The best Psychedelic Rock albums
of the 1960s.
Where to start with 1960–1969 psychedelic rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 1960s — psychedelic rock
Top picks from 1960–1969, ranked by where we would start.
Deep Purple
The Book of Taliesyn
A whirlwind of psychedelic rock fused with progressive elements, showcasing virtuosic instrumentation and dynamic vocal performances.
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Deep Purple
Shades of Deep Purple
A vibrant blend of psychedelic rock and hard-hitting blues that showcases the band's early experimental spirit.
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Frank Zappa
Lumpy Gravy
A surreal collage of avant-garde sounds and spoken word that blurs the line between music and performance art.
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Frank Zappa
Uncle Meat
A collage of avant-garde soundscapes, zany humor, and complex compositions that defy conventional musical boundaries.
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King Crimson
In the Court of the Crimson King
'In the Court of the Crimson King' encapsulates the essence of King Crimson's artistry through its diverse arrangements and evocative themes. It's a foundational album that sets up their unique sonic landscape effectively.
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Jethro Tull
This Was
A vibrant blend of blues, folk, and early progressive rock layered with intricate flute melodies and dynamic rhythms.
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Jethro Tull
Stand Up
A blend of progressive rock and folk, merging intricate instrumentation with poetic storytelling.
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The Moody Blues
In Search of the Lost Chord
A kaleidoscopic blend of orchestral arrangements and poetic lyrics, weaving through psychedelic soundscapes and progressive rock rhythms.
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The Moody Blues
The Magnificent Moodies
A vibrant collection of rhythm and blues-infused tracks that foreshadow the band's future psychedelic explorations.
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Grateful Dead
Aoxomoxoa
A sprawling tapestry of psychedelic melodies and surreal lyrics, weaving the cosmic with the earthly in a musical odyssey.
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Grateful Dead
Anthem of the Sun
A sprawling sonic tapestry where improvisational jams and studio experimentation converge to create a cosmic musical experience.
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John Lennon
Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins
An intimate, experimental soundscape where primal rhythms and freeform vocalizations intertwine in a daring exploration of love and consciousness.
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John Lennon
Wedding Album
An avant-garde exploration of love and intimacy, blending spoken word and experimental soundscapes with a deeply personal touch.
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Pink Floyd
A Saucerful of Secrets
A surreal blend of experimental textures and cosmic themes that pushes the boundaries of rock music into uncharted territories.
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Pink Floyd
Ummagumma
A sprawling, experimental journey through sonic landscapes, blending avant-garde elements with psychedelic rock's ethereal explorations.
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George Harrison
Electronic Sound
A meditative exploration of electronic soundscapes layered with Harrison's signature melodic sensibility and experimental spirit.
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David Bowie
Do Anything You Say
A vibrant blend of early rock and pop influences infused with Bowie's distinctive theatrical flair.
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David Bowie
David Bowie
A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of late 1960s British counterculture.
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
A blend of haunting melodies and experimental textures that redefine rock with introspective lyricism and avant-garde spirit.
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The Velvet Underground
White Light/White Heat
Raw, chaotic energy bursts from every track, blending avant-garde noise with pop sensibilities in a thrillingly disorienting experience.
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The Guess Who
Canned Wheat
A blend of folk rock and blues-infused melodies that capture the essence of late 60s experimentation.
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The Guess Who
It's Time
A vibrant mix of bluesy rock and folk influences stitched together with sharp melodies and rich harmonies.
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The Zombies
Odessey and Oracle
Psychedelic harmonies blend with baroque pop arrangements, creating a dreamlike soundscape that captures the essence of 1960s experimentation.
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The Zombies
The Zombies
Lush melodies intertwine with soulful vocals, creating a dreamy and reflective landscape of 1960s pop experimentation.
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