Surrealistic Pillow Songs Ranked
Surrealistic Pillow is the second album by the American rock band Jefferson Airplane, released by RCA Victor on February 1, 1967. It is the first album by the band with vocalist Grace Slick and drummer Spencer Dryden. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard album chart and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. The album is considered to be one of the quintessential works of the early psychedelic rock and 1960s counterculture eras. “My Best Friend” was released as the first single in January 1967, but reached only #103 on the Billboard Bubbling Under chart. Two singles were released later in the year, “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit”, peaked respectively at number five and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and are the band’s only Top 40 hits on that chart. “Today” was not released as a single but was played often on college radio and rock stations and remains one of their most popular songs. It was also recorded by jazz saxophonist Tom Scott for his 1967 album The Honeysuckle Breeze; this version was sampled in the song “They Reminisce Over You” by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. Here are all of Surrealistic Pillow songs ranked.
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10. Plastic Fantastic Lover
“Plastic Fantastic Lover” ends the musical odyssey as it began, with an upbeat rocker and captivating sounds. If Marty Balin didn’t take the vocal helm it wouldn’t seem right.”
9. 3/5 Of a Mile In 10 Seconds
“3/5 Of A Mile In 10 Seconds” is another rocker. If the following doesn’t grab you by the neck nothing will “Do away with people.” Jorma’s guitar in conjunction with the lyrical content is superb.
8. My Best Friend
“My Best Friend” is light and on the poppy side. Some enjoy its place here and others feel it is not one of the stronger inclusions. I have to agree with the later. A good tune but when you are compared to Olympian efforts it can be overlooked.”
See more: Jefferson Airplane Albums Ranked
7. D.C.B.A. – 25
“D.C.B.A. 25″ is poetry in motion. Paul Kantner’s choice of words is able to balance the fine line of incredible articulation but not over the head of the listener. He can phrase sentences repeatedly with such command of the language that our attention doesn’t divert for a micro-second. Sadly this wonderful tune never made it to the J.A. stage.”
6. She Has Funny Cars
“The album opens with one of the finest tunes the Airplane would construct. “She Has Funny Cars” with the perfect riff and strong vocals gets the listeners attention from the opening notes.”
5. Today
“Today” is one of the finest songs ever penned. Marty Balin’s vocal quality and pure emotion made time stop. All ears were glued to the speakers the first time the lyrics were heard. It is nothing short of spectacular.”
See more: Jefferson Airplane Songs Ranked
4. Embryonic Journey
“Embryonic Journey” One of the best instrumentals ever devised. Jorma’s fingers display magic. This would be the first tune he would pen entirely by himself. It seems unfathomable that the results could be this earth shaking. To this day it is requested at every Hot Tuna and solo gig he is a part of.
3. Comin’ Back to Me
“Comin Back To Me” is another example of Marty’s captivating sound. Give him a ballad, rocker, or rhythm and blues standard and he can excel. Comin’ Back to Me is more of pastoral piece, with some haunting recorder work.”
2. White Rabbit
“White Rabbit” was the other tune the “Great Society” performed. People often debate is it better than “Somebody To Love”? Why not call it a tie. If Jefferson Airplane had never released anything but White Rabbit, their place in the hall of fame would be beyond doubt.”
1. Somebody to Love
“Somebody To Love” one of two songs Grace brought with her from the “Great Society” is tremendous with the Airplane treatment. Make no mistake about it the “Great Society” performed a fine version. The J.A. fine-tuned things a bit and this version has been a stable of rock and roll Airplane for over 40 years. A great side note that Marty Balin told me for my Jefferson Airplane book. Grace also suggested a tune that the “Great Society” performed live “Sally Go Round The Roses.” Their interpretation of the song is as good as any ever from a stage or studio.”
