It's got plenty of attitude, there's no doubt about that. Additionally Electric Ladyland proves, if there are any doubters out there, that Hendrix is a superb guitarist. It also must be said that the other two guys in the band know what they're doing. Electric Ladyland is not a one man show by any means, but there is no doubt that there's only one person everyone came to see.
After listening to the album it is somewhat distressing to read the liner notes. "All compositions written and arranged by Jimi Hendrix, with the exceptions of 'Little Miss Strange', by Noel Redding, 'All Along the Watchtower', by Bob Dylan (arranged by Jimi Hendrix), and 'Come On (Let the Good Times Roll), by Earl King." What's so depressing about that? Well those are the three best songs on the album.
It all comes back to Hendrix's brilliant guitar playing. Basically Electric Ladyland is a showcase of his instrumental abilities. With the exception of a few songs- 'Crosstown Traffic' and 'Gypsy Eyes' come to mind- he doesn't seem really good at writing strong and obvious melodies. Without being too unfair about it, Electric Ladyland is more like a 75 minute jam session that a 75 minute collection of tunes.
To illustrate this point a few songs stand out. 'Voodoo Chile' for instance is a 15 minute long jam, while '1983...(A Merman I Should Turn to be) is only slightly shorter at 13:30 minutes. 'Burning of the Midnight Lamp' and 'Voodoo Child' are also good examples. Both songs contain some extremely enjoyable (and very famous) guitar riffs, but not much else. Apart from those brief moments of pleasure the songs don't really have much to offer in the way of melody.
Electric Ladyland probably won't appeal to that many people. Unlike the band Cream the Jimi Hendrix Experience are essentially offering only brilliant guitar playing, not much of a good tune to go with it. Still the album should not be dismissed lightly even if it isn't enjoyed, because the talent and musical passion Hendrix displays are obvious.
RATING: 3.5/10
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