"Winds of Change" is the debut album by Eric Burdon & the Animals, released in October 1967 under MGM Records. Following the dissolution of the original Animals group in 1966, Eric Burdon relocated to San Francisco and formed a new lineup with drummer Barry Jenkins, guitarist Vic Briggs, bassist Danny McCulloch, and violinist John Weider. Produced by Tom Wilson and arranged by Briggs, the album's recording spanned several months.
Departing from the blues and R&B roots of the original Animals, "Winds of Change" embraced psychedelic rock influences. It features diverse and experimental compositions, with Burdon delivering spoken-word lyrics and stories over sparse, psychedelic backdrops. The album is dedicated to various musicians and artists who influenced Burdon.
Upon its release, "Winds of Change" did not chart in the UK but reached number 42 on the US Billboard Top LPs chart. Two singles from the album, "Good Times" and "San Franciscan Nights," were successful in the UK, with the latter also becoming a Top 10 hit in the US.
Critical reception of the album has been mixed, with some praising its experimental nature and others questioning its coherence and direction. Despite initial reception, "Winds of Change" has been re-released multiple times over the years, reflecting its enduring influence and status as a snapshot of the psychedelic rock movement of the late 1960s.
