"Surrealistic Pillow" is the second studio album by the American rock band Jefferson Airplane, released on February 1, 1967, by RCA Victor. This album marked Jefferson Airplane's first commercial breakthrough and is considered one of the key recordings of the "Summer of Love" in 1967. Additionally, Surrealistic Pillow has been recognized as a significant album in the psychedelic rock genre.
The production of the album was designated to Rick Jarrard, an RCA staff producer, but significant input and influence came from Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, who is recorded as their "musical and spiritual advisor". The music on the album is a blend of folk, rock, and psychedelic music, and the lyrics often address themes of love and idealism, reflective of the contemporary countercultural movement.
Two hit singles came from this album, "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit". Both songs have since become classics of the psychedelic rock era. "White Rabbit" is particularly noted for its references to Alice in Wonderland and its bolero-style rhythm, which were unique characteristics in rock music of the time.
"Surrealistic Pillow" gained critical acclaim, being listed in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and it was onducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. This album boosted Jefferson Airplane's career, and today, it is seen as a defining piece of psychedelic rock.
