World Cafe Playlist for 01/01/2026

Host Stephen Kallao presents “Great Opening Tracks”

When it comes to music, there’s no better way to make a good first impression than with a great opening track. Today on World Cafe, we are looking to get your New Year started off on the right foot with some of the best openings to seminal albums, featuring music from The Clash, Marvin Gaye, Radiohead, Aretha Franklin and many more.

Today’s Playlist

Simon & Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Bridge Over Troubled Water

Radiohead “Everything In Its Right Place” Kid A

King Crimson “21st Century Schizoid Man” In The Court of the Crimson King

The Clash “London Calling” London Calling

Lo Moon “Thorns” Lo Moon

Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On” What’s Going On

The National “Fake Empire” Boxer

The Strokes “Is This It?” Is This It

Beck “Loser” Mellow Gold

Bob Dylan “Tangled Up In Blue” Blood on the Tracks

John Mayer “Queen Of California” Born And Raised

Violent Femmes “Blister in the Sun” Violent Femmes

Tame Impala “Let It Happen” Currents

Beach House “Zebra” Teen Dream

Hour Two

Mazzy Star “Fade Into You” So Tonight That I Might See

The Eagles “Hotel California” Hotel California

MGMT “Time To Pretend” Oracular Spectacular

Talking Heads “Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)” Remain In Light

Peter Bjorn & John “Second Chance” WC Recording

Patti Smith “Gloria” Horses

Aretha Franklin “Respect” I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Smashing Pumpkins “Cherub Rock” Siamese Dream

The Ramones “Blitzkrieg Bop” Ramones

Haim “Forever” Days Are Gone

Joni Mitchell “Coyote” Hejira

Wilco “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army” Elephant