10 Jefferson Airplane Songs That Are Forgotten Today

Jefferson Airplane, pioneers of psychedelic rock in the 1960s, are best known for hits like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” However, their extensive catalog includes many tracks that have faded from public memory. Here are ten Jefferson Airplane songs that are often overlooked today:

1. “High Flying Bird”

“High Flying Bird” is a traditional folk song that Jefferson Airplane covered in their early years. The track showcases Signe Toly Anderson’s vocals, highlighting the band’s folk roots before they fully embraced psychedelic rock. Despite its raw energy and historical significance, “High Flying Bird” remains largely forgotten in contemporary discussions of the band’s work.

2. “Let Me In”

“Let Me In” is an early track that reflects the band’s initial blues influences. With Marty Balin’s earnest vocals and a straightforward arrangement, the song differs from their later, more experimental works. Over time, “Let Me In” has been overshadowed by the band’s more famous hits, leading it to be overlooked by many listeners today.

3. “J.P.P. McStep B. Blues”

This track, recorded during the “Surrealistic Pillow” sessions, features Grace Slick’s distinctive vocals. The song blends folk and blues elements, showcasing the band’s versatility. Despite its unique composition, “J.P.P. McStep B. Blues” didn’t make it onto the original album and remains relatively unknown among casual fans.

4. “Go to Her”

“Go to Her” is a song that underwent multiple recordings with different band members. The track’s energetic tempo and harmonized vocals reflect the band’s evolving sound during the mid-1960s. However, due to its absence from major album releases, “Go to Her” has slipped into obscurity over the years.

5. “Mexico”

Released as a single in 1970, “Mexico” is a politically charged song criticizing the U.S. government’s stance on marijuana use. Grace Slick’s poignant lyrics and the band’s tight instrumentation make it a standout track. Despite its relevance at the time, “Mexico” is seldom mentioned today, overshadowed by the band’s more commercially successful songs.

6. “Have You Seen the Saucers?”

Paired with “Mexico” as its B-side, “Have You Seen the Saucers?” delves into themes of extraterrestrial life and societal complacency. The song’s psychedelic sound and thought-provoking lyrics exemplify the band’s experimental phase. Yet, it remains one of their lesser-known tracks, often overlooked in retrospectives of their music.

7. “Up or Down”

“Up or Down” was recorded during the early sessions for the “Bark” album in 1970. The song features a bluesy rhythm and introspective lyrics, reflecting the band’s musical exploration during that period. However, “Up or Down” didn’t make it to the final album cut, contributing to its obscurity among the band’s extensive discography.

8. “In the Morning”

This blues-influenced track showcases Jorma Kaukonen’s guitar skills and the band’s ability to adapt traditional styles. “In the Morning” offers a mellow contrast to their more psychedelic works. Despite its musical merits, the song remains largely forgotten, overshadowed by the band’s more experimental tracks.

9. “Runnin’ ‘Round This World”

An early composition, “Runnin’ ‘Round This World” features playful lyrics and a catchy melody. The song reflects the band’s formative sound before they achieved mainstream success. Over time, it has been eclipsed by their later hits, leading to its current status as a forgotten gem.

10. “It’s Alright”

“It’s Alright” is a straightforward rock song that highlights the band’s early musical style. With its upbeat tempo and simple lyrics, the track differs from their later, more complex compositions. As the band’s sound evolved, “It’s Alright” faded into obscurity, rarely receiving attention in modern discussions of their work.