Album Description:
The Italian 12" LP release of "Successo: Rock Giants Vol. 1" featuring Jimi Hendrix is a fascinating piece of 1970s European rock history. Released by Polydor / Successo in Italy around 1968, this compilation captures Hendrix’s most defining early recordings, including "Hey Joe," "Purple Haze," and "The Wind Cries Mary."
The album presents a vibrant cross-section of Hendrix’s sound, from blues-infused rock to psychedelic experimentation. Italian liner notes by Daniele Caroli frame the release as a celebration of Hendrix’s groundbreaking artistry—bridging traditional rhythm and blues roots with the expanding sonic landscapes of late 1960s rock.
Background and Context
This Italian release arrived during a period when Hendrix’s fame had spread across Europe, fueled by his electrifying live shows and revolutionary studio work. The compilation’s title, “Rock Giants,” reflects the growing recognition of Hendrix as a larger-than-life figure in the evolution of rock music. Issued under the Successo imprint of Polydor, it offered Italian listeners an accessible way to experience the most essential Hendrix tracks on high-quality vinyl.
Musical Highlights
The album opens with "Hey Joe"—the song that first introduced Jimi Hendrix to the world. Its slow-burning, blues-driven melody and tragic storytelling remain timeless. Hendrix’s performance combines raw emotional tension with the technical brilliance of his Stratocaster, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the record.
Following “Hey Joe,” listeners are swept into the charged energy of "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary," two songs that helped define the psychedelic era. Side Two continues with Hendrix staples such as "Foxy Lady," "Stone Free," and "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)"—each track illustrating his innovative guitar tone, soulful expression, and rhythmic intensity. The closing songs "Gipsy Eyes" and "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)" underline Hendrix’s deep roots in blues and R&B, reinterpreted through his visionary approach to rock.
Production and Audio Quality
The album was produced and directed by Jimi Hendrix himself, and this Italian pressing is noted among collectors for its audiophile-quality remastering. The sound remains detailed, with powerful dynamics that emphasize Hendrix’s intricate guitar layering and studio experimentation. Despite minor surface noise, the record retains remarkable clarity—testament to the pressing standards of Polydor Italy during that era.
Collector’s Appeal
The Italian edition of "Successo: Rock Giants Vol. 1" stands out for its distinctive cover design and localized presentation. The album’s back cover includes extensive Italian liner notes—something rare for Hendrix releases outside the English-speaking world. It has become a sought-after collectible, both for its audio fidelity and its historical connection to Hendrix’s expanding European legacy.