell’s thunderous, breakneck drumming, and Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals is truly stunning.

An energetic, hard-hitting number that every rock fan should hear at least once.

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Carry OnAngra

Angra – Carry On (Official)

Carry OnAngra

The song included on Angra’s first album, Angels Cry, by the Brazilian power metal band, is a melodious track that incorporates classical elements.

Released in 1993, it begins with a thrilling introductory guitar riff, and its exhilarating sound—woven from powerful vocals and virtuosic performances—captivated many metal fans.

Featuring high-register vocals and a catchy melodic line, this piece remains one of Angra’s signature songs and continues to enjoy great popularity.

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Rising ForceYNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCE

Rising Force

Rising ForceYNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE

In Japan, Yngwie Malmsteen—hailed as the “king,” the Swedish-born virtuoso—leads the band Yngwie J.

Malmsteen’s Rising Force.

The track released in 1988 is distinguished by advanced techniques and rapid-fire playing that incorporate elements of classical music.

The interplay between guitar and keyboards leaves a deep impression.

Included on the album Odyssey, this song helped define neoclassical metal and is recommended not only for metal fans but also for lovers of classical music.

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Gripping the Heart: A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2025] (21–30)

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana

With that one intro alone, it changed the music scene from the ’90s onward.

As you’ll see if you try to copy it, despite its terrifyingly simple and rough chord progression, it became a song etched into history thanks to Kurt Cobain’s genius songwriting sense and vocals, backed by an unshakable rhythm section.

It’s so famous that if you play this phrase while trying out gear at a music shop, you’re guaranteed to draw someone’s attention—so be warned.

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