The Best Psychedelic Rock of All Time

The best psychedelic rock of all time is a tough category to narrow down. There are so many great bands and songs that have come out of the genre over the years. But we’ve done our best to create a list of the all-time greatest psychedelic rock songs.

The Beatles – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”

When it comes to great psychedelic rock, there are few tracks more emblematic than The Beatles’ 1967 classic “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The song, which was written by John Lennon and credited to the entire band, is a prime example of the trippy, mind-bending style of music that came to define the psychedelic era.

With its whimsical lyrics and surreal soundscape, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” transports listeners to a strange and wonderful place, much like the best psychedelics drugs. It’s no wonder that the song has been used as an accompaniment to many an acid trip over the years.

Whether you’re a fan of The Beatles or simply enjoy great psychedelic rock, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is a track that you need to hear.

The Doors – “The End”

Psychedelic rock, also referred to as psychedelia, is a style of rock music that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The style is characterized by a distorted, fuzzy guitar sound and drug-inspired lyrics. Psychedelic rock reached its peak of popularity in the mid-1960s with bands like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Grateful Dead.

Jimi Hendrix – “Purple Haze”

Considered by many to be the best guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix popularized the use of feedback and overdriving amplifier distortion. “Purple Haze” was the first single off of his 1967 debut album, Are You Experienced, and is one of his most popular songs. The song’s signature opening riff was inspired by Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”, and its use of feedback was inspired by Bert Jansch’s “needle of death”.

Led Zeppelin – “Whole Lotta Love”

In 1968, Led Zeppelin released their second album, which included the song “Whole Lotta Love”. This song was a huge success and became one of the band’s most popular songs. It is a classic example of psychedelic rock.

Pink Floyd – “Careful with that Axe, Eugene”

There are few pieces of music that capture the zeitgeist of the late 1960s better than “Careful with that Axe, Eugene” by Pink Floyd. The track is a perfect example of psychedelic rock, a genre that was defined by its exploration of mind-altering states and its use of feedback, distortion, and studio effects to create a sense of disorientation.

“Careful with that Axe, Eugene” was originally released as a B-side to the single “Point Me at the Sky” in 1968. The song was recorded during the same sessions that produced Pink Floyd’s second album, A Saucerful of Secrets, but it was ultimately left off the album. The song features some of Pink Floyd’s most experimental playing, with guitarist Syd Barrett making liberal use of feedback and effects pedals to create a sense of unease. Barrett’s vocals are also unsettling, as he delivers his lyrics in a detached and menacing tone.

Despite its lack of inclusion on an official album, “Careful with that Axe, Eugene” has become one of Pink Floyd’s most beloved tracks. The song has been performed live countless times over the years, often serving as an encore or closing number. It continues to be a staple of Pink Floyd tribute bands and cover versions by other artists attest to its enduring popularity.

The Rolling Stones – “Paint It, Black”

The song was released as a single in the United States on May 3, 1966, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks, becoming their first and only single to reach number one in the US that did not feature Brian Jones on lead guitar. It was included as the opening track on the US version of their album Aftermath, released on July 15, 1966.

The Velvet Underground – “Venus in Furs”

“Venus in Furs” is a song by the American rock band the Velvet Underground, released on their 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico. It was written by Lou Reed and produced by Andy Warhol. The song is based on the 1870 novel Venus in Furs by Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch and explores sadomasochism and masochism.

“Venus in Furs” was one of the first songs Reed wrote for the Velvet Underground, and its themes would continue to be explored throughout the band’s career. When performed live, the song often ran over 10 minutes long, with Reed and guitarist Sterling Morrison playing extended solos. Morrison described it as “the ultimate trip tune”.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Siouxsie and the Banshees, Roxy Music, Arcade Fire, and Nine Inch Nails. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it #429 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Who – “I Can See for Miles”

The Who’s “I Can See for Miles” is the best psychedelic rock song of all time. The song was released in 1967, and it perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the Summer of Love. With its swirling guitars, effects-laden vocals, and trippy lyrics, “I Can See for Miles” is a timeless classic that epitomizes the best of psychedelic rock.