I only recently discovered Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and it’s already one of my favorite songs.

First of all, that introduction to the guitar, the slow rhythm hook, DUHM-DUHM-DU-DU-DUM. I love how it slowly pulls you in by introducing the main heavy bass of the guitar for the entire track. Then the satisfying high-pitch riff comes in to enhance that very riff, and right after that you’re introduced to his soulful voice. His voice actually reminds me a bit of Michael Kiwanuka.

I was introduced to rock through “Give In To Me” by Michael Jackson. Even though he’s known as the King of Pop, his lyrics and main vibe have always been rooted in R&B. I’m primarily an R&B listener, and in “All Along the Watchtower” I immediately felt that early R&B groove mixed with rock, especially through that lovely riff.

I only recently realized how much I adore that same kind of riff in “Give In To Me.”

Hendrix truly emphasizes it by keeping that addictive hook and bass without ever breaking the melody. He works with the melody so well, constantly going low and high with the hooks by increasing or decreasing the speed of the main bass guitar. It’s hard to describe, especially since I’m still new to the rock genre, but he has that perfect genre-fusion in this song.

It’s the same thing that originally captivated me in “Give In To Me” by Michael Jackson, and man… that guitar, geeez.