Best Psychedelic Rock Albums of the Modern Era

What are the best psychedelic rock albums of the modern era? This is a question that often gets asked, and rightfully so. Psychedelic rock is a genre that has seen a resurgence in recent years, and there are some truly great albums out there. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best psychedelic rock albums of the modern era.

The Velvet Underground and Nico- The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967)

The Velvet Underground and Nico is the debut album by American rock band the Velvet Underground, released in March 1967 by Verve Records. It was recorded in 1966 while the band’s member Lou Reed was in Andy Warhol’s employment. Released to critical indifference upon its original release, the album sold only 30,000 copies, but grew in stature over time. In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it number 314 on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and in 2005, named it the 13th greatest debut album of all time.

The Doors- The Doors (1967)

The Doors’ debut album is one of the most influential works in rock history. The record established the band as a powerful force in music, with Jim Morrison’s deep, resonant voice and the band’s ability to create moody, atmospheric songs that conveyed a sense of danger and mystery. The album features some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” “Light My Fire,” and “The End.”

Pink Floyd- The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967)

Pink Floyd’s debut album is one of the most essential psychedelic rock albums of the modern era. Recorded in only two weeks, the album features Syd Barrett’s unique songwriting and guitar playing, which helped to define the psychedelic rock sound. The album also contains the classic track “Interstellar Overdrive”, which is one of Pink Floyd’s most iconic songs.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Are You Experienced (1967)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s debut album was nothing short of a revolution. Released in 1967, the record is loaded with classics like “Purple Haze,” “Fire,” and “Hey Joe,” but it’s the way Hendrix re-imagined the electric guitar that was truly groundbreaking. Building on the work of Cream and other early power trios, Hendrix created a sound that was raw, bluesy, and fiercely emotional. He would go on to make even more ambitious records in his short career, but Are You Experienced remains his most essential release.

Cream- Disraeli Gears (1967)

Cream’s second album, Disraeli Gears, is often considered not only one of the best psychedelic rock albums, but one of the best rock albums ever released. Combining blues rock with psychedelic and mind-bending elements, Disraeli Gears is a previously unmatched album in terms of both songwriting and musicianship. Tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Crossroads” have become some of the most iconic and classic rock songs ever recorded.

The Grateful Dead- Anthem of the Sun (1968)

Anthem of the Sun is the second studio album by rock band the Grateful Dead, released onWarner Bros. Records in 1968. It was the first LP to feature second drummer Mickey Hart, who joined the band in September 1967.

In 2003, the album was ranked number 288 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 2012, it was ranked as the number 57 greatest psychedelic album by Fact magazine.

The Beatles- The Beatles (1968)

The Beatles’ final album was their most psychedelic, and also their most avant-garde. The album features complex instrumentation, tape loops, reversed recordings, and heavily processed vocals. Despite the dense sonic texture, the album is strikingly pop-oriented, with well-crafted songs like “Lady Madonna” and “I Will.” The album is considered one of the Beatles’ best, and is a high point of psychedelic rock.

The Rolling Stones- Beggars Banquet (1968)

The Rolling Stones- Beggars Banquet is one of the best psychedelic rock albums of the modern era. The album was released in 1968 and it is a concept album that tells the story of the rise and fall of a band. The album is full of great songs that are all psychedelic in nature. The album is a must have for any fan of psychedelic rock.

Led Zeppelin- Led Zeppelin (1969)

Recorded when the band was still new, Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut is a master class in blues-infused rock & roll. The band had an chemistry that was unrivaled at the time, and it’s on full display throughout Led Zeppelin. Each member of the group — Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham — is in top form, playing with a fire and passion that’s simply breathtaking. From the opening riffs of “Good Times Bad Times” to the final notes of “How Many More Times,” Led Zeppelin is a nonstop tour de force that established the band as one of rock’s all-time greats.

Black Sabbath- Paranoid (1970)

Black Sabbath’s Paranoid is one of the most important and influential metal albums of all time. Sabbath practically invented heavy metal with this landmark release, which is filled with so many great songs, from the title track to “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.” Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals are insane, and the band’s playing is tight and heavy as hell. Every metal band that came after Sabbath was influenced by Paranoid in some way.