Best psychedelic rock songs of all time

A monumental track by Iron Butterfly, 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' pushed the boundaries of song length and instrumental exploration in rock. Its extended, organ-driven instrumental sections and hypnotic structure made it a staple of psychedelic and early hard rock.

This highly experimental and influential Beatles track laid much of the groundwork for psychedelic music. It features revolutionary tape loops, backward recordings, and a droning, hypnotic sound, inspired by the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

This groundbreaking Beatles song is known for its innovative studio techniques, dreamlike atmosphere, and complex, layered sound. It's often considered the real start of the psychedelic genre, pushing the boundaries of recording and sound.

A groundbreaking song by The Moody Blues, 'Nights in White Satin' pioneered the symphonic rock sound and remains a beloved psychedelic classic. Its lush orchestration, melancholic lyrics, and distinctive mellotron sound blend classical influences with rock.

Often cited as one of the first true psychedelic rock songs, 'Eight Miles High' by The Byrds was groundbreaking. It blended raga-style guitar, jazz-influenced solos, and dreamy harmonies, influencing countless psychedelic bands.

A definitive song of the Summer of Love, 'Somebody to Love' by Jefferson Airplane is a powerful statement of psychedelic rock. Grace Slick's soaring vocals and the driving, distorted guitar riff embody the raw energy of the San Francisco sound.

A classic example of The Beatles' psychedelic period, 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' is known for its imaginative lyrics and innovative musical structure. It takes listeners on a whimsical and surreal journey with vivid imagery and a dreamlike soundscape.

This Beatles masterpiece is a pinnacle of psychedelic songwriting and production, featuring complex sections, orchestral crescendos, and surreal lyrics. It showcases innovative studio techniques that perfectly capture the spirit of the psychedelic era.

Jimi Hendrix's iconic rendition transforms Bob Dylan's original into a powerful psychedelic rock anthem. Hendrix's fuzzed-out guitar work and commanding vocals make this version definitive and an enduring example of psychedelic blues-rock.

One of Jimi Hendrix's most recognizable and influential songs, 'Purple Haze' is a cornerstone of psychedelic rock. It kicks off with an iconic, fuzzed-out guitar riff and showcases Hendrix's signature guitar wizardry and evocative lyrics.

An iconic anthem of the counterculture and the Summer of Love, 'White Rabbit' by Jefferson Airplane perfectly captures the literary and musical aspects of psychedelia. Grace Slick's powerful vocals and the song's dramatic crescendo are unforgettable.

The Doors' breakthrough hit, 'Light My Fire,' helped define the sound of West Coast psychedelia and launched the band to superstardom. It features Ray Manzarek's distinctive organ solo and Jim Morrison's intense vocals, bringing a darker, moodier psychedelia to the masses.

A classic Cream track, 'White Room' showcases their blend of blues-rock and psychedelia with a memorable wah-wah guitar riff and powerful vocals. It's an enduring example of the band's innovative sound and musical prowess.

An early and influential psychedelic track by The Rolling Stones, 'Paint It Black' showcased the genre's darker, more exotic side. It features a distinctive sitar riff, dark lyrics, and a driving rhythm, marking the Stones' foray into psychedelic sounds.