Buffalo Springfield, a legendary band that defined an era, left an indelible mark on the world of music with their short but impactful career. Rising to prominence in the late 1960s, this supergroup of immensely talented musicians—featuring Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, and others—crafted a sound that blended folk rock, country, and psychedelia into something uniquely their own. Their music was not only a reflection of the turbulent times but also a timeless testament to artistry, innovation, and raw emotion.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 most popular Buffalo Springfield songs of all time. These tracks not only showcase the band’s extraordinary versatility but also highlight their ability to capture the spirit of an era while remaining relevant to this day. From anthems of social change to poignant ballads and electrifying rock epics, Buffalo Springfield’s music continues to resonate with fans across generations.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their music for the first time, get ready to explore the songs that solidified Buffalo Springfield as one of the most influential bands in rock history. Sit back, turn up the volume, and let’s dive into the timeless magic of their greatest hits!
1. “For What It’s Worth” (1967)
Buffalo Springfield’s most enduring song, For What It’s Worth, became a defining anthem of the 1960s counterculture movement. Written by Stephen Stills, the song was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles, where young people protested against heavy-handed police enforcement. Although it was born from a specific moment, its themes of unrest, tension, and social awareness made it timeless.
The song’s haunting, reverb-drenched guitar riff is instantly recognizable, setting a moody and reflective tone. Stills’ restrained vocal delivery, paired with the steady, minimalistic percussion, creates a sense of urgency without aggression. The lyrics—“Stop, children, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down”—encapsulate a sense of unease that resonated deeply during the Vietnam War era and continues to be relevant today in times of protest and political upheaval.
More than just a protest song, For What It’s Worth serves as a reflection on societal change, encouraging awareness and action. It remains one of the most influential tracks of its time, covered and referenced by countless artists. Even decades after its release, its message still speaks to listeners, proving the power of music as a voice for social consciousness.
2. “Bluebird” (1967)
A perfect example of Buffalo Springfield’s innovative fusion of rock, folk, and country, Bluebird is a masterclass in musical craftsmanship. Written by Stephen Stills, the track showcases the band’s ability to blend intricate acoustic melodies with explosive electric guitar passages, creating a dynamic listening experience that remains as exciting today as it was in 1967.
The song begins with a gentle, rolling acoustic riff, drawing the listener into its warm, inviting soundscape. But as it progresses, it transforms into a full-fledged rock jam, featuring a fiery electric guitar duel between Stills and Neil Young. This shift between delicate and intense sections is what makes Bluebird so captivating—it’s unpredictable, yet effortlessly cohesive.
Lyrically, the song remains somewhat cryptic, using poetic imagery that evokes themes of love, freedom, and longing. The harmonies between Stills and Richie Furay add to its ethereal quality, while the extended instrumental outro solidifies its place as one of the band’s most adventurous compositions. As a standout track from Buffalo Springfield Again, Bluebird is a testament to the group’s creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of folk-rock.
3. “Mr. Soul” (1967)
Mr. Soul is Neil Young at his most raw and introspective, delivering a biting critique of fame and the music industry. Written after Young suffered a health scare related to epilepsy, the song reflects his uneasy relationship with stardom and his fear of losing himself in the process. The track’s gritty, distorted guitar riff bears a striking resemblance to The Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction, giving it a hard-edged rock and roll feel.
The lyrics are filled with cryptic, thought-provoking lines that hint at Young’s internal struggle. “She said, ‘You’re strange, but don’t change,’ and I let her,” he sings, reflecting the pressures of public perception and the need for authenticity. The urgency in Young’s voice, combined with the song’s heavy, almost hypnotic rhythm, makes Mr. Soul stand out as one of Buffalo Springfield’s most intense recordings.
Originally released on Buffalo Springfield Again, the song has since become a Neil Young classic, frequently performed in his solo career. Its dark, rebellious energy captures the spirit of rock’s anti-establishment ethos, proving why Young remains one of music’s most enduring and uncompromising artists.
4. “Expecting to Fly” (1967)
A striking departure from Buffalo Springfield’s typical folk-rock sound, Expecting to Fly is a beautifully orchestrated ballad written and sung by Neil Young. The song features lush string arrangements and an ethereal quality that makes it feel almost dreamlike, setting it apart from the rest of Buffalo Springfield Again.
The lyrics are deeply melancholic, painting a picture of lost love and emotional detachment. Young’s delicate, almost fragile vocal delivery enhances the song’s introspective mood, making it one of the most emotionally stirring tracks in the band’s catalog. The production, handled by Jack Nitzsche, incorporates sweeping orchestration that gives the song a cinematic feel, reminiscent of some of the most poignant moments in Young’s later solo work.
Expecting to Fly is often seen as a precursor to Young’s future experimentation with deeply personal and atmospheric music. It’s one of those songs that lingers in the listener’s mind, its haunting beauty staying with you long after it ends. Though it marked a stylistic shift, it remains one of Buffalo Springfield’s most beloved and critically acclaimed tracks.
5. “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing” (1966)
One of Buffalo Springfield’s earliest singles, Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing, introduced the world to Neil Young’s unique songwriting style. Though Young wrote the song, it was Richie Furay who handled lead vocals, as Young was still developing confidence in his voice at the time.
The lyrics are poetic and abstract, touching on themes of isolation and disillusionment. Lines like “Who’s putting sponge in the bells I once rung?” convey a sense of loss and confusion, making the song feel deeply introspective. The melody is haunting yet melodic, with a folk-like structure that contrasts beautifully with the song’s underlying sadness.
Despite not being a massive commercial hit, Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing became a cult favorite among fans and an early indicator of Young’s future brilliance. It also set the tone for Buffalo Springfield’s reputation as a band that could craft songs with depth and meaning, rather than simply chasing radio-friendly hits. Over time, it has grown in significance, regarded as one of the band’s most poetic and thought-provoking compositions.
6. “Rock & Roll Woman” (1967)
One of Stephen Stills’ finest compositions, Rock & Roll Woman is a breezy, infectious track that captures the essence of late-1960s folk-rock. Released on Buffalo Springfield Again, the song is believed to have been inspired by Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane, reflecting Stills’ admiration for strong, independent women in the music scene.
Musically, the song features shimmering guitar work, tight vocal harmonies, and a laid-back groove that makes it instantly appealing. The interplay between acoustic and electric guitars creates a layered sound, giving the track a sense of depth and movement. Stills’ vocals, smooth yet expressive, glide effortlessly over the arrangement, while the harmonized chorus adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia.
Lyrically, Rock & Roll Woman celebrates the free-spirited nature of the era, embracing the idea of music as a form of rebellion and liberation. It’s a song that embodies the optimism and artistic experimentation of the time, showcasing Buffalo Springfield’s ability to craft sophisticated yet accessible music. Though it never became a massive hit, it remains a fan favorite and an essential piece of the band’s legacy.
7. “On the Way Home” (1968)
Written by Neil Young, On the Way Home is a beautifully melodic and emotionally rich song that appeared on Buffalo Springfield’s final album, Last Time Around. With Richie Furay taking lead vocals, the track carries a sense of nostalgia and farewell, making it one of the band’s most poignant recordings.
The song’s warm, uplifting arrangement contrasts with its introspective lyrics, creating a perfect balance between melancholy and hope. The combination of folk, rock, and orchestral elements gives it a grand yet intimate feel, making it stand out as one of the most sophisticated tracks in Buffalo Springfield’s catalog. The harmonies are particularly striking, showcasing the band’s ability to blend voices seamlessly, adding emotional depth to the song’s message.
Lyrically, On the Way Home reflects on personal growth and the passage of time, themes that resonate deeply as the band was nearing its end. Despite its reflective nature, there is an underlying optimism in the music, as if looking forward to new beginnings. The song remains a highlight of Last Time Around and a touching farewell from one of the most influential bands of the 1960s.
8. “Go and Say Goodbye” (1966)
As the opening track on Buffalo Springfield’s self-titled debut album, Go and Say Goodbye immediately showcases the band’s ability to blend rock, folk, and country influences into something fresh and exciting. Written by Stephen Stills, this upbeat track features twangy guitar licks, an infectious melody, and a sense of playful energy that sets it apart from some of the band’s more introspective material.
The song’s country-leaning style was an early indicator of the genre-blurring approach Buffalo Springfield would take throughout their brief but impactful career. The lyrics tell a simple yet effective story of moving on from a failed relationship, delivered with a mix of resignation and upbeat charm. The crisp harmonies and tight instrumentation make Go and Say Goodbye an engaging listen, proving that the band had a knack for crafting catchy, well-structured songs.
Though it wasn’t a major hit, the song remains a fan favorite and an essential part of the band’s early sound. It also highlights Stephen Stills’ songwriting talents, which would continue to develop in his later work with Crosby, Stills & Nash.
9. “Kind Woman” (1968)
A tender and soulful ballad, Kind Woman is one of Richie Furay’s finest contributions to Buffalo Springfield. Released on Last Time Around, the song is a heartfelt love letter, featuring warm melodies and deeply sincere lyrics that set it apart from the band’s more rock-oriented material.
The song’s gentle, country-tinged arrangement foreshadowed Furay’s later work with Poco, a band that helped pioneer the country-rock movement. With soft piano chords, delicate guitar work, and Furay’s smooth, emotional vocals, Kind Woman exudes warmth and sincerity. The lyrics express gratitude and devotion, making it one of the most touching songs in Buffalo Springfield’s catalog.
What makes Kind Woman particularly special is its simplicity. Unlike some of the band’s more ambitious compositions, this song thrives on its straightforward, heartfelt delivery. It’s a perfect example of how less can be more when it comes to songwriting, proving that a beautiful melody and genuine emotion are sometimes all that’s needed to create a classic. Over the years, Kind Woman has remained one of Buffalo Springfield’s most beloved tracks, cherished by fans of both folk-rock and country music alike.
10. “Broken Arrow” (1967)
Neil Young’s Broken Arrow is perhaps the most ambitious and unconventional song in Buffalo Springfield’s catalog. Released on Buffalo Springfield Again, this deeply atmospheric track defies traditional song structures, unfolding like a series of musical vignettes that blend together to create an evocative, dreamlike journey.
The song’s structure is fragmented, with different sections fading in and out, including snippets of crowd noise and distant voices. This collage-like approach gives Broken Arrow a cinematic quality, making it feel more like an emotional experience than a standard rock song. Lyrically, Young weaves together cryptic imagery and deeply personal reflections, touching on themes of disillusionment, fame, and lost innocence. His signature high, fragile vocals enhance the song’s melancholic tone, making it one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces in the band’s discography.
Although it never became a mainstream hit, Broken Arrow is a fan favorite and a testament to Young’s visionary approach to music. It foreshadowed the experimental tendencies that would define much of his later solo work, cementing his reputation as one of rock’s most innovative and introspective artists. Even today, the song remains a fascinating and immersive listen, proving that Buffalo Springfield was far more than just a typical folk-rock band.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
