10 French Psychedelic Rock Songs You Need to Hear

Looking for some French psychedelic rock to add to your playlist? Here are 10 essential tracks that you need to hear!

Introduction

In the late 1960s, as the world was quickly changing and music was evolving at a rapid pace, a new genre of music began to emerge: psychedelic rock. Psychedelic rock, also known as acid rock or trippy rock, is a subgenre of rock music that originated in the mid-1960s.

Psychedelic rock is characterized by its use of psychedelic and mind-altering substances, such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and mescaline. The genre often makes use of extended instrumental solos, unusual sound effects, and distorted guitars.

While the United States is often considered the birthplace of psychedelic rock, the genre actually began in France. In 1966, a French band called The Magic Elixir released their debut album Acidrock, which is widely considered to be the first ever psychedelic rock album.

The Magic Elixir would go on to influence a whole generation of French musicians, who would create some of the most groundbreaking and influential psychedelic rock music of all time. Here are 10 French psychedelic rock songs that you need to hear:

“Les Yeux Noirs” by Les Fils de Joie

Les Yeux Noirs is a song by the French psychedelic rock band Les Fils de Joie. It was released as a single in 1967 and reached number two on the French charts. The song has been described as “a perfect example of the French Psychedelic sound” and “one of the most quintessential French Psychedelic tracks of all time.”

“Avant Que Tu Ne T’en Ailles” by We Insist!

“Avant Que Tu Ne T’en Ailles” by We Insist! is a perfect example of French psychedelic rock. The song starts off with a bang, giving the listener a taste of what’s to come. With its catchy lyrics and psychedelic guitars, “Avant Que Tu Ne T’en Ailles” will have you hooked from the first listen.

“Le Temps des Lilas” by Aksak Maboul

Aksak Maboul was a Belgian avant-pop band, founded in 1977 by Marc Hollander and Vincent Kenis. They were one of the leading bands of the Rock in Opposition movement. The band’s name is derived from the Turkish word for “pied crow”.

“Le Temps des Lilas” is a song by Aksak Maboul, released as a single in 1978. It was included on the band’s debut album, Un Peu de l’Âme des Bandits.

The song’s title translates to “The Time of the Lilies”. It is a reference to the time of year when lilies bloom in France. The song is about the beauty of nature, and how it can be enjoyed even in the midst of city life.

The song has been covered by several artists, including French singer Françoise Hardy and British band Stereolab.

“La Décadence” by La Femme

Formed in Biarritz in 2010, La Femme mix elements of surf rock, shoegaze, and French pop to create their own unique sound. “La Décadence” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to craft catchy, summery songs with a dark edge. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman’s journey into the seedy underside of Paris, and the song’s propulsive guitar riff and ethereal vocal melody will stay stuck in your head for days.

“Les Bijoux” by Poney Poney

Poney Poney is a French psychedelic rock band from Paris, France, formed in 2007. The band consists of Antoine Gaillet (vocals, keyboards), Benjamin Cohen (bass), and Olivier Rouveyre (drums). The band has released two albums, “Les Bijoux” (2009) and “III” (2013).

The band’s debut album, “Les Bijoux”, was released in 2009 on the French independent label Maison du Beef. The album was well-received by critics, with Allmusic giving it 4 out of 5 stars and saying that it “showcases a young band with plenty of ideas and talent.” The song “Les Bijoux” was included on the 2010 compilation album “Tripsichord Music Box”, which was named one of the best psychedelic albums of 2010 by Pitchfork.

Poney Poney’s second album, “III”, was released in 2013 on the American independent label Captured Tracks. The album was once again well-received by critics, with Allmusic giving it 4 out of 5 stars and saying that it “finds the group expanding their sound while still retaining their own distinctive take on modern psychedelia.”

“L’Hiver est Là” by Les Deuxluxes

From the album “L.D.L.H.” released in 2016, “L’Hiver est Là” is a hauntingly beautiful track that is both psychedelic and ethereal. With its swirling guitars and reverb-drenched vocals, the song creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is perfect for a winter’s day.

“Les Voix” by Les Gauchers

Les Gauchers were one of the first French psychedelic rock bands, and “Les Voix” is one of their most iconic songs. The distortive guitars and trippy lyrics create a truly mind-bending experience.

“Les Étoiles” by Les Automates

“Les Étoiles” by Les Automates is a great example of French psychedelic rock. The song features a heavy dose of wah-wah pedal, giving it a very spacey sound. The vocals are also dreamy and ethereal, which fits perfectly with the song’s overall atmosphere.

“Les Champs-Élysées” by Les Grys-Grys

This catchy tune was released in 1968 by the French garage rock band Les Grys-Grys. It quickly became a hit in France and continues to be popular to this day. The song is about a young man who dreams of strolling down the famous Parisian avenue, the Champs-Élysées, with his love.