Rock Rewind: 1967-1969 My Music

If you’re a fan of classic rock, then this blog is for you! Every week, we take a look back at some of the greatest hits from 1967-1969.

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

The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was released on June 1, 1967. The album was an instant success, spending 27 weeks at the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and 15 weeks at number one in the United States. The album won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

The Beach Boys – “Pet Sounds”

The Beach Boys – “Pet Sounds” (1966)

If you were to choose one album that encapsulated the youthful sound and innocence of the 1960s, it would likely be The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.” The album marked a major shift in direction for the Beach Boys, who had become immensely popular for their feel-good California surf anthems. On “Pet,” the group abandoned their sunny soundscapes in favor of a more introspective and experimental direction, influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan and The Beatles. The result was an album that has come to be regarded as one of the most influential records of all time.

The Doors – “The Doors”

The debut album from The Doors was released in 1967 and features some of the band’s most well-known songs, including “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side).” The album topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and is considered one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Jimi Hendrix – “Are You Experienced?”

As the sixties came to a close, Jimi Hendrix released his debut album, “Are You Experienced?”, which would go on to be one of the most influential guitar albums of all time. Hendrix’s blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia was unlike anything that had been heard before, and his virtuosic guitar playing inspired a generation of musicians.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Electric Ladyland”

In 1968, The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their third and final studio album, “Electric Ladyland.” The double album was Hendrix’s first and only number one record in the United States. It featured his signature song, “All Along the Watchtower,” as well as “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” which is widely considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.

Led Zeppelin – “Led Zeppelin”

Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album was released on January 12, 1969 in the United Kingdom and on February 24, 1969 in the United States. The album was an instant commercial and critical success, spending 33 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Led Zeppelin is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

The Rolling Stones – “Beggars Banquet”

The Rolling Stones – “Beggars Banquet”

The Rolling Stones return to basics with this, their best album since 1964’s “The Rolling Stones Now!” Producer Jimmy Miller keeps the tracks tight and focused, although he does allow the band to stretch out on a few numbers, most notably “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man.” The real focus here is on the songwriting, which is uniformly excellent — Jagger and Richards were at or near the peak of their powers during this period, penning such classics as “Stray Cat Blues,” “Factory Girl,” and of course, the immortal “Street Fighting Man.” Musically, Beggars Banquet is a return to form for the Stones; it’s one of their most consistent and enjoyable albums.

The Who – “Tommy”

In 1969, The Who released “Tommy”, their 4th studio album and crowning achievement to date. The double-album is a concept album telling the story of a “deaf, dumb, and blind” boy who becomes a messianic figure. Though it was not immediately successful in the States, it reached No. 4 in the UK and has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the top 500 albums of all time.

Van Morrison – “Astral Weeks”

Astral Weeks is the second studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on Warner Bros. Records in 1968 to critical and commercial acclaim. The album features jazz and folk-inspired musicians and blends mystical, avant-garde lyrics with music that has been described as “raga rock”.

Upon its release, Astral Weeks received mixed reviews from music critics. However, it has since been reappraised as one of the greatest albums of all time by writers such as Greil Marcus, Harold Bloom, and Jim DeRogatis. In 2003, the album was ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Bayou Country”

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s second studio album, “Bayou Country”, was released on January 5, 1969. The record features some of the group’s best-known songs, including “Born on the Bayou”, “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising”. “Bayou Country” peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified 2x platinum by the RIAA.