Smash Hits has always served as a Whitman Sampler of the career of the rock era’s most astonishing guitarist, Jimi Hendrix. It's a quick concise collection of Hendrix’s most well-known tunes, many of which appeared on his debut album, Are You Experienced?. “Purple Haze,” “Manic Depression,” “Fire” and “Foxey Lady” represent the hard edge of psychedelic rock with Hendrix’s intricate and innovative guitar voicings powering his distinct power trio. Drummer Mitch Mitchell is due much credit for coloring the sparse arrangements with his own polyrhythms. While Hendrix is known for the explosive electricity he brings to Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” the tenderness of “The Wind Cries Mary” and his first hit single, the cover of “Hey Joe,” should never be overlooked. This collection also features several tunes that had previously been left off the U.S pressings of his albums, including the brilliant pop shine and boogie roots of “Can You See Me,” the classic B-side psychedelia of “Stone Free,” the gentle romp of “Remember” and the 12-bar blues of “Red House.”