For those of us who live and breathe the intricacies of music composition and production, the piano intros of certain songs hold a special allure. These intros aren't just catchy hooks; they're masterclasses in musical craftsmanship, showcasing a blend of innovative chord progressions, rhythmic complexities, and production techniques that continue to inspire and intrigue. In this article, we name some of the most iconic piano intros in music history, saying what we think makes them truly stand out.

"Imagine" by John Lennon

John Lennon's "Imagine" opens with a deceptively simple yet harmonically rich piano intro in the key of C major. The chord progression, primarily consisting of C, F, and G chords, forms the backbone of the song's timeless melody. The echo on the piano really helps to give it that ethereal aesthetic.

Interestingly, the production choice to keep the arrangement sparse allows Lennon's vocals and the message of peace and unity to take centre stage, a real lesson in more is less!

 "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

From the sublime to the ridiculous, for our next entry. The piano intro of "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey is instantly recognizable, featuring a driving rhythm and infectious melody in the key of E major. Jonathan Cain's clever use of suspended chords adds tension and excitement. 

It may have signs of that 80s MOR vibe, but there’s no denying that from the first piano note this song is a banger that just keeps on giving, irrespective of the decade.

"Piano Man" by Billy Joel

Billy Joel's "Piano Man" is a masterclass in storytelling, with the piano intro serving as a musical invitation into the world of the song's characters. Set in the key of C major, Joel's intricate piano playing weaves a rich tapestry of melodic and rhythmic elements, drawing listeners into the intimate setting of a barroom.

Production-wise, the song's live recording captures the raw emotion and spontaneity of Joel's performance, adding to its authenticity and charm. According to Wikipedia, in 2013, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2015, the Library of Congress selected "Piano Man" for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its "cultural, historic, or artistic significance".

 "The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby & The Range:

Bruce Hornsby's 1986 mega hit "The Way It Is" features a piano intro that combines elements of jazz, rock, and pop, creating a distinctive sound that defies categorization. Set against a backdrop of social commentary, the intro's syncopated rhythm and bluesy chord voicings set the stage for Hornsby's introspective lyrics.

The use of a synth pad behind the piano makes it instantly recognizable as an 80s production. There was an entire period of the 80s where stacking acoustic pianos with strings, pads and often DX7 electric pianos was almost a compulsory part of music production.

"Hold The Line" by Toto

Toto's "Hold The Line" kicks off with a punchy piano riff in the key of A major, infused with elements of rock, funk, and pop. David Paich's dynamic playing and use of syncopation give the intro its signature groove, take away the awesome shuffle drum part and it can leave some scratching their heads. In an interview with Modern Drummer in 1988, Jeff Porcaro said:

"That was me trying to play like Sly Stone's original drummer, Greg Errico, who played drums on "Hot Fun In The Summertime." The hi-hat is doing triplets, the snare drum is playing 2 and 4 backbeats, and the bass drum is on 1 and the & of 2. That 8th note on the second beat is an 8th-note triplet feel, pushed. When we did the tune, I said, "Gee, this is going to be a heavy four-on-the-floor rocker, but we want a Sly groove." The triplet groove of the tune was David's writing. It was taking the Sly groove and meshing it with a harder rock caveman approach."

"Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre:

Dr. Dre's "Still D.R.E." opens with a haunting piano melody in the key of B minor, setting a dark and atmospheric tone for the West Coast hip-hop classic. The intro's minimalist arrangement and sparse instrumentation create a sense of anticipation, building suspense before the beat drops. 

Producer Scott Storch who came up with the part describes it as ‘so wrong and so right’ in the way the chords are almost arpeggiated as they are played.

"Let It Be" by The Beatles

"Let It Be" by The Beatles begins with a serene piano intro in the key of C major, featuring gentle melodic flourishes courtesy of Macca. The simplicity of the intro belies its emotional depth, setting the stage for McCartney's message of acceptance and resilience.

Production-wise, the song's stripped-down arrangement and subtle use of instrumentation add to its power, allowing McCartney's vocals and piano playing to shine. The added vintage charm of the Blüthner piano just adds to the almost perfect production, especially with the addition of Billy Preston’s organ playing. Trivia from Wikipedia; “On 30 April 1969, Harrison overdubbed a new guitar solo on the best take from 31 January. He overdubbed another solo on 4 January 1970. The first overdub solo was used for the original single release, and the second overdub solo was used for the original album release. Some fans mistakenly believe that there were two versions of the basic track – based mostly on the different guitar solos, but also on other differences in overdubs and mixes.”

"I Don't Like Mondays" by The Boomtown Rats

The haunting piano intro of "I Don't Like Mondays" by The Boomtown Rats is a study in mood and atmosphere, reflecting the dark subject matter of the song.

Set in the key of E minor, the intro's melancholy chords create a sense of unease and tension, foreshadowing the tragedy that unfolds in the lyrics. Then they switch to a more pop oriented riff with hand-claps before the first verse.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

OK, there’s vocals before the iconic piano part, but we feel we would have been shot had we not included this one. So let’s assume we’re listening from 49 seconds in.

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" defies convention with its epic blend of rock opera and balladry, anchored by Freddie Mercury's piano playing. The intro, featuring intricate harmonies and cascading arpeggios, sets the stage for the song's operatic journey. Whilst this article is about piano intros, the piano throughout this track is sublime.

The Piano Rules

Be it the timeless melodies of ‘Imagine’, the power of ‘Hold the Line’ or ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, to the unconventional (for the time) arrangements of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, each intro represents a unique blend of musical elements and production techniques, anchored by the piano. An instrument that although hundreds of years old, continues to shape the landscape of modern music.

What did we miss? Name your favourite iconic piano riffs in the comments.

Piano Photo by Yanna Zissiadou on Unsplash