113. The Jimi Hendrix Experience | Electric Ladyland (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. ...And the Gods Made Love
2. Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)
3. Crosstown Traffic
4. Voodoo Chile
5. Little Miss Strange
6. Long Hot Summer Night
7. Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)
8. Gypsy Eyes
9. Burning of the Midnight Lamp
10. Rainy Day, Dream Away
11. 1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)
12. Moon, Turn the Tides...Gently Gently Away
13. Still Raining, Still Dreaming
14. House Burning Down
15. All Along the Watchtower
16. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

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Note: the US release used the cover at the top left; the UK release used the cover at the top right. Jimi Hendrix didn't approve of either. See the Wikipedia entry for Electric Ladyland for more information.


Electric Ladyland is a mighty album. From the groove-heavy rhythm section to the near-vocal lead guitar, from the double album length to the more-than-ten minute length of several tracks, from the Olympian allusions in the lyrics to the godlike guitar solos, this album exudes power and masculinity. This is the natural consequence of electrifying the blues. This is the pinnacle of hard rock.
Jimi Hendrix pushes the boundary of the role of the guitar in rock and roll. He clearly demonstrates that the guitar can be an alternative to a singer, yet retaining a vocal similarity. Not only does Jimi do that, but he also charts the future course of hard rock. Since he's so far ahead of his time, it's hard to tell if anyone can even try to match his skill. So he may have pushed the boundary, but the trail, if any, that he left might be to obscure to follow.

Listening to this album all the way through is a real workout. It's one outstanding song after another. There's no question about this album being a "must" to listen to. It's an album for the ages. There's not a bad track on the album, although ...And the Gods Made Love isn't necessary. The real stand outs are Crosstown Traffic, Voodoo Chile, Gypsy Eyes, Burning of the Midnight Lamp, 1983...(A Merman I Should Turn to Be), House Burning Down, All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return).

★★★★★★★★★★