The Best Psychedelic Rock of All Time

Join us as we countdown the best psychedelic rock albums of all time. From The Beatles to Pink Floyd, we’ll explore the history and influence of this genre-defining music.

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 primarily written by John Lennon, with Paul McCartney contributing the middle eight section. Reflecting Lennon’s advocacy of psychedelia, “A Day in the Life” is regarded as one of the finest and most important works in the Beatles’ catalogue, with several music critics describing it as their magnum opus. It was ranked number 26 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and declared “the best song of all time” by Mojo magazine in 2002.

The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”

“Good Vibrations” is not only one of the best psychedelic rock songs of all time, but also one of the best pop songs ever recorded. The Beach Boys tookpsychedelia in a more radio-friendly direction with this 1966 track, which features looping effects, odd sound effects, and an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a perfect example of how to make Psychedelic Rock without compromising the pop sensibilities that made The Beach Boys so popular.

Jimi Hendrix – “Purple Haze”

Few artists have managed to truly capture the raw power and emotion of psychedelic rock quite like Jimi Hendrix. His 1967 hit “Purple Haze” is a perfect example of his ability to translate the sprawling, mind-bending sounds of psychedelia into a concise and catchy rock song. The track features Hendrix’s signature wailing guitar work, as well as his unique style of singing, which itself was often compared to the trippy effects of psychedelic drugs.

Pink Floyd – “Another Brick in the Wall”

There are many Pink Floyd songs that could have made this list, but “Another Brick in the Wall” is perhaps the most iconic. The song is from the album The Wall, which is a concept album about Pink, a rockstar who is crumbling under the weight of his own fame and success. “Another Brick in the Wall” is about Pink’s descent into madness, and the lyrics are both dark and haunting. The song also features one of the most famous guitar solos of all time, by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

The Doors – “Light My Fire”

“Light My Fire” is one of The Doors’ most well-known tracks, and rightfully so – it is a beautiful, complex, and expertly-crafted psychedelic rock masterpiece. Jim Morrison’s lyrics are deep and cryptic, while the music itself features a number of inventive and catchy elements that make it truly unique. The opening keyboard riff is unforgettable, and the song builds to a stunning climax that is both atmospheric and haunting. “Light My Fire” is a perfect example of why The Doors are considered one of the greatest psychedelic rock bands of all time.

Led Zeppelin – “Kashmir”

Few songs capture the grandeur and mystery of the desert like Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” The track, which appears on the band’s 1975 album Physical Graffiti, is an eight-minute epic that features some of Jimmy Page’s most atmospheric guitar work. Robert Plant’s lyrics add to the song’s mystical vibe, painting a picture of a lost city in the sand.

The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”

“Gimme Shelter” is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones. It first appeared as the opening track on the band’s 1969 album Let It Bleed. Sung by lead vocalist Mick Jagger, “Gimme Shelter” features guitar work by Keith Richards and Ike Turner, and percussion by Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman.

The song was written in response to the Vietnam War and the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. “Gimme Shelter” reflects the Stones’ evolving views on politics and society, and has beeninterpreted as a call for peace and an end to violence. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 38 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

David Bowie – “Space Oddity”

David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” is a defining track of the psychedelic rock genre. Released in 1969, the song is about an astronaut, Major Tom, who is cut off from Earth and floats aimlessly in space. The lyrics are both trippy and chilling, and the song’s slow, atmospheric build-up creates a feeling of isolation and despair. Bowie’s performance is masterful, conveying both the character’s sense of wonder and his ultimate loneliness. “Space Oddity” remains one of Bowie’s most beloved tracks, and its influence can be heard in the work of subsequent artists like Pink Floyd and Radiohead.

The Grateful Dead – “Touch of Grey”

The Grateful Dead – “Touch of Grey”
On their final studio album, In the Dark, the Grateful Dead delivered one of their most radio-friendly hits in “Touch of Grey.” The song’s popularity helped propel the album to platinum status, making it the band’s only top 10 album. Jerry Garcia’s lead guitar is prominently featured throughout the track, and the band’s trademark sound is evident in the distinctive riff that opens the song.

Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Among the annals of great songs, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana will always occupy a special place. As the lead single from Nirvana’s second album, “Nevermind,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a perfect storm of teenage angst and apathy that struck a chord with an entire generation of disaffected youth.

With its driving guitars and Cobain’s wailing vocals, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was an anthem for a generation that was tired of being told what to do. The song’s about as close to perfect as a song can get, and it remains one of the most influential songs of all time.