Top 10: Album Openers of the '90's

A while back I listed what I felt were the top ten album closers of the '90's so I think it's only appropriate that I finally give that list its obvious brother - the top ten album openers. After listening to these tunes, I think it's a pretty solid list but I'm sure you guys will wanna chime in with your faves so please feel free to list 'em in the comments section!

10. Soundgarden - "Rusty Cage"; At this point I may actually prefer the Johnny Cash cover of this tune, but this song might just be the best thing Soundgarden ever recorded. The intro on this song is so fucking good! By the type Chris Cornell's vocals kick in you have already been hooked by the band and you are in for one hell of a ride.

9. Guided By Voices - "A Salty Salute"; Obviously the shortest song on the list, Robert Pollard really kicked of Alien Lanes in style with this tune. Lo-fi to the tee, rocking and a bit angry it sets the tone for one of the great albums of the decade. You gotta admire that.

8. Wu Tang Clan - "Bring Da Ruckus"; It was really hard to find any hip-hop worthy of being on this list. So many rap albums open with terrible spoken word intros, and though this one opens with some Shaolin monks discussing their kung-fu it also kicks into the introduction to the members of the Wu Tang Clan. This is as good as rap albums ever start.

7. Sleater-Kinney - "Dig Me Out"; This is an explosive 2+ minute intro to Sleater-Kinney's best record. It is bubbling with the type of punk energy that was so lacking throughout the '90's, and it has one of the best guitar riffs of any song on this list. This song balls out rocks!

6. Metallica - "Enter Sandman"; At this point I equate this tune with a Yankees victory, but most folks still remember it as the beginning of the end. Metallica's self-titled black album stands as the line in the sand from where Metallica went from metal pioneers to posing sellouts, and depending where you stand you love or hate this record. You can't deny the greatness of this song though.

5. Weezer - "Tired Of Sex"; Despite Rivers' outward hatred of his sophomore record it remains most Weezer fans' favorite and a big reason for that is the terrific opening track. The song welcomes you to Rivers' depression and starts to show off all the personal problems that litter the record's lyrics. It's a flat out great tune though despite its emotional turmoil.

4. My Bloody Valentine - "Only Shallow"; If you weren't prepared for the brutality of My Bloody Valentine's Loveless you are by the time the opening riff of "Only Shallow" is through. This song welcomes you to their loud/soft dynamic, with quiet vocals and music that can absolutely destroy your hearing.

3. Beck - "Devil's Haircut"; Odelay is by far the crowning achievement of Beck's career so far, and it's opening track immediately welcomes you to the insanity that is about to ensue. It introduces us to the varied genres and dynamic style Beck uses throughout the record and it's definitely as strong as any other song on the record.

2. Radiohead - "Airbag"; OK Computer is one of those records that is held with an absolute reverent regard. The songs here are the stuff of legend and "Airbag" is the perfect opening song. It's expansive and devastating, but it also sets the table perfectly for everything that comes after it.

1. Nirvana - "Smells Like Teen Spirit";An absolute no brainer, this song launched a sub genre, a state of mind, and a legendary band all in one fell swoop. Whether you remember it for the opening riff, the tattooed cheerleaders, or because it's one of the best opening tracks of all-time is up to you, the only thing that matters is that it's remembered.