A Psychedelic Masterpiece (1968)

As psychedelic drugs were rampant throughout the mid-to-late-1960s, albums influenced by the  hallucinogenic feeling were consistently released. Jimi Hendrix, considered to be one of the best guitarists of the century, released his final studio album in 1968 with the Jimi Hendrix Experience titled Electric Ladyland. Hendrix, being one of my favorite guitarists, provided the world with a masterpiece that will forever be remembered. Prominent songs on this classic album include "Crosstown Traffic," "Voodoo Chile," and one my all-time favorites, "All Along the Watchtower."

Inspired deeply by the blues, and like on his previous albums, Hendrix incorporates a bluesy-guitar on majority of the LP's songs; especially on the lengthy, slow jam of "Voodoo Chile." The mix of both blues and hard rock 'n' roll creates and interesting blend that make listeners want more. When I first listened to the album, I noticed the frequent use of the wah pedal. The effect pedal adds a nice touch onto that psychedelic feeling. 

To introduce listeners, the album opens up with a two-and-a-half minute soundtrack titled "...And the Gods Made Love." Yes, when the Gods did make love, the offspring was the guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. Bouncing back and forth between slow and upbeat songs, the album will put listeners at the edge of their seats in anticipation. A fast song, "Crosstown Traffic," embraces one of Jimi's best hard-rock riffs. Hendrix also used a makeshift kazoo on the track. The song transitions into the slower "Voodoo Chile" and then back to an upbeat song titled "Little Miss Strange." 

Besides "All Along the Watchtower" being one of my favorites, "1983...(A Merman I Should Turn to Be)," a thirteen-and-a-half-minute track, is just dripping with that psychedelic feeling. Yet again, listeners are offered both the experience of slow and upbeat tempos in one song! R&B is also given some of the spotlight through the song "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)," originally written by Earl King.

To end a mind-bending masterpiece, Hendrix includes a fiery-rendition of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." The song is loaded with a variety of hard-rock riffs and solos, pounding drums, and bass. No matter how many times I listen to this single, it never gets old. Hearing this song the first time I was younger actually inspired me to start learning how to play the guitar. To this day, I cannot imitate the riffs of the rock-icon. All of this work would not be possible without the rest of the Experience―Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding. 

Electric Ladyland would soar to the top of the charts in the U.S. and sit there for roughly two weeks. Because of this album and his others, Hendrix quickly gained popularity throughout the music world. Hendrix would proceed to depart the band and work on material himself. The live album, Band of Gypsys, would be the last album released before his death later on in 1970. Despite Jimi's young passing at the age of 27, various posthumous albums would be released the next four decades following his death. I have always wondered what kind of music Hendrix would have released if he did not pass away.

Overall, for anyone looking to experience the trippy-psychedlic feeling of the 1960s without actually using drugs, Electric Ladyland is one to listen to. All of the songs serve a purpose and offer the listener a bluesy-rock 'n' roll mix that never gets old to listen to. For those who are interested in learning the guitar, it will take lots of time and practice to master the rock-'n'-roll legend's riffs and licks!

Hendrix producing the masterpiece―Electric Ladyland