The 1960s saw a rise in experimentation with various drugs, including LSD, which inspired the psychedelic movement. This resulted in the emergence of a new genre of music – psychedelic rock. Many artists incorporated trippy soundscapes and surreal lyrics into their songs, resulting in a wave of innovative and groundbreaking music.
These songs from the 60s represent the peak of psychedelic rock music. Their trippy soundscapes, surreal lyrics, and innovative use of instruments and techniques make them some of the most memorable and groundbreaking tracks of the era.
Here are the top five trippiest psychedelic songs from the 60s:
The Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’
“Strawberry Fields Forever” was written by John Lennon and is one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs. Its trippy soundscapes, including the use of a Mellotron, create an ethereal atmosphere. The surreal lyrics, which were inspired by Lennon’s childhood memories of playing in the garden of the Salvation Army house in Liverpool, further add to the psychedelic nature of the song. It’s no surprise that John Lennon once said that this song wasn’t very psychedelic at first.
David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’
“Space Oddity” was David Bowie’s first big hit, and it is an otherworldly masterpiece that tells the story of astronaut Major Tom, who becomes lost in space. Its dreamy soundscape, combined with the tale of an astronaut’s journey, takes the listener on a trippy journey through space.
Procol Harum’s ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is a classic track from British rock band Procol Harum. The song has a distinct Baroque pop sound, with its hypnotic Hammond organ intro and trippy lyrics. The song’s lyrics are based on various poems and the works of Chaucer, which adds to its otherworldly atmosphere.
The Monkees’ ‘Porpoise Song’
“Porpoise Song” is from The Monkees’ psychedelic movie, Head. This song was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and is an upbeat, trippy track with a combination of dreamy lyrics, vocal harmonies, and psychedelic sounds. It’s hard not to get lost in the song’s hazy, trippy atmosphere.
The Beach Boys’ ‘Good Vibrations’
“Good Vibrations” is one of The Beach Boys’ most iconic songs. The song features a unique sound that was created using a mixture of different instruments and techniques, including the use of a theremin. Its lyrics, which are about the power of positive vibes and the joy they can bring, further add to the trippy and uplifting nature of the song.