Jefferson Airplane Takes Off cover

Released 60 years ago

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off

Jefferson Airplane · 1966

67 min · 24 tracks · hard rock

A blend of folk-infused melodies and bluesy undertones that foreshadow the psychedelic rock revolution.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It's No Secret — This track stands out with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, showcasing Grace Slick's vocal prowess while hinting at the band's future direction.
  • →
    Tobacco Road — The band's rendition brings a gritty energy to this classic tune, blending blues rock elements with a sense of urgency that captures their raw sound.
  • →
    Blues From an Airplane Start here — Opening the album, this track encapsulates the band's blues roots while introducing listeners to their distinctive harmonies and intricate guitar work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

42 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and blues elements, establishing a distinct sound that influenced future psychedelic rock.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and arrangements.
  • Several tracks incorporate bluesy guitar riffs and folk-inspired melodies, blending these elements to create a unique sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • harmonious melodies for sing-alongs
  • nostalgic vibes of mid-60s
  • dynamic arc with playful energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established the band's presence in the psychedelic rock scene.
Themes
San Francisco scene· folk-infused melodies
Career context
Released on August 15, 1966, 'Jefferson Airplane Takes Off' is the debut album of Jefferson Airplane, marking their entry into the burgeoning San Francisco music scene. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity and sound, primarily drawing from folk and blues influences before fully embracing the psychedelic rock movement.
Stylistic neighbors
The Doors· Grateful Dead· Cream
New to Jefferson Airplane? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • It's No Secret

    The verse shifts perspective, addressing a hidden longing that remains unfulfilled throughout much of the song.

Tracklist

  • 1 Blues From an Airplane Start here 2:13
  • 2 Let Me In 3:00
  • 3 Bringing Me Down 2:25
  • 4 It's No Secret 2:40
  • 5 Tobacco Road 3:30
  • 6 Runnin' 'round This World 2:40
  • 7 Come Up the Years 2:33
  • 8 Run Around 2:40
  • 9 Let's Get Together 3:35
  • 10 Don't Slip Away 2:34
  • 11 Chauffeur Blues 2:28
  • 12 And I Like It 3:26
  • 13 Blues From an Airplane (mono) 2:13
  • 14 Let Me In (mono) 2:59
  • 15 Bringing Me Down (mono) 2:25
  • 16 It's No Secret (mono) 2:40
  • 17 Tobacco Road (mono) 3:30
  • 18 Runnin' 'round This World (mono) 2:39
  • 19 Come Up the Years (mono) 2:35
  • 20 Run Around (mono) 2:39
  • 21 Let's Get Together (mono) 3:36
  • 22 Don't Slip Away (mono) 2:33
  • 23 Chauffeur Blues (mono) 2:28
  • 24 And I Like It (mono) 3:16

What to play next

Surrealistic Pillow
Listen next

Surrealistic Pillow

1967

It expands on the folk-blues sound with more psychedelic elements and harmonies.
Feed Your Head: Live '67–'69
Go back to

Feed Your Head: Live '67–'69
Full Jefferson Airplane discography Where to start with Jefferson Airplane Artists like Jefferson Airplane
hard rock progressive rock psychedelic rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Mr. Tambourine Man

Mr. Tambourine Man

The Byrds

Shares folk-infused melodies and harmonies that helped shape the San Francisco sound.

Buffalo Springfield

Buffalo Springfield

Buffalo Springfield

Combines bluesy undertones with a strong sense of lyrical storytelling, echoing the era's vibe.

The Doors

The Doors

The Doors

Bridges folk and blues with darker, more psychedelic elements, reflecting the same innovative spirit.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata