Steppenwolf's debut is much more than just Born to Be Wild. It's a solid blues rock affair with psychedelic influences characteristic of the era. Bearing in mind the time the album was released, it can be characterized as heavy, wild and loud. Imagine a blend of hard rock reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Grand Funk Railroad and Canned Heat with the psychedelic flavor of Iron Butterfly and Vanilla Fudge. Steppenwolf's sound is guitar driven, but one can listen to some groovy bass lines, solid drumming and of course Goldy McJohn's piano and organ. Vocalist John Cay brings to mind John Fogerty from Creedence Clearwater Revival without being as powerful though. Nevertheless, that's not a bad thing as John Fogerty was one of the most talented vocalists in rock.
The biker anthem Born to Be Wild is of course one of the standout tracks here but one can listen to the badass The Pusher, check the driving rhythm of the rebellious The Ostric, or the laid back Snowblind Friend. Moreover, blues rock lovers are bound to appreciate Your Wall's Too High while Desperation is also a track worth noting. In addition, fans of The Doors will most probably find similarities between the main riffs of Everybody's Next One and Morrison Hotel's You Make Me Real.
Overall, Steppenwolf is an excellent album which is highly recommended for fans of blues rock and lovers of the bands mentioned previously. It contains all the elements that made the blues and psychedelic movements of the late 60s and early 70's special and is best accompanied by images of the iconic counterculture film Easy Rider.
Tracklist for Steppenwolf:
1. Sookie Sookie
2. Everybody's Next One
3. Berry Rides Again
4. Hoochie Coochie Man
5. Born to Be Wild
6. Your Wall's Too High
7. Desperation
8. The Pusher
9. A Girl I Know
10. Take What You Need
11. The Ostrich
The biker anthem Born to Be Wild is of course one of the standout tracks here but one can listen to the badass The Pusher, check the driving rhythm of the rebellious The Ostric, or the laid back Snowblind Friend. Moreover, blues rock lovers are bound to appreciate Your Wall's Too High while Desperation is also a track worth noting. In addition, fans of The Doors will most probably find similarities between the main riffs of Everybody's Next One and Morrison Hotel's You Make Me Real.
Overall, Steppenwolf is an excellent album which is highly recommended for fans of blues rock and lovers of the bands mentioned previously. It contains all the elements that made the blues and psychedelic movements of the late 60s and early 70's special and is best accompanied by images of the iconic counterculture film Easy Rider.
Tracklist for Steppenwolf:
1. Sookie Sookie
2. Everybody's Next One
3. Berry Rides Again
4. Hoochie Coochie Man
5. Born to Be Wild
6. Your Wall's Too High
7. Desperation
8. The Pusher
9. A Girl I Know
10. Take What You Need
11. The Ostrich