“Electric Ladyland” (Jimi Hendrix) – Every Song Ranked

Everyone remembers “Are You Experienced” as being the definitive Jimi Hendrix album, but I think there’s a good case to be made for “Electric Ladyland”.

It feels more focused from start to finish, and the highs are truly extraordinary. How would I rank every track?

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Meh

16 – Moon, Turn the Tides…Gently Gently …

An instrumental, ambient track comprised of random noises. Skiiiip.

OK

15 – …And the Gods Made Love

“… And the Gods Made Love” is a bit of an anticlimactic opening track since it’s mostly ambient, but the second track rectifies that quickly.

It’s a better, more engaging soundscape than “Moon, Turn the Tides”.

14 – 1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)

Somehow, “1983…(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)” is only the second longest song on the album despite brushing 14 minutes.

It has its moments, but it’s too long and meandering for me.

13 – Little Miss Strange

A song not sung by Hendrix. It’s fine, but Jimi’s vocals are a must-have.

Good

12 – Long Hot Summer Night

Slick atmosphere, but none of the riffs or melodies really stick.

11 – Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)

“Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)” starts fast and keeps that energy throughout.

10 – Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)

Not the best title track I’ve ever heard, but “Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland)” is a fun introductory track to the album’s psychedelic style.

9 – Gypsy Eyes

Tight drums, fast guitars and a slick bass groove. “Gypsy Eyes” isn’t a Hendrix classic but it does a lot right.

8 – Rainy Day, Dream Away

A jazzy, almost dreamy track, except there’s a similarly-titled track to “Rainy Day, Dream Away” that I like slightly more.

Great

7 – Burning of the Midnight Lamp

One of the most 60’s songs I’ve ever heard.

There’s a great drama to the instrumental and lyrics, and the production – albeit a little aged – certainly stands out.

6 – Voodoo Chile

The longest song on the album, and a relative hit at the time.

“Voodoo Chile” borders on too long but the performance is excellent.

5 – Still Raining, Still Dreaming

Exactly the kind of song that gives “Electric Ladyland” its psychedelic flavour.

The guitar tones are raw, the vocals are laid-back, and the songwriting is borderline hypnotic.

4 – House Burning Down

My pick for most underrated song on “Electric Ladyland”.

“House Burning Down” has ominous lyrics and a really explosive chorus.

Amazing

3 – Crosstown Traffic

“Crosstown Traffic” has only a tenth of the Spotify streams of “All Along The Watchtower”, which I think is a minor tragedy.

I wouldn’t call it underrated, per se, but the catchy choruses and killer riffs are exactly what I want from a Hendrix song.

All-Time Great

2 – Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

There are two all-timers on “Electric Ladyland”, the first of which – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” – contains arguably Hendrix’s greatest performance.

It’s a powerhouse Rock track from start to finish, and that guitar inspired a generation.

1 – All Along the Watchtower

Originally a Bob Dylan composition, but even Dylan himself has admitted that “All Along the Watchtower” will forevermore be a Jimi Hendrix song.

Dylan’s lyrics are mysterious and foreboding, but Hendrix’s vocals and guitar flair add that all-time great dynamic that the best songs in music history seem to have.

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