Reviews (page 7 of 13)
Have you ever been is a great opener but the album really starts to feel itself with Crosstown Traffic. Voodoo Chile is long but definitely doesn’t drag, and the solos do help in that matter. Little Miss Strange reignites the tempo after the slow ending of Voodoo Chile to the feel of an early Beatles song (yes there is only 5 years between Please Please Me and Electric Lady Land) but even the vocals give off a McCartney and Lennon vibe. Long Hot Summer Night sounds like the quintessential 60s rock song, non-stop senseless guitar riffs over chorus backing vocals about a girl and i’m entirely here for it. Come on is the late 50s Chuck Berry inspired tune made for dancing with your partner at a late 60s prom, I can even picture the polka dot dresses and sharp suits and a lot of spinning and head bobbing. Gipsy Eyes might be the weakest song on the album so far but it’s certainly not bad, it’s definitely the most repetitive lyrically but the backing makes up for it. Burning of the Midnight Lamp is a good little slow song in the midpoint of the album, and lyrically one of the best. Rainy Day, Dream Away is a nice little groove, a bit repetitive but still fun and probably the most likely to grow on me. Most of the songs between Rainy Day and All Along the Watchtower blended together (will have to replay that section) but Watchtower is great, i understand the hype now. A return of Voodoo Chile in the form of Voodoo Child is the exact right way to end the album. Re-listened to the songs after Rainy Day. First quarter of 1983 was too slow for me but not bad by any means, second quarter was exactly what I wanted, the middle point a bit mellow for but you can feel the build coming although it takes 4 minutes to get there and another 2 to hit the heavier riffs which does make the song drag. Moon Turns The Tide Gently isn’t a song but it does feel like the closing track of a vinyl made to repeat after the album so it does come as a surprise on first listen that there are 4 tracks afterwards. The abrupt drums for Still Raining, Still Dreaming does act as an unintentional jumpscare although the proceeding song does make up for it with catchy tunes. House burning down is pretty short by the album’s standards and it’s sure not to overstay its welcome while also being pretty enjoyable
Not the best album of Jimi Hendrix
As expected - really good. He truly did amazing things with a guitar!
Not a huge Hendrix fan, but I enjoyed this. ★★★★
This is probably my least favorite Hendrix record, even though it has some of my all-time favorite Hendrix songs on it. I think Are You Experienced? and Axis: Bold as Love are his best, but even still I am fond of the outcome that Jimi's wild ambition created. Electric Ladyland. “Crosstown Traffic”, “Burning of the Midnight Lamp”, “1983 (A Merman I Shall Be)”, “All Along the Watchtower”, and especially “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” are standouts for me.
1968 The only Hendrix studio album in my collection, mainly because of 'Crosstown Traffic', a favourite which appears early on. At 75 minutes though, it may be a bit on the long side, but that's a harsh criticism which is offset by some amazing tracks along the way, and what a finish, with 'All Along The Watchtower' and 'Voodoo Chile' (Slight Return). I confess, I'd forgotten how good this really is. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (8/10)
Lots of tracks of this album on his greatest hits album for a good reason, but too many fillers.
Some great stuff in here, including probably the greatest cover of any track ever, but it's looser as an album, with some inessential tracks in the mix. Still, it felt harsh not giving it a 5.
Some of my favourite Jimi songs on this one. Some filler tracks but overall a great album.
Feels like the album that would be playing in the background of a 70s reefer session. And TIL that it's Voodoo Chile and not Voodoo Child.
Haven't heard this album in 20+ years. Crosstown Traffic, All Along the Watchtower, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), and House Buring Down all added to Liked Songs.
J'avais jadis un genre d'album compilation de Jimi Hendrix Experience. J'aimais beaucoup le côté raw du truc. Ça me plaît encore beaucoup, du blues rock à son meilleur. Et c'est un très beau rendu de All Along the watchtower. La transition parfaite entre Electric Dylan et le hard rock des 70s. D'ailleurs j'avais jamais fait le rapprochement avec Jimmy Page mais c'est assez frappant sur des tounes comme let the good times roll où je décèle même un bout de riff qui ressemble à Black Dog. Wah wah et phrasé sloppy.
this guitar
I thought the album could do with being shorter and the intro wasn’t my thing, but my god there are some impressive tracks on here. I was listening to Crosstown Traffic and getting grumpy (I’m sorry I just don’t like that one) and then Voodoo Chile came on and blew my mind. Can’t believe some of my favourites were the super long tracks because my attention span is normally rubbish but I thought they were so good. Fav song: Voodoo Chile - also liked Gypsy Eyes, Rainy Day, Dream Away, 1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be) and All Along the Watch Tower Least fav: Crosstown Traffic
He's obviously an insanely good guitarist which might make my feeling that were a couple too many guitar solos some sort of sacrilege... But that aside I really enjoyed the album, I thought there was a good amount of variety without it feeling disconnected. Favourite song: Crosstown Traffic Least: Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
It's such a cliché, but half the tracks could be removed from this double album and it would be top-tier. Sorry Jimi!
This was a bit of a disappointment because I've never listened to much Hendrix and I was expecting to love it. Some great songs, but it just didn't resonate with me in the way I was hoping. 7/10.
Beaucoup plus aimé que Are You Experienced. On ne parle pas assez d’Hendrix comme chanteur. Son charisme et son assurance transparaissent absolument dans sa voix, il a influencé tant de performeurs.
LOUD, dirrrty, horny, messy, fire! 🔥
classic
Pretty great, definitely a classic
I liked it but the songs that are not the hits are a bit boring for me. But fantastic musician
Great variety of sounds and tones, without much variety in instrumentation. Kind of an amazing feat. The reusing of some motifs gives the album a nice through-line. Obviously incredible guitar work.
I know this is a weird detail to pick out but - Jimi Hendrix says "YEAH!" like nobody else in rock. Yes, I know he's also a virtuosic guitar player. And saying "YEAH" real good isn't as groundbreaking. But the dude just sells me on him having the time of his life. He's feeling this music, and his "YEAH!" gets me every time. In 2025 Jimi has been reduced to a t-shirt—- he’s a marble man now. Idolized by generations of guitar players. Hearing this guy shred and get such an enormous kick out of it (and twiddling the stereo pans like a five year old on crack) makes him human again. And if I don’t meet ya no more in this world, I’ll meet ya in the next one, and don’t be late. DON’T BE LATE!!! FOUR STARS
After all these years, I still deeply regret the untimely death of such a great artist. He was just getting started. In this album, he had almost totally moved beyond psychedelia and into blues rock and later into straight blues. Who knows where he would have gone, but I’m sure it would have been earth shattering.
*** 1/2 Jimi, good, but this one is not my favorit.
Jimi was just so damn good
Good tracks on here
I liked this, decent Jimi vibes
He had the sound of the time and at the same time something so different. Influenced so many future musicians.
different than i expected! more listenable; thought it would be esoteric.
My 3rd record suggestion by the Albums Generator and the first one I own. Perfect for a hot summer day to open the windows and let the neighbours participate… The first two thirds of the record feel like a collection of (partly great) ideas, the last third starting with „1983“ has great, expressive and creative tracks in a row. And the drumming gives a great counterpart to the guitar play and layers! It is certainly not a cohesive record, but do we really want cohesion from a Jimi Hendrix Experience album? Highlights: I like the two almost 15 minute long tracks the most, as they feel like having enough air to breath and to capture the jam atmosphere. The studio bystanders in „Voodoo Chile“ that clap and cheer add nicely to this. From the shorter tracks, „Still raining, still dreaming“ is the most complete for me.
Buen disco en general, aunque hay tramos que desconecto
This is one hell of an album. Osama, it’s interesting to watch the progression of your favorite album choice, from 2Live Crew, to Debbie Gibson, to Nickleback and back to the more classic choice of Jimi. You always land on your musical feet!
I love how at the end of Voodoo Chile you get a little applause and some chatter from the audience of that recording. If that was a live performance today it would be the biggest pop of all time. That’s how iconic and mind boggling some of the tunes are on here. There is some… interesting stuff that feels kind of like filler on here. But when you get to the good stuff, it’s good.
I like Jimi but there’s only so much guitar solo I can do in an album.
8/10 Jimi Hendrix is obviously an exceptional, innovative and inspirational guitarist. Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell are also an absolutely excellent rhythm section. But that doesn’t always make for completely satisfying music. At its best, this album is complete genius, but it does drift into moments where Jimi spends just a little too long sniffing his own farts. When it clicks, there is so much soul, groove and bite to what’s going on, and it easily drifts between funky, psychedelic and bluesy in an incredibly satisfying way. When they utilise their skills to enhance and support a song, with the song itself the main focus, there is no doubting the quality, but too often the virtuosity is the focus, and that just doesn’t grip me in the same way. As is frequently the case with double albums, you could probably make a pretty much perfect single LP version of this album with some trimming of a few songs, shortening of others, and a bit of reordering of tracks. It’s obvious that this album was instrumental in developing guitar playing as an art form, and you can really hear the starting point of a lot of great music that will follow, and with that, you can’t deny the classic nature of this record. But I also don’t think it’s one that I will frequently feel the need to stick on during regular rotation, as it’s all just a little bit too self-indulgent for my personal taste. And the Gods Made Love - This is a great ’60’s recording tricks’ intro. So easy now, but I bet it was loads of work to get this sort of sound effect wash at the time. Very cool. Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland) - This is so laid back and smooth. Effortless cool. It’s loose in a great way, and Jimi’s guitar part just wonders around doing whatever he wants, always sounding interesting. Crosstown Traffic - A classic. After the first couple of tracks, it’s nice to dip into a more classically structured pop/rock song. It’s so funky and cool. They use enough variation to keep it going, but it’s otherwise pretty simple. But great, and only lasts two and a half minutes, so doesn’t need anything more. Voodoo Chile - Jimi gets to let loose here. For the vocal sections, it swings between laid back and smooth, like Have You Ever Been, and more of a psychedelic groove. The rhythm section really lays down a solid backbone for this, and some of the drumming in particular is fantastic. The rest of the band get their moments, and there’s some lovely organ playing in there too, but this one’s all about Jimi. Is it self-indulgent? Absolutely. Is it something I’ll listen to on the regular? Not really. Is it still excellent? Of course. Little Miss Strange - Ok. Why did they try and make a Beatles song? It’s a decent enough track, but it just doesn’t fit, especially with Noel Redding taking the lead vocal. It still has some of that great drumming and guitar playing, but it’s just an odd inclusion. Long Hot Summer Night - This is more like it. Back to the swaggering cool of previous tracks. It’s good when Jimi’s guitar playing is used to augment a solid track and it does slightly overwhelm in moments here. The song itself is maybe not quite as solid as some, but it’s still an enjoyable listen. Come On (Let The Good Times Roll) - A great little blues number and Jimi’s guitar gets its dedicated moments to shine. Solid from Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. There’s big echoes of this in what Led Zeppelin would do later, although with their own twist. Proper toe tapper. Gypsy Eyes - This is little bit repetitive in places, and never really lands on anything massively interesting as a song. It does become one of those tracks where Jimi’s guitar work is the highlight and does kind of overwhelm everything else. Burning of the Midnight Lamp - This is pretty psychedelic. It sounds really full in places and transitions nicely between sections with a good dynamic shift. It’s not too overwhelmed by Jimi letting loose, which threatens to become a bit relentless, so it’s a nice departure from that. Rainy Day, Dream Away - Back to that laid-back cool. The guitar playing is (obviously) great here, but he leaves moments of calm here and there too, which is great. And he’s very restrained during the vocal sections. Great swing to this too. Top stuff. 1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be) - During the early section of this, there is a realtime that would echo later in some of Prince’s work that would follow. It then drifts off into an almost ambient jam section. The players all have their little moments. It oozes laid back cool. Again, it’s quite self-indulgent, but isn’t that what you listen to Jimi Hendrix for? Still Raining, Still Dreaming - This has got a great groove to it. There’s a lot going on here and the mix is so full. Another one where the focus is much more on Jimi’s guitar, rather than it being a traditional song. At this point, I’m kind of wondering if this could have been an exceptional single album, rather than a slightly too self-indulgent double. House Burning Down - Back to something more song focused here. Still moments of guitar mavericking (maverickery?) But it’s a bit more focused. Another groover. All Along the Watchtower - Stone Cold Classic. This is a prime example of the beauty of that fine balance between focus on song and guitar skills. It’s so, so good. Soul and groove for miles. Everyone playing at the top of their game. Space for everything to breathe. Exceptional. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - Possibly the greatest guitar riff ever committed to tape. This one strikes a quality balance of guitar wizardry while returning to the main refrain and dipping in and out of the vocal sections. Incredible groove, incredible guitar playing. It’s so mean and so solid.
Excellent guitar. 4-5 stars
as an avid Jimi hater, this hit for the first time. I may never be right again
I've been an are you experienced person for a while, and of course I've heard a lot of these songs on their own, but dam I like the flow of electric lady land. 9/10
Great mix of psychadelic playing and rock jams. Some of the more experimental parts do go on way longer than they need to. Incredible ending to the album though.
Fantastic album, but the two 15-minute each noodling tracks bring it down to a 4/5. Jimi was at his best when he melted your face for 3-5 minutes, not letting his drummer ting on his set for minutes at a time without hearing a guitar. Also, Dylan sucks and Jimi rules; AATWT is made 1000% better by Hendrix.
Feels like an expansion of Are You Experienced, bigger in a way through the increase in vocal layering on some tracks, more exploratory. And of course, the guitar playing is immaculate as always, if someone since is a better guitarist, I’m not aware of them. So sad we didn’t get to hear how else he would evolve after this, what a loss.
eeeeeeeeeeeeleeeeeeeeectric ladyland! was für riffs und vibes wo da transportiert werded. Bin nie gross am Jimi lose gsi, denn via feschi via sin daddy (big fan) mal biz drihglosst. all along the watch tower im reptuar gha sit jahr, big up tune. hed allgemein sehr vill Spass gmacht und isch sicher sehr innovativ und talentiert. Reicht das für es 5i, glaubes nöd, müssti mir namal chli konzentierter geh aber supa dupa album 4 Gins für de Heni
I appreciate that the record label had to drag this out to a double LP so they could release with that gatefold sleeve. However, trim down a few tracks, leave out the filler, and it would get my five stars.
Guitar. Lots of it. The sound quality could be better, but then again, this was 1968. The songs in the beginning are not as good as the last ones. All along the Watchtower is amazing and Voodoo Child is also a great finisher.
The tracks where Jimi just gets to do Jimi are amazing. The ones with his backup band trying to do Monkee shit are garbo
4.5
Gran guitarrista, no mi album favorito pero contiene 3 canciones magnificas.
As a whole, I really like the sound and production.
It is more experimental than I remember, and I like it.
great
A great journey.
agreable
Solid jams and good single tracks. Experimental sounds on some songs seem more dated. Middle is a bit weaker than the beginning/end but a solid listening experience. Are you experienced?
3,7/5
Jimi. 'nuff said.
This is a tough one. It’s overlong with too many songs that veer off into “noodling”. But it also has like 5 songs that are absolutely perfect. And the album is still so good.
Last two tracks make the album. I just can’t get behind 15 min long jam band songs.
Knall
Best Song: All Along the Watchtower. Hendrix's best song, in my opinion. Truly trumps the original and has a brilliant power, especially in the vocals. Worst Song: Moon, Turn the Tides...Gently Gently Away. This shouldn't even count as a track. It's just an interrupting series of noise that kills the momentum of the album. Overall: Pretty quintessential classic rock. The whole album just sounds cool. Vocally, instrumentally, it just drips with this unique bravado.
I love this album, and I can imagine it not being a favorite of a lot because it is really long, and has some very extended jams on it. Compare the longest song on this album (Voodoo Chile at 14 mins) vs. the longest on the first album (Third Stone From The Sun at almost 7 minutes). This was Jimi's album that he always wanted to make. The first 2 were for the record company. This one was his. Love it. 4/5 stars Can't miss: Voodoo Chile Burning of the Midnight Lamp Voodoo Child (Slight Return) All Along The Watchtower and the best song on the entire album: 1983…(A Merman I Should Turn to Be) and Moon, Turn the Tides…gently gently away
I'm enjoying the Jimi Hendrix deep cuts. Wasn't expecting songs about mermaids. Love the long bluesy version of Voodoo Child too.
i loved but i forgot to listen by the end of it "WOW THANK U HERE COMES THE GUITARRR"
Hendrix provides an amazing blend of soul and psychedelic rock in "Electric Ladyland". The mixing is great, guitarwork is fantastic, and overall is a killer album.
Couple good tracks, a little sloppy eh
he could play the axe alright ....
I’d never listened to a full Jimi Hendrix album before - I enjoyed it. Legendary guitar. Favorites: Voodoo Chile, All Along The Watchtower
I am still yet to hear a double album that wouldn't be improved by being a single disc. 4*
All along the watchtower is lit
good good already heard
A normal album this time, in that the track listing does not read like a best of album. Still some big ones, but this time with some also rans. But a great album nevertheless. It'll be on the buy list if I happen to see it. Got to be worth a 4.
The high points are really high, and the exceptional guitar work is a clear influence on so many of the artists I love. But, when he’s not melting my face off (which is a great thing by the way), there’s too much filler on here that falls in the Eric Clapton end (not a good thing), or even worse, into a bit of aimless jazzy ad hoc nonsense. So it can’t be a 5 star.
I like the odd song here and there of Jimi, but over an hour of him in one go? I'm not a regular listener of his music, but after that I often wonder why I never was! There was a lot of crazy shit going on, in a good psychedelic way. When I get the chance I shall have a few more listens to get to appreciate it better.
It’s a technical masterpiece I just wished I enjoyed listening to it more than I do. There are a lot of lulls in this thing that just make it less than it should be
each song is too long and unnecessarily drags on just for Jimi to make every second a vanity project for him to show off how amazing he is at playing guitar
one of the GOATs
Having somehow skipped over Jimi Hendrix in my coverage of modern music, I'm very surprised by how much this feels like trad blues (side note: I'm bitter to know that the earliest albums in this program are 1956, robbing us of early blues recordings, though I get they were often not released as per se albums). Voodoo chile feels like a tricked out version of very familiar languid blues music, just kinda meandering for 14 minutes. I feel very stupid saying this feels a lot like santana, but I grew up with Santana and not with Hendrix. Some obvious precursor (itself following from live blues performance of 15 minute storytelling blues) to prog's heroic era of "2 minutes of a real song and then 20 more just jamming," which I only sometimes like. Astonishing how little of the above constitutes a review of the album in question. All just a meandering way of saying this is incredible guitar work. There's really not much else here--lyrics are okay, backing band is set dressing at best. So how far can lead guitar carry an album on its own? Well, if it's Hendrix, quite far. I will say though: The single LP's being limited to 45ish minutes is a useful limitation and this being a double album doesn't improve it, I think. Two separate albums would, I think have been better. You can even keep full length Voodoo Chile, but put Merman (which does a little less for me, but hey, it has some of the only noticeable drums on the album) on a separate record. Other thoughts: -All along the Watchtower one of the all-time great covers. I like both versions (Because of Hendrix, Dylan's is criminally underrated--it's on my favorite Dylan album, which is itself underappreciated), but I think Hendrix's relaxed, almost slurred vocals really work here. -Album tracks are real standouts here. Yeah the big hits are good, but he packs a lot of punch on the no name songs (Still Raining Still Dreaming, for example). I think this is a mark of a strong album. -Voodoo child reprise: I love a good reprise on a album. This one has the benefit of being closer to the length of a single (my mega-playlists ban songs >10 minutes). I think the 5 minute version is a lot tighter. While tight is usually a good thing, the laid-back drifting vocals works pretty well on the long version. Both good IMO. -It's a pity he didn't live. Him doing the retired superstar thing where you just jam out with other famous retired superstars would be pretty cool (also the human tragedy and all) I think I'm gonna round down to 4 stars here (from 4.5). My primary complaint is the length, but it's also just a little too "only guitar" for me. It's possible it'd earn 5 on a second listening. The lyrics are something that are hard for me to pay good attention to the first time on such a epic work. So another listening is in order, but with a 75 minute album (and me behind by several albums still), I don't think it will get that justice in the near future.
Jimmy can make that guitar sing! Lots of great songs with wicked guitar in it (expected from Jim). I found the album to be a bit long tho
Hendrix's first long form soiree into psychedelic blues rock. So much refined studio elegance jammed into this beauty of a concept album. The concept is formless and nameless but the vibe is immaculate. Someone called this psychobable meandering and I think they missed the point. Not a perfect album but a great artistic culminated of American Pschadelic blues and artistic and creative sonic creation. Always a fan.
9/10 Jimi Hendrix has mastered the Electric guitar like no one ever has or may ever will be able to. These are the kind of album where you just have to appreciate the art of playing the instrument. However, you can still focus on the lyrics and other instruments as well because they are also amazing. The only drawback is the start to me, and some filler in the 15 minutes of Voodoo Chile. Awesome experience Favorite Tracks: *Rainy Day, Dream Away,* *Still Raining, Still Dreaming* Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)
Definitely enjoy the album, Jimi Hendrix is always a classic. Really amazing tracks, really solid guitar solos, but not quite as solid of an effort as the first two albums. I think it’s a little bit too long, maybe it should’ve been separated into extra tracks? It does feel like there’s a lot of “besides”, but that’s not a bad thing for someone like Hendrix. Four out of five stars is what I would go with, since I’ve given out too many five stars recently.
Cool
<3
So much invention and creativity, there is just no equal. However, some songs outstay their welcome a little which prevents it being absolute perfection.
Excellent album. As a big fan of Jimi. It’s good to hear a different styling of music that are not just another cut for the greatest hits album. Voodoo chile is total different song from the polished version and the hull hogan walk in music. Excellent album. Good listen.
I struggled paying attention and getting through the longer songs, but it was cool to see rainy day dream away in context. I also liked the atmospheric stuff and feel like it would have been so cool to see live. Excited to listen to more Hendrix
Dense psychedelic rock, both of its time and ahead.
It’s such a pitty we never saw Jimi past 27, the legacy he left is incredible. An amazing record.
I wish I could hear All Along the Watchtower again for the first time.
Es un álbum impecable y revolucionario para la epoca, pero que más decir de Jimi Hendrix.
Normally, I get super irritated by the number of double albums I am presented with here. Not this one. Just an amazing presentation of talent, passion and creativity. It is rock, blues, maybe some jazz and some soul - but it all sits together as a whole listening experience. Just extraordinary.
Had forgotten how much of the blues is all through this one. God bless my fellow mayonnaise whites, who do there best to provide vocals on one track but mostly just highlight JH’s greatness as a performer. Watchtower and Voodoo Chile (SL) are just so singular. Favorite tracks: Watchtower, “House Burning Down”
Legendary artist, crosstown traffic, voodoo child, and Jimi's cover of All Along the Watchtower are must know songs for classic rock.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: 🔥🔥🔥 Production (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🌈🌀🌌 Rating: 🧙♂️🧙♂️🧙♂️🧙♂️(🧙♂️)/5
4.4/there's a reason jimi is so revered. this album is truly amazing, and has some of the best riffs of all time
4.5
4.5
A few very cool songs, like "Voodoo Chile", but overall too long and a bit uneven. 4 stars
I'm at least understanding the hype for Hendrix a little more with this album, but if you can make something sound as cool as All Along the Watchtower, why not make more of the other tracks sound as cool as it? That and Crosstown Traffic overshadow the rest a little for me, but it's a good album
Such a great album but also maybe too long?
Goddamn, so many legendary bangers. Ending on Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return) is such an explosion. I knew a lot of these songs but not all of them, there were some fun surprises but also a couple of imo duds that took me out of the flow.
At first when this popped up I was like, cool - I like Jimi Hendrix. And then I listened for a little bit and I was like, wait - do I like Jimi Hendrix? And then I was like, wait - why do I like Jimi Hendrix? He’s a good guitarist. These songs don’t suck. And then I was like, I never listen to Jimi Hendrix. But then a song would come on and I’d be like, oh, I know this song. Everybody knows this song. I guess I do like this. But do like this? Like, like like this? I mean, I like Coca-Cola. Everybody does. But I hardly ever drink it. But I’m glad it exists. Anyway…yeah. This is pretty good music.
I liked the sound of this quite a lot! Has to be one of the best albums from the decade I've heard so far at least. It unfortunately fits into that 4-star slot just because I'm not sure how much I'd listen to it on a regular basis, kinda like The Wall.
Absolute fucking fire heat all the way through. There's a good goddamn reason he's remembered as one of the greats.
Really enjoyable listen overall, with some unquestionable hits and lesser known jams. Jimi Hendrix is an absolute magician on the guitar. The best part of the album was the last four songs, basically. Really strong ending. All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return) are all timers. Never heard Crosstown Traffic before but loved that. Also liked Rainy Day, Dream Away.
First Hendrix experience here. As daunting as the runtime was, this album offers so many bangers that I can't quite complain. Phenomenal guitar playing all around that makes you wonder if this is even from the 60s - by this point in the challenge I thought that era was all roots and blues. No wonder this guy's a legend!
A lot of fun a great musicianship. The lesser known songs are the best
A classic, fun to hear some of the deep tracks
Wish this album was tightened up a bit, but it's still so good. 4.5/5
I mean, he's That Guy for a reason
I would give this album a 3 but for the few undeniable songs on it. It is redeemed by the closers All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return). For my taste, the rest of it is far too meandering and could be much shorter. But at the time it must have been an absolute wonder to those not “experienced”. RIP to the greatest to ever do it.
Overlong, but good. Little rude to make me wait over an hour for "All Along the Watchtower."
Solid and unique introduction to Hendrix's catalog. Definitely going to open doors for me in the genre.
Great album, many of the same critiques I have with other Hendrix records. Amazing songs but I think the runtime could be less to make the album hit harder. 8/10
For some reason I don't often just put on Jimi Hendrix albums even though he will play in my mixes. I have listened, and liked, but the urge just doesn't seem to hit me. Listening to this I think I understand why. While I love parts of this album a whole lot, anything that builds up to "All Along The Watchtower" with a "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" chaser is a knockout in my book. However, it's overall a bit uneven and while I appreciate the experimentation and his own artistic vision, sometimes it just wanders a bit. The musicianship is spot on and obviously there is no complaint with Jimi's guitar playing - it's a master class as always. This is a really good album with some outrageously great songs on it.
the jimi hendrix experience. you remember where you were the first time you heard this album. always worth a listen!
A bit of a mess but has some classics.
Not a perfect album, but a thoroughly enjoyable one. The middle tracks blended together a little, but the start and end of the album were very strong. Good variety in sound
The majority of this album was a lot more blues influences than I expected which was a pleasant surprise. Favs were House Burning Down, Still Raining, Voodoo Chile and of course All Along the Watch Tower.
The album is quite exhausting, but worthwhile nonetheless. These days, it's no problem to skip individual songs. Back then, it would have definitely annoyed me. Overall, my positive impression outweighs the negative. I'll just tune out the rest of the twaddle. Hey, I've never listened to the entire album before.
Fantastic album
My GOAT
It all just seems so effortless for Jimi.
Jimi always gets it.
It’s a good album, just not my typical speed.
4/5. As good as the reputation.
We all know Jimi’s musicality is unparalleled even now, 60 years in the future, but this album did feel a bit disconnected just due to the length.
It's Jimi Hendrix. There are some songs and guitar riffs that are amazing. There are parts that are just ... weird.
The essence of psychedelic 🤘
I like this album a lot. Bluesy, funky, played by a guitar god. It didn't feel as cohesive as I would have liked, almost like a bunch of singles thrown together, but there's quite a bit of juice there. A lot of bops mixed in with some genre/era defining tracks. 4.0
Excellent album that does stretch a bit. The instrumentals are amazing but I do feel the vocals are a bit weaker. Excellent end to the album thought; a very high 4 stars. 4/5
Cool! Really fun to listen to, even if nothing really stuck with me
All Along the Watchtower puts a floor on how low you can rate this album. Hendrix clearly has a place on the list and his skill and sound were unrivaled. This album is a bit indulgent but it's worth listening to.
I like the more classic Blues bits like in Voodoo Chile. I'm just not a huge fan of all the noodling. I get it, I see the need for art and expression like this. Most of it is just a bit too loose for me. All Along the Watchtower is an all time hit track.
Previously rated: Are You Experienced (5/5) ******************************** Some great stuff here, definitely. Crosstown Traffic, All Along the Watchtower, but those long self-indulgent tracks bring it down a little.
Legend of legends. I liked just a few songs, but overall sound of the album is excellent. True blues give or take. I won't listen it often, but surely do once more sometimes
Pretty awesome guitar work.
Classic and great
Lady Lady super shady
This was on constant rotation when I was 14. Some of the songs didn’t quite hold up. Dude was an absolute virtuoso though.
I mean it's Hendrix how could you not go wrong?
Great album and everything you want from Jimi Hendrix and his band. Psychedelic rock has never been better. You do wonder though why they wouldn't take a more experimental turn here or there.
Haven’t listened to the entire thing yet. So far it’s sounds like some pretty good classic rock and catchy riffs. Looking forward to the riffs. Will give a 7/10 for now
Fire album bit long though
There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said already. I wonder what music he would have made if he hadn’t died so young. What a phenomenal musician.
I saw Hendrix and thought, "oh, this is going to sound very old and remind me of classic rock." It was not that at all. Nuanced, interesting, enjoyed listening to it. Hendrix is more than just a guitar soloist, huh?
#0014 This starts and ends classic Jimi, the middle meanders up and down a bit but I love it! This is very close to a 5 (I realise 14 albums in that 5s aren't going to come easy for me) 8/10
Really solid album with some big hits that so many people love. I enjoyed this but the filler songs weren’t my favorite. Nice mix of experimental with some funky rock.. 4/5
Flower power
Look, it's perfectly good. It's Hendrix. Distinct, but with variety. Just not super my jam. I'm giving it a 4th star for "All Along the Watchtower."
4.5?
Love me some Hendrix. Can't go wrong giving out with this one.
The 13 minute+ tracks are both the best and worst parts of the album. Such musical skill on show but when they are more concise and controlled and less (don't wish to cast aspersions but probably) heavily intoxicated they are certainly more affective. Can't deny brilliance though.
Really like the singles we all know. Voodoo child is like the best pump up song, voodoo chile is such a great jam. The tones and solos are clearly so influential on so much rock music. The middle of the album lost me a bit but overall I enjoyed the more traditional songs over some of the wierder jam songs
Constant guitar soloing gets tiring for me after a while even if the one soloing is one of the best guitar player ever. I did think it was too long. There’s a lot of downtime that could’ve been cut. Can’t deny the talent so it gets a 4.
I like, not love Jimi Hendrix, but this album does have some great songs on it plus it includes the best cover of all time. Still not quite a 5 for me. Need the half star option today.
I think I did his best with the Experience but god this man was exceptional
The hype around Hendeix's guitar skills is absolutely earned. The album is a little long and meandered in places, but overall an excellent listen.
esta muy guapo asi para caminar bien chulo album sigarreto
Random thoughts: * This is way more psychedelic than I remember. There are some pretty long extended jams on here. * Why are the 2 best songs the last 2 on the album? * Voodoo Child (Slight Return) might be the best Jimi Hendrix song in my humble opinion. * The last 2 songs really boost the rating of this album overall.
Amazing classic rock album with top notch guitar playing throughout. A little long and unfocused perhaps, but even the lesser songs are charming to me. Standouts: All Along the Watchtower, Voodoo Chile (both versions)
It is strange to listen to such a famous artist for the first time. Hearing sections that other artists have sampled or lifted is cool. I would listen again.
In many ways, the overindulgence of this record is the sound you imagine when you think of the 60s. It’s the sound of psychedelia, it’s almost Freeform, jazz-like.
Didn't think I'd like it but I really did. Very atmospheric, and really recalls it's time. 7/10
Always solid
HELLLL YEAHHHHHH BOIIIIIIII
Light 4 Enjoyed how it stayed very melodic even in the longer, more experimental, psychedelic songs. Sometimes those can feel indulgent or boring but here, I still enjoyed listening to them! Also, NWO 4 LIFE
Stabil, paar sehr gute drauf, manche ziehen sich, manche nimmt man garnicht wahr
'Voodoo Chile' is just outta this world. Fantastic treat of an album.
No one can deny the cultural impact of All Along the Watchtower (Sorry Bob). I think I like Axis: Bold As Love more but this record is still great.
As seems to be the case with all the double albums so far this is overlong and self indulgent. I think this is the first time I’ve listened to this from start to finish, I normally dip in and out, and I now know why! Still all being said and done there are some absolute beauties on here so it still scores highly in my book
This is a hard album to rate. I don't love guitar noodling but this is something special, when it is at its best. However, it's just too long and unfocused - he had 40 minutes of a masterpiece that deserves 5 stars. As it is, I'm going to give it 4 stars but it is a low 4 stars... I wouldn't routinely want to listen to this album as a whole.
Cool record. Voodoo Chile (Slight Return) is my favorite.
First Listen: Jan 28 2023 the alt cover for the this album is crazy. jimi is goated great album
норм, крутой фузз.
Intro avant-gardiste af pour l'époque ? J'aime l'énergie de Crosstown Traffic + kazoo DIY Voodoo Chile légendaire, chouettes quasi-hétérophonies du début et vers 10min30 Gypsy Eyes same about quasi-hétérophonies
Great album, many 10/10 songs on here, but like many others have said, it's too bloated and meanders along at times unnecessarily. A high 4
i mean it's jimi hendrix i can't exactly say it's bad (because it fucking rules). very interesting experience to listen to this album start to finish i have to say!
This is chill, you can definitely put this album on and get shit done, but the quality isn't consistent to my ears. Some tracks are absolutely amazing, some are meandering and lose me partway through. I think it averages out to a 4 star rating overall.
Jimmy sure could shred
Just awesome, no surprises about the quality of the album and his incredible work on the electric guitar. If only I got to see him live, that’d be incredible.
Insane album! So good!
honestly. kicks ass. didnt know... shit rocked. i had no idea.
It’s amazing how this sounds in 2025; it’s still as innovative as it was when first released. He’ll, even today it sounds like music that is from the future. It’s lost none of its potency, all driven by the star of the show, Jimi. Mind blowing that most of the tunes are based off of simple blues riffs, just turned up to eleven and coupled with solid production techniques that were cutting edge at the time.
Good, but long. Ends with two of the best songs ever but it takes a while to get there.
Could use some trimming. More like a 4.5 with the excellent closing tracks All Along The Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return) but there's a little too much fuzz and noise messing around on a few tracks
Worst. Album. Ever.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Väldigt nice unikt sound, kul att lyssna på, dock kanske inte mer än några få låtar som jag verkligen gillar, och hittade inga som jag inte redan fångat upp och sparat
As a kid, my faves were 'Burning of the Midnight Lamp', 'All Along the Watchtower', 'Voodoo Child'. :))))))) I don't know how to do the stars
Crosstown Traffic and All Along the Watchover will remain as one of the best tracks in the history of rock n roll.
Favorite Track: Come On (Let The Good Times Roll) Great cover of LTGTR. Some duds later in the album but overall an unfiltered and raw Jimi Hendrix experience.
last two tracks absolutely carry this album
Cool
Bra såklart, men ojämnt. Inte alls i class med debuten. Svag fyra
Terrific. The production is experimental and influential but tbh not 100% my thing. I know that is a hot take. There are some amazing songs I had never heard before that I really liked.
A bit disappointed… I think some of the songs just aren’t that well written, and lose me a bit. But there’s also several masterclass works on here like that 13 minute mermaid song hoo.
I love All Along the Watchtower, but I guess who doesn't? Jimi's guitar is a potent voice that conjures up a sense of freedom, the power of the people, and revolution, precisely what we need now - an anthem. I thought I was on the wrong album when Noel Redding appeared on the album. I had never listened to the whole thing and wasn't aware of the partnership.
"Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)" 2,8 "Crosstown Traffic" 4,1 "Voodoo Chile" 3,6 "Little Miss Strange" (Noel Redding) 3,9 "Long Hot Summer Night" 3,5 "Come On (Part 1)" (Earl King) 3,7 "Gypsy Eyes" 3,6 "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" 3,9 "Rainy Day, Dream Away" 3,6 "1983....(A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" 3,6 "Still Raining, Still Dreaming" 3,5 "House Burning Down" 3,6 "All Along the Watchtower" (Bob Dylan) 4,8 "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" 4 Average 3,73
Ahhh wow! Favs: Have you been to (the electric ladyland) Crosstown traffic Gypsy eyes Rainy day dream away 1983 Still raining, still dreaming All along the watchtower Voodoo chile (slight return)
Good Stuff
It’s quite raw production and quite and old album but I felt like the magic managed to shine through anyway
-i got this on vinyl from my dad and have been waiting to listen to it… wow it’s really good. the guitar is so sexy -it’s a long album but it never really gets boring or excessive, kept me pretty much hooked throughout which is rare for an 1hr+ record. psych rock classic I suppose -Favorites are Voodoo Chile, Gypsy Eyes, and House Burning Down
My second favorite Hendrix album behind Are You Experienced. Classic.
This is a really great album, and it includes some absolute classics like All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return). I would listen to this album any time.
4.5/5 No notes, Jimi Hendrix is an icon. Thought about giving it a 5, but holding onto those for something really special
Voodoo Child is the most popular, but All Along the Watchtower is my favorite. (Jeff Healy version is slightly superior). Overall great album, no complaints. That being said, I'm going to be very stingy on giving out 5s
So good. Guitar is amazing.
are u experienced totally deserved the 5/5 i gave last month. the final double LP, for me is 4/5.
This was a staple of my teenage years. However, after a serious car accident while listening to Hendrix, I rarely if ever play it. Today is not an exception. I'm glad this is out there, but I can't bring myself to hear it.
Enjoying this one a lot! Love Jimi’s blues guitar work. Tone is unbelievably varied and expressive.
Bit too long and self indulgent at points, at other points its amazing.
I appreciate a lot of the expirmation in this album, but I wish it was a little more consistent. In any case, it still really good album, and the performance is top notch, specilly in All Along the Watchtower
Electric Ladyland is an album that took a little while for me to get in the groove with it but when i did, i really did. The album didn't really leave me with the best first impression considering that i thought it was going to be overly noisy but as it turns out, those moments were rare if they were even there at all. The guitar riffs were really good and the album just invoked a chill yet rocking vibe. It did take until around track 4 for me to start liking it but when it did hit that song, the album just remained consistently really good. This album was a pretty nice surprise and definitely better than i was expecting. Best Song: 1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be) Worst Song: House Burning Down
If you like like a retro pop kinda song then this album would be for you. I like this album because of its vibe. And its rhythm and lyricist. Second song is a more chill vibe, I could envision it being played at like a high end restaurant or a bar. I would recommend it.
I really enjoyed this album because I can tell he is very talented when he plays the guitar. I also like the overall vibe the songs bring and his voice sounds good.
I like this song because like these instruments I like it because it reminds me of country music and the beat is good yes I would recommend this song to someone.
if you like rock then this album is for you. I think that these songs are kinda good, the sounds are good I think that it is good, I would probably not recommend it unless they are the kind of people who would like this album.
Good like
I'm very well familiar with this one, it was an integral part of my youth. Being a double album, I think it's got some filler it could have done without, but it's also chock full of essential Hendrix.
Great overall, can't say I loved every single track but it does have a couple of my favorites of his.
definitely classic, very good sound ahead of its time. Some of the riffs reminded me of Led Zeppelin
I don't think I'd listened to this since high school - it's funny how Long Hot Summer Night is now my fave track on the album, versus all the bangers I've been hearing on the radio for the 20 years I've been out of school
At its best, these songs are like the fluid inside a lava lamp, a concoction simply bubbling with energy and always on the brink of exploding into a vibrant, chromatic burst. If the whole thing had been as consistent as the highlights, this would have been possibly the best psychedelic rock album of the entire 60's. But as it is, "album from which multiple of the best psychedelic rock songs ever stem" certainly isn't too shabby a title either.
9/10 Fav tracks - Voodoo Chile, Burning of the Midnight lamp, 1983... (A Merman I should turn to be); Still Raining, still dreaming; All along the watchtower,
I love me some Jimi! As a kid I remember this album cover from my dad's collection. By Junior High I was digging his hits on the radio. By college I was deeply into his catalog. This album is legendary with amazing hits and songs including "Have You Ever Been To Electric Ladyland", my favorite "Crosstown Traffic", the epic bluesy shredding "Voodoo Chile", "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp", the perfect cover of "All Along The Watchtower" & "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". Even a few of the lesser known songs kick ass. "Gypsy Eyes", "Rainy Day, Dream Away" & "House Burning Down", are all solid. It's practically a greatest hits album. Such a shame we didn't get to see what he had up his sleeve for the 1970's. Solid 4 stars for influence, longevity, constant radio play for 56 years and the legendary status of this album.
i don’t think it’s Jimi’s best album but there were some hidden gems in this one Plus it had voodoo child 4.3
This is the third and final Hendrix album for me in this collection, and also his third and final studio album by a nice coincidence (well, the last album as the Jimi Hendrix Experience). Definitely better than "Axis: Bold As Love", but not as tight as "Are You Experienced", and a bit long in the tooth at times (although there's something to be said for the sprawling and meandering live-sounding "Voodo Chile", I'll admit). It's fun to hear some of his classics in their native habitat, and it's remarkable how his style and music *still* sounds incredibly distinctive and entertaining many decades later. My favorites are "Crosstown traffic", "Gypsy eyes" and his excellent cover of "All along the watchtower" (for me, the latter remains among my all-time favorite covers, the way it elevates a good song into a great song).
I was a huge hendrix fan growing up, but somehow never listened to this full album. It's "raw" compared to some of the others, but that's what rock and roll is supposed to be all about.
An ambitious, eclectic and uneven album, showing how Jimi Hendrix was evolving his sound and song writing. Contains many great tracks - Voodoo Chile (slight return), Crosstown Traffic, Gypsy Eyes, All Along the Watchtower - and highlights the fluidity and inventiveness of Hendrix's guitar playing. On occasion it gets a bit self-indulgent, particularly the longer version of Voodoo Chile and 1983 - but overall an exciting and landmark recording.
Several JH gems on this album to include Crosstown Traffic, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), and All Along the Watchtower. Like all Hendrix albums it's a bumpy ride as there are several cuts that are decidedly less than the hits. I would stress that Jimi didn't have the chance to fully develop his song writing skills which most likely would have improved over a longer career. Having said all that, the world is a better place having been graced with the Hendrix material that we have.
Not his best selection of songs but still a great record. I often think about what Jimi would be doing today had he lived and my imagination tells me he would be cutting some killer acoustic blues
I quite enjoyed the eccentric meandering nature of this album. We get a taste of so many different sides of Jimi on this one.
Liked this one much more than the othr Hendrix disc I've had so far - much more melodic and accessible, less of a 60's vibe
Very good! The guitar solos are incredible
Pretty amazing and iconic with a STRONG finish to the album. Also, love the tracks I had never heard before.
It's fine
Enjoying the vibes
I know it's a great album, but I honestly just thought it was ok.
Revolutionary guitar work. Has some weaker points in the middle of the album that stops it from being a 5. Otherwise loved it. Especially loved Voodoo Chile which I initially thought was a misspelling of child.
Unlike its two predecessors, I don't believe it's *perfect*. There are a few tracks here I could do without. But it's still Hendrix, and therefore, still absolutely incredible. 4.5/5
A lot more immersive, interesting and consistent than the other Hendrix album I listened to here. Some compelling rhythm section behind his obviously unique guitar style and plenty of songs.
Haven’t listened to Hendrix beyond the hits but there were some fucking choons here. Crosstown Traffic a highlight
I actually have not intentionally listened to Jimi Hendrix before and it surprised me how much I liked it lol - was a good soundtrack to walking to work along the canal, even when I nearly slipped and fell into the river
What an album, the anticipation for All Long the Watchtower was killing me the whole time but my God was it worth it. There must be some way out of here❗️❗️ ha ha good music
really enjoyable, but it just droned on for a little bit. one song has NINE whole minutes of instrumentals at the end which is a little bit unnecessary for me.
I prefer Are You Experienced, but this has some real bangers on it too
This album starts out really hot, cools down for a while, and then finishes at a torrid pace, and it fucking works. One of the things I was struck by while listening to this album is that Jimi had a pretty good voice, which he rarely gets credit for. I don't think I liked this album as much as Are You Experienced?, but it is still a stellar Hendrix album with some of his best songs 4/5
Great riffs! Guy's a genius with his electric guitar.
duh doy
This was a good listen. I've never heard the album all the way through. Parts of the album were a little to psychedelic for my tastes.
Very impressed! I’d only heard the popular songs from this album before now, which is a pity as the while there are a few meandering moments, the album is otherwise brilliant. Great start to this project and will definitely be added to my regular listening rotation!
Drugs?
Electric Ladyland ist kein perfekt durchkomponiertes Album, sondern spiegelt den Geist seiner Zeit wider: Es sprüht vor Experimentierfreude, Aufbruchsstimmung und echter künstlerischer Freiheit. Hendrix bricht hier mit den üblichen Mustern, stellt neue Fragen und öffnet Türen zu völlig anderen Klangwelten. Das Album ist nicht nur ein Meilenstein in der Rockgeschichte, sondern auch ein Statement eines Künstlers, der sich von nichts und niemandem einengen ließ. Saugut!
Bluesy genius guitar player.
Ok
No private session used for spotify. Classic album filled with groundbreaking music, ground breaking music that still works almost 60 years. I know how some musicians reacted to Jimi when they heard him, the guy was once a generation innovator.
I was a guitar playing stoner teenager. Jimi Hendrix was legally required to be my hero (and he was/is). He's still one of my favorite and most revered musicians, but that's not to say I love everything he put out unquestioningly. Electric Ladyland has some of my favorite moments in all of music, and it has plenty that I skip over too. All Along The Watchtower is in serious consideration for best song ever recorded. It might be my default answer for that question. I will break the rest into tiers: S+: All Along the Watchtower S: Voodoo Chile, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), the first 2 minutes of 1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be) A: Burning of the Midnight Lamp, House Burning Down, Crosstown Traffic B: Pretty much everything else C: D: Little Miss Strange. This song blows. This one sounds like all the lame 60's pop rock acts that made up the landscape Jimi shattered by being much cooler. Maybe he put it on here as a reminder of what music would be like without it? We can only hope so. Album Cover:(A-)
9/10
Objectively speaking this probably the best album I've received so far, though personally I prefer Are You Experience just slightly more. Still though Hendrix is a beast on this album. Do I even have to say how good All Along the Watchtower is? Its one of those rare covers that completely transcends the greatness of the original. Favorite track: All Along the Watchtower (duh) Classic/5
More experimental and less cohesive than Axis, still wow ♾️ Crosstown Traffic ♾️ All Along the Watchtower
Jimi Hendrix was, is, and always shall be, the man.
The cover of "All Along the Watchtower" is just plain awesome.
Another one where I obviously know the hits, but I've never actually listened to this whole album. In my experience Hendrix's voice wears on me after a full album, but we'll see. I definitely appreciate Hendrix more than I used to, even some of the jams are pretty awesome, his guitar playing is so god damn good, I used to think he was overrated, but I was a foolish child who only appreciated shredders. Definitely some of the lyrics get a little too psychedelic and dumb, and some of the jams are a little bit long, but overall it's pretty damn good.
Some awesome songs on this album, a few big misses though.
Great album, although there are better Hendrix albums out there.
Very nice album, I wish I could rate it with 3.5 stars because it is not really 4 but I have given other really meh ones 3 stars, so I will be generous today.
Moments of utter brilliance, but suprisingly long and winding. Without the 10+ minute tracks it'd be a totally different album.
Nice! 4/5
Classic songs by classic artist
My first generated album and it's a classic. How do you not groove to this masterpiece? There are some stretches in this album that didn't hold my attention, but none of it was offensive or unbearable, just kind of background filler.
Cohesive experience on par with the first album, while less consistent, contains some of his best songs. A
Solid album with some good songs and a good sound overall.
I don't think I could rate it anything less than a 4, but some songs just ambled along for WAY too long, like Voodoo Chile or 1983.
Phenomenal album
I know it's heretical to give this any less than five stars, but I think if we're being honest we should admit that it's a challenging and uneven album. The highs are Mt. Everest, but there are lows. And Jimi really should have taken vocal lessons.
This album is a lot. All over the place. Some of my absolute favorite songs by Hendrix, but also brief glimpses into what Hendrix may have become had he not passed at an early stage of his career: an experimental jazz and blues jam musician who played for himself and not for others. Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return) are rock anthems, and always warrant a repeat during listening.
I dunno if you guys know this, but Jimi Hendrix had some issues with excess
Albumi #121, 01.12.2024 Taattua Hendrixiä.
Chaotic recordings of a perfectionist.
This was my first time listening to this in full. But I already knew it was gonna be great. I mean. C’mon.
"Electric Ladyland" n'est pas un album au sens propre du terme c'est un trou noir, un vortex sonore qui a aspiré tout ce qui se faisait en 1968 – le blues, la soul, le rock, la pop, le psychédélisme naissant – pour le recracher sous une forme totalement nouvelle, distordue, extraterrestre. "Electric Ladyland" c'est le son d'un homme-dieu seul aux commandes de son vaisseau spatial, explorant les confins de la galaxie musicale avec sa Stratocaster pour gouvernail. Quand on parle de cet album, il faut comprendre le contexte. Jimi Hendrix est déjà une superstar, il a retourné le cerveau de l'Angleterre avec "Are You Experienced" et "Axis: Bold As Love". Son manager, Chas Chandler, un type brillant qui l'a découvert, veut des tubes, des formats courts pour la radio. Hendrix, lui, veut l'espace, la liberté et "Electric Ladyland" est son acte d'indépendance. Il prend les rênes de la production et décide de tout. Le résultat est un double album tentaculaire, génial, excessif, et parfois complètement chaotique. Dès les premières secondes, avec les effets de phase de "...And the Gods Made Love", on comprend qu'on n'est plus dans un album de rock classique. On est dans un trip et quel trip ! Hendrix explore toutes les facettes de son art. Il y a le rock-funk survitaminé et incroyablement sexy de "Crosstown Traffic", un single parfait. Il y a le blues. Et pas n'importe lequel, "Voodoo Chile" est une jam session de 15 minutes, une messe vaudou enregistrée en pleine nuit à New York avec Steve Winwood à l'orgue. C'est long, c'est hypnotique, c'est le son d'un club moite du Mississippi téléporté sur Mars. Et puis, il y a sa version plus courte, plus rageuse, "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)", avec ce riff qui a inventé à lui tout seul 80% du hard rock des années 70. Mais Hendrix n'est pas qu'une bête de foire électrique, il est aussi un mélodiste sublime. "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" ou "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn To Be)" sont des pièces maîtresses de rock psychédélique, des voyages aquatiques et oniriques où la guitare ne crache plus le feu mais peint des paysages sonores d'une beauté à pleurer. Et que dire de sa reprise de "All Along the Watchtower" de Dylan ? Hendrix a pris une chanson folk un peu austère et l'a transformée en une épopée apocalyptique. C'est si puissant, si définitif, que Dylan lui-même a dit plus tard qu'il la jouait désormais à la manière d'Hendrix. L'hommage ultime. À l'époque de ma boutique, "Electric Ladyland" était une sorte de rite de passage. Les jeunes qui découvraient le rock classique achetaient d'abord un best-of. Puis, s'ils accrochaient, ils prenaient "Are You Experienced". Et seulement après, quand ils étaient prêts, ils s'attaquaient au monolithe "Electric Ladyland". C'était l'étape supérieure, le cours avancé car il fallait être prêt à se perdre dans ses 75 minutes. La fameuse pochette anglaise, avec toutes ces femmes nues, ajoutait au mythe. C'était un disque pour adultes, un objet sulfureux et intimidant. Alors, pourquoi seulement 4 sur 5 ? Pourquoi ne pas crier au chef-d'oeuvre absolu et incontestable ? Parce que la liberté totale d'Hendrix a un prix : l'indulgence. C'est le son d'un génie, mais aussi d'un gamin dans un magasin de jouets sonores qui veut tout essayer en même temps. L'album est long, parfois décousu. Il y a des passages qui ressemblent plus à des expérimentations de studio qu'à de véritables chansons. C'est un disque qui aurait pu être le plus grand album simple de tous les temps s'il avait été un peu plus resserré. Mais en voulant tout mettre, en refusant de choisir, Hendrix a créé une oeuvre-monde, foisonnante, mais aussi un peu épuisante. C'est un magnifique bordel. Ce n'est pas une critique de son génie, au contraire. C'est la reconnaissance que son talent était si immense, si débordant, qu'il ne pouvait pas être contenu dans le format strict d'un album pop-rock. "Electric Ladyland" est plus qu'un album, c'est une expérience. C'est le son de la liberté créative absolue, avec toute la brillance et tous les excès que cela implique.
This album feels loose and experimental, but at times it's simply transcendent, like he's channeling something cosmic that he absorbs from the universe and pushes out of his amp. He really seemed "one" with his music. He took old blues and alchemy'd it into something that would change rock 'n' roll forever. Shout-out to Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell for their contributions to the sound, too.
Clichè, but I loved it.
A guitar legend and some great songs on here. A finish of 'All Along the Watchtower' and 'Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)' is pretty damn strong. However, the album itself doesn't half drag on a bit. Could be half the length but you might as well jam for a few extra minutes per song when you play like that...
Listened alot years ago!
Jimi’s sophomore LP is undoubtedly his most artistically significant, but I simply prefer the songwriting on his debut. Both fantastic tho
Good but not my thing.
I'm not a Hedrix fan if I'm honest although I do admire his work. This album was way too long for me but it did start off really well with Have you ever been to (Electric Ladyland) and Crosstown Traffic, 2 great tracks. I then listened to a few minutes of Voodoo Chile but then had to go for a shit, shower and shave and when I returned it was still playing ffs! I thought Alexa was fucking about but it turns out the track is 15 minutes long! Anyway, I appreciate that he was good at what he did but personally I'm glad he stopped making music at age 27...... Still giving a 4 though because it can't be easy playing a guitar upside-down for 15 continuous minutes
Jimi at his best.
This is a 3.5 to me.
This is easily the best Hendrix album I've ever listened to (and yes, I've never listened to this from beginning to end until today). Hendrix, for all his import and trailblazing and genius, was never my favorite artist to sit and listen to. I appreciate his brilliance, I get his impact, I recognize why everyone in music (especially while he was alive and blowing everyone's minds) is over the moon about what he was doing. But it never resulted in me loving the music. This album has an experimental assuredness that comes across — and the band is amazing. Too bad Noel Redding didn't get to sing more, that's one of the detractions for me with Hendrix. So, a lot of words to say this is excellent, but since I don't love all the material and will still likely never spin this just for the pleasure of it, I'm at a 4. This is very much a case of, "it's not you, it's me."
Classics on this one! A few are a bit psychedelic for my taste, but Jimi's talent cannot be ignored!
I'd be really interested to know where Jimi would have went musically if he never dies, it's a great what if. This just has too many great songs to not rank high
Incredibly likeable. Also includes the best version of All Along the Watchtower, dont @ me. Best Song: All Along the Watchtower Worst Song: House Burning Down
Not as good as Are You Experienced? This isn't as cohesive or direct, it's apparent that this is a step in his evolution as an artist given the more complex and experimental approach he takes. I still enjoyed it a lot, and it's probably an album that will grow even more on me with more listens. Best song: All Along the Watchtower Worst song: ...And the Gods Made Love
Te lang imo maar staan wel z'n beste nummers op, watchtower en voodoo child achter elkaar ook, oof.
Ja geeft me wel beetje nostalgie naar 19 zijn wiet roken met vrienden en naar the doors luisteren prettig verbaasd door de wat langere nummers, alle nummers die ik kende waren die korte hitjes Its pretty good, maar ook nothing special meer voor me of zo. als ik deze vibe wil luister ik wel L.A. Woman en agreed met niko idd te lang
Jimi is good at guitar. I usually don't like long albums, but this one was great from start to finish.