5 Good Psychedelic Rock Albums You Should Check Out

If you’re a fan of psychedelic rock, then you’ll definitely want to check out these five great albums. From the classic sounds of Pink Floyd to the more modern vibes of Tame Impala, there’s something for everyone on this list.

The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

If you’re looking for a good place to start your exploration of psychedelic rock, you can’t go wrong with The Beatles’ classic album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Released in 1967, this album is often cited as one of the most important and influential albums of all time, and it’s not hard to see why. The Beatles pushed the boundaries of what was possible in rock music, experimenting with new sounds and textures that had never been heard before. From the opening chords of “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” to the final crescendo of “A Day in the Life,” Sgt. Pepper is an album that is guaranteed to take you on a mind-bending journey.

Other essential psychedelic rock albums:

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are You Experienced?
The Doors – Strange Days
The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico
Pink Floyd – Piper at the Gates of Dawn

The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

Regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, Pet Sounds was released in 1966 to critical acclaim. The Beach Boys’ album eliminated the barriers between genres, paving the way for artists like The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Pet Sounds is a psychedelic journey that takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster ride, with tracks like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” that are sure to stay stuck in your head for days.

Pink Floyd – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

Pink Floyd’s debut album is a bit of an outlier in their catalog, but it’s a worthy inclusion on any list of the best psychedelic rock albums. The album captures the band in their formative years, playing a variety of psychedelic styles with a youthful exuberance. Some of the standout tracks include “Astronomy Domine,” “Interstellar Overdrive,” and “See Emily Play.”

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are You Experienced

Regarded by many as one of the, if not the, greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix’s influence was – and still is – huge. Jimi played a pivotal role in the development of psychedelia and hard rock, achieving mainstream success with songs such as ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘Fire’. The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s debut album, ‘Are You Experienced’ is crammed full of psychedelic gems and is a must-listen for any fan of the genre.

The Doors – The Doors

The Doors’ debut album is one of the most important and influential recordings in rock history. Released in 1967, the album introduced the world to the band’s unique brand of psychedelic rock and featured some of their most iconic songs, including “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side).” The Doors would go on to release a string of successful albums, but their debut remains their best and most essential work.