Grace Slick is more than just a name etched into the annals of rock history—she’s a living legend, a voice that encapsulates the highs and lows of American rock ‘n’ roll from the 1960s to the 1980s and beyond. With her distinct voice, rebellious spirit, and bold personality, she became an essential figure in bands like Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. Her music has spanned decades, evolving with changing times while maintaining a unique, ethereal quality that resonates with listeners to this day.
Let’s take a look at some of the top 10 songs that best represent her remarkable career, a blend of poetic musings, cosmic voyages, and sheer rock power. These tracks showcase Grace Slick’s enduring influence on popular music, from the trippy days of Jefferson Airplane to the electrifying hits of Jefferson Starship, and even into the 1980s with Starship’s synth-driven anthems.
1. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
If there is one song that defines Grace Slick, it’s “White Rabbit.” This track, from Surrealistic Pillow (1967), is arguably one of the most iconic songs of the Summer of Love era, dripping with psychedelic imagery and mind-expanding philosophy. The haunting lyrics, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, are paired with Slick’s chilling, hypnotic vocals, making it an unforgettable experience.
Grace’s voice is both commanding and soothing as she sings about the “queen of hearts” and “the rabbit hole,” guiding listeners through a strange, dreamlike journey. The song was a significant moment in the counterculture movement, representing both the freedom and the dangers of the era’s expanding consciousness. It’s a rare gem in the music world where the personal and the universal collide, capturing the spirit of the 1960s and still retaining its mystique today.
2. “Somebody to Love” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
Another monumental hit from Surrealistic Pillow, “Somebody to Love” showcases Grace Slick at her best—raw, powerful, and emotionally charged. While the song itself was written by Darby Slick, Grace’s vocal performance transforms it into a declaration of yearning and need. She gives the track an emotional depth, making it one of the standout songs in Jefferson Airplane’s catalog.
The song’s influence reaches far beyond the 1960s, with its powerful, pleading lyrics that still resonate with listeners today. “Somebody to Love” became an anthem for a generation that felt isolated and in search of connection. The track was a massive commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a testament to Grace Slick’s ability to turn personal vulnerability into something universally relatable.
3. “Volunteers” – Jefferson Airplane (1969)
Released during the height of the Vietnam War and the social upheavals of the late 1960s, “Volunteers” was a rallying cry for change and revolution. Grace Slick’s passionate vocals bring urgency and defiance to the track, making it one of Jefferson Airplane’s most powerful political statements. The song became a favorite at protests, its call for action resonating with young people who were fed up with the status quo.
With its infectious chorus, “We are volunteers of America,” and its aggressive, driving rhythm, the song captures the frustration and hope of an entire generation. The track remains relevant, with its themes of rebellion and social justice, which still resonate with activists today.
4. “Miracles” – Jefferson Starship (1975)
By the time Jefferson Airplane morphed into Jefferson Starship, Grace Slick’s music had evolved, embracing the more mainstream sounds of the 1970s. “Miracles,” a hit single from the 1975 album Red Octopus, is one of the standout moments of this new phase in her career. The song is a beautiful, sweeping love ballad, with Slick’s voice soaring above lush instrumentation.
Unlike the politically charged anthems of her earlier career, “Miracles” is a testament to love and its transformative power. It was a commercial hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and became one of the best Jefferson Starship songs of the era. “Miracles” solidified Grace Slick’s place in the hearts of a new generation of fans while still maintaining the magic of her voice.
5. “We Built This City” – Starship (1985)
When We Built This City hit the airwaves in 1985, it marked a new chapter for Grace Slick and her band, now known as Starship. The song, with its catchy, radio-friendly sound and lyrics about the commercialization of rock ‘n’ roll, became a massive hit. It topped the charts for several weeks and remains one of the most recognizable Starship songs from the 80s.
The track’s catchy refrain, “We built this city on rock and roll,” is both a declaration of defiance and a lament for a time when music seemed more authentic. The song represents a moment of transition for Grace Slick, from the counterculture anthems of her youth to the corporate world of the 1980s pop landscape. Yet, her voice remains strong, and the message about preserving rock’s soul amidst the commodification of art still resonates today.
6. “Jane” – Jefferson Starship (1979)
“Jane” was another big hit for Jefferson Starship, one that helped define the band’s sound as they moved further into mainstream rock. The song, from the album Freedom at Point Zero (1979), showcases Grace Slick’s more sophisticated vocal style, which had matured into a smooth, polished sound. The track was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s blend of slick, melodic rock with Slick’s soaring vocals gave the band a more radio-friendly sound while still maintaining the energy and spirit of Jefferson Airplane. It’s one of those timeless Jefferson Starship music videos that remains fun to watch, with its characteristic 80s vibe. “Jane” still holds a nostalgic place in many Starship fans’ hearts and continues to be a staple in their live performances.
7. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – Starship (1987)
A true 1980s anthem, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” was a massive commercial success for Starship, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lush production, catchy melody, and powerful lyrics about perseverance and love helped solidify the band’s place in pop culture.
Grace Slick and Mickey Thomas’s harmonies work in perfect tandem, adding a dynamic tension to the song. Mickey Thomas, best known for his work with Starship and his classic hit “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” brings a soulful counterpoint to Slick’s commanding voice. This track is one of the top 10 Jefferson Starship songs of all time, especially when considering its longevity and its consistent presence in Starship songs in movies. Whether it’s a rom-com or a 1980s film montage, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” remains a pop-culture touchstone.
8. “Plastic Fantastic Lover” – Jefferson Airplane (1968)
“Plastic Fantastic Lover,” from Surrealistic Pillow, is a quintessential example of Grace Slick’s early work. With its spacey, psychedelic lyrics and Slick’s ethereal vocals, the song exudes the carefree, experimental nature of the late 1960s. The track is a commentary on the shallowness of consumerism and the artificiality of modern life, making it both timely and timeless.
The song’s dreamy, otherworldly feel, combined with Slick’s commanding voice, makes it one of the more underrated gems in the Jefferson Airplane catalog. For fans of Jefferson Airplane music videos, this track captures the essence of the band’s late-60s experimental phase. It’s a perfect example of Grace’s ability to blend philosophical musings with rock music, creating an entirely new sound that defined an era.
9. “Find Your Way Back” – Jefferson Starship (1981)
From the album Modern Times (1981), “Find Your Way Back” is another example of Jefferson Starship’s ability to merge pop rock with a deeper message. The song’s driving beat and catchy melody make it instantly accessible, but it’s the lyrical themes of self-discovery and the search for personal truth that give it emotional weight.
Grace Slick’s vocals, as always, are both comforting and commanding, offering a sense of guidance to the listener. This track was another hit for the band in the early 1980s, showcasing their continued evolution as artists. It remains one of the standout Starship songs from the 80s in terms of both commercial success and artistic merit.
10. “The House at Pooneil Corners” – Jefferson Airplane (1968)
This song from Crown of Creation (1968) is perhaps one of Grace Slick’s more avant-garde offerings. The song is haunting and mysterious, with lyrics that evoke images of decay, change, and the passage of time. The song’s surrealist quality, both musically and lyrically, fits well within the experimental ethos of Jefferson Airplane’s late 1960s output.
“The House at Pooneil Corners” remains one of the most enigmatic songs in Grace’s catalog. It’s a deep, layered track that reflects the complexity of her artistic vision. It may not have the same mainstream success as some of the other songs on this list, but it holds a special place in the hearts of fans who appreciate the experimental side of her work.
Closing Thoughts
From the early days of Jefferson Airplane to her time with Jefferson Starship and the 1980s with Starship, Grace Slick’s music spans decades of innovation, rebellion, and reflection. Whether she was leading the charge for the counterculture with songs like “White Rabbit” or serenading us with lush love ballads like “Miracles,” Grace’s voice and songwriting continue to inspire.
The best Jefferson Starship songs offer a sense of nostalgia for an era of artistic freedom and exploration, while the top 10 Jefferson Starship songs are just as much about crafting timeless tunes as they are about offering a window into the musical evolution of one of rock’s most unforgettable voices. Through the Starship music videos and Starship music on YouTube, Grace’s legacy lives on, forever intertwined with the cultural fabric of the 20th century.
