5 Classic Psychedelic Rock Hits From 1967 that Define the Decade’s Best Music

secretly-written poems in Jim Morrison’s private notebook. Rather, this classic rock tune thrives on Robby Krieger’s flamenco-influenced guitar work, as he sets the mood early on with a melodic intro. Plus, there’s Ray Manzarek’s keyboard work, which perfectly complements Krieger’s playing and Morrison’s poetic lyrics.
Despite running about four minutes longer than the average pop song of the day, “Light My Fire” became a No. 1 hit for the Doors and earned them a distinction as one of the most successful psychedelic rock bands of 1967. With its infectious chorus and intricate instrumental passages, this song epitomizes the experimental, envelope-pushing nature of psychedelic rock during that historic year.

A Whiter Shade of Pale — Procol Harum

Considering that this song has been covered over the years by everyone from Willie Nelson to Annie Lennox, as well as casually borrowed (allegedly without proper credit) by at least a few songwriters, it’s safe to say that it’s one of the most enduring songs of the ’60s. It’s easy to see why that’s the case, as “A Whiter Shade of Pale” has everything that fans could possibly want from a psychedelic rock tune — a heavy dose of drama in the form of poetic, allusive, somewhat Dylanesque lyrics, and a Bach-derived organ melody played by Matthew Fisher that achieves the rare feat of being both complex and memorable.
Although the rather cryptic, nonsensical lyrics might suggest otherwise, this Procol Harum classic was actually inspired by a Tennyson poem and a visit to a seaside gazebo, per artist Keith Reid’s own recollections from various interviews. Thus, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” might be one of the rarest examples of a psychedelic rock song based on a work from the 19th century or earlier. Nonetheless, its blend of classical-inspired arrangement, haunting lyrics, and organ-driven music became synonymous with the psychedelic movement and made it a universal hit.

Strawberry Fields Forever — The Beatles

Whenever the Beatles are referenced in the context of psychedelic rock, it’s almost always “Yellow Submarine” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” that get the most attention. However, even considering the rather then-recent passing of the late, great George Martin, “Strawberry Fields Forever” should get more recognition as one of the greatest examples of the Fab Four’s latter-day psychedelia. Released on a double A-side with “Penny Lane,” “Strawberry Fields Forever” broke new ground for the band with its innovative tape splicing and studio trickery, as inspired by John Lennon’s vivid memories of playing in the children’s garden near his aunt’s house in Liverpool.
Over half a century after its release, “Strawberry Fields Forever” remains a high point not only of the Beatles’ psychedelic period but also of the band’s storied career. The song’s dreamlike arrangement, surreal lyrics, and highly inventive production work made it an integral part of the groundbreaking “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album project and encapsulates the sheer creativity and innovation that defined the Beatles as pioneers of psychedelic rock amidst the tumultuous yet incredibly productive year that was 1967.

Decades before heavy metal emerged, 1967 marked a significant turning point for the euphoria-driven genre of psychedelic rock. With a penchant for intricately constructed lyrics often narrating tales of altered states of consciousness and an instrumental focus on creating otherworldly tones, psychedelic rock soared in popularity during the mid-to-late ’60s. However, it was in 1967 that psychedelic rock truly came into its own, infiltrating rock music history and topping record charts with its ground-breaking sound. This article revisits five of the top psychedelic rock singles of 1967, illustrating the genre’s supremacy that year.

Powering through boundaries to curate a diverse selection of songs, these hits reached the U.S. top 20 or gained iconic status in the U.K., showcasing the prominence of 1967 in psychedelic rock history. Hendrix’s unforgettable “Purple Haze” exemplifies the essence of psychedelic rock with its heavy tones and unconventional lyrics. It thrives on unique guitar effects and remains a timeless classic synonymous with the genre. Despite its moderate U.S. chart performance, “Purple Haze” solidified its place in the psychedelic rock canon through its organic fusion of heaviness and musical innovation.
Electric Prunes’ “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” stands out as a transfixing piece of the psychedelic genre. Exuding a captivating otherworldly aura, it pioneers the use of intricate guitar effects and all