The Best of 60’s Psychedelic Rock

Looking for some of the best psychedelic rock from the 1960s? Look no further than this blog post, which highlights some of the genre’s greatest hits.

The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became widely regarded as the greatest and most influential band in history. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, often incorporating classical elements and unconventional recording techniques in innovative ways. In 1963, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”; as the group’s music grew in sophistication following their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, Rolling Stone magazine wrote: “In terms of pure musicianship, there has always been no peer to 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. Credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was primarily written by John Lennon with contributions from Paul McCartney. It is unusually long for a pop song at almost five minutes. The song comprises two distinct sections: a solo piano intro performed by producer George Martin followed by three verses sung by Lennon); separated by two instrumental bridges (the second featuring a sped-up crescendo that builds to one of the loudest climaxes on any popular record up until that time).

The Rolling Stones – “Paint It, Black”

The Rolling Stones – “Paint It, Black”
The Rolling Stones released “Paint It, Black” in 1966, during the height of the psychedelic rock era. The song quickly became a hit, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the UK Singles Chart. The song features a distinctive sitar riff, which was played by guest musician Brian Jones. The lyrics are pessimistic, with frontman Mick Jagger singing about how everything he sees is “painted black.” Despite its dark subject matter, the song was a huge commercial success and is often cited as one of the greatest psychedelic rock songs of all time.

Led Zeppelin – “Whole Lotta Love”

“Whole Lotta Love” is one of the most iconic and influential rock songs of all time. It was released as a single in 1969 and quickly became a mainstay on rock radio. The song features some of the most famous guitar licks ever played, and its opening drum solo is often cited as one of the best ever recorded. Led Zeppelin was a pioneer of psychedelic rock, and “Whole Lotta Love” is one of the best examples of their work in this genre.

Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”

“All Along the Watchtower” is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Hendrix recorded his own version of the song which turned it into a psychedelic rock classic and one of Hendrix’s most popular songs.

Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)”

“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. It was released as a single in 1979, and was included on The Wall album released that same year. The song is about rebellion in general and schoolchildren’s rebellion in particular. In 2010, it was ranked number 334 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. In addition, it was voted the best rock song of all time by Planet Rock listeners in 2009.

The Doors – “Light My Fire”

The Doors’ debut album, “The Doors,” contained this track which would quickly become one of their most popular songs. The original version was almost seven minutes long, but the single was edited down to a radio-friendly three minutes and thirty seconds. This was the song that made them famous and is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.

The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”

The Beach Boys began experimenting with new recording techniques and instruments in the mid-1960s, which led to the innovative and influential sound of their album Pet Sounds (1966). One of the most successful singles from that album was “Good Vibrations”, which reached number one in the US and UK. The track was recorded using a number of innovative techniques, including the use of various harmonicas and an early prototype of the Moog synthesizer.

The Mamas & the Papas – “California Dreamin’”

“California Dreamin’” is one of the few tracks on The Mamas & the Papas breakthrough album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears that isn’t a cover. The original song was written by John Phillips and released as a single in 1965, but it wasn’t until the following year that it became a hit (reaching No. 4 on the Billboard charts). The Mama & the Papas version features lead vocals from Denny Doherty and Michelle Phillips, with support from Cass Elliot. The track is propelled by Doherty and Phillips’ gorgeous harmonies, which are given an added boost by Elliot’s distinctively husky voice. The result is a timeless piece of psychedelic pop that epitomizes the sound of the ‘60s.

The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man”

One of the earliest examples of psychedelia in rock, “Mr. Tambourine Man” is also one of the Byrds’ best-known and most enduring songs. Released as a single in 1965, it was the band’s first taste of success, reaching #1 on the Billboard charts. Led by Roger McGuinn’s 12-string Rickenbacker guitar and his ethereal vocals, the song perfectly captures the spirit of 60s psychedelia.

Simon & Garfunkel – “The Sound of Silence”

Released as a single in 1964, this track was originally written by Paul Simon in 1963. It gained popularity after being featured on the radio show ‘Theme from a Summer Place’. The success of the single persuaded Simon & Garfunkel to reunite and release their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M..