Jefferson Airplane was one of the most influential psychedelic rock bands of the 1960s, with a unique sound and style that blended folk, rock, and psychedelia. The band was known for its politically charged lyrics, intricate harmonies, and experimental arrangements that challenged the conventions of rock music.
Their songs reflected the countercultural movements of the era, advocating for social change and freedom of expression. The band’s lineup changed over the years, but some of their most iconic songs were recorded during the late 1960s and early 1970s with the classic lineup featuring Grace Slick on vocals, Marty Balin on vocals and guitar, Paul Kantner on vocals and guitar, Jorma Kaukonen on lead guitar, Jack Casady on bass, and Spencer Dryden on drums.
This list of the 10 best Jefferson Airplane songs includes some of their most memorable and influential tracks, showcasing the band’s musical and cultural impact on the era and beyond.
1. White Rabbit
“White Rabbit” is one of Jefferson Airplane’s most famous songs, released in 1967. The song is known for its psychedelic sound and cryptic lyrics, which were heavily influenced by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” Grace Slick’s haunting vocals and the distinctive organ riff create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the psychedelic era. The song was a major hit for the band and remains an iconic example of the era’s musical and cultural revolution.
2. Somebody to Love
“Somebody to Love” by Jefferson Airplane is a classic rock song released in 1967. The song features the powerful and soulful vocals of lead singer Grace Slick, accompanied by a groovy guitar riff and driving rhythm section. The lyrics, written by Slick’s brother-in-law Darby Slick, express a yearning for love and connection in a world that can feel lonely and alienating. The song’s message of hope and the infectious energy of the music made it a hit and an anthem for the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
3. Embryonic Journey
“Embryonic Journey” is an instrumental guitar piece by Jefferson Airplane, composed by guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. It was featured on the band’s 1967 album “Surrealistic Pillow” and is often cited as one of Kaukonen’s greatest contributions to the band’s sound. The song showcases Kaukonen’s intricate fingerpicking style, drawing inspiration from both folk and blues music. It starts with a simple melody before gradually building in complexity, with Kaukonen’s nimble fingers weaving together intricate patterns on the guitar.
4. Volunteers
“Volunteers” by Jefferson Airplane is a classic rock song that served as the title track of their fifth studio album. The song was written by Paul Kantner and Marty Balin and released in 1969 during the height of the Vietnam War. The song is a powerful anti-war anthem that reflects the band’s political views and desire for social change. With its driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and catchy chorus, “Volunteers” became a popular protest song and an anthem of the counterculture movement of the late 1960s.
5. Wooden Ships
“Wooden Ships” is a classic song by Jefferson Airplane that was released in 1969. The song features a mellow folk-rock sound with a powerful message about the state of the world at the time. Written by Paul Kantner, Marty Balin, and David Crosby, the song is a haunting meditation on war, destruction, and the need for hope. The lyrics tell the story of a group of survivors who set sail on a wooden ship in the midst of a devastating war. The song’s imagery is vivid and powerful, and the harmonies and guitar work are outstanding.
6. Crown of Creation
“Crown of Creation” by Jefferson Airplane is a psychedelic rock classic. It’s a politically charged song that challenges the status quo and calls for change. The lyrics are cryptic and metaphorical, with lines like “In loyalty to their kind, they cannot tolerate our minds” suggesting a tension between conformity and individualism. The music features intricate instrumentation, with jangling guitar riffs and driving drum beats propelling the song forward. The chorus is a catchy sing-along that has become a staple of classic rock radio.
7. Today
“Today” is a poignant and introspective ballad by Jefferson Airplane, released in 1967. The song features lead vocals from Grace Slick and is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and lyrics that deal with the themes of change and uncertainty. The opening line, “Today I feel like pleasing you more than before,” sets the tone for the song’s gentle and reflective mood. The music is understated, with acoustic guitars and light percussion providing a delicate backdrop for Slick’s vocals. As the song progresses, it builds to a powerful crescendo, with Slick’s vocals reaching a soaring intensity.
8. It’s No Secret
“It’s No Secret” is a song by Jefferson Airplane, released on their debut album “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off” in 1966. The song is known for its simple but effective melody, with a prominent guitar riff and Grace Slick’s powerful vocals. It was one of the first songs to feature Slick as the lead singer of the band, and helped establish her as a prominent female vocalist in the rock music scene. The lyrics of the song are about a relationship where the narrator is in love but afraid to confess their feelings, a theme that was common in popular music of the time.
9. Lather
“Lather” is a song by Jefferson Airplane that was released in 1968. The song was written by the band’s bassist, Jack Casady, and it features lead vocals by Grace Slick. “Lather” is a deeply introspective song that reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of aging. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is constantly chasing after his youth, trying to recapture the energy and vitality of his younger years. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist is unable to escape the march of time and the inevitability of growing old. The song’s melancholic tone is matched by its slow, dreamy melody, which features delicate acoustic guitar and haunting vocal harmonies.
10. We Can Be Together
“We Can Be Together” is a politically charged song by Jefferson Airplane that tackles themes of revolution, unity, and social change. Released in 1969, during the height of the counterculture movement, the song features a driving beat, trippy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals by Grace Slick. The lyrics call for a unified movement against oppression and injustice, urging listeners to come together and fight for change. The song’s bold and provocative message was considered controversial at the time, and was even banned by some radio stations for its references to drugs and profanity.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
