The opening song on an album sets the tone for everything to follow. They can make you want to mosh, captivate with a pivot in sound, or induce enough introspection to send you on a journey when that first note hits. Either way, it’s an important impression that can make or break a record, especially in the age of streaming. With this in mind, we asked our readers to call out the best album opening songs of all time. Their answers certainly didn’t disappoint, sending us back in time to the ’90s, early 2000s, and 2010s. Find the top fan picks ranked below.
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5. Fall Out Boy – “Thriller”
From the moment Jay-Z appeared in the spoken-word intro, it was clear that Fall Out Boy were operating on an entirely different level. Though they transition into a breakdown (one of the heavier moments in their catalog), Infinity On High’s opening song, “Thriller,” saw the band traveling further and further away from their pop-punk roots. Instead, Fall Out Boy embraced tightly crafted pop arrangements, which suited Patrick Stump’s soaring vocals. The rest of Infinity On High is a feat, featuring experimental turns (the use of horns, violins, and pianos) and genre pivots (R&B and soul) that showcased a brand-new side of Fall Out Boy.
4. blink-182 – “Anthem Part Two”
A sequel to Enema’s “Anthem,” the first track on Take Off Your Pants and Jacket displayed a far more serious side to blink-182. The aptly titled “Anthem Part Two” railed against the damage brought upon teenagers due to decisions made by lawmakers, parents, and corporate leaders, summed up succintly in its chorus: “If we’re fucked up, you’re to blame.” Simply put, it’s one of the greats from TOYPAJ, starting off their 2001 LP in the best way possible.
3. A Day to Remember – “The Downfall of Us All”
Over the years, A Day to Remember haven’t felt beholden to any particular genre, continuing to shift their sound to suit their interests. The result is heavy versatility, particularly on their 2009 album Homesick. “Iconic” is increasingly overused in the writing world, but its opening song, “The Downfall of Us All,” is just that. Featuring gnarly breakdowns, a poignant chorus, and an instantly memorable introduction (dada-dada-dada…), this is an album opener that goes far beyond high school nostalgia.
2. blink-182 – “Dumpweed”
blink-182 have such strong album openers that they made this list twice. In fact, Tom DeLonge gave “Dumpweed” a distinct description in the 2016 documentary The Pursuit of Tone: “[It’s] probably the best opener we’ve ever had.” Our readers agree, holding a fair amount of nostalgia for Enema of the State. After all, the record sent blink into the stratosphere, making them ubiquitous on radio and MTV. Sure, “Dumpweed” is juvenile and controversial, but those buoyant punk hooks are just supreme. In terms of great album opening songs, it’s definitely up there with “Burnout” and “Linoleum.”
1. My Chemical Romance – “The End.”
It’s difficult to exaggerate The Black Parade’s effect on alternative culture when it released toward the end of 2006, so it’s no surprise that “The End.” snagged the top spot. From those famous opening notes, it’s clear that listeners are about to embark on a journey of theatrical highs and lows. My Chemical Romance vocalist Gerard Way has said just as much, explaining that while they were working on the song, the band realized they were making a massive concept album (even wanting it to resemble Pink Floyd’s The Wall song “In The Flesh?,” which says a lot about the vision). Now, come one, come all to this tragic affair…