Are you a fan of psychedelic rock and looking for bands similar to The Doors? You’ve come to the right place! The Doors, known for their unique blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia, have inspired numerous other bands. Check out these 18 artists that capture the same spirit and energy.
1. Jefferson Airplane
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Jefferson Airplane was one of the pioneering bands of the psychedelic rock era. Known for hits like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” their album Surrealistic Pillow is a must-listen.
2. The Byrds
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The Byrds blended folk rock with psychedelic influences, creating timeless tracks such as “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “Eight Miles High.” Their album Fifth Dimension is a cornerstone of the genre.
3. Love
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Love, fronted by Arthur Lee, delivered a mix of rock, psychedelia, and folk. Their album Forever Changes is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, featuring tracks like “Alone Again Or.”
4. The Velvet Underground
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The Velvet Underground, though more avant-garde, shares the same experimental spirit as The Doors. Songs like “Heroin” and “Venus in Furs” from their debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico are essential listens.
5. The Rolling Stones
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While primarily known for their rock and blues influences, The Rolling Stones also dabbled in psychedelia with albums like Their Satanic Majesties Request. Tracks like “She’s a Rainbow” showcase their versatility.
6. The Zombies
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The Zombies are best known for their hit single “Time of the Season” and their critically acclaimed album Odessey and Oracle. Their music is a beautiful blend of rock, psychedelia, and baroque pop.
7. Cream
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Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce, combined blues rock with psychedelic elements. Albums like Disraeli Gears and songs such as “Sunshine of Your Love” are iconic.
8. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
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The Jimi Hendrix Experience revolutionized rock music with their experimental sound. Albums like Are You Experienced and songs like “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady” are legendary.
9. The Who
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The Who, known for their rock operas and energetic performances, also explored psychedelic themes in songs like “I Can See for Miles” and their album The Who Sell Out.
10. Pink Floyd
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Pink Floyd’s early work, especially with Syd Barrett, is steeped in psychedelia. Albums like The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and tracks like “See Emily Play” are quintessential.
11. The Grateful Dead
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The Grateful Dead are synonymous with the psychedelic rock scene. Known for their improvisational live shows, albums like Anthem of the Sun and songs like “Dark Star” are fan favorites.
12. The 13th Floor Elevators
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The 13th Floor Elevators, fronted by Roky Erickson, were pioneers of psychedelic rock. Their debut album The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators includes the hit “You’re Gonna Miss Me.”
13. The Animals
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The Animals, led by Eric Burdon, incorporated blues and psychedelia into their music. Songs like “House of the Rising Sun” and “San Franciscan Nights” are standout tracks.
14. The Kinks
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The Kinks, known for their distinctive sound, also ventured into psychedelic rock. Albums like The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society feature tracks like “Picture Book” and “Village Green.”
15. The Yardbirds
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The Yardbirds, featuring guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, blended blues rock with psychedelic sounds. Songs like “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul” are classics.
16. Spirit
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Spirit combined rock, jazz, and psychedelia to create a unique sound. Their album Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus features tracks like “Nature’s Way” and “Animal Zoo.”
17. Big Brother and the Holding Company
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Big Brother and the Holding Company, fronted by Janis Joplin, were a key part of the San Francisco psychedelic scene. Their album Cheap Thrills includes hits like “Piece of My Heart.”
18. The Electric Prunes
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The Electric Prunes are known for their experimental approach to psychedelic rock. Their hit “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” and the album Underground are essential listens.
For more on psychedelic rock and bands like The Doors, dive into these artists and let the music take you on a journey.