What the BBC got wrong on their best opening songs in rock history list

Everyone experiences music differently, so any attempt to rank the ‘greatest’ songs or artists is bound to spark debate. This doesn’t mean such lists are worthless, just that it’s nearly impossible to create one everyone will agree with.

Steve Wright’s list isn’t bad. While it includes some predictable songs, it has to – leaving out classics like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” or Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” would make the list pointless. Fortunately, Wright included both.

Three things the BBC missed on its list of 25 greatest opening tracks ever

He’s also included U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” a really great pick. And “21st Century Schizoid Man” by King Crimson is excellent too. Good job, Mr. Wright!

Missed opportunities exist, though. We offer three adjustments below.

No “Seven Nation Army”

No list of great songs would be complete without “Seven Nation Army,” the first track on The White Stripes’ album Elephant. While it’s true you might hear it a lot at sports games, the song is undeniably powerful. From the instantly recognizable, low-pitched guitar riff – created with a DigiTech Whammy pedal – to the explosive chorus, it’s both epic and unforgettable.

The wrong Beatles track

Wright mentions “A Hard Day’s Night,” a fantastic song, being a classic Beatles track. However, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” might have been a stronger selection. Not only does it define the mood of one of the Beatles’ greatest albums, but it would also be a standout song on its own.

Avoiding the Arctic Monkeys

It’s kind of funny, and a little frustrating, that the BBC left out one of my favorite British rock bands of the 2000s – and honestly, I think they’re seriously underrated here in the States!

The band’s strongest opening track is on their first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. “The View from the Afternoon” is a fantastic, energetic rock song that really establishes the sound and style the Arctic Monkeys became known for.

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2025-12-04 14:00