Best Opening Track?

[RunForTheHills]

Very hard question.

I think they are all awesome openers for their respective albums, but when compared to each other, it gets hard to pick a clear winner.

Don't Panic is just simply beautiful. I love the atmospheric guitar and the heavenly vocals in this one, and I don't think the song could have been much better. For what it is, its perfect, and it sums up their sound circa. 2000.

Politik is raw and powerful, and it achieves exactly what it was written for. The first half can get somewhat grating after one too many listens, but the second half is undeniably beautiful. It's a perfect example of how a song so simple in its structure can actually be one of the most affecting songs they've written. This is as good as it gets without having sensical and coherent lyrics (unless someone can explain to me exactly what "Give me love of this" means in relation to the rest of the song). It isn't really representative of most of the songs on AROBTTH sound, but it certainly gets your attention.

Square One is probably their most soaring and absolutely HUGE opener to an album. I can't really say much about this one, apart from the fact that its a thrilling listen. The dense main body of the song is balanced by an absolutely perfect piano breakdown at the end of the song, something that I feel some of the songs off the new record (namely 42 and Violet Hill) fail to do as effectively. The guitar riffs in this one are excellent, as are Chris' vocals and backing vocals towards the end of the song. Probably one of the best songs off X&Y and it outlines their 'big' sound circa 2005.

Life In Technicolor is a song that I see being vastly underrated in years to come. It may be short and lyric-less, but for what it is, its perfect. The melody is great, and the sound of the instruments in this one sound impeccable. The way it builds and then explodes into life with the aid of Will's atmospheric drumming is sublime. Potentially the best thing they've ever achieved musically, if we're talking about raw and powerful music. The only small gripe I have with it is the length, but as an introduction to the album, it couldn't be better. Uplifting and memorable.

I have a hard time picking a favourite, but if someone put a gun to my head, I would fumble for the nearest scrap of paper on which to scribble the following list:

1. Square One (9/10)
2. Life In Technicolor / Don't Panic (8.5/10)
3. Politik (8/10)

Its extremely close, but I would say Square One edges ahead as the best opener. I can't decide between LIT and DP, because they're both so great. And Politik follows very closely behind.

[Hotplay007]

I agree with this statement Semy.

[shipoffools]

Either Square One or Life In Technicolor.

[guyy]

Haven't heard LIT, so for now I'll pretend it doesn't exist.

I never liked Square One that much, but Politik vs. Don't Panic is a tough choice...apparently I went with Don't Panic.

[ApproximatelyInfinite]

hmm, this is actually really hard. the only one i know i'm NOT voting for is politik, which i've never been too big on. i'm thinking either LIT or don't panic. square one is also amazing, but i feel opening two different albums on similar notes didn't really do the job for me.

[Bonus_mosher]

Politik, hands down

[KileyRN]

Definitely Square One for me. Don't Panic is a close second.

[PianoRocker]

Politik.. best song there is..

[lostsides]

I voted for Politik although LiT is the best opener for VLVODAAHF.

[lostsides]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zemy101;2382435

Politik is raw and powerful, and it achieves exactly what it was written for. The first half can get somewhat grating after one too many listens, but the second half is undeniably beautiful. It's a perfect example of how a song so simple in its structure can actually be one of the most affecting songs they've written. This is as good as it gets without having sensical and coherent lyrics (unless someone can explain to me exactly what "Give me love of this" means in relation to the rest of the song). It isn't really representative of most of the songs on AROBTTH sound, but it certainly gets your attention.

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Throughout the rest of the song he's asking for things (time, space, real (not fake), strength, reserve, control, heart, soul, etc.) but what he wants over everything else is love...aaah, what a nice song.

[eFlat]

Politik is such an intense song when they play it live so its definitely the best opener for a live show, particularly what they did with the 2003 tour. But LIT has the album opener vibe going for it, its pleasing to the ear and it slowly picks up pace. I dunno I love them both regardless of what I say here haha

I could never really dig Square One though. IMO the end is the best part so it doesn't really work as an opener for me...

[Famous Old Painter]

Politik works best as on opener, by Square One is a better song overall.