What makes Shake Down by Savoy Brown notable?

Shake Down is notable for its blend of blues and psychedelia, contributing to the band's early recognition in the UK music scene. The album helped establish Savoy Brown as a significant figure in the late '60s rock movement, influencing subsequent artists in both genres. Released in 1967, Shake Down is Savoy Brown's debut album, marking their introduction to the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene. At this time, the band was transitioning from a blues-oriented sound to incorporate more experimental elements characteristic of the era.

Who is Shake Down for?

Shake Down works well if you're into gritty energy for late nights, short bursts of raw emotion and sing-along moments with friends.

How many songs are on Shake Down?

Shake Down has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Shake Down

Savoy Brown · 1967

41 min · 11 tracks · psychedelic rock

Blues-infused psychedelic rock swirls with dynamic guitar riffs and soulful vocals, capturing the essence of the late '60s sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ain’t Superstitious — This track showcases powerful guitar work and a driving rhythm that encapsulates the album's blues-rock foundation while hinting at its psychedelic influences.
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I Smell Trouble — With its moody atmosphere and compelling vocal delivery, this song highlights the band’s ability to fuse emotional depth with energetic instrumentation.
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Shake ’Em On Down — The closing track stands out for its extended jam session feel, perfectly embodying the improvisational spirit of psychedelic rock while maintaining a strong blues influence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

44 /100

Lowland

Higher than 4% of albums we've rated

The album blends blues and psychedelia but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong blues track, 'Ain’t Superstitious', featuring prominent guitar riffs and soulful vocals that set the tone.
Tracks like 'High Rise' and 'I Smell Trouble' incorporate psychedelic elements, with swirling guitar effects and extended instrumental sections.
The final track, 'Shake ’Em On Down', features a slower tempo and a more reflective mood, contrasting with the energetic opening.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

gritty energy for late nights
short bursts of raw emotion
sing-along moments with friends
playful irreverence in every track

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced reflective experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1967, Shake Down is Savoy Brown's debut album, marking their introduction to the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene. At this time, the band was transitioning from a blues-oriented sound to incorporate more experimental elements characteristic of the era.
Stylistic neighbors: Fleetwood Mac· The Allman Brothers Band· Cream

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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Ain’t Superstitious 3:32
2 Let Me Love You Baby 3:06
3 Black Night 4:54
4 High Rise 2:48
5 Rock Me Baby 3:03
6 I Smell Trouble 4:37
7 Pretty Woman 2:34
8 Little Girl 1:43
9 The Doormouse Rides the Rails 3:36
10 It’s All My Fault 5:02
11 Shake ’Em On Down 6:05

What to play next

Listen next

Getting to the Point

1968

Full Savoy Brown discography Where to start with Savoy Brown Artists like Savoy Brown

psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata