If youโre a fan of psychedelic rock, then Jefferson Airplane is probably a name you hold in high regard. Known for their groundbreaking sound and iconic hits like โWhite Rabbitโ and โSomebody to Love,โ Jefferson Airplane helped shape the genre during the 1960s. If youโre looking to expand your playlist with similar artists, here are twelve bands and musicians that capture the same spirit and creativity.
1. The Doors
The Doors, fronted by the enigmatic Jim Morrison, are a staple in the world of psychedelic rock. Their self-titled debut album and hits like โLight My Fireโ and โRiders on the Stormโ showcase their unique blend of rock, blues, and poetry.
2. Grateful Dead
Known for their improvisational style and extended live performances, the Grateful Dead are legends in the psychedelic rock scene. Albums like โAmerican Beautyโ and โWorkingmanโs Deadโ feature classics such as โCasey Jonesโ and โUncle Johnโs Band.โ
3. Janis Joplin
Janis Joplinโs powerful voice and emotional intensity made her one of the most memorable figures in 1960s rock. Her work with Big Brother and the Holding Company, as well as her solo albums like โPearl,โ include unforgettable tracks like โPiece of My Heartโ and โMe and Bobby McGee.โ
4. The Byrds
The Byrds blended folk rock with psychedelic influences to create a sound that was both innovative and commercially successful. Hits like โMr. Tambourine Manโ and โTurn! Turn! Turn!โ are timeless classics that continue to resonate.
5. Cream
Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, were pioneers of psychedelic and blues rock. Their albums โDisraeli Gearsโ and โWheels of Fireโ include iconic songs such as โSunshine of Your Loveโ and โWhite Room.โ
6. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Jimi Hendrix is often hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His work with The Jimi Hendrix Experience produced legendary albums like โAre You Experiencedโ and โElectric Ladyland,โ featuring hits such as โPurple Hazeโ and โAll Along the Watchtower.โ
7. Pink Floyd
Pink Floydโs experimental approach to music made them icons of the psychedelic and progressive rock genres. Albums like โThe Dark Side of the Moonโ and โWish You Were Hereโ are masterpieces that include tracks like โComfortably Numbโ and โShine On You Crazy Diamond.โ
8. The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground, led by Lou Reed, are known for their avant-garde style and influence on alternative music. Their debut album, โThe Velvet Underground & Nico,โ features songs like โHeroinโ and โVenus in Furs.โ
9. The Who
The Who brought a raw energy to the psychedelic rock scene with their powerful performances and innovative albums. โTommyโ and โWhoโs Nextโ are essential listens, featuring tracks like โPinball Wizardโ and โBaba OโRiley.โ
10. The Zombies
The Zombies are best known for their baroque pop and psychedelic sound. Their album โOdessey and Oracleโ includes the hit โTime of the Season,โ a song that has stood the test of time.
11. The Yardbirds
The Yardbirds were instrumental in the development of psychedelic rock, with a lineup that included guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Songs like โFor Your Loveโ and โHeart Full of Soulโ are prime examples of their innovative sound.
12. The Rolling Stones
While primarily known for their blues rock, The Rolling Stones also dabbled in psychedelic music. Albums like โTheir Satanic Majesties Requestโ feature tracks such as โSheโs a Rainbowโ and โ2000 Light Years from Home.โ
Dive into these artists and bands to experience a rich tapestry of psychedelic rock that complements the legendary sound of Jefferson Airplane.