The Best Psychedelic Rock Songs of All Time
Contents
- The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”
- The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
- Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall”
- The Doors – “Riders on the Storm”
- Led Zeppelin – “Kashmir”
- Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”
- The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
- The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
- Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son”
- The Velvet Underground – “Sweet Jane”
Check out our list of the best psychedelic rock songs of all time. From The Beatles to The Doors, these songs will take you on a trip!
The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”
“A Day in the Life” is a 1967 song by the Beatles that was included on their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song is notable for its surrealistic lyrics, which were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and its innovative use of orchestral instruments. The song was ranked as the greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004.
The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
Considered one of the first Psychedelic pop songs, “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys was released in October of 1966. The song was composed by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, with production handled by Wilson. It was recorded using various innovative studio techniques, including the use of a theremin. “Good Vibrations” went on to become a huge commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of The Beach Boys’ signature tunes.
Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall”
“Another Brick in the Wall” is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. It was released as a single in 1979, and was included on their album The Wall. Written by bassist Roger Waters, the song is a protest against strict schooling and promotes the value of individualism. The single was extremely successful, reaching number one in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, West Germany and Australia. In the United States, it peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Doors – “Riders on the Storm”
“Riders on the Storm” is a classic example of The Doors’ psychedelic rock sound. Jim Morrison’s Creepy and atmospheric lyrics, combined with Ray Manzarek’s ethereal keyboard work and Robby Krieger’s jangly guitar create a perfect storm of sound that is at once both beautiful and unsettling.
Led Zeppelin – “Kashmir”
Chosen by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, “Kashmir” is an epic, meandering track from Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti. It’s one of the band’s most complex andinput songs, with Jimmy Page’s distinctive multi-layered guitar work, John Bonham’s booming drums, and Robert Plant’s otherworldly vocals.
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, “All Along the Watchtower” has been one of Dylan’s most popular songs, with multiple cover versions by notable artists. The Hendrix version, released six months after Dylan’s original recording, became a Top 40 single in 1968 and went on to earn numerous awards and distinctions.
The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
“Gimme Shelter” is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and was released as a single in December 1969. It was also included as the opening track on their album Let It Bleed, released in the same month. “Gimme Shelter” features lead vocals by Jagger, background vocals by Richards, Charlie Watts on drums, Bill Wyman on bass and Jimmy Miller on percussion.
The song is notable for its dark lyrical content, which deals with sexual assault and murder. The song’s notoriety increased after it was used in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now. “Gimme Shelter” has been ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.
The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is one of the greatest psychedelic rock songs of all time. The song was released in 1971 as a single from the band’s eighth studio album, Who’s Next. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a powerful and political anthem that features some of the best musicianship from all members of The Who. The song is driven by Pete Townshend’s dynamic guitar playing and Roger Daltrey’s impassioned vocals. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a timeless tune that continues to resonate with fans of all ages.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son”
Originally written as a social commentary on the Vietnam War, “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival has since taken on a life of its own. The song is an anthem of the anti-war movement and has been covered by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Rage Against the Machine. With its driving guitar riff and anguished vocals, “Fortunate Son” is one of the best psychedelic rock songs of all time.
The Velvet Underground – “Sweet Jane”
“Sweet Jane” is a song by the American rock band the Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed. It was first released on their 1970 album Loaded.
The song is a classic example of the Velvet Underground’s fusion of pop and avant-garde sensibilities, featuring both heavy rock riffing and Reed’s elegiac lyrics. It has been lauded by critics as one of the band’s best songs, and has been covered by numerous artists.
