For consideration:
Greatest Opening Lines
“As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there’s nothing left” – Coolio, Gangsta Paradise.
I can think of few more recognisable, catchy opening lines. So evocative. It perfectly captures the tone of the song: full of malice, dark, contemplative. The only problem for me is that, lyrically, the rest of the song is down hill from there.
[Alternate: “I once knew a girl In the years of my youth, with eyes like the summer, all beauty and truth. In the morning I fled, left a note and it read: ‘Someday you will be loved’” – Death Cab for Cutie, Someday You Will Be Loved]
Greatest Opening Song
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine – The Killers, Hot Fuss.
I am a little indifferent to the album, but as far as opening tracks go… this is amazing. The lyrics are so compelling. Led in by the thumping base, the song just draws you in. Who is Jenny? How does the singer know her? What’s happened? Who is he talking to and what are they asking? Do I even believe what he’s saying? There are just so few songs out there that are as narratively interesting – certainly in my music collection at least.
[Alternate: Smells Like Teen spirit – Nirvana, Nevermind.]
Greatest First Album
Led Zeppelin I – Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin I – IV are practically flawless. In fact there is little use my proselytising. I can’t do this album justice. Musically, it sensitive, technical, awesome. Culturally, it changed music forever. And what’s more it was written by a group of twenty-one year olds. Just… staggering.
[ Alternate: Rage against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine.]
Oh my distorted smile! 