The Animals – Animal Tracks (1965) | Full Album Guide, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction
Animal Tracks (1965) by The Animals is one of the most authentic blues-driven albums of the British Invasion era. While many bands were leaning toward pop-rock success, The Animals stayed rooted in raw rhythm & blues, delivering a record filled with covers of American blues classics and powerful vocal performances by Eric Burdon.
This album is especially notable for collectors because there are two completely different versions (UK and US) released under the same title—making it one of the most confusing and interesting records of the 1960s.
Album Overview
- Artist: The Animals
- Album: Animal Tracks
- Release Year: 1965
- Genre: Blues Rock / R&B
- Label: Columbia (UK)
- Producer: Mickie Most
Tracklist (UK Version – Original Release)
- Mess Around
- How You've Changed
- Hallelujah I Love Her So
- I Believe to My Soul
- Worried Life Blues
- Roberta
- I Ain't Got You
- Bright Lights, Big City
- Let the Good Times Roll
- For Miss Caulker
- Roadrunner
- I Can't Believe It
Album Credits
- Eric Burdon – Lead Vocals
- Hilton Valentine – Guitar
- Alan Price – Keyboards
- Chas Chandler – Bass
- John Steel – Drums
- Producer: Mickie Most
- Label: Columbia Records (UK)
UK vs US Version (Important Collector Note)
One of the most unique aspects of Animal Tracks is that the US release is completely different:
- The US version includes hit singles like “We Gotta Get Out of This Place”
- The UK version is more focused on blues covers and deeper cuts
- Tracklists, sequencing, and even the overall vibe differ significantly
👉 For collectors, the UK pressing is considered the “true” album, while the US version is more of a compilation.
Musical Style & Legacy
Animal Tracks showcases The Animals at their most blues-oriented and stripped-down. The album draws heavily from American blues legends such as:
- Ray Charles
- Chuck Berry
- John Lee Hooker
Eric Burdon’s gritty voice became a defining sound of the era, helping bridge American blues and British rock audiences.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Most tracks on the album are covers of classic blues and R&B songs
- “For Miss Caulker” is one of the few original compositions on the album
- The band recorded many songs quickly to keep up with the fast-paced 60s release schedule
- The Animals were among the few British bands that stayed true to blues roots instead of going fully pop
Did You Know?
- There are collectors who mistakenly buy the US version thinking it's the original—they are not the same album at all
- Original UK mono pressings are more valuable and harder to find
- Alan Price left the band shortly after this period, marking the end of the classic lineup era
- The Animals played a major role in introducing American blues artists to European audiences
Final Thoughts
Animal Tracks (1965) is not just another British Invasion album—it’s a deep dive into blues tradition through a British lens. Its raw sound, powerful vocals, and unique release history make it a must-know record for both fans and collectors.
Whether you're exploring 60s rock or building a vinyl collection, this album stands as a key piece of music history.
