Up next on the chopping block is an artist that I would say is a Guitar God. Like there’s really no other way to put it. This guy has been so influential and by that I mean he’s inspired countless guitar players and still to this day continues to inspire. Of course I am talking about The Jimi Hendrix Experience and that’s who’s on the chopping block today. I don’t think I need to say anymore so let’s just get right into it and let’s take a look………….
Are You Experienced- I mean really what can I say that hasn’t been said about this album? This is the album that gave us songs like “Hey Joe” and “Foxy Lady” and opens with “Purple Haze”. But aside from those singles, the rest of the album is just so damn good!! It’s got blues and psychedelic and rock all mixed together perfectly. It should be no surprise that I’m giving this album an absolute 10/10.
Standouts: Love Or Confusion, I Don’t Live Today, Red House
Axis: Bold As Love- this one is a little bit less psychedelic and focuses more on rhythm and blues, jazz, and even some funk. While it does focus on those things, I will say it doesn’t sound like a complete departure from the first album. Fun fact, the album artwork was designed without Hendrix’s approval. I really enjoyed this one, but maybe not quite as much as the last album. It’s a great second album so I’ll be giving this one 9/10.
Standouts: Ain’t No Telling, She’s So Fine, One Rainy Wish
Electric Ladyland- when it comes to Jimi Hendrix and his albums, I have a feeling that this is the album name that comes to mind. I mean, this is the album that I would say gave us one of his biggest hits that being “Voodoo Child” (and if you don’t know that song immediately go and listen it). But you know aside from that song the rest of the album is just so damn good!! This one is more on the Rock side of things but again you still get that kind of blues and funk. Again, as I said with the first album, I honestly cannot say enough about this album that hasn’t already been said. It’s just a great straight up blues and hard rock album and I’m definitely giving it 10/10.
Standouts: Crosstown Traffic, Gypsy Eyes, House Burning Down
Band Of Gypsy’s- so this is his only live album or at least it’s only official live album. I think I read somewhere that it doesn’t include his original band members. Now, aside from being a live album it also includes some unreleased songs as well. The nice thing about this live album is it actually sounds more like a studio album because I don’t really hear a lot of crowd interaction or cheering. Either way it’s a great album and it is quite unfortunate that this would be his last album. I’m giving it 9/10.
Standouts: Changes, We Gotta Live Together, Who Knows
I mean again this guy is so incredibly influential, and you could argue that he was the one that is responsible for starting funk and one of the contributors to hard rock. I mean, I’m sure there are countless lists of greatest guitar players that this guy is on and for good reason. Aside from the radio hits, the rest of his songs are just as good and if you’ve never checked out the albums in full, definitely do yourself a favor and give them a listen.
Final Grade: A+
Album Rankings:
- Electric Ladyland
- Are You Experienced
- Band Of Gypsy’s
- Axis: Bold As Love
Sinister Reviews 