10 Best Opening Album Tracks

10. N.W.A - Straight Outta Compton

It's the late 1980's and hip-hop is starting to make a real name for itself. Public Enemy have introduced the political element that would permeate throughout lyrics all the way up to modern day rap. Run DMC brought hip-hop to a wider audience with their more party and rock crossover style. But it's N.W.A who really grabbed the hip-hop world and catapulted it into the eyes of the public.

Straight Outta Compton is a statement. The pounding drum beat comes blasting out of the speakers, bringing the album running out of the gates. It's in your face, loud, aggressive and dripped in attitude. This is the origin of 'gangsta' rap, which lead the way for many other artists to follow.

Full of expletive-laden lyrics, the album is, of course, controversial. Filled with violence and anger, the song and album was one of the first albums to have a Parental Advisory sticker on the cover. The video was also subject to controversy as it showed the group on the streets in the middle of a 'gang sweep'.

Straight Outta Compton is one hell of a way to open an album. In 4 minutes, it pathed the way for so many other groups to follow.