First Rays of the New Rising S

A stripped-down, analytical view of this disc, song by song may not arrive at the conclusion above. Clearly, the studio work was not finished on many of these songs. The story of the making of these songs is a tragic tale. Jimi's last album of original studio recordings had been released in 1968 on Electric Ladyland. Since that LP, a compilation entitled Smash Hits had been released, as had Band of Gypsys, a live recording of new tunes as part of a legal settlement with one of Jimi's former business partners. Band of Gypsys, although excellent music in my opinion, was not what the majority of the record-buying public wanted to hear from Jimi. They wanted Purple Haze II, or something similarly familiar and comfortably psychedelically rocking. But Jimi had been around that block too many times and was in need of change. First Rays was to be the answer as he saw it.

Now, don't get me wrong here - I love this music. But not all of it was finished to Jimi's normal standard. He certainly planned to get it done and was considering a change of management and producers as solutions to get past the barriers he saw in his way. But lack of completeness can't hide the brilliance of his vision. Just consider two cuts as examples - Hey Baby (effectively the title track) and Ezy Ryder. Hey Baby shows both lyrically and in its arrangement where Jimi was headed. The opening section is one of the most beautiful guitar lines he ever wrote, combining so many of his roots into a statement so uniquely Jimi, it's immediately recognizable. The words tell me just how badly he needed to move beyond the constraints that had imprisoned him for all too long. Ezy Ryder shows that Jimi was still a rocker. But he was changed. Since taking over the production of his music, the orchestration had become more complex and synergistic. The lyrics show, as do the lyrics of other songs on this disc, that Jimi was struggling to make the message fit the rythym. But that's nit picking - these are great tunes. I am hugely appreciative that the Hendrix family got the right people together to make this happen. It's a must-have.

Unfortunately Jimi Hendrix died in the process of the album. Some 20+ years latter Al Hendrix ( Jimi's father ) bought the rights back to his music and named his company Experience Hendrix. That same company would release First Rays Of The New Rising Sun in full format with engineer Eddie Kramer. This album remains one of my very favorite albums as others just cant compare to the genius Jimi Hendrix really was. Highly Recomened!

This magnificent starts out with "Freedom" a hooky guitar riff and fun chorus will make you come back for more listens. 10/10

Then is "Izabella" fun song for it's playful and catchy lyrics. Fun guitasr riff too. 10/10

Next is "Night Bird Flying" this song is so great and quite different from other songs, cool riffs, and one of my favorites from this album. 10/10

Next "Angel" is a matured ballad for Jimi, great melody and emotional. 10/10

"Room Full of Mirrors" is next, it's a great mix of blues, funk, and rock. Great Song, but it's succeeded by the next 2 tracks 9.5/10

"Dolly Dagger" is next an addictive guitar riff and fun lyrics never lets this song get old. 10/10

Next is "Ezy Ryder" a cool groove, fun lyrics, and an infectious guitar riff make this song my favorite on the album. And the chorus of lead guitars is nothing less than brilliant. 10/10

"Drifting" is the next song, and it doesn't have many lyrics but the ending instrumental part is very enjoyable. 9.5/10

Then is the song "Beginnings" aka "Jam Back At The House" is an excellent instrumental, one of my favorites, and the riffs are excellent as well, accompanied by a steady drumbeat. 10/10

"My Friend" is next, it's a mellow and enjoyable song with lyrics I can't get enough of. 10/10

Next is "Stepping Stone" there are some great solos played by Jimi on this track and pretty upbeat tempo as well. Great song to listen to. 10/10

"Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)" is next, this is another standout on the album for its straightforward, but entertaining riffs and simple, but appealing lyrics. 10/10

Next song is "Earth Blues" an entertaining song about making changes and rebirth. Very dynamic in its deliverance. 10/10

"Astro Man" is the funnest song on this album with its good-humored and amusing riffs and lyrics. One of my favorites from the album. 10/10

Next is "In From The Storm" this is one of Jimi's best and another one of my favorites from the album with its great lyrics and cathcy guitar riff make this a great song. 10/10

Lastly, is "Belly Button Window" its back to the blues for Jimi and is just a great song. It's another standout for me and definitely a cool song. 10/10

"First Rays of the New Rising Sun" is almost like Jimi Hendrix's career. It starts out with a bang, it's electrifying and enjoyable throughout the entire length, and you never want it to end, but suddenly it abruptly stops, and leaves you wanting to hear more. All good things must come to an end.

Although this album was never officially completed by Hendrix's standards, it's probably my favorite album of him in the studio. If this album was released with the songs being completed, I could only imagined how much he could have perfected these recordings, but it would have been his ultimate crowning achievement. This album is flawless without a bad track and is enjoyable, fun, emotional, and exciting from start to finish. It's definitely worth more than the 15 dollars I paid for it.