What's the best opening track ever? We asked and listeners responded with roughly 800 picks, posted on our blog and via Twitter.
On this edition of All Songs Considered, we gathered a crew to play the best songs that kick off albums. These are often game-changers, from Frank Sinatra to Gang of Four. Join host Bob Boilen as he chats with Tom Moon, author of 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die, and Monitor Mix blogger Carrie Brownstein as they look at what an opening track can mean.
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Gang of Four
Dusty Springfield
Hear "Just a Little Lovin'" on YouTube.
The Flamin' Groovies
Hear "Shake Some Action" on YouTube.
Judas Priest
Urge Overkill
Hear "Sister Havana" on YouTube.
Miles Davis
Frank Sinatra
Hear "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" on YouTube.
The Rolling Stones
Hear "Gimme Shelter" on YouTube.
Prince & the Revolution
Hear "Let's Go Crazy" on YouTube.
Talking Heads
Hear "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel" on YouTube.
Roxy Music
Hear "The Thrill of It All" on YouTube.
Lou Reed
Hear "I Can't Stand It" on YouTube.
Led Zeppelin
Hear "Immigrant Song" on YouTube.
King Crimson
Hear "21st Century Schizoid Man" on YouTube.
Bob Dylan
