Revisiting 3 Albums That Made 1967 Rock n’ Roll

The late 1960’s was some sort of creative crossroads for rock music to develop. Some went for the traditional blues-based rock, others went pop, and a handful wanted to get their hands on avant-garde stuff. Nonetheless, this musical diversity was welcomed with open arms by the masses. Here are some of the top rock catalogs from 1967.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles

The Fab Four announced their retirement from live performances and touring, and this somehow affected the production of Sgt. Pepper, which is considered to be one of the most influential rock records of all time. Knowing that they wouldn’t have to worry about live sound replication and execution, the band opted for a more experimental approach in the creation of the album. The psychedelic quality of the catalog imprinted in the collective counterculture movement of the era, with its proto-concept album style and wide range of influences.

Are You Experienced – The Jimi Hendrix Experience

The guitar deity Jimi Hendrix had an explosive start in his career with the debut album Are You Experienced. After working as a backing guitarist for R&B circuits, he was chanced upon by Chas Chandler, and was brought to London to recruit band members. After completing the band and signing up with Track Records, the album was finally completed after 16 recording sessions. The catalog contained some of Hendrix’s most innovative guitar work and his use of high-gain distortion for that gritty sound that fit well with his brand of acid rock.

Disraeli Gears – Cream

The British super trio distanced itself from its known blues rock specialty and dived right into psychedelic territory with Disraeli Gears. Also, the band let loose with vocal parts, with all three members having a solo stint on every other track on the album, and the three gathering together for “Lament”. Cream also didn’t use much of their improvisation gusto on the album and went with rather shorter tracks for a more contained feel. More than being a local success, Disraeli Gears was also an American breakthrough for the band, performing quite well commercially.