Are You Experienced

I've always meant to listen to Jimi Hendrix but never got around to it. I now know that was a huge mistake because this album is so good! The drumming is incredible, the bass is great, but the guitar is out of this world. Truly an experience I need to go back to.

One of my hot takes about popular music is that both the UK and the US editions of Are You Experienced are better albums to listen to than the weird, unstructured mix of the two that most people listen to nowadays because of the CD. Listening to the CD track listing takes a little away from the experience of the tightness of the originals, despite it meaning yo get all of what was eventually released as Are You Experienced. That being said, this all still absolutely fucks whatever configuration it’s in

Eszméletlen jó volt, meg kell még érnem hozzá, biztos, hogy újra fogom még hallgatni. A szuper széles sztereó tér pláne lenyűgözött, főleg ennyire korai albumtól.

Absolute classic

Favs: Purple Haze, Manic Depression, Hey Joe, Love or Confusion, Foxey Lady Least Fav: Third Stone from the Sun

I’m gonna be honest with you here. I’ve always been a fan of Jimi Hendrix and have always appreciated how culturally significant he was to music period, let alone rock music. In fact, as a drummer I’ve learnt a lot from some of Mitch Mitchell’s grooves on the ‘Axis: Bold As Love’ album. Having been sampled by A Tribe Called Quest on ‘Scenario’ and Joey Bada$$ on No.99, ‘Little Miss Lover’ was one of the first of many rhythms or hip-hop drum breaks that I learnt on the kit. Later on down the line when I was trying to get into more jazz playing and technique, ‘Up From The Skies’ taught me how to play with brushes and comp with independence on the hi-hat. Nevertheless, I’d NEVER gone out of my way to listen to a Jimi Hendrix LP in full! I don’t think I could’ve had a better introduction to his discography than ‘Are You Experienced.’ A few of the songs such as ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘Foxey Lady’ I’m familiar with, but the whole album in general I thought was exceptional. Definitely delving into his discography more in full depth. Guess you could say I’m NOW experienced…!

Listened to this one on vinyl. What an amazing album. So crunchy. So ahead of the time. Hendrix sure knew how to make the guitar sing.

Dang, this album is still so good despite many of its songs being played to death. Crazy strong album overall. Listening to it this time I happened to focus more on the drums for some reason, and the drums sounded a lot more jazzier than I remember. That is not a criticism, the drums sound great and work well with everything that’s happening.

And yet another obvious and entirely worthy classic rock choice. I was just looking at the Rolling Stone list of best guitarists and while there are some that I disagree with and lots of discourse about who was included, Hendrix at number one is just a given. And the guy is a great lyricist as well!

I was familiar with the big songs on this, but not the rest. I didn’t expect I’d give this a 5, but here we are. I’m not sure how I could not after hearing that.

One of the ultimate musical experiences. Hendrix rightly gets the majority of credit since this is his band, but the bass and drums are their own peak performances as well. A masterpiece of an album with no filler or skippable tracks. Excellence in a word

So many songs I knew but didn't know they were all from the same album

strong album from a rock legend

A classic. Nobody else plays quite like Hendrix

One of the best albums recorded. Pure drifting waves of soaring guitar, crunchy street corners, and sonically enhanced blues melded into one release.

move over rover......and let jimi take over!!!!!!!!!! i mean what is there to say about hendrix that hasn't already been said...i feel like it's impossible to really talk about this record objectively because his influence is so ubiquitous. that being said i probably hadn't listened to this album in full since i was a teenager so it was nice to revisit it as a complete item. i wish i knew more about guitar to i could understand just how talented he really was! all i know is that it sounds damn good. also mitch mitchell's drumming is great. fav tracks: may this be love; fire; third stone from the sun; are you experienced?

I love when someone that's been built up as such a legend actually lives up to the hype. This album had a lot more variety among the songs than I remembered and I really enjoyed the whole thing. I can't imagine what it would've been like to hear music like this when the record came out. Favorite tracks: Fire, May This Be Love, Stone Free

god, i want to re-watch wayne's world...

Pretty much every song on this album is so iconic that’s it’s easy to forget this was a debut album (!!!) and not a greatest hits compilation. Jimi was the king and was gone far too soon. Damn near perfect album. What else is there to say? 5/5

One of those albums that just sounds better louder. Jimi is a beast, the sounds he gets out of his guitar are just mindblowing. I also love that it's just a three piece - each instrument gets to shine - and they all do. It's a potent mix.

what can you say? pure genius.

Is this the best album of the 60s? Maybe. Absolutely transformational as far as it's effect on pretty much all music that came after. Hendrix's best album to my ears. It's kind of stereotypical to say that Hendrix was the best guitar player ever, but it's not really a stereotype if it's true. I am astonished every time I hear him. I would love to be able to hear this album for the first time again. Or be able to hear Hendrix for the first time again. I feel like that's one of those experiences that's wasted because you're too young to appreciate it. Nothing else to say about this album that hasn't already been said. 5/5

What ever it is, that [album] put a spell on me

Amazing, exceptional, a masterpiece

I mean, come on.

Feeling, sweet feeling, drops from my Fender’s fingers.

Rad

One hit at track one and then some ok songs

Mitch. Jimi. An incredible phenomenon. Yes. A must listen. Hendrix is one of the few acts where all the studio recordings are must listen.

I turned 18 in 1968. I discovered girls & had the hots for Christine Jones, an Auburn lass. But a big part of the attraction of visiting her was her older brother - David Jones, I kid you not. He had 2 locally-released vinyl Hendrix e.p’s & I soon acquired them myself & to this day I still believe I never saw better value for e.p’s than these. The one released in 1967 contained the beautiful The Wind Cries Mary; his signature tune at the time, Purple Haze (Excuse me while I kiss this guy); his first hit single, Hey Joe (the only track on the album that wasn’t written by Jimi, it’s a nasty domestic violence ditty, although not a patch on Johnny Cash’s Delia’s Gone); & 51st Anniversary. The one released in January 1968 contained Stone Free; Foxy Lady; Fire, a personal fave at the time; & the great Manic Depression (always one of the highlights of the dear departed Jackie Orszáczky’s live sets).So, between the two, I had seven of the eleven tracks on Are You Experienced, & it was quite a few years before I owned the album. Of the other four tracks on the Australian release, I love May This Be Love, which foreshadows the grandeur of Little Wing; who had ever heard anything like the totally experimental Third Stone From The Sun & the title track before? The fact was, you had never heard anything like Jimi Hendrix before. I’m with Rolling Stone magazine : "Every idea we have of the guitarist as groundbreaking individual artist comes from this record."

Peter Prichard, co-owner of Scratches Records, shared his love of Jimi Hendrix with me when I was an impressionable teenager. When I was a penniless student, he let me tape a bunch of his Hendrix LPs, that I listened to obsessively (favourite record of that bunch: Jimi Plays Monterey - especially the way they tear through Killing Floor). The first Hendrix album I bought with my own money was a UK version of Are You Experienced?, which was a great place to start. And then when I started collecting records in earnest in the late 80s, there were lots of relatively inexpensive secondhand Hendrix vinyl around, so I bought a ton. All the studio albums, posthumous releases, live albums, pre-fame appearances on other people's records, BBC radio sessions, a whole bunch of things. These days, I mostly stick to the (later) studio releases and a handful of notable live albums (Band of Gypsys, Monterey). Truth be told, it's a been a minute since I span a lot when I was young, and became so ingrained I didn't feel the need to listen any more. I have a similar relationship with Beatles records. So, it was a great pleasure to spin this again. I was debating whether to play the US or UK versions, but then, when I checked on spotify, it looks like the current state of the release is a 17 track combined version with all tracks from both versions, which includes the A and B sides of all the singles (which didn't feature on the original UK version). Well, ain't that a terrific listen! I was all prepared to get into a deep discussion about the merits of the two versions, but no longer necessary! This combined version is absolutely 1000% one of the greatest rock releases of all time. Playing through, every track came back to me. I could sing all to all the words, and even many of the solos. While Jimi was clearly basing his concept on Cream (power trio format, over-zealous jazz trained drummer, busy bass player, Chicago blues inspired guitar. with a heavy psychedelic tone), he really takes it to another level. The thing that I think really makes a difference is his phrasing (both guitar and vocals); his looseness around timing and phrasing is markedly different from the far more rigid English blues players. You can hear his influence on the whole generation of players (especially English players) that come after him, including the way his playing transformed the approach of some of the guitar heroes who were already on the scene when Hendrix turned up in London (Clapton, Beck, Townshend). I was talking about this with my friend Dave the other day, and commented that Brian May (for example), who is a very tight and precise player, should by all rights be much rigid in his timing. He's a uptight British guy, right? So you would expect a bit more straightforward timing, but I think his more fluid lead playing is (partially) indebted to Hendrix. And certainly the studio arrangements are something Hendrix really pioneered. There is not a lot of perfectionism and studio craft on this record, which were later hallmarks of Hendrix's studio output. I mean, there's some, and I find the rough-and-ready quick live recording to tape really charming. There is a real energy here. Jimi is confident and funny and a bit snarky and banging it out because he knows it's great. He only had a handful of songwriting credits before this album, which is nearly all originals. I suspect that Chas Chandler signed him largely on the basis of his guitar playing, so the songwriting and studio prowess was a bonus. Who knew the cat was so talented? There are some really cracking tunes on here, even beyond the big singles. I often grumble and moan about Dimery's list. there are lots of records that you wonder "why are they here?". but not Are You Experienced? Eleventy million out of five.

Everyone knows this is a stellar album. Jimi brought guitar distortion to the masses. He's one of the greats.

It's Hendrix. Far ahead of his time, and legendary.

heel veel debuut albums in deze lijst... ook deze is onontbeerlijk

Epic, innovative, creative, psychedelic. I am now experienced :)

This was insaane. The way he makes the guitar sing wow

Amazing!

Amazing!

Listening to this through a decent pair of headphones made for a brilliant journey through this classic album. There are some storming songs on here - how ahead of his time (musically, artistic, visually) was Jimi Hendrix? When you have Lemmy as a roadie, you’re the man…

Brings back some memories

9/10. Near 10 level. Kept getting better as the album went. Expected the great guitar playing, but the smooth delivery was unexpected and I loved mostly every song. (Just a few misses for me).

The Goat of Guitar Goats, dude saw music as color and this was a rainbow of epicness

Fantastic, this is just full of great songs. Although Hendrix is obviously a (the) legendary guitarist I rate his songwriting and vocals as well. One of those albums that captured the essence of the day perfectly, i.e. the late 60s Woodstock / psych rock, but also iconic and timeless at the same time. Also I think it's technically a bonus track but Highway Chile is one of the highlights! Great song

5 out of 5, certified rock classic, nothing else to say that hasn't already. Also love that Stone Free and Purple Haze, JoJo references, are included on this album. Favorite song: Hey Joe

never can go wrong with Jimi

Pretty much easy 5... so many amazing songs. Should this be on the list? 100%

This man was so talented. It’s a shame that I’m only discovering that in the last few years. This is like my third time hearing this album and it never gets old. Long Live Jimi Hendrix!

This is awesome. I've heard it before, but didn't listen very carefully. It's clear why Hendrix's guitar sound is so iconic, and the place he has in music history is fully deserved.

Yeah, good enough.

I remember buying this at Laserland. I think I still have it.

This album must've been magical in the 60s. It hasn't lost any of that charm. The songs are brilliant and innovative. Music just wouldn't be the same as it is today if it weren't for Hendrix. It's hard to pick a favourite track. I'll give "Are You Experienced?" 5 stars.

My love of this album is heavily influenced by nostalgia - this was an album I listened to heaps in high school and its my favourite Hendrix album (except for the title track which is pretty ordinary!) and even though psychedelic rock is waaaay over represented on this list - this is a keeper! Hey Joe was a particular favourite, a regular on the bass jamming with friends. Once someone tried to woo me to Foxey Lady, which was pretty embarrassing but funny 😂

This album ticks off so many boxes It's iconic and a landmark for the decade It's historically significant It's full of hits It's influencial to generations For me personally i was inspired to learn the guitar when hearing Hendrix. Is it perfect, No. But it is one of those albums you would expect on this list and i would probably say it is in the top 10.

Of course the singles here are very famous, but every album track is just as good, too. This is the hardest groove that has driven rock music for almost 60 years, and it’s easy to see why. Brilliant shifts in energy, mood, tempo.

One of the best, doing some of his best. The Wind Cries Mary is my personal favorite from this album. It does drag a bit in the latter half, but this is still a 9/10 in my book.

Ji-mi! Ji-mi! Ji-mi! 🎸🔥

Masterpiece

can't go wrong with Jimi

Epic. I will note that one should probably be "actively experienced" in order to appreciate the title song, while other songs don't have those conditions. Party on Wayne, party on Garth.

Wow, what a powerhouse. Each song stands on its own as a tremendous example of the times, the band, and the creativity flowing from Jimi. Heavyweight album.

Boomer jams. This is your dad's favorite guitar player, but for a good reason.

Easily one of the greatest and most important albums of all time. Guitar was never the same after this…or music at all, really. Blues is brought perfectly into the psychedelic age on this. This is how psychedelic rock is supposed to sound, not that garbage that literally every other band of this genre I’ve heard on this list did it. Really, there’s just no denying the gravity of Are You Experienced?

☮️✌️

Great classic vinyl.

I can’t remember the first Hendrix song I heard. While most kids had Big Bird and Barney, I had Jimi, Jim and Grace. It might have been Purple Haze. Maybe Watchtower. The first song I really remember sitting back and going, “wow!” was Red House. It was blues but with a rock edge, and guitar playing that emoted pain. This album has a lot of that, from the fun Foxy Lady. To One of my favorites on this album Fire, to the riff-heavy Manic Depression. It always annoyed me that the English and American releases had different tracks but that was common to get people to buy both. Honestly, I would have and still might. This album was incendiary.

Oh, I am experienced. It's been quite some time since I listened to this one straight through. I've been missing out. This is an absolute classic!!! This album transformed music and I think you can hear Jimi in all rock music after. I can't think of anything rock music doesn't have owe some influence to Hendrix. So many instant classics ("Purple Haze", "Fire", "Foxey Lady") but it was some of the others that I haven't listened to enough that jumped out at me on this listening ("The Wind Cries Mary" "Highway Chile" "Stone Free"). Honestly, I don't think there is a bad track on this album. In terms of still listenable, influence, and excellence, this is an absolute gem among gems.

So much fun to listen to.

Loved it

FUCK YES JIMI THIS IS WHAT WEVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!! This album is a classic, so many incredible bangers from the master of the guitar himself. Not to mention all the other performances, particularly the drumming, are also amazing. Yes it's quite long but who can complain with this one? Fav songs: - Pretty much everything

amazing

Absolutely excellent.

Come on

There is a before Jimi Hendrix and an after Jimi Hendrix. If that doesn't warrant 5 stars I don't know what this list is for. No review just listen to it. 10/10

Pretty good album from start to finish.

A stone cold classic.

The traffic lights, they turn blue tomorrow 🟢💨🔵 🟡💨🔵 🔴💨🔵

Phenomenal, show-stopping album. No notes. Listening to it all the way through, I definitely had a deeper appreciation for what it is as concept album, whereas before I just loved a lot of the songs on it individually.

Man kan kun bøje sig i støvet for mesteren. Jeg har kun hørt Hendrix som enkelte sange; Hey Joe, Down Town Traffic, All Along The Watchtower mm. Så jeg var lidt spændt på hvordan et helt album ville være. Kunne han holde kadencen højt hele vejen igennem. Det må man sige han kan. Guitarspillet er selvfølgelig out of this world. Men trommerne er også ret sublime. På mange numre roder de rundt på den helt rigtige måde. Og Jimis måde at spille guitar på, er bare så sublim. Hans anslag lyder nærmest søgende men alligevel lige præcis der hvor de skal være, uperfekt perfekte.

This album is arguably the perfect rock masterpiece. Hendrix's guitar playing needs no further praise - it's extraordinary. But the greatness of this record extends beyond his guitar work. The drumming is absolutely top-notch, and even Jimi's singing reaches an exceptional level. Every inch of this album showcases legendary musicianship, all the more impressive considering it was released in 1967. Incredible.

so good

Extremely inventive for the time. Wide range too. Delicate. Strong.

Undoubtedly one of the best albums of all time. Jimi is like a magical traveler from space. I hope one day to hear the music he has created since leaving earth.

easiest 5 star of my life, obviously. this truly fits the bill - you absolutely need to hear it before you die Favourite song: Purple Haze, Are You Experienced

everything right with 60’s blues rock. one of the best to ever pick up a 6 string. RIP Jimi

This album is an essential to our human existence. A musical landmark. Still sounds ahead of it's time.

With the resurgence of genres like shoegaze, psychedelia, garage rock, and even this new generation of post-grunge, if you’ve never sat down and really paid attention to “Are You Experienced,” now is the time. This album takes the essence of garage rock to a whole new level. It’s raw, dirty, gritty, and unpolished. Hendrix’s guitar work is drenched in distortion and feedback, giving it a feel of controlled chaos. Every time I think about music from the ‘60s, it blows my mind how an album like this was appreciated and at the forefront, even with all the experimentation in psychedelic rock. Music was valued for its imperfections because they gave the songs so much color and texture. Unfortunately, that appreciation faded as the decades went by, and music became all about perfection, precision, and being so polished it often feels saturated. Jimi Hendrix just happened to be at the right place at the right time, because in today’s world, he would be completely overlooked by the masses.

It good

This is a really fantastic record and there's a good case to call it the best Jimi Hendrix album. Manic Depression is definitely one of my all-time favourite Hendrix tracks, and there are some other famously popular tracks here also (Purple Haze, Hey Joe, Fire, Foxey Lady. Red House) Easy to give this one a 5. Inventive and playful but also lots of 'serious' blues stuff, cool imaginative lyrics, and of course incredible guitar playing.

First time listening the whole way through and it was great. Raw, soulful and heavy.

Hadn't listened to this in a long time. Shame on me.

All the hits in one album!

One of the best albums of all time. Psychedelic blues that completely changed what was possible with a guitar.

It's an excellent listen, obviously. It's so fun that it ends with Red House. It's a tremendous slowed-down blues tune that surprises and grounds the whole piece.

Whilst not my thing, there’s no doubt this is a terrific LP. Exactly why I’m doing “1001 albums to hear before you die”

This album is really good! I am sitting in a coffee shop doing my work instead of at my desk, and this morning feels a lot better than most.

You know, I can't help but think that Hendrix got by more on charisma than talent. I mean, I like this album but it's crashy in ways that don't actually sound good, but somehow works in context. There are few artists who match his star power, and he definitely helped bring music forward - especially in the UK.

Obviously the big hits still get quite a lot of radio play but as it's been a while since I last listened to the whole album, I'd forgotten how good the rest of it is.

Oh Jimi Hendrix, what could you have done if you had stuck around?

Is "Are You Experienced" the greatest debut album of all time? Was Jack the Ripper a sixty foot sea serpent from Scotland? Did I take this job for a quick buck? We may never know the answers to these questions... 5

One of the best!

You know, I didn't really want a returning today. I don't know why, I just didn't. However, if there's any artist that I'm cool with getting another album from today, it's probably Jimi Hendrix. Because of today, I can finally say that I've listened to every Jimi Hendrix Experience studio album that released in Jimi's lifetime. I did it in reverse release order over the span of nearly 4 months, but I did it! So, how do I feel about Are You Experienced? It might just be the best one. I wasn't sure at first. It was more Jimi Hendrix. What can I say? You can't really go wrong with him, but it was still something I was used to. However, there's two important points I need to make. One point is that the album got better. I don't usually listen to bonus tracks, but because of the two US and UK versions of the album, I decided to listen to the Deluxe Edition which includes all of the songs from both versions, as well as a few extras. Because of that, the album went for a bit longer, but I think it was worth it because those later tracks slap. The title track might just be my favorite on the album. I genuinely can't believe that that song was released in 1967. "Stone Free" is a really cool song. I can see why Araki named Jolyne's stand after it. Speaking of songs on this album with JoJo stands named after them, the opener "Purple Haze" is a pretty cool song as well. Every song on this album is great. But there's a second point that I need to make. You see, even though I was, in fact, experienced in regards to Jimi Hendrix's music, the people weren't when this album released. This was his debut. This was brand new to the people, and it changed everything about music. Jimi's guitar playing is what made him such a revolutionary legend. Sure, his singing, the song's writing, and the rest of the instrumentation is great too, but it's the way that Jimi Hendrix used his guitar that made him the legend he is today. So yeah, this is an extremely important album that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5/5.

Are You Experienced is one of the most influential and transcendent albums of all time and one of the best we've had. Outrageous that this is a debut effort, it seamlessly pulls together all sorts of genres into a timeless sound, arrogant and swaggering at every turn, and you can still hear their work in music nearly sixty years after the fact, incredible. The mixing is pretty good too, I sometimes hear criticism about it because stereo mixing was quite new around this time and people struggle with some of the decisions, but it's hella immersive on headphones and does a fair job of reflecting the sort of atmosphere it was recorded in imo, just stuff coming at you from all directions and bringing it all together superbly. Easy, easy 5/5, a masterclass of rock guitar.

Phenomenal. I thought it dragged a bit towards the end, but that was because the album on Spotify is in fact an extended issue that adds 5 tracks and 20 minutes after the album is supposed to end with the title track. Also, always annoys me that he spells Foxy Foxey. Doesn't take away from the fact that this is one of the best albums of all time, quite possibly the best debut of all time, and chock full of brilliant songs. Purple Haze / Hey Joe / The Wind Cries Mary / Foxey Lady are unbelievable, Manic Depression and the title track not far behind, and there's not a bad track on there. Flirts with psychedelia, but doesn't go too weird. 25 when he released this, for heaven's sake. Guitar work is great, the sound is really cool, and he tells stories too. 5/5, possibly the best album we've had so far (and that's quite high praise, almost 900 albums in)?

Makes me wish I could join a rock band.

Not his/their best - the got better with each outing in my opinion, but a stellar debut that set more than Jimi’s guitars on fire!

3. Much of this wasn’t a new listen, since Paul D and I hit this up in parks, and on car rides often, but did pick up on three lesser known that I enjoyed, third stone from the sun, remember, may this be love. Is this Love or Confusion reminded me, theme-wise, of Dyslexic Heart ♥️ 😊.

Foxy Lady Manic Depression Red House May This Be Love Fire Third Stone From The Sun Are You Experienced? US release adds: Purple Haze Hey Joe The Wind Crys Mary

Glorious album. My vinyl copy is warped 😞

Look at all those songs. On a debut. For a guy who changed not just how the guitar was heard, but how it was viewed. What it can accomplish. If this isn’t a 5/5, I don’t know what is.

Cmon these are all classics

Such a fantastic album; possibly the best on the list. Like a comforting blanket of fuzz and feedback.

What an album,

An absolute classic by a true musical savant. The roots of so much of my favorite music are here.

It’s perfect. So many incredible songs that I knew and had forgotten about and others I’d never heard.

Legendary musician who revolutionised music, with an album that is a classic example of how he did it. Also, the other two are there to give him a little bit of background sound.

I have listened to this record before and it fell out of favor with me, but now I realize that it is really, truly damn good

Master of so many styles. Searing blues, rocking psyche and everything in between.

All his best

While I have heard many songs from this album I haven't heard all of them until now. Solid album !!

Made in a time where music was full of soul... And LSD! Lots and lots of LSD. Despite one or two filler tracks, there is some of the best music ever written right here. Inifitely re-listenable.

This man had talent out the ass. It’s easy to see how this became the defining soundtrack of an entire generation.

Awesome - there are none better than Hendrix on 6 strings.

The UK and american track lists are confusing. I listened to the hour long american remaster with bonus tracks this time, but I've probably heard all the versions at some point or another. So good. The man wrote amazing and diverse, catchy, innovative, songs - with some pretty decent lyrics. nerds will forever go on about how he didn't invent stuff like feedback. Irrelevant, he crystallized the experiments of the decade on the guitar into perfect pop songs. Some of these approach the mountain stream that axis conjures up with mitchells cascading drums and hendrix's watery guitar. Some just go really hard. Tritones! Have you ever been experienced? Well I have - let me prove it to you g - 4(6)--(6)-(6)-(6)4--2h4(6)-4p2-

The album isn't perfect but the amount it inspired and shaped music is undeniable. This completely belongs on the list and there are other 5s I prefer listening to, but this isn't a 4.

solid entry

So many hits on this album.

Foxey Lady, Manic Depression and Wind Cries Mary are my favourites of this album. Highly influential, just massive. Jimi Hendrix Legend

I always struggle to rate albums like these. I can understand the genius, but the music isn’t to my personal taste. Does the album get deducted a star because I don’t really care to listen to it? It doesn’t make sense dors it to rate an album a perfect five stars if I don’t even enjoy it much ? I find myself somehow compelled to give this five stars… it’s just too beyond what probably anyone else could do.

Not a single throwaway here. Genuinely a perfect masterpiece

Incredible.

Easily one of the best albums of all time, effortlessly doing something so different that I haven't heard anybody else quite like this band. Jimi is so good at guitar he somehow overshadows how great Mitch Mitchell is. So many classic songs, and even the bonus songs are golden. The production and especially panning just pushes it to the next level. I also enjoy hearing the studio or Jimi coughing and clearing his throat while the music just plays. And I find this to be the bands weakest album by the way, shows how fucking good they are

First time listening all the way thru and pretty great. It makes me wanna listen to other albums in 1967 to hear how different the guitar sounds. Rating: 4.7

82%

5 - It just is

Not sure what to say about this one, other than I have to admit it's perfect. The band is tight and the production sounds great. Hendrix's guitar playing is magnetic and hypnotizing. Some of his better vocals are here, too. If you only listen to one Hendrix record, have it be this one. Fun fact for anyone reading: "Foxey Lady" is about Heather Taylor, who went on to marry Roger Daltrey of The Who. Highlights: Purple Haze, Hey Joe, May This Be Love, The Wind Cries Mary, Fire, Third Stone From The Sun, Foxey Lady, Are You Experienced?

I'd never heard much Jimi Hendrix before, and listening to this album, I wonder why. This is as iconic a masterpiece as they come; and Hendrix' reputation of being a Guitar God is well deserved. Additionally, there is not a weak song here. Seems I must listen to more Hendrix .... 5/5

Great album. Love it

Surprised I had never listened to the full album before, and knew so many of the songs already. Loved how each song sounded different and Jimi and the rest of the band’s musicianship was just incredible. From the lyrics to the guitar work, I will be listening to this on repeat.

I always appreciated Jimi Hendrix but never truly dug in to his albums. This was a great listen - it really is a classic album for a reason.

Every song is brilliant-soulful-psychedelic

Classic Jimi one of the best to ever do it Top tracks: Purple Haze, Hey Joe, The Wind Cried Mary, Foxey Lady, Red House

One of the best rock albums that show all of Hendrix's talent.

Sweet

All time classic guitar riffs and creativity. Jimi was legend who was gone too soon.

I feel like a lot of music is the battle between technical proficiency and emotional clarity. Are You Experienced is the rare album that achieves near-perfection in both.

Hard to get better than this. Comes out the gate with purple haze and doesn’t get any worse

Having given an additional star to the beatles for producing what they did "at that time" this immediately qualifies for 5 stars. Still has a great sound, so many huge tracks and was out in the same year as st pepper...

I've heard this album enough to know it was getting a 5 from me. THE GOAT

Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced” is his group’s debut studio album. A critical and commercial success, this album provided new direction for psychedelic rock and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

Psychedelic with roots in the blues the seminal album by The Experience has had a profound influence on many musicians since the sixties. Whether or not you agree or even like Jimi's music there had never been an artist even vaguely close to him, he was definitely a one-of-a-kind and a pioneer for those who came after. He left us too soon.

Lots of classic hits have heard before. Still hits. First time listen through on third stone from the sun. Must have been an experience to listen to this on a psychedelic. Highway chile is a very good blues song. Remember is also a good jam.

On the short list of greatest debut albums of all time. Basically introduced a whole new way to play the guitar using feedback and distortion. But then he brings it back and plays such beautiful blues on Hey Joe and Wind Cries Mary. This was a master statement.

Well... It's Jimi.

When my big sister brought this record home, the fish eye photo scared the hell outta me. I was pretty sure that if I played this record when I was home alone, bad things would happen. I was terrified to become experienced. It's not my favorite Hendrix - it's more of a singles collection plus extras than the albums he made when he had more experience, control and budget and could explore his vision in greater depth. But this record does capture a 25 year old bursting with a creative explosion off a virtuosity and intimacy with his guitar unknown before or since. Charlie Parker and Jaco Pastorius are the only other musicians I am familiar with who may be in this category. He once described his tune "Manic Depression" as being about a guy who would rather make love to his guitar than to his nominal lover. He didn't describe it as autobiographical but I believe it was. Speaking of lyrics, I noticed listening today how this record has some of my favorite rock lyrics - Wind Cries Mary ("the traffic lights turn blue tomorrow" absolutely shredded my tiny mind the first time I heard it), I Don't Live Today, and from the largely instrumental Third Stone From The Sun, the final spoken verse: Although your world wonders me With your majestic and superior cackling hen Your people I do not understand So to you I shall put an end And you'll never hear surf music again.

Great record, the album tracks are even better than the hits.

I dunno, should I give a bonafide classic 5 stars just because it's a bonafide classic? Should I weigh the pros and cons of each track though a modern prism and say things like "Fire" is some basic ass lyrics; it's just "let me stand next to your fire" over and over... Should I say something inflammatory like, while Hendrix's guitar playing was revolutionary at the time, he's really just a cut rate Jack White and can't hold a candle to The Edge. No, that would be foolish, because this is a bonafide classic and it deserves its 5 stars, deserves and earns.

Love that it’s bluesy and psychedelic. Jimi described it as “science fiction rock and roll”. Intoxicatingly good.

Pure fucking magic. I know music is subjective, but Hendrix is probably the GOAT. On the Mount Rushmore of guitar greats there's Jimi and Edward. Everyone else is still trying to catch up. I think this is the beginning of heavy metal.

Groundbreaking legendary album. The music is relevant today as well. Hard to believe it’s 58 years old!

Played this one a lot when it came out. Still my favourite of the 3 studio albums

Album 381 of 1001 Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced Rating : 5 / 5 Easy one. Four tracks that are on many lists of 500 top songs, ever and the rest hold their own. What can I say? Just an awesome album. Has been called a "perfect" album. I'll stop short of that but it would certainly be in contention, if such a thing is possible.

4/15/24. There's a reason why Jimi is the most influential guitar player of all time, as everything you hear is still taken from to this day! But it's not all just in your face rock and roll, some sweet ballads and meaningful lyrics included too. This is hard to beat.

A great balance between consistency and variety makes for a great album. Jimi Hendrix pretty much nails it, and casually throws in a few absolute powerhouse tracks to top it off. Even without those songs (Purple Haze, Hey Joe, The Wind Cries Mary, Foxey Lady) this could feasibly be a 5-star or high 4-star album, purely because of the high-energy explosion of ideas, riffs, and attitude in essentially every track. Hendrix's vocal is pretty strong. It packs a big punch, driving home the romantic and/or political lyrical ideas with spunk. And his guitar playing, which may well be the best of all time, is the musical highlight. For its time, Hendrix's guitar tone is electrifying, in-your-face, shredding... really demonstrates his virtuosity. The other instruments are also able to shine in places. I also love the influence from psychedelia. In fact, given the year of release (1967), this was probably one of the genre's pioneering acts. Classic. Brilliant. 5/5 Key tracks: Purple Haze, Manic Depression, Hey Joe, The Wind Cries Mary, Fire, Foxey Lady, Are You Experienced?

Radically different album from Axis Bold as Love, but still Hendrix, heavy rock couple good songs in there but very repetitive in a way. Favorite: manic depression 4.4/5

A must have in every music collection. Many classic and definitive Hendrix songs.

Stands the test of time.

👍👍👍👍👍

I’m going to restrain myself from giving all Jimi’s albums on this list 5 stars. This one had the most well known songs. It’s raw and the Wind Cries Mary might be the best he ever wrote. Still it doesn’t feel as much like an album as his later more experimental efforts. It is incredible quality and quantity he put out in just a couple years. Ah to hell with it, I’ll give this one 5 stars too. It’s not perfect, but it’s an excellent debut

Going into this, I thought I was a Hendrix fan. I’d listened to his most famous songs and I knew from personal experience how difficult it is to replicate his guitar playing. However, despite listening to this in less-than-ideal circumstances (this album was not created to be listened to while working at on a dreary Monday morning - few albums are I suppose), this album made me realise I had previously only touched the surface of the ocean that is Hendrix; that I was not really a fan, but merely a filthy casual. Well now I’m putting on my Hendrix top hat and my Hendrix tailcoat and beginning my formal Hendrix education.

A bit good tbf. Simpsons: Yep

Did consider 4 stars as there are some better albums on here, but it's just about good enough. Decent album.

Such a legend

Everyone talks about being blown away by this in the late sixties, but what’s amazing is it still is able to do the same in 2024. I knew the hits, but after listening to the whole album, I’m struck by how many next level recording techniques were all over the album. Also, of course Jimi’s guitar playing was the star of the show, but other highlights for me were Jimi’s singing, and Mitch’s drumming. The whole group were no slouches. A classic for good reason.

Terrific Hendrix!

Most def. His best album. Incredible he did so much great music in si little time and makes me wonder what we missed. Flawless album of simply well arranged and produced songs. Mixing rock with other generes. His deep voice is beautiful and the quality of the group as musicians is just insane. The drummer clean as can be. This is one of those perfect records that happen once or twice in a decade.

Don't even need to listen to it, I already know it by heart. This album is peak rock guitar technique and one of the greatest everything

Great stuff

5*s and move on.

One of my favorite all time albums.

One of the greatest rock albums ever made!!

This album is pure rock n roll. Just a master fully in control of his instrument. There are some of the most creative riffs and beats in rock music throughout the album. There’s a reason Jimi Hendrix is always at the top of best guitarist lists.

The songs are still brilliant. It is easy to get caught up in Jimi's excellent guitar work but the other pieces of the band are just as great.

Classic. I’ve loved this album forever.

one of the best album debuts of all time. Do i even have to elaborate? RIP Jimi

Blows the doors off and then knocks all the walls down for an encore. From the top it’s got absolute style. Never listened to any Hendrix before. Really enjoyed this.

Wow - debut? I can see why it changed music from that point on and I'm forever grateful

favourite song: hey joe, fire i mean its hendrix, obviously its getting a 5

What else can be said. This album is perfection personified by the greatest guitarist of all time.

All the greats. Almost

One of the all time greats. I’ve been listening to this since I was in 8th grade I bet, and it still hits.

Excuse me while I kiss this guy.

Foxey album!

Awesome!

Listened!

This album is so meaningful to me. Not every song is a banger but the songs that are are transcendent. Have you ever been experienced? Well I have

One of the best debuts ever. This record consists only of hits.

What could I possibly have to say that could add anything of value to the impact of this album? One of the most transformative albums in music history, particularly rock, and setting the stage for a true “rockstar” paradigm introduced by Hendrix along with an entirely new way to play the electric guitar. For this to be a debut album on top of everything else… wow

1967! I'm just trying to imagine what it must have been like to the world's music psyche when this DEBUT album first dropped. A Jimi Hendrix experience indeed! I dig the simple trio format, it's easier to hear and appreciate what everyone is doing. Red House is my favorite cut. This one is a classic!

awesome!

Truly a situation where 4.5 stars is warranted, but impossible. The original US tracklist is a 5/5, the British is a 4/5, and the extended tracklist combining the two is smack in the middle. There's a couple songs I could live without - ironically, I'd be fine forgetting "Remember" - but it's still such a superb and transformative album I feel obligated to give it the 5.

Great album. As much as I like Jimi Hendrix makes me realize how much i under appreciated his talent

Extraordinary debut album.

One of the greatest debuts of all time. Years ahead of its time, a true cultural change moment album.

Darn. Make me listen to Jimi. Just one of the best ... ever! Are you experienced? Man, music would never be the same after Jimi.

# Playlist track - The Wind Cries Mary # Notes - When you hear the first chords of "Purple Haze" you can already tell that this is going to be a hell of a trip. One of the best song openings, ever. - The album goes by without a hitch, it's simultaneously fluid and light and free, but then comes those small genius moments and you stop work to listen to whatever is going on. - The bridge in "Highway Chile" - The chorus in "Fire" - The solo in "The Wind Cries Mary" - The bridge just before the solo in "Love Or Confusion" - Superb. All the stars!

Just an amazing artistic achievement. All the innovation is in style, approach and expanding on how to play an electric guitar. All of this draped over traditional blues structures. With an older ear I now feel like the drumming of Mitchell is almost as insanely creative as Hendrix. Both fill every space available with chaotic perfection without overwhelming the songs. Even 3rd Stone is not that bad.

LP

A wonderful experience! Hey Joe is so solid

totally mind blowing record to me, incredible songwriting that perfectly balances pop accessibility with remarkable sublime guitar playing

Good god i love Jimi Hendrix. For some reasons didn’t think I liked this album as much as electric ladyland, but damn!!!! This is an absolute classic! So many bangers on here. I love the fuzzy distortion of his guitar and the masterly control he has over it. His lyricism is also wonderful especially on songs like “may this be love” and “the wind cries Mary”. I love the sci fi, jazz/electric blues fusion jimi achieves on this - standout tracks are love or confusion, remember, fire, and i don’t live today. Also, the drumming by Mitch mitchell is so fkn good.

Electronic is not a genre I’m familiar with. I thought parts of this album were okay, but overall I thought it was fine. I appreciate it more knowing the context behind it.

Amazing stuff from a GOAT guitarist!

Psychedelic+Hendrix= Are you experienced! Every hit is a trip of a journey. *****

Classic. Not much else to say here.

Very close to a perfect album, so many bold reaches into new sounds without forgetting the past.

banger

Never has instrumental toan been more a main character of an album

incredibly influential. what a journey! the weeping guitar and the drums are so underrated.

Just classic.

Hendrix is just one of the best to ever do it. His songs are complex and interesting, dominated by his incredible technical skill and excellent sound on the guitar. His siren-y, melodic lead guitar mixed with a crunchy backing guitar is just iconic. His voice is also very excellent. I often found myself not even noticing when the songs switched because they were so excellent and enrapturing. Some of my favorites were Purple Haze, May This be Love, and Foxey Lady, but there aren't any misses on this album.

This was fantastic. Every song was a hit for me. 5/5

It started off alright, but by the end, I understood the hype around Jimi Hendrix.

As classic as you think it is.

Ik ben bij ome Sjimmy nooit helemaal kapot van z'n zingen, maar gitaarspelen kan best aardig. In 1970 werd hij ons helaas ontnomen en we kregen er Danny de Munk voor terug en zo zie je maar: van ruilen komt huilen. Een geniaal album. Niet elke track is even magisch, maar dit gitaarspel is zo enorm smullen dat ik niet anders kan dan een 5 geven. Je moet er wel zin in hebben.

A foundational recording, aptly demonstrating the infinite possibilities one could achieve with electric guitar.

listened 2x - classic. 4.5/5

60's psychedelic rock by perhaps the most innovative and talented rock guitarist ever. Seminal album by Jimi and his underrated Experience members on bass and drums. This record changed rock music; changed what people thought they could do with a guitar. Excellent collection of songs -- Jimi's guitar prowess overshadowed solid songwriting skills -- with R&B roots colored by psychedelia. Purple Haze, Hey Joe, The Wind Cries Mary, Foxey Lady, Fire, Are You Experienced are all staples of the era, while Manic Depression, I Don't Live Today and Third Stone From The Sun (the trippiest song on the album) are also fantastic. One of the greatest albums of the 60's.

This is what I was thinking a Jimi Hendrix album would be like. Developed songs that play on his unique voice and amazing guitar riffs.

Jimi gets all the credit for his guitarings but the drummer, Mitch Mitchell, is incredible. Great stuff! I liked this album alot more than Electric Ladyland.

This probably falls into the ‘most famous albums ever’ category, and for good reason in my opinion. It has so many hits, awesome vocals and drums, and some of the most iconic guitar playing in history. Wish we could’ve experienced his musical evolution over time.

stuning

Fantastic sound experience from beginning to end. Iconic guitar-god tracks here!

After a stint in the military and messing around being a backup guitarist in R&B bands, Hendrix used this debut album to really let his freak flag fly as not only one of the best guitarists of all time, a psychedelic pioneer, but also as one of the best songwriters in the game-- a detail oft overlooked by his prowess as a guitarist. This album is inspired and energetic, and showcases a large amount of range-- a suitable platform for his skill as a virtuosic impressionistic guitar player. Like Degas or Monet choice of color or liberal application of paint, it's the feel of the work, pooling with feedback, extra fret slides, and hearty note bends, as a whole that tells the story. Like impressionism, Hendrix is precise at his core, but cannot ignore the vibrance of all the other color, vibrance, and movement that bleeds onto the canvas.

Great, listened as a child my dad's record player.

Hard to believe this is their debut album. Everyone is aware of the genius and talent of Jimi but what really stood out was the talent of the band as well. Groundbreaking album.

Gear: Grado Hemp Mix: Tatsächlich selbst von Spotify noch analog und authentisch wie ein Vinyl aus den 60ern - aber auch keine "audiophile Perfektion". Als Flavor wäre ein derartiges Remaster bestimmt möglich, aber sinnlos. Musik: 🎸❤️🔥 Wertung: Googol/5

Masterpiece

Invent a guitar-playing style. Check. Immediately take the music world by storm. Check. Release a debut album with no filler. Check. Create something that remains in the Canon almost 60 years later. Check. Try to listen like you’ve never heard these songs before. Forget all of your associations and memories and just hear the music. It is almost literally stunning.

Me gustó la energía, la creatividad, la ejecución instrumental, la estructura y la musicalidad. Lo disfruté mucho. Una obra de arte.

My second Jimi Hendrix album (Axis Bold As Love was first). Classic, timeless. Five stars because I couldn’t give it six.

Would give it six stars if I could, groundbreaking!

Timeless classic

una joya!

Amazing songwriting and interpretation.

I have heard many songs from this album but listening to the whole thing was a new and very enjoyable experience. I appreciate Jimmy Hendrix even more.

May this be love is my fav of this album. Lots memorable songs especially for the era.

Creative explosion

A true classic.

Mind blowing music from a music original. Jimi changed the sound of music forever!

The collection of songs on the American version of Are You Experienced, could definitely be considered a "greatest hits" album with so many of Hendrix's classic tracks, Purple Haze, Hey Joe, The Wind Cries Mary, Foxy Lady, Fire...the first three omitted on the UK version. To me, this album is the gold standard for guitar blues-rock, an electrifying record that is a classic any way you look at it. I heard this album when I was a teen and wore out the cassette I taped it on and there aren't many records that live up to or compare with this stunning debut. The U.S. album cover is also superior to the UK version.

I think Right Said Fred lifted the guitar in "I'm Too Sexy" from "Third Stone From The Sun."

Foxy!

Masterpiece

when i first listened to this album when i was 15 i thought it was a best of. hendrix is transcendental, hailed as a god and still underrated. everything he plays is unexpected but still exactly what you want to hear. the textures are perfect, the character, energy, hot sweet jams and catchy melodies, the splashy searching drums, the perfect comination of heavy and free. it's in a world of its own. hendrix's music is the first and last music that human beings should listen to.

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix stands as an influential masterpiece that showcases Hendrix's innovative approach to songwriting and electric guitar playing. It not only set a new direction in psychedelic and rock music but also became synonymous with creativity, free thought, and the countercultural movement. Hendrix's debut album remains a timeless classic, often regarded as the most influential debut of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of music with its groundbreaking sound and artistic vision. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 11 STAND OUT TRACK - Remember

I was obsessed. Love Love Love

Excelente debut del maestro Jimmy Hendrix! Marco no solo a los 60s sino también al resto de las decadas

Great

It’s Jimi man

A classic. Innovative guitar playing and track mixing, with a solid rhythm section.

absolute bangers all the way through, so warm and full of passion, rocking without pretension

Is it the best album I've ever heard, no. Is it absolutely seminal and can easily hold it's own without any caveats against albums released today? Totally. 5 star experience hands down. Incredible.

Phenomenal

There is a reason Hendrix has the reputation he does

Loved it. He was very talented for a young man, too bad the drugs got him.

A great start to a brilliant career that would only improve c

One of the goat

Brings back memories. I got to see them live and they played every song on this album. I used to have this album - wore it out years ago.

Debut Jimi album, smashing into a new genre and songs that stand the test of time as masterpieces

It was a fun listen. I haven't listed to Hendrix a lot outside of the popular ones like purple haze. I could hear a lot of modern music in that album.

💥👾🌟

One of a hella experience. That guitar is on another level and don't forget that this is their DEBUT album. Drummer is a dark horse, obviously i know about Jimi, but Mitch Mitchell is on another level too. I think if i'm goona be high, this is THE album i would listen and have a great time with hearing this beautiful psycodelic/acid music. Hearing this in 1967 would be insane. Favourite song(s): "Foxy Lady", "Hey Joe", "Purple Haze", "Red House". Masterclass 5/5.

Sorta mid

Great album, but listened to it a lot. Nothing surprising.

A man whose first language is the blues fronting one of the tightest rhythm sections ever recorded. Transcendent.

Awesome. The songs are great, the performance is very lively. Only bad thing is, production sounds like a thick layer of dust on your vinyl LP. Favorite song: third stone from the sun.

I have been listening to this album since high school (since around 1980). I had heard various songs from the album on the radio and found them unique and interesting and so hunted down the album which serves up a broader experience than any single song. An excellent album.

Listening to the full album vs. hearing individual songs, even though many were familiar, is an entirely different Experience!!

Very cool album. Solid start to finish. Jimi was a guitar and rock stud!

Wow. I knew Jimi Hendrix was a strong guitarist, but...can we talk about that voice? Powerful stuff.

Jimi Hendrix is an absolute rock legend in this debut album. Although not every song has stood the test of time, the album is consistent and has enough hits to keep one coming back

10/10

One of the very first rock albums I ever purchased --- part of a Columbia Record Club introductory offer, along with "Fresh Cream", "Vanilla Fudge", "Blue Cheer" and a few others. The beginning of a 17-year-old boy's musical journey.

Good stereo recordings including many well audible instruments

Call me absolutely fking experienced

Fantastic Psychedelic rock with hit after hit. Peak Jimi

5 STAR!

This may be contentious, but in my opinion, this is the best Hendrix album and to top it off, it was their debut. Years ahead of everyone else, this fundamentally changed rock music forever.

Own

Purple Haze Hey Joe The Wind Cries Mary Foxey Lady

obviously like influential (all the songs really) Are you experienced! Like hello! Title track supremacy, I have chills. Overall, superb, I probably will give it another listen, I feel like the 2nd half of the album did it more for me idk? But I mean I really don't listen to male singers all too often so we'll see.

Superb

love this album

Love Jimi Hendrix. This is a great album.

The GOAT

5/5. Honestly a classic. Third stone kind of makes it hard to give it a 5, but gosh darn is everything else too good. The expanded version is a great addition as well but even with just the base album, it's hard to deny the quality of these songs and its influence on rock and music in general. Although there are like 5 hits on this one, the other songs do not slack, amazing work from everyone in the band. Crazy how this was all packed into one album.

Uno de mis álbumes favoritos, y disfruto tocando las canciones de este. A destacar todas sus canciones.

It’s Hendrix…

The true pioneer of psychodelic rock/blues both in writing and performing. This album is the all-time classic and set the bar to which all is measured.

banger for sure