First Rays of the New Rising Sun
The long-lost double album that finally revealed the full spectrum of the Electric Lady's vision.
First Rays of the New Rising Sun stands as the posthumous completion of Jimi Hendrix's most ambitious and elusive studio project: a double album intended to showcase his artistic evolution beyond the psychedelic rock of his earlier years. Originally conceived by the musician himself in late 1969, the record was meant to be a sprawling sonic tapestry that blended heavy blues riffs with experimental soundscapes, orchestral arrangements, and funk rhythms. For decades, it remained a ghost in the machine of rock history, with its tracks scattered across various singles and albums until a definitive version was finally assembled by his estate.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Jimi Hendrix
- Released
- 1 May 1997
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 69:27
- Label
- MCA, Experience Hendrix
- Producer
- Jimi Hendrix
- Eddie Kramer
- Mitch Mitchell
- John Jansen
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The album's creation was cut short by Hendrix's untimely death in September 1970, leaving behind a vault of unfinished master tapes that became the subject of intense speculation for nearly fifty years. While fragments appeared on singles like 'Angel' and 'Machine Gun,' the full double-album structure remained a mystery to collectors until modern archival efforts pieced together the intended tracklist. It is now celebrated not just as a collection of songs, but as a completed artistic statement that cements his legacy as a visionary producer.
Reader's Guide
The recording sessions took place primarily at Electric Lady Studios in New York between late 1969 and early 1970, featuring a rotating lineup of musicians including Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell. Production was notoriously difficult due to Hendrix's perfectionism; he frequently re-recorded tracks or layered complex overdubs that pushed the limits of studio technology at the time. This definitive version includes previously unreleased tracks and alternate takes. Culturally, it solidified Hendrix's reputation as an avant-garde pioneer who was constantly pushing boundaries long before genres like funk-rock or progressive rock became mainstream.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom | 3:26 |
| 2 | Izabella | 2:50 |
| 3 | Night Bird Flying | 3:50 |
| 4 | Angel | 4:21 |
| 5 | Room Full of Mirrors | 3:21 |
| 6 | Dolly Dagger | 4:44 |
| 7 | Ezy Ryder | 4:07 |
| 8 | Drifting | 3:48 |
| 9 | Beginnings | 4:12 |
| 10 | Stepping Stone | 4:12 |
| 11 | My Friend | 4:36 |
| 12 | Straight Ahead | 4:42 |
| 13 | Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) | 6:04 |
| 14 | Earth Blues | 4:21 |
| 15 | Astro Man | 3:34 |
| 16 | In From the Storm | 3:41 |
| 17 | Belly Button Window | 3:36 |
| Total length | 69:27 | |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The album title was chosen by Jimi to reflect his desire for a new beginning in music and society.
- It was the first double album project he ever attempted, intended to be released as two distinct sides with different sonic textures.
- Many tracks were recorded during the same sessions that produced 'All Along the Watchtower' but were left off the original albums due to space constraints.
More in Albums & EPs
Elsewhere in Jimi Hendrix
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced