The Doors started recording Waiting for the Sun in late 1967 at Sunset Sound Studios, with early versions of “The Unknown Soldier” and “Spanish Caravan.” The group soon moved to TTG Studios in Hollywood, California, where the majority of the album’s recording took place.
The band had used up most of frontman Jim Morrison's original songbook, a collection of lyrics and ideas, for their first two records. Consequently, following months of touring, interviews and television appearances, they had little new material. The band attempted to record a lengthy suite titled “Celebration of the Lizard,” which was planned to occupy the second side of the album, but the concept was shelved. However, a recording of the “Not to Touch the Earth” segment was included and the full lyrics to “Celebration of the Lizard” were printed inside the album's gatefold sleeve.
The removal of “Celebration of the Lizard” compelled the band to compose new songs in the studio. They also reconsidered older songs they had previously decided against recording, such as “Hello, I Love You.” The growing perfectionism of producer Paul A. Rothchild led to innumerable studio re-takes, which became an issue for the group. Morrison’s increasing alcohol consumption also caused tension and difficulties, and at one point drummer John Densmore walked out of a session frustrated at Morrison’s behavior.
Waiting for the Sun became the band’s only number one album, topping the Billboard 200 for four weeks, while also including their second US number one single, “Hello, I Love You.” The first single released off the record was “The Unknown Soldier,” which peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became the band’s first hit album in the UK, where it reached number 16.
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