Today in Music (1967): The Doors “Break on Through” released

Break on Through (To the Other Side) The Doors

Writer(s): John Densmore, Robbie Krieger, Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison (see lyrics here) Released: January 1, 1967 First Charted: April 8, 1967 Peak: 1 CL, 64 UK, 1 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): -- US, 0,2 UK, 0.45 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 92.55 video, 319.07 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The influential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group consisted of singer Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manazarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They become an iconic representation of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. Their “unique, undeniably fresh and somewhat punk perspective, fused the mind altering ideas of psychedelia with the intricate musicianship of jazz as well as the vibe of the burgeoning youth underground.” AMG They signed with Elektra Records in 1966 and released their self-titled debut album the next year. The group were appropriately introduced the group to the world as the album’s first song and single “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” “with its direct agenda of pushing all envelopes.” AMG It failed to chart initially, but reached #64 in the UK after the success of the 1991 film The Doors directed by Oliver Stone. “In this urgent song, Jim Morrison looks to shake things up.” SF His lyrics “reveal a literacy that had rarely been incorporated into rock music.” AMG The song “explode[s] behind Morrison’s frenetic lead vocals…Instead of Morrison’s punk sneer and growl flying in the face of their image as an acid-dropping psychedelic hippie band, it serves as a wake up call to all concerned parties that the social rules -- both spoken and understood -- have radically changed and are no longer what they may seem.” AMG Musically, “the Latin-derived opening courtesy of…Densmore – draws the listener in.” AMG Krieger joins in with his “understated lead guitar” AMG featuring a riff inspired by Paul Butterfield’s take on “Shake Your Moneymaker,” originally by blues guitarist Elmore James. WK There are also Manzarek’s “throbbing bass pedals” AMG and a keyboard part inspired by Stan Getz and João Gilberto’s bossa nova album Getz/Gilberto. WK Other sources have cited Them’s “One Two Brown Eyes” and the bassline from Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say” as influences. WK Billboard reviewed the song as an “excitement fileld rocker” and a “powerful debut.” WK Cash Box called it a “driving pulsating track that sould see plenty of spins.” WK Resources: AMG All Music Guide song review by Lindsay Planer SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 4/28/2024.