Psychedelic Rock’s Most Popular Songs

A look at some of the most popular Psychedelic Rock songs that have stood the test of time.

The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”

“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 one of the first examples of psychedelia in rock music and has been highly acclaimed by music critics. It was voted the greatest song of all time in a poll conducted by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004.

The Doors – “Light My Fire”

It’s one of the most iconic opening lines in rock history, and the perfect distillation of The Doors’ slippery, suggestible appeal: “You know that it would be untrue / You know that I would be a liar / If I was to say to you / Girl, we couldn’t get much higher.” “Light My Fire” was the first single from The Doors’ self-titled debut album, and it shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. Robby Krieger’s signature guitar lick also introduced generations of listeners to the minor-key carnival of psychedelic rock.

Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”

“All Along the Watchtower” is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The song initially appeared on his 1967 album John Wesley Harding, and it has been included on most of Dylan’s subsequent greatest hits compilations. Since the late 1970s, he has performed it in concert more than any of his other songs. Different versions appear on four of Dylan’s live albums. It was ranked the greatest cover version of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2005, and ranked among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by the same publication.

Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2”

“Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. It was released as a single with “One of My Turns” as the B-side. The song is included on The Wall album and was played during the 1977 Pink Floyd tour.

The song features a children’s choir, andscat singing during the outro. Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason said that despite its dark message, “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” was “an extremely simple pop song… I think it’s one of those singles where everybody knows every word to it.” The lyrics refer to teacher-learner relationships and explore the idea that children are easily brainwashed into seeing things from an authority figure’s perspective.

The track was released as a single on 7 November 1979 and reached number one in several countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Cashbox chart.

The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”

The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” is one of the most popular and enduring songs of the psychedelic rock era. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and originally appeared on the band’s 1969 album “Let it Bleed.”

“Gimme Shelter” is a dark and atmospheric song that features a number of elements that are typical of psychedelic rock, including distorted guitars, unsettling lyrics, and a sense of foreboding. The song is widely considered to be one of the Rolling Stones’ best and has been covered by a number of other artists, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sheryl Crow, and Bruce Springsteen.

The Grateful Dead – “Touch of Grey”

The Grateful Dead’s “Touch of Grey” is one of the most popular songs in psychedelic rock history. The song was released in 1987 and quickly shot to the top of the charts, becoming one of the band’s most well-known and beloved hits. “Touch of Grey” is a classic example of the Dead’s unique brand of psychedelic rock, blending elements of folk, country, and blues with their signature jams and extended instrumental passages. The result is a timeless tune that has stood the test of time, remaining one of the most popular songs in the Dead’s vast catalogue.

Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”

“Stairway to Heaven” is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released in late 1971. It was composed by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant for the band’s untitled fourth studio album (often called Led Zeppelin IV). The song has been described as the most popular rock song of all time.

The Velvet Underground – “Sweet Jane”

“Sweet Jane” is a 1974 song by the American rock band the Velvet Underground. It was written by Lou Reed and released on the band’s third studio album, Loaded (1970). The song uses a Bo Diddley beat, and its lyrics tell the story of a prostitute.

Reed based the song on his own experiences with prostitutes, as well as those of his friends. The Velvet Underground recorded “Sweet Jane” in 1970, but the song was not released as a single until 1974. It was a moderate commercial success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 42 on the Cash Box Top 100.

The song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, and Sonic Youth.

The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”

“Good Vibrations” is a song composed and produced by Brian Wilson with words by Mike Love for the American rock band the Beach Boys. Released as a single in October 1966, it was an immediate critical and commercial hit, becoming one of the band’s most successful songs. The track frequently topped polls of the greatest songs of all time and is considered one of the finest works in Wilson’s oeuvre.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze”

“Purple Haze” is a song written by Jimi Hendrix and released as the second record single by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on March 17, 1967. As the follow-up to “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze” was one of the first psychedelic songs and an important prototype for Hendrix’s later, more experimental work. The recording features his distinctive guitar playing, which uses feedback and distortion techniques.