The Original Human Being
Blue Cheer · 1970
45 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
Heavy guitar riffs intertwine with psychedelic melodies, creating a raw and electrifying soundscape that defines early hard rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Good Times Are So Hard to Find — This opening track captures the album's fusion of heavy rock and introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the band's exploration of emotional themes.
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Pilot — The intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in this track highlight Blue Cheer's ability to blend melodic complexity with their signature heavy sound.
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Black Sun — This song features haunting vocals paired with dense instrumentation, reflecting the darker lyrical undertones present throughout the album.
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Rest at Ease — Closing out the album, this track showcases a more reflective side of the band, with layered harmonies and an expansive arrangement that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a mix of heavy riffs and psychedelia, with moments of experimentation that contribute to its distinct sound.
What we noticed
- Several tracks, such as 'Babaji' and 'Black Sun', incorporate extended instrumental sections that blend psychedelic melodies with hard rock elements.
- The album closes with a gradual decrease in tempo, particularly in 'Rest at Ease', creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo explorations
- reflective moments of chaos
- raw energy for socializing
- nostalgic vibes of counterculture
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek polished production quality
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 1, 1970, The Original Human Being is Blue Cheer’s third studio album, following the critically acclaimed Vincebus Eruptum. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their explosive debut into a more experimental phase, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stooges· MC5· Cream
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Good Times Are So Hard to Find 3:22
- 2 Love of a Woman 4:35
- 3 Make Me Laugh 5:06
- 4 Pilot 4:49
- 5 Babaji 3:46
- 6 Preacher 4:01
- 7 Black Sun 3:31
- 8 Tears in My Bead 2:06
- 9 Man of the Sun 3:58
- 10 Sandwich 5:01
- 11 Rest at Ease 5:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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