15 of the Most Iconic Piano Intros
Patti Smith, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Damned, and others instantly draw you into these songs with piano.
There’s something about a song intro that can immediately suck you in and put you in a trance to enjoy the rest of the tune. Some tracks are even defined by their piano intros, including these 15 songs from classic artists, composers, modern legends, and more.
“Because The Night”
by Patti Smith Group
As soon as the piano of “Because The Night” kicks in, you begin to anticipate the passionate vocals and poetry of Patti Smith’s biggest hit. Co-writer Bruce Springsteen has also been known to play the song live, with over 500 performances cited online.
“The Great Gig In The Sky”
by Pink Floyd
This is a classic piano intro from the most collected album on Discogs and one that leads up to an equally iconic vocal performance. Once the piano sets the mood, guest vocalist Clare Torry belts out improvised vocals that will leave you speechless.
“Melody Lee”
by The Damned
On their third album, Machine Gun Etiquette, The Damned blazed new trails by incorporating an array of eclectic influences. The piano intro for “Melody Lee” still stands as one of the most memorable moments in all of punk.
“Into My Arms”
by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
“Into My Arms” is one of Nick Cave’s most beloved piano ballads and its influence has extended far beyond the Bad Seeds’ core audience. The heart-wrenching video for the song has been viewed over 28 million times and many fans have found comfort in it as they remember those they’ve lost.
“Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)”
by Tom Waits
As soon as the piano and strings kick in, you are immersed in tragic beauty. “Tom Traubert’s Blues” is one of Tom Waits’ signature songs that was later covered by Rod Stewart.
“The Way It Is”
by Bruce Hornsby And The Range
Once you listen to this song, it’s almost impossible to get the intro out of your head. You may also get Tupac’s “Changes” stuck in your head, as it heavily samples pieces from “The Way It Is”.
“Time”
by David Bowie
The opening piano piece sounds like something you’d hear in a dimly lit cabaret bar. Performed by Mike Garson (Bowie’s longest-serving band member), the intro sets the tone for this timeless Aladdin Sane classic.
“Plastic Bomb”
by Poison Idea
Feel The Darkness was a landmark release for Poison Idea. Opening the album with the piano heard in “Plastic Bomb” proved that the band could expand upon their sonic palette without losing an ounce of power.
“She’s A Rainbow”
by The Rolling Stones
The incomparable Nicky Hopkins laid down the piano for many of the Rolling Stones’ most enduring hits, including “She’s A Rainbow.” Often cited as one of the most beautiful songs the band has ever written, it’s the piano work of Hopkins that really elevates the song and makes it such a unique entry in the Stones’ vast catalog.
“Changes”
by Black Sabbath
The first time you hear “Changes” you may think that there’s been a bit of a mix-up. The simple but effective piano at the beginning of the song made for a one-of-a-kind Black Sabbath song and eventually led to an incredible cover version performed by Charles Bradley.
“Holocaust”
by Big Star
“Holocaust” is one of the most devastating songs Alex Chilton ever wrote and the piano is a contributing factor. In 1984, This Mortal Coil (with the vocal stylings of Howard Devoto) released a cover version of the song and, once again, the piano helps create an atmosphere of utter despair.
“Four Women”
by Nina Simone
“Four Women” is one of Nina Simone’s most impactful compositions. The piano, acoustic bass, and sparse percussion create the ideal backdrop for Simone’s powerful voice and lyrics.
“Helen’s Theme”
by Philip Glass
It’s hard to think about piano and not think about Philip Glass. Glass has composed dozens of operas, symphonies, and film scores, but “Helen’s Theme” from the Candyman soundtrack remains one of his most hauntingly beautiful works and a perfect example of how he uses minimalism to great effect.
“Main Titles” (Severance: Season 1)
by Theodore Shapiro
Severance quickly became a phenomenon with its retro-future aesthetic and a score that complements the mystery and tension building in every episode. The piano-centric music heard during the main titles has reminded some people of “Amy’s Theme” from The Conversation, a film that touches on some similar themes. The only release in the database is a digital version of the soundtrack, but record collectors can grab a copy when two vinyl variants become available in May 2023.
“Megan’s Piano”
by Megan Thee Stallion
The title says it all — Megan Thee Stallion herself plays piano during the song’s intro. “Megan’s Piano” has quickly become a fan favorite with millions of people streaming the song online. According to the database, the only physical format with the song is an unofficial CDr mixtape, so you’ll have to settle for streaming for now.
Feature image courtesy of Donner.
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