10 banging punk album openers

As a long-time enthusiast of music and someone who’s spent countless hours exploring various genres, I must say this compilation is quite the journey! From the raw energy of street punk to the haunting melodies of cowpunk, it’s clear that these bands have poured their hearts into their craft.

In this piece, we delve into punk rock, but let me briefly touch on baseball before diving deeper. My puzzlement lies in the longstanding tradition of placing your top hitter in the third spot in a baseball lineup. Though I can see why it’s done, I don’t completely agree with it. And it seems that Dave Roberts, manager of the recent World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, shares my sentiment. Roberts strategically positioned Shohei Ohtani as their leadoff hitter due to his exceptional hitting skills. By placing him first, you ensure he gets more opportunities to take swings at the ball.

After getting that out of the way, let’s discuss album introductions. It’s clear that a lot of consideration was given to the arrangement of songs on an album in the past, but perhaps not as much now due to streaming. However, there is still a rationale behind it. And I’m not entirely certain why opening tracks aren’t always the strongest; you want to captivate your audience from the beginning.

A powerful opening track sets the mood, making a commitment to the listener about the experience they’ll have if they choose to listen all the way through the album. The opening song serves as a foundation for the rest of the tracks, and it can be tricky to find the right balance. “You’re No Good” might not have been ideal Van Halen, but it wasn’t a terrible choice for Van Halen II. However, “Running with the Devil” was both an excellent track and a fantastic opening number for their first album. If I were to compile a list of hard rock album openers, I would likely include this one in it.

10 of the best opening songs from punk albums

If you’re curious about my choice of songs for a hip-hop list, rest assured I won’t bring up “Wu-Revolution.” You didn’t ask, but since you’re here for punk music, let’s dive right into it! Punk songs it is!

I’d say: “Among my favorites, ‘London Calling’ stands out as a remarkable album. Its title track opening would definitely make my list of top punk album openers. However, to avoid repetition, I like to highlight other great albums too. Thus, it can be considered a classic or timeless choice. Additionally, you get eleven songs with this one, which is beneficial for those who appreciate value-added products.

Let’s get the fine print out of the way first, then we can move on to a list of ten hard-hitting punk songs that kick off their respective albums in sequence.

“Search and Destroy” by Iggy and the Stooges (1973)

While some criticized how David Bowie’s glam influence affected the Stooges, the title track of Raw Power showcases a unique blend of roughness, raw power, and melodic charm. A significant portion of this can be attributed to the new guitarist, James Williamson. However, it’s important to recognize Iggy himself, who co-wrote the lead track with Williamson and delivered it in an appropriately modulated voice. His performance starts with his characteristic restless energy and gradually intensifies, mirroring the album as a whole.

I’m a feline strolling down the streets, my heart pulsating like a bomb loaded with fiery explosives.” This line maintains the poetic quality and imagery of the original while making it more understandable to a wider audience. As for the song, it could be titled “Streets Ablaze,” reflecting the theme of intensity and movement in urban environments.

“Cherry Bomb” by the Runaways (1976)

Back in the day, they weren’t the pioneers of all-female hard rock bands, but they certainly grabbed the spotlight like no one else had before. With their debut self-titled album’s explosive opener, “Cherry Bomb,” they sent shivers down the spines of suburban America. At just 16, Cherrie Currie was a siren with her provocative lyrics, while Lita Ford and Joan Jett’s twin guitars ripped through some raw, early riffs. True to form, producer/Svengali/songwriter Kim Fowley had intended for “Cherry Bomb” to break new ground. And it did, by introducing a bold, unapologetic breed of female rockers. We weren’t just going to sing and look pretty – we were here to make some noise!

“I’ll give you something to live for – Have you and grab you until you’re sore”

“Kill the Poor” by the Dead Kennedys (1979)

Title “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables” indicates that the Dead Kennedys’ debut album would be a distinctive, possibly challenging listen for many. And true enough, the opening track left no room for doubt. Here we delve into the political side of punk music during that era.

Over in America, Jello Biafra from the Dead Kennedys was matching the Sex Pistols’ rebellion against the establishment. His powerful opening vocals hinted that their music would be a raw mix of emotion and theatricality. It was over-the-top and undeniable. Above all, it was highly provocative.

In the absence of millions of unemployed, there’s certainly more space for recreation – A chilling reality that the less fortunate are targeted for elimination tonight, a scene reminiscent of ‘The Purge’ even four decades on.

“Rise Above” by Black Flag (1981)

In the realm of punk music, Greg Ginn stands as one of its most influential figures. Serving various roles such as a band leader, guitarist, and songwriter, he played a pivotal part in SST Records and significantly advanced punk music from its initial stages into post-punk, hardcore, and further genres. By the release of Damaged in 1981, his band had already gone through three distinct lead vocalists across different EPs.

In their debut full album, an additional member, Henry Rollins, handled the microphone. The raw, intense blend of speed and loudness, as exemplified by Rollins’ powerful vocals in “Rise Above,” is a punch to the face. This underground punk movement simmering in the suburbs is being fueled by Greg Ginn’s guitar playing.

“We are tired of your abuse – Try to stop us, it’s no use.”

“Creep in the Cellar” by the Butthole Surfers (1986)

Four songs you’ve heard are typically found on lists of early punk music classics, but “Rembrandt Pussyhorse” by Butthole Surfers, their second album, usually isn’t mentioned in that group. However, this doesn’t mean the album is bad; it just indicates that the Texas band was often too wild and rebellious to attract a massive fanbase.

Indeed, that’s exactly what their fans found captivating about them – their unbridled wildness and raw performances. The lead singer, Gibby Haynes, embodied this essence, making their shows an experience to remember. “Creep in the Cellar” encapsulates the distinctive, unsettling sound that defines their finest work. It opens with a haunting orchestral piano playing a series of eerie chords, setting the tone. Gibby then delivers his psychosexual narrative, leaving it open for individual interpretation.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but appreciate the true gem that is “Creep in the Cellar” by the Butthole Surfers. The spastic violin, reminiscent of John Cale’s work with the Velvet Underground, adds an eerie, captivating edge to the song. It’s as if the song’s creepiness was amplified tenfold, and it’s said that they stumbled upon this gem on a second-hand tape deck, originally recorded by another band. This discovery perfectly encapsulates the LSEDI (Let Someone Else Do It) philosophy of punk DIY ethos, making it even more fascinating.

As a gamer, here’s how I might put it: “I’m inviting the shadowy figure from the cellar into my game – He usually naps in the back alleys and seems to be keeping tabs on my actions.

“Linoleum” by NOFX (1994)

As soon as you start listening to the guitars at the beginning of “Punk in Drublic”, it’s clear that something has changed, but this isn’t exactly new for Fat Mike and his band. “Punk in Drublic” was their fifth full-length album, and they had been producing music with a similar vibe since their self-titled EP in 1985. The earlier releases had a slightly heavier, muddier sound compared to this one.

After a decade, the tracks from the album “Punk in Drublic” retained their vibrancy and clarity without sacrificing an ounce of energy or pace. From the moment they blared through the speakers, “Linoleum” immediately made its energetic presence known.

1994 marked a significant turning point for a fresh wave of punk music that’s now commonly known as pop-punk. Green Day and the Offspring are frequently recognized for their influential albums from that year. NOFX was also part of the scene. Similarly to how Black Flag’s Greg Ginn influenced punk, Fat Mike’s Fat Wreck Chords gained prominence in the punk rock community, although this particular album was put out on Epitaph, a label founded by Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz.

“I’ve got a bed, a guitar, and a pup named Bob who sometimes soils the carpet – You guessed it, I’ve got a carpet to clean.” With a touch of pop-punk spirit, we could rephrase it like this: “Got a bed, strummin’ on my axe, livin’ with a pooch named Bob, who likes to mark his territory – Yup, I’ve got some lino to replace!

“Drain the Blood” by the Distillers (2003)

In the introductory verses of their third and last album, titled Coral Fang, Brody Dalle references “Rise Above”. At only 25 years old, Dalle had already experienced enough melodramatic punk-rock tales to fill several lifetimes. With their first significant label release, it appeared that “rise above” was an appropriate mindset for her band. In the track “Drain the Blood”, Dalle expresses her anger with intensity. The music is powerful yet retains a catchy melody, incorporating actual hooks. It embodies classic hard rock infused with contemporary punk spirit.

It appears that Dalle hasn’t demonstrated a knack for forming enduring partnerships, as evident in her complicated relationships – such as the one with Tim Armstrong of Rancid, who was significantly older when they met as teenagers, and her marriage to Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. However, I won’t pass judgment on those situations here. The Distillers disbanded following the release of Coral Fang. Yet, one song that seems to encapsulate Brody Dalle more than others is “Drain the Blood.

Here’s a possible way to rephrase the given lines while maintaining the original meaning and using more natural, easy-to-read language:

“Another Door” by Bishops Green (2014)

Hailing from Vancouver, Bishops Green burst forth with a relentless rhythmic assault reminiscent of the raw punk bands that emerged in the late 70s and early 80s on city streets. “Another Door” embodies this momentum, hurtling forward with its gripping guitar riffs and pounding bass. Subsequent tracks delve further into the “Oi!” chanting and sharp guitar chords, but the debut track sets the tone in a straightforward, catchy manner.

Although “Gross and Net” might be the superior track on their album, “This [song title]” serves as an excellent opener, setting just the right tone. Unfortunately, Bishops Green have had to put touring on hold in 2024 due to health issues, but we can only hope they’ll return to performing at some point.

“I wish I could but I lost the key – More government policies – Another door slams in your face”

“Kawasaki Backflip” by Dogleg (2020)

Dogleg is no longer operational. Following the success of their first album, Melee, and being lined up as supports for Touche Amore’s tour, they unexpectedly disbanded due to accusations against their founder and lead vocalist, Alex Stoitsiadis. Stoitsiadis publicly apologized and announced he was withdrawing from performances to deal with personal conduct matters. As far as I know, he has not made any public appearances since then.

For a brief moment, let’s focus on something else. What remains is “Kawasaki Backflip,” a catchy tune featuring unyielding guitars, which establishes the mood for one of the most innovative post-punk albums of 2020. Dogleg was grittier and disorderly compared to typical pop-punk, yet it retained its melodious charm. (Note: The same Touche Amore tour featured Foxtails as support. Foxtails were also embroiled in allegations, leading to their removal. That’s all there is to say on the matter.)

“We can destroy this together, but you don’t talk to me – Will you be the fire or the wind?”

“Baby on My Birthday” by Skating Polly (2023)

If you’re searching for the ultimate cowpunk, look no further! The opening track on Skating Polly’s sixth album, “Chaos County Line“, is “Baby on My Birthday”. Kelli Mayo starts off sweetly with her youthful voice, but she and her sister Peyton Bighorse quickly crank up the grungy guitar tones. As the song progresses, Mayo’s voice transforms into a near-psychotic frenzy in an exhilarating blend of cuteness and gothic dread. It’s like watching Dora the Explorer in a reimagined version of “The Exorcist”, making it clear that anything goes in Chaos County!

It’s hard for you to understand because you haven’t experienced it, but being one of ten in a rural, country family is quite something. I’m neither the dominant figure nor the smallest, and I crave some individual recognition.

Somehow, I successfully transitioned from the topic of Shohei Ohtani to Skating Polly today. Quite an interesting shift for just one day! Perhaps next time, we’ll explore outstanding metal band openers. Or then again, perhaps not.

2024-11-09 14:01