Psychedelic Rock Collection – The Best of the Genre

Looking for a comprehensive guide to the best psychedelic rock albums of all time? Look no further than our Psychedelic Rock Collection – The Best of the Genre blog post. From the classic sounds of The Beatles and Pink Floyd to modern masters like Tame Impala and MGMT, we’ve got you covered.

The Beatles – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are widely considered to be the most influential band of all time, and are credited with popularizing the genre of psychedelic rock.

“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is a song by the Beatles, released on their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of psychedelic rock.

The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”

“Good Vibrations” was released as a single in October of 1966 and became an instant hit. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for six weeks. The song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love and was produced by Wilson. It was recorded with a team of over 20 studio musicians and features some of the most innovative uses of studio technology of its time. It is considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time.

The Doors – “Light My Fire”

The Doors were one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the 1960s. They were led by the dynamic and charismatic Jim Morrison, whose highly charged, erotic stage persona made him a magnetic front man. The Doors combined elements of rock, blues, jazz, flamenco, and classical music to create a unique sound that was both experimental and commercial. They were one of the first American bands to incorporate psychedelia into their music, and their hits “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” are among the most popular songs of the psychedelic era. The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Jimi Hendrix – “Purple Haze”

“Purple Haze” is a song written by Jimi Hendrix and released as the second single by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967. It peaked at number three in the UK and number 65 in the US. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it number 17 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005.

Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall”

“Another Brick in the Wall” is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. It was released as a single in 1979, and was the second single from their album The Wall. The song is about alienation and critics of modern education. The single was a huge success, reaching number one in several countries, including the UK, Canada, and the US.

The Grateful Dead – “Touch of Grey”

The Grateful Dead – “Touch of Grey” from the album In the Dark (1987) is a classic example of psychedelic rock. The song was written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia and was inspired by the idea of aging and impermanence. The lyrics reflect on how time changes everything, but love remains “in the end”. The music is upbeat and optimistic, with a heavy emphasis on how good it feels to just let go and enjoy the ride.

Led Zeppelin – “Kashmir”

“Kashmir” is one of the most well-known and beloved Led Zeppelin tracks, and with good reason – it’s an absolute classic of the psychedelic rock genre.

Originally released on the band’s untitled album (also known as Led Zeppelin IV), “Kashmir” is a lengthy, complex composition that features all four members of Led Zeppelin at the top of their considerable musical powers.

The song was written by both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, and features Page’s signature guitar work throughout, as well as John Bonham’s masterful drumming. But it is Plant’s Jefferson Airplane-inspired vocal performance that really elevates “Kashmir” to the ranks of true classic status.

If you are a fan of psychedelic rock, or simply a fan of great music in general, “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a must-hear track.

David Bowie – “Space Oddity”

Even though “Space Oddity” is technically a pre-psychedelic song, its surreal portrait of Major Tom adrift in the cosmos makes it essential listening for anyone interested in the genre. The song was a hit when it was released in 1969, but it took on new meaning when Bowie performed it as his alter ego Ziggy Stardust in 1972. With its ethereal keyboards and unique guitar solos, “Space Oddity” is a timeless classic that still sounds fresh today.

The Velvet Underground – “Sweet Jane”

“Sweet Jane” is a song by American rock band the Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed and originally released on their 1970 album Loaded. It is one of the band’s most popular songs, and has been covered by numerous artists. The Velvet Underground had already begun work on Loaded when, in August 1970, Reed wrote “Sweet Jane” in one sitting. The song is a love letter to his then-girlfriend and future wife Jane Friedman, who later recalled that “It was definitely me he was writing about.

The Velvet Underground filmed a promotional video for “Sweet Jane” in October 1970; the footage, which includes an early appearance by future Roxy Music member Brian Eno, was later released as part of the documentary vinyl.

The Rolling Stones – “Paint It, Black”

The Rolling Stones are one of the most important and influential bands of all time, and “Paint It, Black” is one of their most iconic and recognizable songs. Released in 1966, the song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and was originally released as a single. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has since been covered by numerous artists. The song is notable for its use of sitar, which gives it a distinctive sound that was very Ahead of its time.