: Kravitz was in the studio with his guitarist Craig Ross . They began jamming, and the iconic riff emerged almost instantly.
The song wasn't the result of months of labor; it was a pure moment of musical inspiration .
While the song sounds like a rebellious rock anthem, its theme is deeply spiritual.
Though it was released as an airplay-only single in the U.S. (making it ineligible for the Billboard Hot 100 at the time), its success was massive.
: The driving guitar work is considered one of the most recognizable of the decade, earning Kravitz nominations for several Grammy Awards . Visual Impact: The Official Music Video
: The song is written from the perspective of Jesus Christ , whom Kravitz has called "the ultimate rock star".
: It seamlessly mixes hard rock riffs with a deep funk groove.
: Kravitz includes a call for peace, singing, "We must engage and rearrange / And turn this planet back to one" . The Sound: A Hendrix-Style Masterpiece