1960s Psychedelic Rock Playlist: The Best of the Best
Contents
This 1960s Psychedelic Rock Playlist will take you on a musical journey through the best of the best in Psychedelic Rock. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”
The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”
Released: January 13th, 1967
Album: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Length: 5:33
Writer(s): John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Producer(s): George Martin
The Beatles – “A Day in the Life” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles that was released as the final track of their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song is often regarded as one of the greatest and most influential works in popular music history.
The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
“Good Vibrations” is a song by American rock band the Beach Boys, released as a single on October 10, 1966. The song was composed and produced by Brian Wilson with words by Mike Love. It was their third US number-one hit and is considered one of the greatest songs of all time.
The Doors – “Light My Fire”
The Doors – “Light My Fire”
This song is the perfect example of psychedelic rock. It has all the elements that define the genre: ethereal vocals, mind-bending lyrics, and dreamy, distorted guitar. The Doors were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and this song is a prime example of their talent.
Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”
Released in October 1968 as the lead single from the album Electric Ladyland, “All Along the Watchtower” was a top 20 hit in several countries. The song was ranked number 47 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and is included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”.
Janis Joplin – “Piece of My Heart”
Released in 1968 on Cheap Thrills, “Piece of My Heart” was one of Janis Joplin’s most popular songs. It reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
Released in late 1969, just a few months before the band’s landmark album Let It Bleed, “Gimme Shelter” was originally intended as the lead single for that record. Though it didn’t end up making the cut, the song quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in large part to its apocalyptic lyrics and apocalyptic feel.
With its opening lyric of “War, children, it’s just a shot away,” “Gimme Shelter” perfectly captured the mood of a nation on the brink of collapse, and its message of hope in the face of impending doom resonated with Stones fans around the world. The song would go on to become one of the band’s most iconic tracks, and would later be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Sly and the Family Stone – “Everyday People”
This song, released in 1968, is one of the most iconic anthems of the civil rights movement. Featuring a message of racial equality and social justice, it topped the charts and has been covered by countless other artists.
The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a certified psychedelic rock classic. The song was written by Pete Townshend and released as a single in 1971. The song is about the dangers of blindly following authority figures and the need to stay vigilant in the face of authority. The song features some of Townshend’s most iconic guitar work and the lyrics are delivered with passion by lead singer Roger Daltrey. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a timeless anthem for anyone who wants to stand up to authority.
