“Are You Experienced” – Songs Ranked

When talking about the greatest debut albums in music history, you’d be remiss not to mention Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced”.

It’s a masterclass in guitar playing and Hard Rock, and there are so many songs here I love. But how would I rank them all? (I’m ranking the seventeen songs on the Spotify version, which might not reflect what the album was truly like upon release … but I’ll take the expanded tracklist any day!)

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

Meh

17 – 51st Anniversary

There’s only one song on “Are You Experienced” I don’t like that much, and that’s “51st Anniversary”.

It’s not melodically interesting, and the slower switch-ups don’t do enough to hold my attention.

OK

16 – I Don’t Live Today

“I Don’t Live Today” has a nice descending guitar riff, but that’s about it.

15 – Can You See Me

A standard, sometimes messy Blues song. The guitar playing is exceptional as always.

14 – Third Stone From The Sun

Cool title, and “Third Stone From The Sun” veers down the path of psychedelia.

There are better, more concise psychedelic songs on the album.

Good

13 – May This Be Love

An odd percussion and rhythm makes “May This Be Love” a noteworthy listen.

12 – Remember

The penultimate song on the album, so I wouldn’t be surprised if most people forgot about “Remember”.

I like its groove, however.

11 – Red House

The album’s closer (on the Spotify version, anyway) goes all-out Blues, which will work more for some than others.

I like “Red House”, but it’s not the slam-dunk that other people make it out to be.

10 – Love Or Confusion

We’re now getting to the songs I immediately recognise and hum along to – ten memorable songs on an album is really good going!

“Love Or Confusion” doesn’t have stand-out verses, but those nightmarish choruses are what I remember.

9 – Highway Chile

A solid riff straight off the bat, and I like the frantic pre-choruses, but the rest of “Highway Chile” isn’t quite strong enough to make the “Great” tier.

Great

8 – Are You Experienced?

The most psychedelic song on the album by far, and one that stirs up vivid images of the Vietnam War.

“Are You Experienced?” is more about the production and performance than the songwriting. A great, off-kilter way to close out the original album tracklist.

7 – Manic Depression

“Manic Depression” is an early gem on the album, and it’s also one of Hendrix’s most underrated.

It has a simple yet effective groove that makes both the verses and choruses catchy.

6 – The Wind Cries Mary

One of the slowest songs on the album, and that contrast makes “The Wind Cries Mary” stand out in the best way.

It has some of Hendrix’s best vocals, and it serves as a nice breather amidst lots of heavier tracks.

5 – Stone Free

I’m not sure if “Stone Free” is considered underrated, but it made my top five so that has to count for something!

It’s a rare instance of cowbell adding to a song rather than detracting from it.

4 – Fire

It’s rare for Hendrix to be outshone by his rhythm section, but the bass and drums pop off in “Fire”.

It has one of the catchiest choruses on the album.

Amazing

3 – Foxey Lady

That guitar intro cemented “Foxey Lady” a place in the top three before the song had even begun.

It’s heavy, it’s psychedelic, it’s Jimi Hendrix through and through.

2 – Hey Joe

It might not be as flashy as some of the other songs in this top five, but “Hey Joe” is a fan-favourite for a reason.

It tells a harrowing tale, all while boasting some typically sensational guitar work.

All-Time Great

1 – Purple Haze

One of the best 60’s songs. Period.

It hits hard and only gets heavier as the track goes on, and Hendrix’s vocal and guitar performances are second to none.

Aaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: