It was safe to say that the band The Doors were in serious trouble by this point in time of their career in some ways. It seemed that the glory days of their debut album’s critical and commercial success were long gone, for some part. In addition to that, singer Jim Morrison was arrested and convicted for public profanities and indecent exposure at a concert in Miami, Florida in late 1969. Sadly, this was the last major release by The Doors before Jim Morrison’s tragic and early death at age 27 in mysterious circumstances within months of this release, joining the tragically named 27 Club (in reference to Rock artists who prematurely died at age 27). There was some evidence prior to Jim Morrison’s death that things were going downhill within The Doors themselves, with long-time producer Paul A. Rothchild leaving his duties after hearing the new material by The Doors and quitting upon hearing it. In any case, this album became a rather ironic critical and commercial success, just before Jim Morrison died in mid 1971. The album focuses more on Blues Rock influences than before in The Doors musical career. It was produced by Bruce Botnick and was released on Elektra Records on April 19, 1971, after being recorded at The Doors’ Workshop in Los Angeles. The Doors were: Jim Morrison (vocals); Ray Manzarek (keyboards, piano and organ); Robby Krieger (lead guitar) and John Densmore (drums and percussion). Let’s take a listen to this album, often seen as one of The Doors best releases, and we shall hear where it is at.

The Changeling begins with some weird and odd keyboards and drums, which sound very unusual. Nonetheless, this is very good but sounds rather dated by today’s standards, having said that. Jim Morrison sings in a deep and interesting voice and sings about Hippie pursuits and roaming around town, being broke as a joke. Once the chorus hits, one can easily appreciate this West Coast Psychedelic Music from The Doors. After some time, this builds up to a fantastic crescendo of sound. This sounds a lot like Deep Purple, particularly with the organ predominant throughout this tune. This does sound really quite cool and different throughout, with some amazing sounds and playing throughout. A decent tune, especially for those of you who value Psychedelic/Progressive Rock. Jim Morrison sounds feisty and passionate on this tune, and he delivers some excellent shouty vocals. Excellent to hear from start to finish, and it fades out at the end.

Love Her Madly begins with some interesting electric guitar parts, and launches into a decent tune with some good singing by Jim Morrison. This is much more soulful and decent than anything from the first album by The Doors, and although this definitely is rather dated music, it sounds really superb for what it is. A sweet, tuneful and retro-sounding classic, Jim Morrison sings in a strange yet awesome way for us to listen to. A really interesting and quite cool tune to listen to, The Doors proved that they had many musical tricks up their sleeve. A thoroughly fantastic and awesome piece of music to listen to, this is different and refreshing to hear. Bring back the 1960s and 1970s musical styles and vibes. Another awesome tune.

Been Down So Long is a very Blues-influenced tune with Jim Morrison growling his way through a really excellent and powerful piece of music. This is really sensationally good. In fact, this album release is 10 times better than the self-titled debut album by The Doors, without doubt or question. The Doors back up Jim Morrison’s growling vocals with some sensational Blues Music jamming to match that, with some awesome slide guitar and a stomp-based groove. A really great tune to listen to and enjoy. A really cool and incredible song, Jim Morrison is in full Rock God mode here, and he sings the Blues just as well as other musical genres that The Doors covered in their career. A genuinely fantastic listening experience that does not disappoint, the slide guitar is wacky and fantastic simultaneously. A really awesome tune that deserves your time and ears. Wonderful to listen to, and certainly worth repeat listens. It ends in a sensationally Bluesy fashion. Brilliant.

Cars Hiss By My Window is a strange, low-down set of Blues Music instrumentation that sounds really great from the start. It begins with some subdued guitars, brushed percussion and a definite old school Blues Music vibe. Nonetheless, this sounds really fantastic to listen, to this very day. A really straightforward and amazing listening experience through and through, The Doors proves that their musical experimentation and progression are very much valued, and are not to go unnoticed. A really very awesome listen, this sounds incredibly sweet and beautiful throughout. It also sounds like the product of a lost era of much more traditional music to listen to. More of a nicely played jam than anything else, this does sound really great, all the same. A really fantastic tune to listen to, and something pure as solid gold. Jim Morrison’s singing sounds really fantastic throughout, and he does deliver a great song and a sweet musical statement. A really awesome and fantastic tune to hear, this is absolutely brilliant. Right towards the end are some yelped vocals imitating guitars, which are nice and different. A great tune, all the way through to the fade out.

L.A. Woman is the title track at nearly eight minutes in length. It begins with some odd and freaky sounds on keyboards, and guitars. It quickly launches into a sweet, memorable and fantastic-sounding jam piece with some really awesome organ present. Soon enough, Jim Morrison launches into an awesome Blues-based Rock Music jam that sounds effortless, sweet and brilliant, all in one. A really great song, this is quite clear by this point that this album is better than the self-titled debut album that The Doors made earlier in 1967. Nonetheless, a really sensational and sweet listen. Jim Morrison sounds like Robert Johnson on this song, preaching the Blues in a Psychedelic Rock sort of context. Ridiculously good, this does sound really amazing as a listening experience from start to finish. Towards the midsection is a sweet breakdown that sounds cool, with some shuffle drums. A very innovative listening experience by The Doors, this never gets dull or boring, not for a moment. A really fantastic and sweet tune to hear, even if you aren’t a huge fan of Blues-based Rock Music. In the second half, bass guitar becomes prominent in a jam-based section with plenty of great musical sounds and overdubs throughout, which sound really sweet. Jim Morrison then emits the eternally cool phrase repeatedly: “Mr. Mojo Rising!” as the music speeds up. This sounds very nice and suspenseful throughout, as it builds up in suspense, tempo and attitude. A really cool and great listen, this sounds very amazing for what it is. A great mixture of Blues, Rock and Psychedelia is present in this song. A clear winner and worth repeat listens, through and through. Jim Morrison screams along nicely before this song begins to gradually conclude. A very great song.

L’America is a shorter piece with some rather Black Sabbath-styled Gibson SG parts by Robby Krieger, which is a little ironic to begin with. It does sound doomy and gloomy, which is definitely different. Some hissing then enters, followed by a weird organ. This is a bit of an oddity on this album, but nonetheless, a welcome oddity. Marching drumbeats then enter, and this song launches into some interesting lyrical singing by Jim Morrison, likely about tripping on LSD. Still, this is a really cool and interesting tune to listen to. The Doors knew how to make dramatic music, that is for sure. This song has some singing about the seasons of weather patterns and other strange ongoing, over 1960s/1970s styled organ. This gradually builds up in intensity throughout but sounds really awesome and pleasant to listen to. Jim Morrison was an inimitable vocalist who, to this day, cannot be matched. Nonetheless, a powerful and fantastic-sounding piece of music that is very animated. Again, worth every moment to listen to. It speeds up nicely at the end, before entering into some crashing instrumentation, before quickly concluding. Great.

Hyacinth House begins with some sweet and clean electric guitar, before launching into a smooth and straightforward piece of music. Again, this imaginative and excellent music sounds really amazing. It also blows away much of what is being released today that is hugely popular. Just this album will do when one needs to take a lengthy road trip through the south of the USA with your BFF. Jim Morrison sounds deep and emotional on this tune, and he sings about gambling away with cards. This does sound really terrific, all the same. Another cool tune to listen to, and some that is very valuable. Worth every moment.

Crawling King Snake begins with some interesting guitar licks, and intricate drum rolls and launches straight into action. This melodic tune sounds absolutely superb to listen to, and Jim Morrison sings about some interesting ideals in a Blues song. A really awesome, interesting and great song, this sounds really sweet and amazing throughout. Jim Morrison sounds great on this album, and The Doors back him up perfectly throughout. Some crazy guitar leads are present in the solo section, which sounds really amazing. A genuinely worthwhile listening experience, The Doors also sound amazing on this album. A wonderful listen comparing oneself to that of a snake, this music will last the test of time. A sleazy, dirty Blues tune done in a very Psychedelic fashion, The Doors knew exactly how to make thrilling-sounding tunes when called upon for it. A great listen from start to finish, and something very top to hear, this is the best of Psychedelic Heavy Blues Rock. Truly great, even for a lesser-known tune of this album.

The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat) begins with some nicely muted and dirty Blues sounds. Jim Morrison launches into a great song that is likely to appeal to those in the deep south of the USA. Nonetheless, this is another very good song by The Doors, mentioning aliens and other conspiracy theories. The music present is exciting and nicely inspired throughout. It mentions racism and getting stoned, which is both bogus and cool. Nonetheless, an enjoyable listenable song that has every moment worth it, once again. A really eclectic, electric and bizarre-sounding tune at times, this does sound very, very good for what it is. Referring to music as a global language, The Doors nailed this right on the head for the future of mankind. Fantastic, thrilling and image-evoking, this song is yet another winner. Worth a listen, it launches into some awesome synchronised keyboards and drumming, before concluding with a wacky finish.

Riders On The Storm is the epic finale of this album, beginning with the sound of rain and thunder. Hi-hats enter, and this tune slowly and gradually comes alive, with some keyboard thrown in for good measure. A really awesome tune with some chanted lyrics by Jim Morrison, The Doors articulate being born into a world without purpose or meaning. This is a great USA tale that, to this day, sounds absolutely wonderful and worth one’s ears. No doubt that Jim Morrison did not know that this was his swan song on an album by The Doors. Even so, this sounds really great and amazing throughout. A cool, clever and artistic masterpiece. Towards the midsection, this enters into a great and grand instrumental section that sounds absolutely magical. A great, great listening experience from start to finish. This is miles away and better than the cheesy music on the debut album by The Doors. A fine, sweet and fantastic listening experience. Ray Manzarek’s keyboards and other sounds are truly magical on this tune as well. In the second half, the music briefly stops, leaving in the sound of the storm, before launching back into the classic song. Catchy, groovy and very awesome to listen to, this is a sensationally wonderful and unique sort of song, even by The Doors standards. This begins to conclude with some more groovy organ and guitar over the sound of storms and rain. Very, very sweet. It wraps up nicely with a lush conclusion and the sounds of storms. Awesome.

This is definitely an underrated listening experience. From start to finish, The Doors did their best to articulate and create an album that is the best jam band combination of Blues, Rock and Psychedelia into one last masterpiece by the band before Jim Morrison’s unfortunate death. Sadly, The Doors never recovered from his loss, but they did leave this fantastic album for us to hear. Should you listen to this album? Definitely give it a try, it is a definitive release from 1971. Punk fans and similar music lovers will not enjoy this album, however.

Sweet, artistic and fantastic.

9/10