Classic Psychedelic Rock Covers You Need to Hear
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We all know and love the classics, but sometimes it’s fun to hear them with a fresh twist. Here are some of our favorite psychedelic rock covers that you need to check out!
Jimi Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower
Few cover songs are as iconic as Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower.” Hendrix took Bob Dylan’s original and turned it into a hard-hitting psychedelic rock anthem. His unique guitar playing style lent itself perfectly to the song’s already trippy atmosphere, and the result is a classic that has been covered by many artists over the years.
The Doors – Light My Fire
“Light My Fire” is a song written by The Doors which appeared on their 1967 debut album. The song was a major hit for the band, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It quickly became one of their most recognizable and popular songs and has been covered by many artists.
The Doors were not the first band to record “Light My Fire.” In fact, the song was originally written for and recorded by another band called act as well as another rock group from Texas called Josefus. But it was The Doors’ version that would become the most iconic and influential.
“Light My Fire” is a classic example of psychedelic rock, with its long guitar solo and ethereal lyrics. The Doors’ version of the song has been used in many films and TV shows over the years, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Cream – Crossroads
Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads” is one of the most covered songs in history, but Cream’s 1968 version is the best. It’s a masterclass in blues-rock guitar from Clapton, and the band as a whole is on fire.
The Rolling Stones – Street Fighting Man
The Rolling Stones – Street Fighting Man
The original version of this song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and released on the 1968 album Beggars Banquet. The song is a response to the 1967 Detroit riots, which had a profound effect on the band. The cover version by psychedelic rock band The Stooges was released on their self-titled debut album in 1969.
The Doors – Light My Fire
The Doors’ classic 1967 hit “Light My Fire” was written by guitarist Robby Krieger and sung by the late great Jim Morrison. It was one of the first psychedelic rock songs to achieve mainstream success. The song was covered by Australian rock band INXS in 1984 and became a hit all over again.
Jefferson Airplane – Somebody to Love
Somebody to Love is a song written by Darby Slick, which was first recorded by The Great Society and later covered by Jefferson Airplane. The Airplane’s version, with lead vocals by Grace Slick, was included on their 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow and became one of their most popular songs. It has been covered numerous times since, including versions by Diana Ross and George Michael.
The Beatles – Helter Skelter
The Beatles were one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and their music has been covered by countless other artists. One of their most iconic songs is “Helter Skelter,” which was originally released on the “White Album” in 1968. The song was later covered by Guns N’ Roses on their 1987 album “Appetite for Destruction.”
Guns N’ Roses’ version of “Helter Skelter” is true to the original, but with a heavier sound that reflects the band’s hard rock roots. Axl Rose delivers a powerful vocal performance, and the guitars of Slash and Izzy Stradlin are unleashed throughout the song. The result is a classic psychedelic rock cover that captures the energy and spirit of the original.
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
This psychedelic classic was originally written and performed by Led Zeppelin, and has been covered by a number of artists over the years. The most notable cover version was recorded by Scottish hard rock band Nazareth in 1975. The cover adds a heavier sound, with distortion and feedback added to the guitars, and is widely considered to be one of the best Led Zeppelin covers ever recorded.
The Who – My Generation
The Who were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, and their debut album My Generation is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time. The album’s lead single, “My Generation”, is an anthem for the rebellious youth of the time, and its message is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
While The Who’s original version of the song is excellent, there are many great covers out there that put their own spin on the classic track. Here are some of our favorites:
-Nirvana – Nirvana covered “My Generation” in 1993 for their MTV Unplugged performance. Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals and the band’s stripped-down arrangement give the song a whole new feel, and it’s definitely worth a listen.
-The Jam – The Jam were a British punk/mod revival band that were hugely popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Their cover of “My Generation” was released as a single in 1981, and it reached number 9 on the UK charts.
-Oasis – Oasis covered “My Generation” for their 1997 single “Be Here Now”. The track features Liam Gallagher on lead vocals, and his brother Noel contributes some iconic guitar work.
-Green Day – Green Day recorded a cover of “My Generation” for their 2001 album International Superhits!, and they also performed it live at the Grammy Awards that same year.
Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall
Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. The original version, from the album The Wall, is a classic example of Pink Floyd’s unique brand of psychedelic rock. But the song has been covered by a diverse range of artists, from metal bands to country singers. Here are some of the best covers of “Another Brick in the Wall” that you need to hear.
Metal covers
Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” has been covered by a number of metal bands, including Metallica, Megadeth, and Sepultura. Metallica’s cover, from their album Reload, is particularly noteworthy. The band speeds up the tempo and adds a heavy dose of distortion, giving the song a more aggressive sound. Megadeth’s cover, from their album Countdown to Extinction, is also worth checking out. The band slows down the tempo and gives the song a more doom-laden feel.
Progressive rock covers
Progressive rock bands have also put their own spin on “Another Brick in the Wall.” Dream Theater’s cover, from their album Scenes From a Memory, is particularly good. The band stays true to the original version while adding their own complex arrangements and solos. Porcupine Tree’s cover is also worth checking out. The band strips down the song and gives it a more atmospheric sound.
Country covers
You might not expect to find a country cover of “Another Brick in the Wall,” but there are actually quite a few good ones out there. Willie Nelson’s cover, from his album Teatro, is particularly good. Nelson gives the song a folksy feel while still staying true to the original version. Kenny Chesney’s cover is also worth checking out. Chesney adds a twang to the song and includes some country-style guitar licks.
