Set Lists

1967

Are You Experienced review

Jimi Hendrix first record Are You Experienced? is one of the best debut albums ever!  While not every song is a masterpiece, each has something notable, and the album  has an extraordinary amount of superb compositions.  Evidence of this albums greatness is proven by the fact that several of the songs still get significant radio play, primarily "Purple Haze," and "Hey Joe." 

Clearly Jimi Hendrix guitar playing is the draw of this album; however, the contributions of Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums should not be underestimated. They exquisitely set up the background and complement Jimi's playing to make these songs and album a masterpiece.

Are You Experienced? most popular song "Purple Haze" has superbly crafted riffs with the proper notes, sting bending, and sound effects.  "The Wind Cries Mary" instrumental features a short yet excellent passage where Hendrix phrases his solo off of the bass notes in an unhurried, melodic manner.  The track "Fire" has similar guitar and bass complementary playing. Then "Manic Depression" shows the technique Hendrix would incorporate throughout his career in various songs where he would play the basic song riff and then follow it with explosive solos.  This is quite effective, but songs like "Peace in Mississippi" from his out of print album Crash Landing took it to completely different levels. The Jimi Hendrix Experience give a fine blues workout to "Red House" and "Hey Joe." While the song "I Don't Live Today" is not great throughout, but the introductory riff is catchy. One of my favorite songs on the album is the seldom mentioned title track as the guitar solo builds to an explosive peak. 

Jimi Hendrix first record Are You Experienced? easily earns my highest grade. by Barry Small ©
Grade  A +

1. Purple Haze 2:50
2. Manic Depression 3:42
3. Hey Joe 3:30
4. Love Or Confusion 3:12
5. May This Be Love 3:10
6. I Don't Live Today 3:54
7. The Wind Cries Mary 3:20
8. Fire 2:43
9. Third Stone From The Sun 6:44
10. Foxey Lady 3:18
11. Are You Experienced? 4:14
12. Stone Free 3:36
13. 51st Anniversary 3:15
14. Highway Chile 3:32
15. Can You See Me 2:33
16. Remember 2:48
17. Red House 3:50

Label MCA
Released 1967
The re-mastered version of the album includes a great book with linear notes about the tracks and rare photos.