What makes In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly notable?

'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' became a cultural touchstone, reaching No. 30 on the Billboard charts and selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Its title track is often credited with helping to establish the extended jam format in rock music and has been covered by numerous artists across genres. Released on June 14, 1968, 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' was Iron Butterfly's second studio album, following their debut 'Heavy.' At this point, the band was experiencing a surge in popularity, largely due to the title track's unprecedented length and influence on the emerging psychedelic rock scene.

Who is In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida for?

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, hypnotic soundscapes for relaxation and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida?

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida has 8 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Iron Butterfly · 1968

58 min · 8 tracks · psychedelic rock

A sprawling odyssey of heavy organ riffs, psychedelic guitar solos, and hypnotic rhythms that define the late '60s rock experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida — This epic title track features an iconic organ riff and showcases the band's signature blend of heavy psychedelia and improvisational elements, solidifying its status as a classic.
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Flowers and Beads — This track highlights the band's lyrical exploration of love and nature, complemented by soothing melodies that contrast with the heavier sounds elsewhere on the album.
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My Mirage — 'My Mirage' stands out with its haunting vocals and intricate instrumentation, showcasing a more introspective side of Iron Butterfly while maintaining their psychedelic roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's standout title track defines its sound, while other tracks vary in length and style, affecting cohesion.

What we noticed

The first four tracks are relatively concise, with each averaging around three to four minutes, creating a stark contrast to the epic length of the title track.
The album employs a heavy use of reverb and echo effects on the vocals and instruments, enhancing its psychedelic sound.
The live version of 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' included as a bonus track showcases variations in improvisation compared to the studio version.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
hypnotic soundscapes for relaxation
dynamic emotional journeys
wave-like pacing for introspection

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on June 14, 1968, 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida' was Iron Butterfly's second studio album, following their debut 'Heavy.' At this point, the band was experiencing a surge in popularity, largely due to the title track's unprecedented length and influence on the emerging psychedelic rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The Doors· Cream· Hawkwind