The Longest Psychedelic Rock Songs of All Time
Contents
From the Grateful Dead’s “Dark Star” to Pink Floyd’s “Echoes,” these are the longest and most epic psychedelic rock songs of all time.
Introduction
Psychedelic rock, also known as acid rock, is a style of music that first emerged in the mid-1960s. Characterized by distorted guitars, trippy lyrics, and mind-bending effects, psychedelic rock was used by bands like Pink Floyd and The Doors to explore new sonic territory and push the boundaries of what rock music could be.
While most psychedelic rock songs clock in at under 10 minutes, there are a few that go on much longer. In this list, we’ll be taking a look at some of the longest psychedelic rock songs of all time, ranging from extended jams to suite-like epics. So sit back, turn on your black light, and enjoy these mind-bending tunes.
The Longest Psychedelic Rock Songs of All Time
Psychedelic rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s. The genre is generally defined by its use of distorted guitars, extended jams, and mind-altering lyrics. Psychedelic rock songs often explore themes of space, time, and identity. The longest psychedelic rock songs of all time are:
The Doors – “When the Music’s Over”
Coming in at just over 11 minutes, “When the Music’s Over” is one of the Doors’ most iconic and well-known tracks. The song starts off slow, with a long, drawn-out intro that gradually builds in intensity. The main body of the song is a long, jam-like section that features some of keyboardist Ray Manzarek’s most famous work. The song ends with a extended coda that features some of lead singer Jim Morrison’s most poetry.
Grateful Dead – “Dark Star”
Grateful Dead – “Dark Star”
Coming in at a whopping 23 minutes, “Dark Star” is the longest song on this list. It was originally written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia and released on the 1968 album, “Anthem of the Sun.” The song was played live often by the band and would frequently change lyrically and structurally, making each performance unique. “Dark Star” is a prime example of the Grateful Dead’s improvisational style and their willingness to experiment with their music.
Pink Floyd – “Careful with That Axe, Eugene”
“Careful with That Axe, Eugene” is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. The song was written in 1968 by Roger Waters and originally released on the band’s second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. The song is notable for its long, loud, and close harmony vocal crescendos, which gradually build up over a period of minutes before abruptly cutting off.
The song was performed live regularly from 1968 to 1973, and has been featured on several Pink Floyd live albums, including Ummagumma, Pulse, and P*U*L*S*E. The song was revived for Pink Floyd’s 1994 tour in support of their album The Division Bell.
“Careful with That Axe, Eugene” is one of Pink Floyd’s most popular live songs, and has been placed on several lists of the greatest live performances of all time.
Jimi Hendrix – “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)”
Recorded during the famous Electric Ladyland sessions, “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” is one of Jimi Hendrix’s most popular songs. It was originally released as a single in 1968, but didn’t gain widespread attention until it was included on the posthumous album release of Electric Ladyland in 1970. The song is a remarkable showcase of Hendrix’s guitar skills, and has been covered by a number of artists over the years.
At just over 8 minutes long, “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” is one of the longest psychedelic rock songs ever recorded. The song features a number of extended jam sections, giving Hendrix ample opportunity to show off his legendary guitar skills. In addition to its length, the song is also notable for its distorted and heavily blues-influenced sound.
Hawkwind – “Silver Machine”
“Silver Machine” is a song by English rock band Hawkwind, released as their first single in 1972 and reaching number three in the UK Singles Chart. It was later included on their 1972 album Doremi Fasol Latido. The song was written by bassist and vocalist Lemmy (whose real name was Ian Fraser Kilmister) and keyboardist Tim Blake, and featured vocals by Robert Calvert.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the longest psychedelic rock songs of all time. Some of these songs may be challenging to listen to in one sitting, but they are all excellent examples of the genre. Psychedelic rock is a sonic journey, and these songs are some of the best examples of that.
