"Smash Hits" is a compilation album by the American-British rock band The Jimi Hendrix Experience, released in 1968. The album features a selection of some of the band's most popular and influential songs from their first two studio albums, "Are You Experienced" and "Axis: Bold as Love."
"Smash Hits" includes iconic tracks such as "Purple Haze," "Hey Joe," "The Wind Cries Mary," and "Fire," among others. These songs showcase Jimi Hendrix's virtuosic guitar playing, innovative use of effects, and soulful vocals, as well as the band's tight rhythm section consisting of bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.
The album was released in response to the band's growing popularity and demand for their music. "Smash Hits" served as an introduction to The Jimi Hendrix Experience for many listeners and played a significant role in popularizing the band's music beyond their initial fanbase.
While "Smash Hits" was not a studio album in the traditional sense, it remains an essential compilation in The Jimi Hendrix Experience's discography, offering a concise and accessible overview of the band's groundbreaking music. The album continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike as a testament to Hendrix's enduring influence on rock music.
