The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced (1967) - Revisited

   Often considered to be the greatest debut album of all time by music lovers, The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Are You Experienced?" produced a sound that was harder and heavier than anything else released in 1967. The fusion of psychedelic rock with blues and soul created a sound that was truly original. Led by the extremely talented singer and guitarist Jimi Hendrix along with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, the Experience became one of the most powerful trios in rock history and created one of the greatest albums of all time. 

   The album begins with the classic anthem of the late '60s, "Purple Haze." Adapted from a poem he wrote titled "Purple Haze, Jesus Saves," the song has become to be known as one of his most famous compositions. It's instantly recognizable with its hard-hitting riff and drug alluding lyrics, setting the tone for the duration of the album. Lyrically more of an expression of romantic and personal frustration than the clinical definition, the album's second track "Manic Depression" contains a heavy rock riff provided by Hendrix and Redding along with hypnotic drumming by Mitchell. This track alone laid the foundation for the birth of heavy metal in the years to come. Sexually-charged and following the psychedelic mood set for the album, "Foxey Lady" is a song full of passion and desire backed by a howling guitar and passionate drumming. The same can be said for "Fire", although it is faster paced and highly charged. 

                                               

    Although Are You Experienced? has multiple heavy hitters, its deep cuts cannot go unmentioned. "May This Be Love" contains Hendrix's soft, double-tracked vocals along with phasing effects of the guitar. Perhaps the most known deep cut would be "The Wind Cries Mary." Written after an argument with his girlfriend at the time, this track contains some of the most poetic yet romantic lyrics ever written, all while being backed by the soft and somber playing and singing by Hendrix. "Third Stone From The Sun" is a cool, jazz-infused track that could almost pass for an instrumental if it weren't for the haunting and distorted spoken word vocals in the background. The album ends with its title track, "Are You Experienced." Heavily influenced by The Beatles as they too entered their psychedelic era, "Are You Experienced" has sonic and surreal sounds, for most of the instruments included on the song sounds like they're being played in reverse. The song is a fitting conclusion for this overall original album.

    It has been 52 years since the release of Are You Experienced, yet the album has aged flawlessly. With its uncompromising energy along with artistic flair, this album will continue to inspire others for years to come. And every listener would agree: There may never be a true talent of Hendrix's equal ever again.