The opening track for any artist can often be their first and only chance to convince a new listener to give them a second or third try at winning them over. The first track is supposed to set the tone for the rest of the album and get you pumped to keep listening. By those standards, I would have to say that Radiohead’s opener for their 2007 album In Rainbows takes the cake. “15 Step” is the perfect mix of an eclectic sound with a familiarity that Radiohead fans could easily vibe with. 

“15 Step” also signified more than just the return of another Radiohead album; In Rainbows proved to be more special than anyone could have imagined (with the exception of Thom Yorke). Though it was the first song of In Rainbows, “15 Step” was designed to be part of a much larger and intricate web. As many Radiohead fans may already know, there is a special connection between 1997’s Ok Computer and its counterpart released a decade later. If one were to alternate every song from both albums, starting with “Airbag,” while adding a 10 second cross-fade  the songs seamlessly and eerily transition into one another. 

So in reality, my vote for best album opener is actually the second song of a double album that fans had to wait ten years to complete. Somehow, I think this one still gets a pass.

Here’s instructions on completing the 1 & 10 trick for those of you who are prepared to have your minds blown.

(Dont forget to add the 10 second crossfade)