10 Iconic Psychedelic Rock Songs You Need to Know

Psychedelic rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This list features 10 of the most iconic psychedelic rock songs that you need to know.

The Beatles – “A Day in the Life”

“A Day in the Life” is the final track on The Beatles’ iconic 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It’s a fitting end to the record, not only because it’s a beautiful and well-crafted song, but also because it sums up the themes of the album perfectly. The song is about the mundane details of everyday life, but it’s also about how those details can take on a whole new meaning when viewed through the lens of LSD. The result is a song that is both disorienting and deeply moving, and it remains one of the most important psychedelic rock songs of all time.

The Doors – “Light My Fire”

The Doors’ debut album, 1967’s The Doors, is full of psychedelic classics, but “Light My Fire” is the one that finally made them stars. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 and has been covered by everyone from Jose Feliciano to Bruce Springsteen.

Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”

This 1968 song is one of Hendrix’s most popular, and was released on the “Electric Ladyland” album. The song is a cover of a Bob Dylan tune, and Hendrix’s version is quite different from the original. “All Along the Watchtower” features fuzzy, feedback-laden guitars and is one of Hendrix’s most psychedelic tracks.

Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall”

Widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, “Another Brick in the Wall” is also one of the most iconic psychedelic rock tracks. The song was released as a single in 1979 and became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. “Another Brick in the Wall” is from Pink Floyd’s album The Wall, which is one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The song is about the struggles of growing up and feeling isolated from the world. The lyrics are critical of the education system and society in general. “Another Brick in the Wall” is a powerful anthem that spoke to a generation of young people who were disillusioned with the world around them.

While Pink Floyd is not typically categorized as a psychedelic rock band, “Another Brick in the Wall” is a clear example of how they were influenced by the psychedelic music of the 1960s. The song features trippy sound effects and distorted vocals, both hallmarks of psychedelic rock.

If you’re looking for an introduction to psychedelic rock, “Another Brick in the Wall” is a classic place to start.

The Grateful Dead – “Truckin'”

“Truckin'” is a song by the Grateful Dead, which first appeared on their 1971 album American Beauty. The song was written by Robert Hunter, Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, and it quickly became one of the band’s most popular songs. “Truckin'” is often cited as an example of the Dead’s unique and eclectic style, as it blends elements of country, folk, rock and blues.

The song also became one of the Dead’s most-played live tunes, and it was frequently performed in concert by the band throughout their career. “Truckin'” has been covered by a number of artists, including the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and Bob Dylan.

Janis Joplin – “Piece of My Heart”

Considered one of the greatest singers of her generation, Janis Joplin was one of the most electric and dynamic performers of the late 1960s. A pioneer of psychedelic rock, her raw, emotive vocals and bluesy delivery made her a force to be reckoned with on stage. Released in 1968, “Piece of My Heart” was one of her signature songs and remains an enduring classic of the genre.

Led Zeppelin – “Kashmir”

“Kashmir” is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin, from their sixth studio album Physical Graffiti (1975). It was co-written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant over a period of several months in 1974, in sessions at Headley Grange, Jamaica, and credited to both writers. With its oriental sound and lengthy, sedate melody, it is one of Led Zeppelin’s most popular songs.

The Who – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

Originally released as a single in 1971, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is a rock anthem for the ages. The song is about not being fooled by politicians and other so-called authority figures. With its iconic opening lines, “Meet the new boss / Same as the old boss,” the song has become an anthem for those who are questioning the status quo.

The song was written by Pete Townshend and was originally intended to be a protest song against British Prime Minister Edward Heath. However, the song took on a life of its own and has since been used as a rallying cry by groups ranging from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street.

David Bowie – “Ziggy Stardust”

The song that made David Bowie a superstar, “Ziggy Stardust” is a tribute to the titular character of Ziggy Stardust, a rock star who acts as a messenger for aliens. Ziggy Stardust is one of Bowie’s most famous alter egos, and the song itself is a perfect example of Bowie’s mix of glam rock and psychedelia.

The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”

“Gimme Shelter” is the lead single off of The Rolling Stones’ 1969 album Let It Bleed. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in response to the growing unrest during the Vietnam War. The lyrics reflect the feelings of hopelessness and despair that were prevalent during that time period. “Gimme Shelter” is considered to be one of the greatest rock songs of all time and it has been covered by many artists over the years.