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Wednesday, Sep 25 2024, 7AM
#360 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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See this much-loved band playing live in the KEXP studio in 2013: blog.kexp.org
This is the title track of The Waterboys fourth and best-selling album, released in 1988.
www.mikescottwaterboys.com
#359 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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One reviewer wrote about this album at the time of its release in 2008: "Dear Science, TV on the Radio’s follow-up to 2006’s Return to Cookie Mountain—a dense and textural album with an optimistic core—is catchier, but thornier than its predecessor." Read more here: tinyurl.com
#357 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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Leonard Cohen is a poet, novelist, and musician from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
www.leonardcohen.com
#356 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Blew" by Nirvana, from the album 'Bleach,' serves as a raw and powerful opening track that sets the tone for the band's gritty sound. The song features intense vocals from Kurt Cobain, expressing feelings of alienation and frustration. Its heavy instrumentation and dynamic shifts capture the essence of early grunge, showcasing the band's signature blend of melody and aggression. A standout in the countdown of greatest album opening tracks.
www.youtube.com
#355 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Help I'm Alive" by Metric, from the album ‘Fantasies’, is an opening track that immediately grabs attention with its pulsating beats and driving synths, reflecting the band's signature sound while setting a compelling tone for the rest of the album. Emily Haines' distinctive vocals conveying both urgency and vulnerability.
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Check out their Live on KEXP: www.youtube.com
#354 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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The Battle of Los Angeles is the third studio album by Los Angeles-based band Rage Against the Machine, released in 1999.
The song's lyrics notably make reference to George Orwell's novel 1984 through use of "The Party" slogan "Who controls the past (now), controls the future. Who controls the present (now), controls the past."
-www.ratm.com
#353 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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The song includes dialogue samples from R. Lee Ermey's drill instructor character in Full Metal Jacket.
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Watch a live performance of "Thieves": www.youtube.com
#352 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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The Cars' second album 'Candy-O,' had "Let's Go" as it’s the opening track due to its energetic blend of synth-pop and rock. Its infectious hook and upbeat tempo make it an ideal album opener. The track showcases Ric Ocasek's clever songwriting and Benjamin Orr's smooth vocals, creating an irresistible blend of cool detachment and playful energy.
www.youtube.com
#351 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Needle in the Camel’s Eye" is the kind of track that instantly grabs you with its energy—it's chaotic, raw, and completely irresistible. Brian Eno’s groundbreaking solo debut, 'Here Come the Warm Jets' opens with this frenetic, almost hypnotic burst of sound that feels like a perfect introduction to the experimental, genre-bending nature of the album. The layers of fuzzy guitars and relentless rhythm pull you in, while Eno’s abstract vocals float above the noise, making it feel like a song that’s both grounded and otherworldly at the same time. It’s no surprise it made KEXP’s countdown of greatest album opening tracks, voted on by fans who appreciate its strange, magnetic pull. It’s the kind of opener that sets the tone for the unexpected and makes you eager for what’s next.
#350 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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Echo and the Bunnymen’s “The Cutter” from Porcupine is one of those songs that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go. With its jagged guitar riff and Ian McCulloch’s haunting vocals, it captures a perfect mix of darkness and urgency that feels both cinematic and raw.
www.kexp.org
#349 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Out There" by Dinosaur Jr bursts onto Where You Been with that classic mix of searing guitars and raw, emotive energy that feels both cathartic and chaotic. J Mascis’ vocals, distant yet full of feeling, capture the essence of searching for something just out of reach. It’s the kind of track that pulls you in, balancing heaviness with melody, and reminds you why Dinosaur Jr continues to resonate with fans. There's no surprise it made it onto KEXP's countdown of greatest opening tracks—it's an unforgettable way to kick off an album.
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Dinosaur Jr’s stopping by Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on Oct. 4th during their tour opening for Weezer with the The Flaming Lips.
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Watch Dinosaur Jr. play Live on KEXP in 2011, featuring an interview by Henry Rollins: youtu.be
#348 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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“Who Loves the Sun” is one of those deceptively sunny songs that catches you off guard with its melancholic undertones. The Velvet Underground's stripped-back, almost playful delivery contrasts with the sadness of the lyrics, making it the perfect bittersweet opener to Loaded. There’s something about the way it balances brightness and heartbreak that resonates deeply—like it’s asking you to sit with both feelings at once. That juxtaposition has always stuck with me, which is probably why it got my vote on KEXP’s countdown.
www.youtube.com
#347 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Dreams Never End" is such a striking opener on Movement because it feels like a bridge between Joy Division's shadow and New Order's emerging identity. The bassline is hypnotic, Peter Hook's vocals are raw and haunting, and there's a certain uncertainty in the song that perfectly captures the band's transition. It’s a track that feels both introspective and forward-looking, making it the perfect start to an album that began the band's pursuit towards a more electronic approach.
www.youtube.com
#346 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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“Caribou” by the Pixies is a whirlwind of raw energy and haunting melodies that pulls you right into its chaotic world. The song’s blend of playful yet dark imagery mirrors the dissonance of emotions we all experience, making it feel deeply personal. Its infectious rhythm and surreal lyrics create a sense of urgency that resonates, leaving a lasting impact long after the final notes fade away. It’s no wonder it earned its spot on KEXP’s countdown of the greatest album opening tracks.
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#345 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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“Stereo” by Pavement is a thrilling dive into the band’s signature blend of lo-fi charm and clever lyricism. Its jangly guitars and infectious energy set the stage perfectly, capturing that sense of urgency and spontaneity that defines so much of their music. Listening to it feels like an invitation to embrace the chaos, making it a fitting choice for KEXP's countdown of greatest album opening tracks. Each time it hits, it’s a reminder of why I love the rawness and honesty Pavement brings to the table.
pavementband.com
#344 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Icky Thump" kicks off The White Stripes' album with a jolt of raw, unapologetic energy. Jack White’s gritty guitar riff paired with Meg White’s steady, stomping drums hits you like a freight train. It’s a perfect storm of distorted blues-rock and punk swagger, creating an anthem that sticks with you long after the final note fades. No surprise this track earned a spot on KEXP's countdown of greatest album openers—it’s bold, brash, and leaves you amped for what’s to come.
www.youtube.com
#343 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" kicks off the album with a thunderous blast of energy that captures shame on how America treated its Vietnam veterans. The driving beat and anthemic chorus might sound like a celebration at first, but beneath the surface, the lyrics tell a story of disillusionment and struggle. It's a stark reminder of the complexities of patriotism, wrapped in catchy hooks that invite you to sing along even as they provoke deeper reflection. This track sets the stage perfectly, blending rock and heart with an unmistakable vibe that resonates with listeners, making it an undeniable classic in the KEXP countdown.
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bit.ly brucespringsteen.net
#342 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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“Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil has a pounding beat that reflects the heart behind the lyrics about the indigenous people of Australia forcibly removed to make way for agriculture and mining. Pushing the idea that we can't just sit back and let the world burn around us.
www.mixonline.com
#341 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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New Order has some iconic openers with this being their fourth appearance on the line up. “Love Vigilantes” is a sonic journey that marries a driving bassline with haunting lyrics, creating an atmosphere both euphoric and melancholic. This track captures the essence of a bittersweet longing, perfectly opening the tone for the rest of Low-Life.
www.neworder.com
#340 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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"Godless" by The Dandy Warhols kicks off Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia with an intoxicating blend of swagger and existential pondering. The track’s hypnotic grooves and moody instrumentation draw you in, creating an atmosphere that feels both rebellious and reflective. Lyrically, it navigates the complexities of faith and doubt, resonating with anyone who’s ever questioned their place in the world. It’s the perfect opener—bold and immersive, setting the stage for an album that’s as much about the highs and lows of urban life as it is about the pursuit of authenticity. The way it captures that essence is why it earned a spot in KEXP's countdown; it’s a ride that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
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Check out their Live on KEXP: www.youtube.com
#339 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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This track samples several musical compositions, including the keyboard component of The Who's song "Baba O'Riley," the organ from the introduction to the Deep Purple song "Child in Time," a drum break from Tommy Roe's "Sweet Pea," drums and guitars from a break in Pigmeat Markham's "Here Comes the Judge," a line from The Sugarhill Gang's song "Rapper's Delight" where Big Bank Hank raps "a time to laugh, a time to cry," and a vocal sample from Peter Sellers in Fred Flange's song "You Keep Me Swingin,'" where Sellers talks about "rhythm and melody." -- The official music video for "Rush" displays all the lyrics: www.youtube.com
#338 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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The opening track on The Clash's debut self-titled album! "Janie Jones" was one of the first ever songs by The Clash, written not long after singer Joe Strummer had joined to initially form the band in 1976. The song is named after Janie Jones, a cabaret singer who embodies the essence of punk rock as much as the song. The track feels like a sonic explosion, with its gritty guitar riffs and driving beat diving into the chaotic world of fame and the darker side of the music scene, drawing you in with its catchy chorus while simultaneously delivering a narrative earning itself a spot on KEXP's countdown of greatest album opening tracks.
#337 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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“Band on the Run” by Paul McCartney and Wings opens with a palpable sense of adventure, whisking listeners away on a melodic journey that feels both timeless and invigorating. The blend of soaring harmonies and rhythmic shifts captures the essence of breaking free, a theme that resonates deeply. Its upbeat tempo and layered instrumentation create an uplifting soundscape that perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the album. Being part of KEXP's countdown of greatest album opening tracks feels like a testament to its enduring power and the way it effortlessly invites you to escape into its world.
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#336
"I know that I just need you like I've never done before..." John Lennon said of the title track of The Beatles fifth album: "When ‘Help!’ came out, I was actually crying out for help.": www.beatlesbible.com
You can help KEXP today by donating: www.kexp.org
#335 on the countdown of greatest album opening tracks as voted on by you.
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“Hold My Life” by The Replacements kicks off ‘Tim’ with what feels like a burst of adrenaline, perfectly encapsulating the band’s blend of angst and melody. The lyrics resonate deeply, reflecting a yearning for connection amidst chaos—a sentiment that hits home for anyone navigating life’s ups and downs. The track’s punchy guitars and driving rhythm set the stage for an album that balances vulnerability with an infectious rebellious spirit. It invites you to hold on tight as the ride unfolds, making it a deserving contender in KEXP’s countdown of greatest album opening tracks.
