Volunteers Songs Ranked
Volunteers is the fifth studio album by American psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane, released in 1969 on RCA Records. The album was controversial because of its revolutionary and anti-war lyrics along with the use of profanity. The original album title was Volunteers of Amerika, but it was shortened after objections from Volunteers of America. This was to be the last album with the group for both Jefferson Airplane founder Marty Balin and drummer Spencer Dryden (although they did both appear on the “Mexico” single released in 1970 and its B-side “Have You Seen the Saucers?”) and thus signifies the end of the best-remembered “classic” lineup. It was to be the group’s last all-new LP for two years; Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen would now devote more of their energy to their embryonic blues group Hot Tuna, while Paul Kantner and Grace Slick released Blows Against the Empire and Sunfighter with various guest musicians and celebrated the birth of their daughter China in 1971. Here are all of Volunteers’ songs ranked.
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10. We Can Be Together
“We Can Be Together” kicks things off which still contains the ideals of the summer of love and coming together as one, however now a couple of years later there’s a clear revolutionary and political tint contained within shown by Kantner’s line “All your private property is target for your enemy”. Amazingly this song even contains the line “Tear down the wall Motherf*****” which shows how far things had changed in America just from the years 1967 – 1969, and the way the vocals layer and interact with each other on this track is mesmerising.”
9. The Farm
“The Farm” is a nice little track about nice communal life on the farm. It’s a nice fast paced sing along song that shifts through varying paces and one of the more stereotypical hippy tracks off the album.”
8. Turn My Life Down
“Side B begins with “Turn My Life Down” another song by Jorma and contains some very good lyrics, it’s displayed as a bit of a jovial uplifting song which is a bit of a contrast against the lyrics but it’s a nice little track.”
See more: Jefferson Airplane Albums Ranked
7. Eskimo Blue Day
“Eskimo Blue Day” another longer track and another album highlight follows. This track again shows the chops the Airplane had as far as creating an atmosphere goes. This is a Grace Slick cut and she truly shines on this track and it could be argued this is her best vocal performance on record.”
6. Meadowlands
“Meadowlands” follows which is a very short instrumental track of strange noises which there isn’t much to say about. The Airplane concludes the 60s on an upbeat: it’s not a landing or a come down, it’s a new high for the band that is confident in their songwriting and sound.”
5. Good Shepherd
“Good Shepherd” is the next track which is actually a traditional track but arranged by Jorma who actually sings the lead vocal which was rare for him but he does a great job. The opening line of “If you want to get to heaven over on the other shore” has become quite iconic in it’s own right and of course being arranged by Jorma contains some interestingly sounding electric guitar soloing towards the end, its a very beautiful track and it’s nice to see Jorma taking the centre stage.”
See more: Jefferson Airplane Songs Ranked
4. Hey Fredrick
“Hey Frederick” is a strong highlight of the album in my opinion. Grace’s vocal are simply nothing short of outstanding, particularly when she sings “when it flies” the tone and power of her voice is remarkable and beautiful but she shines throughout the entirety of the track. The track ends with some acid jamming and Jorma solos ferociously until the end of the track ending side A.”
3. Wooden Ships
“Wooden Ships” is one of the albums highlights for me, co wrote by Paul Kanter and also Stills and Crosby from Crosby, Stills and Nash who also recorded the song on their self titled album but this is definitely the superior version.”
2. A Song for All Seasons
“A Song For All Seasons” is an old time American country track which almost seems like a diss track to a fellow rock n roll musician but I could be wrong, one of the less interesting tracks on here but still very listenable and diversifies the album well.”
1. Volunteers
“The album ends with “Volunteers” which could very well be one of the most political songs of all time. It’s just a call to arms for everyone to revolt to build a better world and does so by being a very short catchy number that you’ll be singing your head for hours after (also helps that it is positioned as the final track). It’s sharp, it rocks and Kaukonen’s guitar lines colour it well and thus the album is finished.”
