“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals: A Timeless Classic of Folk Rock
When The Animals released their version of “The House of the Rising Sun” in 1964, they cemented their place in rock history with what has been hailed as the first true folk rock hit. Originally a traditional American folk song, the tune tells the haunting story of a person whose life has gone astray in New Orleans, filled with sorrow and regret. What makes The Animals’ rendition so remarkable is how they managed to breathe new life into this centuries-old song, giving it a modern electric edge while preserving its raw emotional core.
The song’s ascent to the top of the charts was nothing short of spectacular. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, and then it took the US and Canadian markets by storm, becoming a massive hit across the Atlantic. This was no small feat for a band hailing from Newcastle, England, who, at the time, were still carving out their identity in the world of rock music. Yet, when frontman Eric Burdon and his bandmates decided to close their live shows with “The House of the Rising Sun” during their tour with rock legend Chuck Berry, they knew they had something special. The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming, and the band’s producer, Mickie Most, who was initially hesitant about the track, quickly realized its potential.
What sets The Animals’ version apart from earlier folk renditions is its haunting instrumentation and dramatic vocal delivery. Hilton Valentine‘s iconic A minor chord arpeggio on the electric guitar sets the stage for a deeply atmospheric experience, immediately drawing listeners into the dark tale. Meanwhile, Alan Price‘s eerie organ part pulses in the background, providing a brooding counterpoint to Burdon’s powerful, gravelly vocals. His voice, described as both “howling” and “soulful,” perfectly captures the desperation of the song’s narrator. It’s no wonder that this combination of traditional folk storytelling with modern rock elements struck a chord with audiences everywhere.
Recorded in a single take on May 18, 1964, “The House of the Rising Sun” defied the odds by becoming a major pop single despite its length of over four minutes, which was unusual for that time. Producer Mickie Most famously said, “Everything was in the right place,” acknowledging how effortlessly the recording came together. Despite initial concerns about its length, the full version was released, marking a shift in the music industry’s acceptance of longer tracks in popular music.
The impact of The Animals’ version was so profound that it has since been reissued multiple times, charting again in both 1972 and 1982. Its unique 6/8 meter and the deep emotional resonance of the lyrics helped it transcend time, remaining relevant and beloved even decades after its initial release.
Though the song’s arrangement is credited solely to Alan Price, the band’s keyboardist, it’s important to note that the entire group played a crucial role in shaping the track. Unfortunately, this has led to some lingering bitterness among the other band members, as Price was the only one to receive royalties for the hit. Nonetheless, “The House of the Rising Sun” stands as a collaborative triumph for The Animals, a track that not only defines their career but also set the stage for future folk rock acts.
This timeless rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun” is a testament to the power of music to bridge genres, generations, and emotions, securing its place as one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s.