Album Opening Songs

Despite calling it the hardest part of making a new LP, one band member sings on 90% of the group's opening tracks.

Even the lower-ranked tracks are still pretty great.

They're among the most entertaining, frustrating and ultimately varied as any in rock history.

Eddie Van Halen and his bandmates clearly understood the power of a strong introduction.

They knew how to pick: Six of their eight albums began with a hit single.

They clearly aimed to set a tone with these tracks.

From slamming screen doors to a dead man's town to an outlaw named Pete.

You need to start strong.