Psychedelia was the main genre of the time back in 1967, but more than a few genre mashup songs still made it to the mainstream charts. Those unique blends of various genres, all with a touch of psychedelia, stood out from the more redundant psychedelic rock hits of the time. Let’s look at just a few such songs that complemented the “trippy” sound of the time with other genre elements, shall we?
“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane from ‘Surrealistic Pillow’ (1967)
Psychedelic rock was obviously all the rage in 1967 through the end of the decade. But nobody expected Jefferson Airplane to toss some Spanish-inspired flamenco melodies and rhythms into the mix. As it shows, both of those genres go gloriously together. And “White Rabbit” quickly became an anthem for the times, remaining one of the group’s most legendary songs and one of the most instantly recognizable songs of the 60s. “White Rabbit” peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Canadian charts in 1967.
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“Time Has Come Today” by The Chambers Brothers from ‘The Time Has Come’ (1967)
Soul, gospel, and acid rock all wrapped up in one song? Sign me up! “Time Has Come Today” by The Chambers Brothers was a smash hit back in 1967. Few other outfits from the era managed to blend together as many genre elements into one tune as they did. Music journalist Chuck Eddy noted that the song had elements of dub music before the genre existed and that it was “probably the most outlandish ball of rock-mucus ever expectorated.” I’m inclined to agree. This iconic track was a No. 11 hit on the Hot 100 and did similarly well in Canada.
“A Day In The Life” by The Beatles from ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)
Several Beatles songs could have made it to our list of 1967 genre mashup songs. I went with “A Day In The Life” because it stood out to me in the Fab Four’s discography immediately. This track from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band took the classic rock sound of its time and injected both avant-garde orchestral compositions and classical music influences into it. The song was ahead of its time and very different, but listeners still loved it in 1967.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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Bruce Springsteen in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) -
LONDON – 1967: The members of the English supergroup Cream, (from left) English guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Clapton, Scottish bass player, singer and songwriter Jack Bruce (1943-2014) and English drummer Ginger Baker (1939-2019), in London, 1967. (Photo by Icon and Image/Getty Images) -
COLOGNE, GERMANY – OCTOBER 17: Phil Collins of Genesis performing on October 17, 1981 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by David Corio/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
DENMARK – MARCH 02: Photo of LED ZEPPELIN; Robert Plant – Led Zeppelin, March 2, 1973 in Copenhagen, Denmark (Photo by Jorgen Angel/Redferns) -
MERILVILLE, IN. – MAY 25: Iron Maiden at the Holiday Star Theater on May 25, 1982 in Merilville, Indiana. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage) -
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
