Great idea for a theme.
I kind of disagree with you though. Not through intent, but more through what seems to have been my accumulated opinion. I find for most albums I really like, the opening track is almost either one to discard, like a palette cleanser you spit out before trying the main thing. Or, it is a simple mood teaser, that hints at what is coming, whithout giving too much away, but in itself is almost a non-song.
Which is maybe why this might be quite a tricky one for me, but also intriguing.
The first ones I think off the top of my head, are all like that. Good in the context of the album. But as songs of their own, not ones to immediately put on a playlist. Like for example Tautou, by Brand New. One of my favourite album openings, but not really a 'conventional' song.