5 The Doors Songs That Sound Completely Outdated

The Doors were one of the most original rock bands of the late 1960s. With Jim Morrison’s deep voice and poetic lyrics, they stood out during a time of major change in music. But not every track aged well. Some songs, especially those full of dated production choices or experimental sounds, now feel stuck in the past. While they may have fit the era, these tracks don’t hold up the same way today. Whether it’s due to cheesy keyboards, spoken word sections, or odd rhythms, these songs sound more like a time capsule than lasting rock.

“Horse Latitudes”

“Horse Latitudes” was included on the Strange Days album in 1967. It’s not really a song, but a spoken-word piece based on one of Jim Morrison’s poems. The background features sound effects like screaming winds and crashing waves, trying to match the poem’s theme of ships throwing horses overboard.

Even in the late ’60s, this track felt experimental. Today, it sounds more like a college poetry reading with strange noise behind it. The words don’t follow a rhythm, and there’s no melody or beat. It’s not something most listeners would go back to for music or lyrics.

“My Wild Love”

“My Wild Love” appears on Waiting for the Sun (1968). It’s based almost entirely on chanting vocals and handclaps, with little to no instruments. The repetitive line “My wild love went riding” is sung again and again without much variation.

The track lacks structure and melody, and the style feels closer to a campfire chant than a rock song. While it might have seemed creative at the time, it now sounds flat and out of place on the album. The absence of any instrumental section makes it harder to enjoy today, especially compared to their more developed material.

“Celebration of the Lizard”

“Celebration of the Lizard” was an extended piece The Doors often performed live. A shortened version was included on Absolutely Live and some parts appeared on Waiting for the Sun. It’s over 15 minutes long and mixes poetry with music in a way that’s hard to follow.

At the time, Morrison’s spoken sections were considered bold. Today, the track comes off more like a theater piece than a song. The music jumps between ideas without settling into one direction. While it was important to the band, modern listeners may find it confusing and far removed from their stronger work.

“Not to Touch the Earth”

This song is a section from “Celebration of the Lizard” that was released on Waiting for the Sun. It features dark lyrics, shifting tempos, and strange sound effects. Morrison’s voice goes from soft whispers to loud shouts, while the music stays unstable throughout.

Although it showed the band’s love for experimentation, the track doesn’t age well. The changes in tone make it hard to enjoy from start to finish. It lacks a clear hook or rhythm, and the mood feels forced. It’s not a song that gets much radio play today and is mostly remembered by deep fans.

“Tell All the People”

“Tell All the People” opens the 1969 album The Soft Parade with a brass section and bright, marching-band style music. Robbie Krieger wrote the lyrics, and the track features horns instead of the band’s usual keyboard or guitar focus. Morrison sings in a clear tone without his usual edge.

The song’s arrangement and lyrics sound dated now, especially with lines like “Get your guns” and the polished production. It doesn’t match the raw feeling that made their earlier music stand out. Many listeners today view it as one of the weaker openings in The Doors’ album history.