The Best Psychedelic Rock Songs of 2017
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From the return of classic sounds to a new wave of experimentalism, these are the best psychedelic rock songs of 2017.
The Doors- “Light My Fire”
“Light My Fire” is a song by the American rock band the Doors, which was recorded in August 1966 and released in January 1967 on their eponymous debut album on Elektra Records. It was one of their first hits, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts.
The Beatles- “A Day in the Life”
“A Day in the Life” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles that was released as the final track of their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Credited to Lennon–McCartney, it was mostly written by John Lennon with contributions from Paul McCartney. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential songs ever recorded.
The song originated with an idea Lennon had for a track that would link various sections of Sgt. Pepper together; he envisioned it as “the hangover song”. The concept evolved over time and after several production issues, ended up being almost entirely composed by him. The lyrics were written in collaboration with McCartney, who helped finish the song just hours before its planned studio recording session.
“A Day in the Life” has been cited as an early example of postmodernism in music. It features a collage of voices and sounds that were recorded separately and combined during post-production into a seamless whole. These include an opening fanfare performed by London Symphony Orchestra, reverse tape effects, guttural humming, radio broadcasts, piano outtakes from “For No One”, reworked takes from “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, and Ringo Starr’s Ludwig snare drum outtake from “The End”.
The final verse was not originally part of the song but was ad-libbed by Lennon at the end of the final take; its standing as one of rock’s most memorable la
Jimi Hendrix- “Purple Haze”
“Purple Haze” is a song written by Jimi Hendrix and released as the second single by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on March 17, 1967. The song was one of the first psychedelic rock hits and it immortalized Hendrix as one of the most innovative electric guitarists of his era.
The Rolling Stones- “Paint It, Black”
“Paint It, Black” is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released as a single on 6 May 1966. It reached number one in both the United Kingdom and the United States, becoming the group’s first and only single to top the charts in both countries. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Siouxsie and the Banshees, Carlos Santana, U2, Cypress Hill,&& R.E.M..
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 with “Run Like Hell” as its B-side, and was re-released in December 1979 as a double A-side single with “Don’t Leave Me Now”, to promote Pink Floyd’s The Wall album. The song is critical of the rigid schooling system, and is a prominent anthem advocating cerebral independence. “Another Brick in the Wall” peaked at number one in several countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
