That's right, what was the song with the best opening, in your opinion? I expect our DJ buds to weigh in here! Before someone steals my thunder, my picks are U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name" and Billy Ocean's "Loverboy". During my brief & tragic stint as a teenage DJ, I used "Loverboy"'s intro as my intro music! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

This is an interesting topic:

I always liked the intro to Shannon's "Let the Music Play" for some reason. Also, the Pet Shop Boys "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" (with Dusty Springfield) has a great opening catch..,

Originally posted by MDC:
<STRONG>This is an interesting topic:

I always liked the intro to Shannon's "Let the Music Play" for some reason. Also, the Pet Shop Boys "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" (with Dusty Springfield) has a great opening catch..,</STRONG>
2 very good choices! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

Good topic.

I think one of the most highly recognisable into is Depeche Modes, "Just Can't Get Enough'. Those three notes repeated, seem to induce loud cheers whenever it booms through the speakers, or is that only at NewRomantic's house???

I like the intro to the Pet Shop Boys "It's A Sin" too. The frantic drum sequence, then the synth notes with the strange vocal sample '...20 seconds and counting...T minus 15 seconds....' Who knows what that means, but it sounds good.

Also the quick laugh at the start of Duran Duran's "Hungry Like The Wolf' is great too. I like the 'electric' drum sounds that burst in immediately after the too. Did you know that that laugh and the panting heard in the middle of the track, were recorded live? This was before samplers were common place, so these sounds were real ppl as opposed to a "sampled person".

Ok and finally, I like the opening to Simple Minds' "Waterfront" too. The bass synth and bass guitar repeating the note in a staccachto fashion, then the other instruments booming in....very cool....

Have you noticed that it can be a very simple melody or note that keeps the interest? "My" Depeche Mode song? 3 notes. Soft Cells 'Tainted Love?' 2 notes at the start, then 3 notes repeated with 3 bass synth notes over the melody.
Simplicity seems to be the key...

Once again, good topic.

The pounding drums of New Order's Blue Monday has always been a favourite of mine. Those drumbeats packed the dancefloor even before the song started.

I always liked the short intro of Cure's Why Can't I Be You as well.

Other favourite intro's of mine are:

Shout by Tears for Fears
The Look of Love by ABC

I love the looong intro to *making a little girls voice*: Pop goes the world by Men without hats...And again simplicity is the order of the day <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

"Don't Watch that, watch this, this is the heavy, heavy monster sound"...

Although I never understood it, I always thought the intro to Madness' "One Step Beyond" was... unique...

Also, Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" has a groovin' opening catch!

I have to agree on the Blue Monday. I really thought that was really a great song, never knew who did it until senior year, (87). I had heard it at Dance Team camp in '84. My cousin, who was stationed in Japan, got me an import tape of New Order whe he was there.

~G

The 1st song that came to mind was "You Really Got Me" by Van Halen. I know it is a late 70's song, and I know the intro is also its own song "Eruption." But I have ALWAYS heard "Eruption" played before "You Really Got Me" as the intro.

"Just like Heaven" by the Cure starts out sweet and happy sounding.

and I've loved the beginning of "Magic Man" from Heart since I was growing up..

<img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I kinda like the intro to Jam On It by Nucleus(sp?) and also Looking For The Perfect Beat by Afrika Bambata

I've always liked the hypnotic intro to Talk Talk's "It's My Life", with the seagulls calling out and the synthesizer hook. Actually, it's just a fantastic song all around...

MDC: Official Stalker of DD86

Bon Jovi's Let It Rock, Lay Your Hands On Me & Wild Is The Wind Have Real Awesome Intros

OOOOOOOOOOOHHH!!!!!!

I forgot about "Lay your hands on me"!!!!! I loved that one!!!

~G

Two tribes-Frankie Goes to Hollywood

I can only think of two right now... my WinAmp playlist at work doesn't have much 80s stuff on it *blush*

"Bizarre Love Triangle" - New Order
Whenever I hear that on the radio, I always smile big and prepare to sing.

"Neverending Story" - Limahl
Still gives me goosebumps. Funny that.

I don't think I can pick a fave but some that stand out are:

Lavendar by Marillion (makes me go squishy)
Lined Up or My Spine is the Bass Line by Shriekback (on the non-single versions those intros are just unrelenting rhythm)
Jet Boy, Jet Girl by Elton Motello (it's probably late 70s but what the heck - without warning NOISE)

Especially some 12" had amazing intros...I think it had something to do that only a few turntables had a skip button...so the first seconds of a track were important for the decision to buy it or not. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Some of my faves...

MOSKWA TV - "Tekno Talk" - featuring the notorious "adress to the public" of Ronald Reagan, someone has actually recorded a microphone test which could have been fatal...here are the words:
"My fellow Americans, I´m pleased to tell you today that I´ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes..."

But he had another chance to make up for this little glitch...

C.C.C.P. - "Americans - Soviets" featured a fictional online (via phone) chess match between Gorbachev and Ronald. It´s said that this record was a Russian underground production, but don´t believe the hype...

OUT OF THE ORDINARY - "The Dream" started with parts of the famous speech of Martin Luther King. Later, you will hear samples of Grace Jones "Slave To The Rhythm" (another cool intro, BTW)...

SPK - "Breathless" this time it´s a movie from the 40s or 50s I think - the genuine background noise makes the words nearly unrecognizable.

PETE TOWNSHEND - "Face The Face", a cool jazzy intro is densing into a hot R´n´B track.

Oh, I could list a dozen records more...but I think this is not the "wavemasters board of obscure records"... <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Hey wave, I had totally forgotten about "Face the Face" by Pete Townsend! That was a good song!
Good choices everyone, lots of memories there! There is one more song that comes to mind (it was a late 80's /early 90's song, I think)
The intro song to "Wait For You" by Jason Bonham, which was called "Disregard of Timekeeping", was very cool.

OMG! *slaps forehead* I can't believe I forgot this one...<img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
Van Halen's "Jump" very cool intro <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

Oooohhhh, I forgot "Car Jamming" by the Clash. Damn, I love that intro! (it's on Combat Rock)

Sweet Child O' Mine--Guns n'Roses..that opening just totally rocks!!! Takes me back to 89..man, they rocked!!!!

Another Few I Forgot Are Dokken's Uncahin The Night & In My Dreams
And Motley Crue's Kickstart My Heart & Home sweet Home

Owner of a Lonely Heart---Yes
Eminense Front--------The Who
Money for Nothing------Dire Straits
I'm sure I'll think of more later.

Originally posted by torque91:
<STRONG>Owner of a Lonely Heart---Yes
Eminense Front--------The Who
Money for Nothing------Dire Straits
I'm sure I'll think of more later.</STRONG>
Good picks, torque! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif I notice your new around here...Welcome to the Xchange! Go to the "Introduce Yourself" and say hi to the whole gang! (Be prepared to be welcomed to death) <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">
Also, noticed your in TN, where abouts in TN? I live near/work in Memphis.

There is just one intro that takes me back every time i hear it, to me it completely sums up the 80's. What is it i hear you all say, well of corse it's Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You) by A Flock Of Seagulls.
<img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by johnnie585:
<STRONG>hear you all say, well of corse it's Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You) by A Flock Of Seagulls.
</STRONG>
i couldn't agree more. the intro to this song makes my heart skip a beat every time i hear it. one of my favorite 80s newwave songs, for sure. thanks for the reminder! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Can't believe I forgot "Don't bang the drum" by the Waterboys. That long, lonely trumpet intro and then a big smash of drums and guitars. Great intro to a song and a perfect intro to the album.

Twilight-ELO (the album version) and Eye in the sky-Alan Parsons Project(with "sirius" at the beginning)

Here are some more:
Fantasy--Aldo Nova
Heat of the Moment---Asia
She's a Beauty---The Tubes

I always liked the intro to Prince's U got the Look, The Smiths - Ask and Duran's "Hungry like the Wolf"

My Wife swears that the best intro ever was the Bass hook at the beginning of "Too Shy" by Kajagoogoo!

Slayer. South of Heaven.. Awesome Intro! gets my adreniline pumping

HOTEL CALIFORNIA (70'S I know :) )..EAGLES
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN ..CYNDI LAUPER
REBEL YELL! ..BILLY IDOL
CRADLE OF LOVE..BILLY IDOL

ROUND AND ROUND..RATT
SEVENTEEN...WINGER
ONCE BITTEN TWICE SHY..GREAT WHITE

ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICAN..SCORPIONS
CRAZY TRAIN...OZZY
PARADISE CITY...GUNS N ROSES

WHY CAN'T THIS BE LOVE..VAN HALEN
SHOT IN THE DARK..OZZY

********This list could go on forever! LOL! Maybe that's what made the 80's music so great..the intros :)

Originally posted by djdaffy1227
Twilight-ELO (the album version) and Eye in the sky-Alan Parsons Project(with "sirius" at the beginning)

Is Sirius the song they played before tip off at Chicago Bulls games during Jordan's hey day?

GRRRRRRR! Yes it is. That just reminds me of the Suns losing to the Bulls in the NBA finals......Actually the Suns used it too.....as did just about every home team :lol:

Oh man, I forgot you were a fellow Suns fan. (at least I was a fan in the 80's) I'm pretty sure that the Jazz use that intro on their home games also.

I know this topic has been around for quite some time and it really suprises me not one person said "The final countdown" by Europe.

Rock of Ages Def Leppard
Sweet Child of Mine
Fantasy - Aldo Nova
Crazy Train _Ozzy

Originally posted by djdaffy1227
I know this topic has been around for quite some time and it really suprises me not one person said "The final countdown" by Europe.

Not as amazed as I am that no one mentioned the GREATEST intro ever......

"Whoa to you, oh earth and sea......"

Number of the Beast!!!! UP THE IRONS!!!!

Originally posted by djdaffy1227
Two tribes-Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Especially the 12' version....

'Ladies & Gentleman...let me present FGTH...possibly the most important thing this side of the world'

:D

Originally posted by Pagan


Not as amazed as I am that no ojne mentioned the GREATEST intro ever......

"Whoa to you, oh earth and sea......"

Number of the Beast!!!! UP THE IRONS!!!!

"For it is a human number. It's number is six hundred and sixty six!"

Man, I love that intro! But Slayer is always on my mind. :lol:

For me, it's the intro to Paradise City. So many awesome memories triggered by that song. :thumb:

Heaven In My Hands - Level 42
West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Pop Goes The World - Men Without Hats

I'm sure I'll think of a million more.

How Soon Is Now- The Smiths
A Forest - The Cure
White Wedding - Billy Idol
Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor
Blue Monday - New Order
Enola Gay - OMD
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
I Love Rock & Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Waterfront - Simple Minds
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Don't You Want Me Baby - Human League
It's A Sin - Pet Shop Boys

couldn't name just one, so I chose a few

Fast As A Shark - Accept
Mean Street - Van Halen
Mr. Brownstone - G N' R

One of my favorites is "Such a Shame" by Talk Talk. It starts very quietly, and gets louder and louder.

Just Be Good to Me - SOS Band

The intro to Crazy Train easily the best song intro of the 80's. Go to any NFL, NHL, MLB game you'll hear it several times.:rockband: :apunk:

Other than what's been mentioned, one that came immediately to mind that I'm surprised wasn't mentioned...at least I didn't see it when I skimmed through...

Foolin' - Def Leppard

There have been some great ones mentioned there. The Pet Shop Boys were pretty good with them. One of their's I liked that hasn't been mentioned is "Heart".

Dire Straits was another group with great instrumentals. (They had to, because Mark Knopfler's singing sucked!) I loved the intros for these ones:

Money for nothing (As already mentioned by somebody)
Walk of Life
Industrial Disease
Ride across the river. (When I saw them live in 85 the intro for this one went on for about five minutes!)

I think one of my favourite intros is Men at Work's "Down Under". I particularly like the flute playing.

I agree about Dire Straits Recker, 'Money For Nothing' aside I think that 'Brothers In Arms' has a fantastic intro also....

Guns 'N Roses - Paradise City
Ozzy - Crazy Train
Skid Row - I Remember You (I love the opening chords...it's so pretty)
Bon Jovi - Let It Rock, Lay Your Hands On Me, I'll Be There For You
Motley Crue - Wild Side

Originally posted by Cartoon_Chris
Fast As A Shark - Accept

Damn...I forgot about that one! How can you ever forget the "Hi dee, hi do, hi da!" :lol:

I like Dio's Don't Talk to Strangers, Maiden's Number of the Beast, Crue's Shout at the devil, Judas Priest's The Hellion, and Whitesnake's Love Ain't no Stranger.

A few more:

The Sun and Rain, Michael Caine, and It Must Be Love - Madness

Jig of Life - Kate Bush

Cities of Dust, Dear Prudence and Dazzle - Siouxsie and the Banshees

Rise - PIL

"Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson
(I just love the straightforward beat and the bass accompaniment.)

"It's My Life" - Talk Talk
(The very sudden start to the song always catches me. I also begin to imagine that I'm flying when I hear it.)

"Another One Bites The Dust" - Queen
(See my comments on "Billie Jean" above.)

"Bette Davis Eyes" - Kim Carnes
(Very synthesized.)

"I Don't Care Anymore" - Phil Collins
(The synthesizer at the beginning sets the tone of the song --- very somber.)

"Let's Go All The Way" - Sly Fox
(A random assortment of weird electrical-sounding noises come together to form the beginning of this song.)

:hammer:

Really Sayin Something - Bananarama "hiyayaya"

Wild Wild West - Escape Club -- the gunshot makes my ears perk up :lol:

Pop Goes the World - Men W/out Hats -- 12" version

Dirty Mind - Shakespears Sister
"Ladies & Gentlemen... for your listening pleasure, live from England the solid state sounds of pure sex" :devil:

I guess its kind of predictable, but I still really like the intro to Dire Strait's "Money For Nothing".

I would have to agree with all of the choices on this board. May I add the following:

Don't Get Me Wrong - Pretenders (brilliant 80's track)
When Smokey Sings - ABC
She Sells Sanctuary - Cult.

Van Halen's 1984, right before "Jump"

"99 Luftballoons"

The beat in that song kicks royal ass. I love dance and European music, so that song really hits it for me.

I feel that Loverboy's Turn Me Loose not only has one of the Best intros from the 1980's, but also one of the Best finishes.

Just found this post! I think that Prince has 2 of the coolest, both with:
'Computer Blue' (2 girls in a tub bumpin' uglies. Hmmmmmmmm) and;
'Let's Go Crazy!'. There is some good competition, though, I have to admit. But the all time great:
Billy Thorpe's 'Children of the Sun'

I agree with djdaffy1227
Not a single person mentioned The Final Countdown by Europe, although its one of the most memorable starting music :confused:

I agree with djdaffy1227
Not a single person mentioned The Final Countdown by Europe, although its one of the most memorable starting music :confused:

It was mentioned twice in the second or third page of this topic. I think Pagan quoted the poster who mentioned Europe's song with the famous/infamous intro.

My choices? Someone already mentioned "How Soon Is Now?" by The Smiths and that HAS to be one of the most memorable intros to come from the 80s. From thereon, anything I mention are just personal choices.

"More Than This" by Roxy Music
"Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak
"Sign Your Name" by Terence Trent D'Arby
"Nowhere Girl" (1985 re-mix) by B-Movie
"Killing An Arab" by The Cure (late 70s)
"You Belong To The City" by Glen Frey
"True" by Spandau Ballet
"Wrapped Around Your Finger" by The Police

Kudos to those who mentioned Yes's "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" and Kim Carnes's "Betty Davis's Eyes." While they may not be favourites and may be hated by some, they are recognized worldwide just on intros alone :eek:

Rock of Ages -Def Leppard
10,000 Lovers -TNT (Ronnie LeTekro! WOO!)

The first one is actually two songs but they are always played on the radio as one but I think the first song is a great intro for the second -- and the second song is technically a 60's song.

Eruption/You really got me -- Van Halen
Fascination Street -- The Cure
Situation -- Yaz

I've seen "Blue Monday" mentioned quite a bit on this thread, but what about "Bizarre love triangle". That one has a pretty awesome opening, too.


And hearing the first few notes of any Def Leppard song will get me into a good mood, too.

And who could forget (although it may be late 70's) "You shook me all night long" by AC/DC.

Ok and finally, I like the opening to Simple Minds' "Waterfront" too. The bass synth and bass guitar repeating the note in a staccachto fashion, then the other instruments booming in....very cool....
Once again, good topic.

Yes...that is one of the songs that puts a 'surge' to my heart beats when
I hear the intro.....also, from the very same release/lp--Simple mind's 'Book of Brilliant Things,Speed your Love, and Up on the Catwalk---another one that comes to mind is the intro of Wang Chung's 'Dance Hall Days'......

The first one is actually two songs but they are always played on the radio as one but I think the first song is a great intro for the second -- and the second song is technically a 60's song.

Eruption/You really got me -- Van Halen
Fascination Street -- The Cure
Situation -- Yaz

Forgot a few:
Love My Way -- Psychedelic Furs
Something About You -- Level 42
Heartbreak Beat -- Psychedelic Furs

There's a couple of tunes that i'd like to add...

Chaka Kahn & Rufus - Ain't Nobody

Electric Light Orchestra - Last Train To London

Womack & Womack - Love Wars

i'm sure there's hundreds.....how about a thread on Greatest opening Lines in 80's songs. hmm

Cheers
SD

Master and Servant - Depeche Mode (12" version)
Lost Weekend - Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
Jeopardy - Greg Kihn Band
New Song - Howard Jones
And, of course, Morning Train - Sheena Easton.

When Doves Cry......Prince

Cruel Summer.........Bananarama

Crazy Little Thing Called Love....Queen

Union of the Snake.....Duran Duran

Human Touch......Rick Springfield

Soldier of Love.......Donny Osmond

Jump.........Van Halen

Dang, I could go on and on.....but anytime I hear these, especially Doves and Cruel Summer, I am back in the 80's, in High School, having the time of my life!
Oh, there's another Time of my Life from Dirty Dancing!
Adrienne :bouncy:

One song I'm surprised that no one has mentioned in five pages worth of posts is...

"Beds Are Burning" - Midnight Oil

If you don't recognize that song within the first three notes, you're helpless. :lol:

Step inside
Walk this way...
You and me, babe,
HEY, HEY!

UK intro to Pour Some Sugar On Me that somehow manages to be what all the radio stations play.

S'Express - The S'Express Theme

In the opening of the Canadian song Doesn't Really Matter by Platinum Blonde.. you hear a woman speak the words "Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin"

Always thought that was cool :cool:

Choosing just one song would be a crime. For what they meant to me I choose any of the Spandau Ballet songs, specially Gold. But there are so many by Queen, Pet Shop Boys, Paul Young, Bon Jovi, Elton John, A-ha, U2, Ultravox, Eurythmics... Defenitely the 80s were so prolific, no decade like that will come.

The Smiths - How Soon Is Now? (absolutely amazing, and definitely memorable intro)
Guns 'N Roses - November Rain (may not be 80's - 1991 - but probably one of the best song intros of all time)