30 Best Songs for Intros: Epic, Upbeat & Dramatic Tracks

Choosing the right music can make or break a video, presentation, or even a podcast. Finding the best songs for intros is crucial for grabbing your audience's attention and setting the right tone from the very start. Whether you're a seasoned YouTuber, a budding entrepreneur crafting a corporate video, or a podcast host looking to elevate your show, the perfect intro music can significantly impact engagement. We all know that first impressions are vital, and a compelling musical opening sets the stage for success, making your content instantly more memorable and enticing. This list dives into a curated selection of top tracks, considering various genres and moods, to help you find the ideal soundtrack for your next project. Forget generic royalty-free tunes; we've compiled only the best, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Let's get started!

30 Best Songs for Intros: Epic, Upbeat & Dramatic Tracks
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Bohemian Rhapsody Queen A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version) 2B+
2. Sweet Child O' Mine Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction 2B+
3. Billie Jean Michael Jackson Thriller 2B+
4. Thunderstruck AC/DC The Razors Edge 1B+
5. The Final Countdown Europe The Final Countdown (Expanded Edition) 1B+
6. Back In Black AC/DC Back In Black 1B+
7. Eye of the Tiger Survivor Working Class Dog 1B+

1. Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen - 1975)

Dramatic Opening: Bohemian Rhapsody's operatic intro, with its a cappella vocals and building tension, instantly grabs attention and sets a captivating mood, perfect for establishing a dramatic tone from the outset.

Versatile Tempo: The song's shifting tempo and dynamic arrangement—from a ballad to a rock anthem—offers a unique sonic journey ideal for intros that need to build intensity gradually.

Memorable Melody: Its instantly recognizable melody and powerful vocals create a lasting impression, ensuring viewers or listeners remain engaged after the intro concludes.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

2. Sweet Child O' Mine

Iconic Guitar Riff: Sweet Child o' Mine opens with one of the most recognizable and instantly captivating guitar riffs in rock history, setting a perfect mood-setting tone for any introduction.

Building Intensity: The song gradually builds in intensity, starting with a relatively quiet verse that slowly grows into a powerful chorus, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience ideal for drawing listeners in.

Versatile Tempo: Its moderate tempo makes it adaptable to various settings; neither too slow to lose attention nor too fast to feel overwhelming as an intro.

Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses

3. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson - 1982)

Iconic Bassline: Billie Jean's instantly recognizable bassline grabs attention and sets a captivating mood, perfect for drawing listeners in from the very start.

Mysterious Build-Up: The song's intro masterfully builds tension before the vocals kick in, creating an intriguing and memorable opening.

Short & Punchy Intro: The relatively short intro ensures a swift and impactful beginning, ideal for setting the tone of a larger event without overstaying its welcome.

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

4. Thunderstruck (AC/DC - 1990)

Opening Power: Thunderstruck's iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable and grabs the listener's attention immediately, setting a powerful and energetic tone perfect for an intro.

Sustained Energy: The song maintains a high energy level throughout, ensuring a dynamic and captivating start to any event or presentation.

Broad Appeal: Its hard-rocking sound is familiar and exciting to a wide audience, making it an effective choice for a diverse crowd.

Thunderstruck - AC/DC

5. The Final Countdown (Europe)

Iconic Synth Intro: Europe's "The Final Countdown" boasts one of the most instantly recognizable synth intros in rock history, instantly grabbing attention and setting a powerful, anthemic tone perfect for any event introduction.

Driving Rhythm: The song's relentless, driving beat creates a sense of unstoppable momentum, ideal for building excitement and energy at the start of a presentation or video.

Broad Appeal: Its blend of hard rock energy and memorable melody makes it accessible to a wide audience, ensuring a strong and positive first impression.

The Final Countdown - Europe

6. Back In Black (Back In Black - 1980)

Opening Hook: AC/DC's "Back in Black" explodes with a instantly recognizable, driving guitar riff that grabs the listener's attention from the very first second, setting a powerful and energetic tone perfect for an introduction.

Unmistakable Energy: The song's relentless rhythm and Brian Johnson's powerful vocals create an undeniable sense of momentum, ideal for launching into a presentation or event.

Broad Appeal: Its classic hard rock sound transcends generational gaps, ensuring a strong impact on a wide range of audiences.

Back In Black - AC/DC

7. Eye of the Tiger (1982)

Driving Beat: Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" boasts an instantly recognizable, powerful drum beat and driving rhythm that commands attention from the very first note, making it perfect for grabbing an audience's focus.

Uplifting Melody: The soaring, anthemic melody and motivational lyrics create an atmosphere of triumph and determination, ideal for setting a positive and energetic tone at the start of a presentation or event.

Instant Recognition: Its iconic status in pop culture ensures immediate familiarity and a strong emotional connection, guaranteeing a powerful and impactful introduction.

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

8. Feel Good Inc (Gorillaz - 2025)

Upbeat Tempo and Groove: Feel Good Inc.'s instantly catchy rhythm and driving bassline create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for setting a positive mood from the very start.

Memorable Melody and Vocals: The song's melodic hook is both infectious and memorable, while the blend of Damon Albarn's distinctive vocals and De La Soul's rapping adds an intriguing dynamic that keeps listeners engaged.

Versatile Mood: Its blend of upbeat energy and slightly melancholic undertones provides a sophisticated yet accessible intro, suitable for a range of events or presentations.

Feel Good Inc - Gorillaz

9. Enter Sandman - Metallica (Remastered)

Sound: Enter Sandman's iconic, slow-building intro, with its fingerpicked acoustic guitar and haunting melody, creates an immediate sense of atmosphere, perfect for setting a mood before the main event.

Emotional Impact: The song's gradual crescendo and unsettling lyrics build tension effectively, making it ideal for creating anticipation and intrigue at the start of a presentation, podcast, or video.

Memorability: Its instantly recognizable riff ensures that your intro will be impactful and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Enter Sandman - Metallica

10. Seven Nation Army (Elephant - 2025)

Opening Hook: Seven Nation Army's iconic, distorted bass riff instantly grabs attention, creating an undeniable sense of anticipation and energy perfect for setting the mood of any event.

Building Tension: The song's gradual build-up, from the initial riff to the powerful drums and Jack White's raw vocals, keeps listeners engaged and primed for whatever follows.

Versatility: Its minimalist structure and powerful rhythm make it adaptable to various settings, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, ensuring a strong and memorable introduction.

Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
  • Welcome To The Jungle
    11

    Welcome To The Jungle

    Guns N' Roses

    1987

    Appetite For Destruction

  • Hotel California
    12

    Hotel California

    The Eagles

    1976

  • Down Under
    13

    Down Under

    Men At Work

    1981

    Business As Usual

  • Paranoid
    14

    Paranoid

    Black Sabbath

    1970

    Paranoid (Remaster)

  • Jump
    15

    Jump

    Van Halen

    1984

    1984 (Remastered)

  • Whole Lotta Love
    16

    Whole Lotta Love

    Led Zeppelin

    1969

    Led Zeppelin II (1994 Remaster)

  • Lose Yourself
    17

    Lose Yourself

    Eminem

    2002

    2001

  • The Less I Know The Better
    18

    The Less I Know The Better

    Tame Impala

    2015

    Currents

  • Straight Outta Compton
    19

    Straight Outta Compton

    N.W.A.

    1988

  • Superstition
    20

    Superstition

    Stevie Wonder

    1972

    Talking Book

  • Kashmir
    21

    Kashmir

    Led Zeppelin

    1975

    Physical Graffiti (Deluxe Edition)

  • Come Together
    22

    Come Together

    The Beatles

    1969

    Abbey Road (Remastered)

  • Money For Nothing
    23

    Money For Nothing

    Dire Straits

    1985

    Money For Nothing (2022 Remaster)

  • I Want You Back
    24

    I Want You Back

    The Jackson 5

    1969

    Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5

  • Start Me Up
    25

    Start Me Up

    The Rolling Stones

    1981

    Tattoo You (2009 Re-Mastered)

  • Born to Run
    26

    Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen

    1975

    Born To Run

  • Black Dog
    27

    Black Dog

    Led Zeppelin

    1971

    Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

  • Let's Go Crazy
    28

    Let's Go Crazy

    Prince

    1984

  • Smoke On The Water
    29

    Smoke On The Water

    Deep Purple

    1972

    Machine Head

  • Under Pressure
    30

    Under Pressure

    David Bowie,Queen

    1981

    Hot Space (Deluxe Remastered Version)