(Rock) Jimi Hendrix Experience-Are You Experienced

[Woodstock]

Jimi Hendrix Experience
Are You Experienced

Released:1967

http://static.userland.com/sh4/images/booknotes/areYouExperienced.jpg

#15 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time

The Band:
Jimi Hendrix-Guitar
Noel Redding-Bass
Mitch Mitchell-Drums

Tracklist:
1. Purple Haze 2:46
2. Manic Depression 3:30
3. Hey Joe 3:23
4. Love or Confusion 3:15
5. May This Be Love 2:55
6. I Don't Live Today 2:55
7. The Wind Cries Mary 3:21
8. Fire 2:34
9. Third Stone From the Sun 6:40
10. Foxey Lady 3:15
11. Are You Experienced 3:55

Information:
This album is a living legend. It is the debut album of what we know as one of the greatest guitarist ever and his amazing band. This record is an ear orgasm in a case with hit song after hit song. If Jimi Hendrix died with just this record under his belt, he would be just as famous as he is today. But no, he created two more masterpieces, Electric Ladyland and Axis: Bold As Love. So enjoy what he has made, and do not mourn the short limit of his work.

Purple Haze: 5/5
One the most famous songs ever. A brilliant riff followed by an energetic verse
to a spectacular chorus. Not to mention his mind-bending solo and some of the most creative lyrics I have ever heard. This song is amazing to the first and last second.

Manic Depression: 5/5
A stop-start riff showcases the bands timing. This is one of Jimi's best vocal performances to date, filled with emotion and soul. Mitch Mitchell's drumming is also showcased with amazing interludes and solos.

Hey Joe: 5/5
I will bet that almost everyone on this website has heard this song even if you hate Jimi Hendrix. An amazing intro brings in this emotional song about a girl named Joe who shoots her mother for cheating on another man. Jimi's solo adds so much to this song along with the eigth note stop-start bass line toward the end of the song.

Love or Confusion: 5/5
A very catchy guitar rythm interests you in this song immediately. An echo like singing adds to the mysterious feel of the song, too. I haven't heard this song in a while and forgot how great it is. What can I say, a very well structured piece.

May This Be Love: 4/5
Here Jimi demonstrates his slower side, which almost seems as powerful as his heaviest song. Filled with emotion, Jimi plays breathtakingly perfect with every note. As usual...

I Don't Live Today: 5/5
An exciting drum solo introduces this heavier song about life and living. An odd but addicting guitar riff keeps the song together. A very good example of a head banging song :thumb:

The Wind Cries Mary: 5/5
One of the softest of all the Experiences songs, this is one of favorite songs ever. Brilliant lyrics tell you Jimi could have been an amazing poet and his guitar solos and breaks are indescribable. All that you ever wanted to hear in music is in this song and more.

Fire: 5/5
One of Jimi's catchiest tunes shows what an underrated drummer Mitch Mitchell is. His control of the snare is amazing, one in a million. Noel Redding is surely notable in this song during the solos and verses playing a great bassline that keeps the song moving.

Third Stone From the Sun: 5/5
This song almost opens up to a swingy, jazz like mood until it mellows out into perfect soloing and effects. It switches tempos throughout the song and even though there are no lyrics, just a great riff, you want to listen to this song the whole way through.

Foxey Lady: 5/5
Perfect intro into this song and the verse and chorus are excellent examples of rock and roll. All this leads to a perfect solo that's pure originality and fun to listen to.

Are You Experienced: 5/5
A backwards tape solo opens this great ending to an album. It's an odd sounding song but thats whats makes a good song to me. Plus, the lyrics are great and the backwards guitar solo adds to the whole feel of the song.
Perfect ending.

Now I love Axis and Ladyland, but this album, in my opinion, is better than both, if speaking like a person who has never heard anything by The Experience before. Perfect order of tracks, almost every song is great to listen too, and absolutely no weak spots. This record is a gem among all music.

Final Rating: 5/5

Comments?

[40 oz 2 freedom]

Pretty good review. I love this album, it was one of the first I owned and I still love it.

[Iai]

I can't believe this hadn't been reviewed already.

I've always found Hendrix albums a letdown, simply because he can't hold my attention for more than 4 songs. Nice review though.

[ScorpSath]

good review.

[Well_Respected_Man]

I can't believe this hadn't been reviewed already.



Me too, I was actually thinking of doing Axis later.

Good simple reveiw, this is one of first older albums I got into when I was young. Very good album.

[HendrixSantana]

Greeeat album. Greeeat review.

[RiceMonster]

Great Review, :thumb: I was contemplaiting picking this album, but after reading your review and how almost all the songs are amazing, I think I'll pick reall soon. Out what I've heard, Foxy Lady is my favourite.

[themightyquinn23]

Good review, although I don't think this is better than Electric Ladyland.

[Pao Ferro]

It seems so strange, but those songs really are 5/5 songs.

One of the most incredible albums ever.

[theclash91]

a great album

purple haze and hey joe are instant classics
nice review

[mexicanfloydian]

I can't believe this wasn't done before.

[grungeguitarist]

Nice review man :thumb:.

[Moroii]

It seems so strange, but those songs really are 5/5 songs.

One of the most incredible albums ever.
Yeah, I don't have this album yet, but I've heard all but 2 of the song on it and their all classic. It's hard to believe an album having that many great classic songs on it.

Great review, man. :thumb:

[AssJackk]

5/5

[agtpunk]

isn't there more songs on that cd? like red house remember and can you see me?

[Pao Ferro]

isn't there more songs on that cd? like red house remember and can you see me?

I think (don't quote me), that they're off Electric Ladyland. I can't remember them being off Axis:Bold As Love.

I haven't listened to my Hendrix CD's in ages.

[Creedence Clearwater]

Wind Cries Mary is a great song.

[Woodstock]

There are more songs on the new CD release, but I have the original CD release.

[Woodstock]

Come On people....this is Hendrix.

[cutmyhair]

freakin amazing album
my favorite of all the jimi hendrix experiences

[RNR]

This is my second favorite hendrix album. May This Be Love is a 5/5.

[mullet_monster]

I may be wrong be I always thought Hey Joe, is about a friend of Jimi's finding his wife cheating on him so he shoots her, and goes to mexico.

[Badmoon]

Jimi didn't write "Hey Joe"

[sheik]

This album is definitely one of the greatest. I hope anyone thinking about buying it after reading this review does. The Jimi Hendrix Experience made me 100% sure I wanted to play guitar and learn music, and they'd broken up 20 years before I was born.

[hybridofsound]

Would this be on the Rolling Stone top 500? I don't know if it is but with an album of this reputation I would expect it is.

[Bartender]

Yeah, it is, at #15. I'll edit it in.

[Woodstock]

Jimi didn't write "Hey Joe"

Same with All Along the Watchtower (sp).

But he can sure pull off a remake. :thumb:

[Woodstock]

Yeah, it is, at #15. I'll edit it in.

Thanks, btw. Sorry I forgot about the list

[Bartender]

It was no problem.

[NIKK_21_thadwumma]

great thing this album was, i have an original lp of it, lol i hear it fetches pretty pennys on ebay and such.

[brookh6969]

didnt know joe was a girl

[ok lateralus]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002P5Y.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg


The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Are you Experienced
1967

Members:
Jimi Hendrix- Guitar, vocals
Noel Redding- bass, backing vocals
Mitch Mitchell- drums, backing vocals

This magnificent album stands as one of the best ever crafted. Over 35 years ago, it introduced people to the talent of Jimi Hendrix. On AYE are some of Jimi's most famous and loved songs, such as "Purple Haze", "Fire", and "Foxey Lady". Hendrix is the most influentual guitarist of his time, and that is a fact. He has inspired countless guitarists's sounds ever since. Equally good are his lyrics. They range from gentle to bold, fiery to dreamy. They are always full of wonderful imagery and emotion. Also not to be forgotten are the wonderful musicians backing Jimi up. Mitch Mitchell is an excellent, just outstanding drummer, and his talents can be heard on songs like "Fire". Noel Redding is a great bassist with a great tone and just adds even more to the band. Are you Experienced is a showstopper, for sure. It's essential for any rock fan's collection and it's amazing reverberations are still being heard today.

1. Purple Haze
Perhaps Jimi's most well-known song. This amazing 3-minute masterpiece starts with one of the greatest guitar riffs ever made. It immediately catches your attention. Then Mitchell's pounding drums kick in, and it's just amazing from there. Jimi sings the famous line "Purple haze, all in my eyes/Don't know if it's day or night" and you can just see all the purple haze and clouds of color surrounding him as he plays those psychadelic chords. The guitar solo is very creative and out-there, made possible by an effect pedal that gives the guitar an otherworldly sound by taking the notes up a whole octave. This jaw-dropping song fades out as walls of color and buzzing sound surround you and Jimi yelps "oh no!"
5/5

2. Manic Depression
A somewhat less intense song, this one features Jimi's soothing voice and a very memorable guitar riff. Mitch Mitchell's drumming is also outstanding, and the song contains a time signature usually not associated with rock songs. One of the best moments, however, is Jimi's solo. ****ing amazing. So much emotion. Just amazing. This is a great song, not the most memorable maybe but still great.
5/5

3. Hey Joe
Wow, what can I say about this one? This was the Experience's first single, and it is just mindblowing. Jimi's vocals are quite good, and the drumming is great. The song has a sort of dark atmosphere, for some reason. Maybe it's just me. It's not their own song, but they act as if it is completely theirs. Just an amazing performance by the whole band. The guitar solo is to die for. No one ever since has matched Jimi's great solos and rhythm. No one.
5/5

4. Love or Confusion
Unfortunately, this one's often overlooked. But it really shouldn't be. This is definitely on my list of top 10 hendrix songs and should not be forgotten. Jimi's vocals are entrancing. He plays many psychadelic fills and whammy-bar stunts that evoke the very colors he's singing about. ("Must there be all these colors/without names, without sound.") I just am addicted to this song. The opening guitar riff has an almost country vibe to it, but the rest of the song is mostly psychadelic stuff with an amazing mood to it. Don't miss this one.
5/5

5. May this be Love
I really don't understand why so many people, even huge fans, dismiss this song as "corny". The lyrics may be a little trite, but I really love this song. It is a showcase for Jimi's softer side, and the outro guitar solo is just beautiful. One of my favorites on the album.
5/5

6. I Don't Live Today
Some complain about the sound quality on this song, but it sounds pretty good to me. It's got some great lyrics, awesome riff, great drumming and bass, and an amazing solo and outro. Jimi goes crazy with the whammy bar and feedback near he end, and there are tons of crazy effects going on, it's just hard to explain. This is just one kickass song and is sure to get you pumped up.
5/5

7. The Wind Cries Mary
In the tradition of "May this be love", though much more jazzy. Hendrix loved all types of music, ranging from jazz to R&B. This song is basically a hybrid of the two. It's a slow, soulfull kind of ballad with imaginative lyrics and a great, melodic solo. One of Hendrix's best songs. The rhythm guitar work really shines here.
5/5

8. Fire
This song just kicks ***. ****, Mitch Mitchell is an amazing drummer. The one word that can explain this song is... "Fire." The whole band are at their best here, and Jimi's vocals are especially entertaining. A great song.
5/5

9. Third Stone from the Sun
Coming in at almost seven minutes, this song is a stark contrast from the other 3-minute masterpieces. There aren't any real lyrics, only Jimi talking, pretending to be an alien. The song has a lot of weird bits, ranging from soft jazz to crazy whammy bar madness. One of the most memorable is the song's main theme, with is an extremely pleasant rhythm guitar part that sounds nice with the jazzy bass and drums. Though it's quite long, this song still maintains the freshness of the rest of the album.
5/5

10. Foxey Lady
This is a very, very funky track. Jimi's lyrics may be a bit dated but it's still highly enjoyable. Near the end it gets a little bit repetitive but the awesome vocals and groove of the whole track pretty much make up for it. Not my absolute favorite but definitely a good song.
4/5

11. Are you Experienced
If I'm correct, this was the first song ever to feature a whole band being played back backwards on tape. The studio trickery is fresh and entertaining, and Jimi's lyrics are nice. In addition there is an amazing, emotional backwards guitar solo. This is an awesome closing song for a perfect album. It ends with the memorable line, "Have you ever been experienced/Not necessarily stoned, but beautiful." Great, great song.
5/5


It's nearly impossible to sum this album up in just a paragraph. It's amazing. It has this great freshness to it that most great debuts have. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was one of the greatest bands to walk the earth, and Are you Experienced is just a small part of their amazing musical legacy. I highly recommend checking out their other releases if you haven't.

5/5
Case closed, no doubt about it. A+ :smash:

check out my review of Electric Ladyland, too...
http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197516

EDIT: I don't think this has been done before... oh ****... i worked so hard on this review...

[superpeer]

I would be suprised if this hadn't been done before.

[superpeer]

Ok, I merged it, next time check the reviewed list before you review an album.

[enpsychopedia]

I had an interesting discussion with my guitar teacher the other day. He had a poster in his classroom of Jimi at Woodstock. We were discussing just how amazing he was. He then asked me, "Would he be still as famous and still making music if he was alive today, or would he be doing something for Wal-Mart?" He had a valid point, I thought. With the state of music as it is now, would he still be as respected?

[Noles187]

This is one of my favorite cds.It is genius and beautiful.

[Iai]

To enpsycho:

I think he'd probably be coasting on former glories. He'd be respected as hell, but nobody would really buy his newer albums. Same with Clapton or Santana before he got guest stars, you know?

[enpsychopedia]

To Iai:

Very true, just wondering. I think I might take that to r & m later.

[Woodstock]

To Iai:

Very true, just wondering. I think I might take that to r & m later.
It's a bad idea to bring Hendrix into R & M. It would instantly become a flame thread. Just a warning, but the classic rock thread would welcome it.

[enpsychopedia]

It's a bad idea to bring Hendrix into R & M. It would instantly become a flame thread. Just a warning, but the classic rock thread would welcome it.


thanks for the warning.

[jimi_hendrix]

wow i didnt expect this to get almost all 5's.

[JPageIsGod]

Get the new version of the CD. Stone Free, 51st Anniversary, Highway Chile, Can You See Me?, Remember, and Red House are all on it.

[Woodstock]

wow i didnt expect this to get almost all 5's.
Well, if a person would listen to this for the first time, they'd love every song. I rated from a standpoint of never hearing these songs before, and every song really is a masterpiece.