160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 by Junomoogmello

This psychedelic chart may surprise some people. It is in two parts, mainly because of the size of it. The first part generally tends to include music from the sixties, the second part includes some more 'up to date' psychedelic offerings. Firstly, I have only included albums which I own on vinyl, part of this decision is that the amazing cover art on many of the albums forms a significant part of the overall experience for me. There is nothing like the tactility of vinyl and truth is, the sound can't be matched! Secondly, it includes some albums by bands which definitely do deliver that 'psychedelic sound', however the albums may not have intentionally been intended to fit within that mould or to hit that market. I include Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones, Yes, David Bowie, Tangerine Dream and the Velvet Underground in this group. Thirdly, there are some compilations included and I think this is ok. A good example being Pink Floyd Relics, where some of their finest psychedelic era tracks can only be found on this album, an album which has never really got the credit it is due. It was not a deliberate decision to mostly include albums which were issued during the Summer of Love or within a few years either side of 1967, it just happens that my favourite psychedelic albums are from this period. Without doubt, many of the bands rose from the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood and San Francisco Bay region. The UK also played its part with many bands delivering albums which clearly sat within the psychedelic mould. The Beatles, The Moody Blues and The Kinks all delivered a number of albums which sit well within the psychedelic boundary, some may argue they are closer to pop and in the case of The Moody Blues, closer to Prog. So when I refer to the 'psychedelic mould', what exactly is it and where are the boundaries? I can't answer that question without reference to the readily available mind expanding drugs available during the birth of Psychedelia. The psychedelics without doubt influenced the creativity and music scene during the mid to late sixties. It wasn't until October 68 that LSD became an illegal drug in the USA. Sadly, a large number of amazing musicians in the sixties and early seventies lost their lives to harder drugs, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Tim Buckley, to name but a few. Many may argue that Syd Barrett died the day he laid down his guitar for the last time...The psychedelic sound was built around diverse rhythms constructed with loose hi-hat and tight snare and bass drum patterns, often coloured with tambourine, congas, bongos. Kettle drums could be used to add effect and drama. Lead guitar was overdriven creating that typical fuzz guitar sound, Hendrix was a master, in fact Tangerine Dream's debut was a nod to Hendrix. Many bands opted to introduce eastern instruments like the Sitar and Tabla, the Beatles were early pioneers, introducing Sitar on a number of tracks. Textures created on organ, most notably Farfisa and Hammond were often provided by bands to add to the psychedelic sound. Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead used the Organ to great effect on many tracks. Very early sound sampling found its way onto numerous albums, this may have been achieved by reversing or slowing down tapes (Beatles, Sgt Pepper and Revolver) and if bands could afford it, adding early Mellotron textures which the Moody Blues pioneered. Vocals were put through basic effects processors to add mystique and volume! Other conventional instruments like flute, oboe, French Horn, harpsichord, harmonium, piano and wind chimes all found their way onto a number of psychedelic tracks. Some more unusual instruments like the Vox Continental keyboard and Theremin were used by a few bands, the Doors most famously used the Vox on all their albums, it carved out that very typical Doors sound. Iron Butterfly, The Beatles and The Animals also used the Vox on many tracks. The Beach Boys used the Theremin which provided a very unique sound at the time. Many bands included early basic electric piano, sometimes just to provide unusual effects, not necessarily to bash out a tune. In summary, Psychedelic music is quite rich and diverse offering the listener an escape from reality into another realm, without the use of mind altering drugs. It includes jazz, garage, pop and rock genres and in the case of Blue Cheer (named after a variety of LSD), early metal. I hope this chart may help introduce fellow music lovers to some classic Psychedelic albums which they may not have listened to before. Enjoy the trip!

• Chart updated: 03/19/2024 19:45
• (Created: 01/15/2024 06:54).
• Chart size: 100 albums.

There are 0 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and this chart has not been rated yet. Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.

• Summary
• Composition
• Ratings
• Favourites
• Comments
• Your feedback

View the complete list of 53,000 charts on BestEverAlbums.com from The Charts page.

Sort by

• Overall Rank
• Num. Charts
• Avg. Rating
• Num. Ratings
• Release Date
• Title
• Artist
• Date Added

1. (=)

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 

 The Beatles

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

First class psychedelic album. At a time when The Beatles had in their opinion become stagnant, they produced this masterpiece. Considered by some to be the first concept album, the set list delivers a natural and exciting flow. Paul came up with the idea of a song based around an Edwardian military band which was the creative spark they needed following their decision to put touring on permanent hold, in fact their set in San Francisco was their last live performance. Backward tape loops, audio effects, Sitar, a song about an LSD trip, the album has it all and some! The album production is first class as is the sleeve concept and artwork. Even today, the album sounds fresh. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

3,416 charts

Rank Score:

50,789

Rank in 1967:

1

Rank in 1960s:

3

Overall Rank:

7

Average Rating:

 90 (4,487 votes)

Comments:

480

2. (=)

A Saucerful Of Secrets 

 Pink Floyd

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Worth owning the album for 'Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun' alone, when you then add 'Remember a Day', 'Let There Be More Light' and the title track, you realise what an amazing album this is. Sleeve art to linger over while the music lifts you to another place. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

543 charts

Rank Score:

2,912

Rank in 1968:

11

Rank in 1960s:

69

Overall Rank:

610

Average Rating:

 77 (1,091 votes)

Comments:

51

3. (=)

Are You Experienced 

 The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

There are two versions of this amazing album. I am fortunate to have both on vinyl. I originally had the version lower in my chart than Electric Ladyland, however having recently purchased the mono version of the US version, I have had to switch this up where it truly belongs. 'Purple Haze' and 'Hey Joe' make the album a true masterpiece to behold. Other Hendrix masterpieces include 'Foxy Lady', 'The Wind Cries Mary' and ' [First added to this chart: 01/27/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

2,163 charts

Rank Score:

24,235

Rank in 1967:

4

Rank in 1960s:

12

Overall Rank:

39

Average Rating:

 87 (2,420 votes)

Comments:

169

4. (=)

Sailor 

 Steve Miller Band

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

The fog horn on the opening track melts into a drone crescendo accentuated with cymbal rolls and carefully picked guitar chords. Tom toms and congas join with organ while psychedelic guitar motifs add to the drama. One can almost see the outline of Alcatraz appearing through the eerie Bay Area fog. Without doubt, 'Song For Our Ancestors' has to be one of the best, if not the best openers on any psychedelic album. The follow up track, the beautiful whimsical 'Dear Mary' completely changes the dynamic on an album with such a variety of styles, the listener is ever waiting in excited anticipation of the unexpected. Tracks move up and down from mellow and whimsical to upbeat with blistering guitar lead work. Funk and Jazz nods are clearly evident on 'Livin In The USA'. A clever and very listenable album. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

78 charts

Rank Score:

279

Rank in 1968:

72

Rank in 1960s:

402

Overall Rank:

4,891

Average Rating:

 74 (74 votes)

Comments:

3

5. (=)

The Story Of Simon Simopath 

 Nirvana (UK)

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Simon Simopath is an incredibly rare album so to have picked this up as a purple vinyl re-issue made me very happy. Nirvana (the original) turned out some beautiful and whimsical psychedelia including this very early science fiction concept album about a boy who wanted to fly. ‘Satellite Jockey’ and ‘Pentecost Hotel’ are particular highlights. The production quality for a 1967 album is superb. The band added strings, harp and woodwind instruments to achieve a truly beautiful sound. [First added to this chart: 02/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

52 charts

Rank Score:

147

Rank in 1967:

93

Rank in 1960s:

619

Overall Rank:

8,362

Average Rating:

 73 (46 votes)

Comments:

3

6. (=)

Electric Ladyland 

 The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Not in a sexist way, the original sleeve art much better fitted the album. That said, this is a psychedelic masterpiece. Hendrix wasn't the strongest vocalist but he certainly made up for it with his blistering guitar work. There are some really high quality tracks on this album, which just come one after another like diamonds pouring from a velvet bag. [First added to this chart: 01/15/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

1,628 charts

Rank Score:

18,719

Rank in 1968:

2

Rank in 1960s:

15

Overall Rank:

63

Average Rating:

 86 (1,920 votes)

Comments:

108

7. (=)

Relics 
Compilation

 Pink Floyd

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

A compilation so high up in a chart? Yes. And this album never really given the credit it deserved because it was overshadowed by the early and then later studio albums. To me, it is only right that it is here. For a start, Arnold Layne was never included on any studio albums. Secondly, you are provided some classic whimsical psychedelic tracks in 'See Emily Play', 'Paintbox', 'Remember a Day', 'Julia Dream' and 'Cirrus Minor' and thirdly 'Interstellar Overdrive' and 'Careful With That Axe Eugene' are on the same album. Topped off with the interesting Nick Mason penned sleeve art. [First added to this chart: 01/16/2024]

Year of Release:

1971

Appears in:

86 charts

Rank Score:

247

Rank in 1971:

90

Rank in 1970s:

908

Overall Rank:

5,401

Average Rating:

 77 (295 votes)

Comments:

12

8. (=)

Bee Gees' 1st 

 Bee Gees

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

This album sounds so ahead of its time both musically and production-wise. Its ticks all the psychedelic boxes, instrumentally, harpsichord and flute are in place from the beginning of the first track, slowed down vocals, vocal chants and eerie Mellotron all feature on the chilling ‘Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You’. Side 2 opens with the superb’New York Mining Disaster’ which would become a track featured in most of their later concerts through their career. The way the kick drum and snare are captured on this track is superb for a 1967 recording. [First added to this chart: 02/24/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

102 charts

Rank Score:

296

Rank in 1967:

56

Rank in 1960s:

384

Overall Rank:

4,665

Average Rating:

 75 (122 votes)

Comments:

10

9. (=)

The Family That Plays Together 

 Spirit

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

Many psychedelic charts I have seen don’t include this but always include ‘Twelve Dreams…’. Without question, for me anyway, this is the better work. The production for the year is excellent, with tracks blending seamlessly from one to another. The musicianship is consistently first class with strong vocals throughout the album. Moments of beauty are created with lush string arrangements and flute embellishments which move in and out to create atmosphere at different points in the album. The variety of styles makes this such a listenable experience. [First added to this chart: 02/10/2024]

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

78 charts

Rank Score:

266

Rank in 1968:

75

Rank in 1960s:

409

Overall Rank:

5,044

Average Rating:

 77 (83 votes)

Comments:

4

10. (=)

Goodbye And Hello 

 Tim Buckley

Buy album

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• #Sponsored

In my opinion, his best work and this should form a part of a psychedelic record collection. Such a diverse album with audio effects in plentiful supply. ‘Carnival Song’ immediately transports you to the Carnival, you can almost see it before your eyes. ‘Pleasant Street’, a personal favourite provides searing lead guitar over the well founded acoustic guitar, bass and drums rhythm section, the congas accentuating the whole affair. Hallucinations is an epic psychedelic track, the instrumentation trimmed back to give an eastern, almost eerie feel. Kalimba, vibes, harmonium and the way the lead guitar is played (as an effect) all add to the experience. Side two (vinyl) opens with the harmonium led ‘Once I Was’ and leads into another of my personal favourites, the upbeat ‘Phantasmagoria in Two’. The title track twists and winds like a snake, strings, French Horn and brass provide the canvas for Buckley’s vocal acrobatics. The whole album is steeped in beautiful vocals and unexpected yet fitting musicianship. The sleeve cover with Buckley holding a bottle top in place with his face muscles over a yellow backdrop hints at the happy, carefree experience the album delivers. [First added to this chart: 01/16/2024]

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

348 charts

Rank Score:

2,045

Rank in 1967:

19

Rank in 1960s:

94

Overall Rank:

876

Average Rating:

 78 (377 votes)

Comments:

17

• « prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• ...
• 9
• 10
• next »
• Goto Page: 

Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10

Don't agree with this chart? Create your own from the My Charts page!

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 composition

Decade	Albums	%
1930s	0	0%
1940s	0	0%
1950s	0	0%
1960s	90	90%
1970s	9	9%
1980s	0	0%
1990s	1	1%
2000s	0	0%
2010s	0	0%
2020s	0	0%

Artist	Albums	%
Jefferson Airplane	4	4%
Spirit	3	3%
The Kinks	3	3%
The Beatles	3	3%
Pink Floyd	3	3%
The Byrds	3	3%
The Jimi Hendrix Experience	3	3%
Show all

Country	Albums	%
	58	58%
	38	38%
	4	4%

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 chart changes

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 similar charts

• Top 100 Music Albums of the 1960s by Junomoogmello (2024)
• The 100 Best Psychedelic Rock Albums Of The Golden Age by Steppenwolf666 (2023)
• Best Psychedelic Albums by CharlieBarley (2018)
• FAVORITE PSYCHEDELIC ALBUMS by Captain_Dude (2014)
• Early Psychedelic Rock by RockyRaccoon (2024)
• Greatest Psychedelic Albums by Coconut (2016)
• Top 100 Music Albums of the 1960s by Igtonumama (2023)
• Best of the Psychedelic 60's by NickVolos (2014)
• Top 100 Music Albums of 1967 by Igtonumama (2023)
• Top 100 Music Albums of the 1960s by ThePoodleBites (2017)

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 similarity to your chart(s)

Other custom charts by Junomoogmello

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 ratings

• Related links:
• Top charts

Please log in or register if you want to be able to leave a rating

160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1 comments

Please log in or register if you want to be able to add a comment

Your feedback for 160 Mind Expanding Psychedelic Albums Pt1

Let us know what you think of this chart by adding a comment or assigning a rating below!