The Byrds are a legendary American rock band that emerged during the mid-1960s in the midst of the counterculture movement. The band’s unique blend of folk, rock, and psychedelia helped to define the sound of the era and influence generations to come. Their signature jangly guitar sound and intricate vocal harmonies set them apart from their contemporaries and helped to make them one of the most influential bands of the era.
In this list of the 10 Best The Byrds Songs of All Time, we will explore some of their most iconic and enduring works, from their early hits to their later, more experimental tracks. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to their music, this list is sure to showcase the best of what The Byrds had to offer.
1. Mr. Tambourine Man
“Mr. Tambourine Man” is a classic folk rock song by the American band The Byrds. It was released in 1965 and became their first hit single, reaching the top of the charts in both the US and the UK. The song features jangly guitars, a steady beat, and the distinctive harmonies that became the band’s trademark. The lyrics, written by Bob Dylan, are filled with vivid imagery and surrealistic language, painting a dreamlike picture of a world seen through the eyes of a troubadour who is seeking escape from the trials of everyday life. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics have made it one of the most beloved and enduring songs of the 1960s folk rock era.
2. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
“Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” is a song by The Byrds, released in 1965. The song is based on a biblical text, and its lyrics are a series of aphorisms about the cyclical nature of life. The song became an anthem for the 1960s counterculture, with its message of hope and peace. The arrangement features the signature jangly guitar sound of the band, and the distinctive harmonies of the vocalists. The song was a major hit for The Byrds, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the most popular and enduring songs of the era.
3. Eight Miles High
“Eight Miles High” is a psychedelic rock song by American rock band The Byrds, released in 1966. It’s known for its jangly guitar sound, soaring harmonies, and complex lyrics. The song is said to have been inspired by the band’s tour of the UK, where they were introduced to the British mod and psychedelic scenes. It features intricate guitar work and a hypnotic melody, along with cryptic lyrics that evoke a sense of disorientation and surrealism. “Eight Miles High” has been hailed as one of the most innovative and influential songs of the 1960s, and a key precursor to the psychedelic rock movement that would follow.
4. So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
“So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” by The Byrds is a satirical take on the music industry and the desire for fame. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the biting lyrics that criticize the commercialization of rock music. The jangly guitar riffs and harmonies are hallmarks of The Byrds’ sound and the song’s chorus is a call-and-response between the lead vocals and background singers. “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” became a hit for The Byrds and is still celebrated for its combination of musicality and social commentary.
5. I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better
“I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” is a classic rock song by The Byrds, released in 1965. Written by the band’s lead guitarist, Gene Clark, the song is known for its jangling guitar riff and catchy melody. The lyrics express the singer’s newfound independence after a heartbreak, with lines like “Now I’m free from love’s prison walls” and “My tears are fallin’ like rain from the sky, is it for her or myself that I cry?” The song became an instant hit and a staple of the band’s live performances, showcasing their signature folk-rock sound and harmonies.
6. My Back Pages
“My Back Pages” by The Byrds is a cover of the Bob Dylan classic, but it’s been reworked into a more upbeat, jangly rock song. The opening guitar riff immediately sets the tone for the song, and the lyrics reflect the sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the world that was pervasive among young people in the mid-1960s. The harmonies on the chorus are classic Byrds, and the song builds to a powerful climax with an extended guitar solo. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but The Byrds’ version remains the definitive one, capturing the spirit of the times and the band’s unique sound.
7. Chestnut Mare
“Chestnut Mare” is a song by The Byrds, released in 1970 on their album “Untitled”. The song is written by Roger McGuinn and Jacques Levy and is a combination of country and rock music. The opening riff of the song is played on the guitar and sets the tone for the entire track. The lyrics describe a man’s journey through a desert with his chestnut mare and the various obstacles they face along the way. The song has been praised for its catchy melody and impressive guitar work, particularly during the instrumental breaks.
8. Hickory Wind
“Hickory Wind” is a beautiful country rock ballad by The Byrds, originally released in 1968. Written by Gram Parsons and Bob Buchanan, the song features Parsons’ distinctive vocals and emotive lyrics about longing for a simpler life in the countryside. The song’s gentle melody is complemented by the twangy guitar work and the lush harmonies of the band. The melancholic tone of the song captures the feeling of nostalgia for a time and place that may never be recaptured. “Hickory Wind” is a standout track on The Byrds’ album “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” and remains a classic example of the band’s pioneering fusion of rock and country music.
9. Have You Seen Her Face
“Have You Seen Her Face” is a song by American rock band The Byrds, released in 1967 as a single from their album “Younger Than Yesterday”. The song features a jangly guitar riff and a catchy chorus, typical of The Byrds’ signature sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has fallen in love with a girl he sees walking down the street, and he can’t get her out of his mind. The song is notable for its strong harmonies, particularly during the chorus, and for its upbeat, pop-rock feel. “Have You Seen Her Face” is often cited as one of the standout tracks from “Younger Than Yesterday” and one of the best examples of The Byrds’ influential sound.
10. Ballad of Easy Rider
“The Ballad of Easy Rider” by The Byrds is a folk-rock song written by Roger McGuinn and Bob Dylan. It was originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1969 film “Easy Rider,” which explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the counterculture movement of the late 1960s. The song features McGuinn’s distinctive 12-string guitar sound and vocal harmonies that are characteristic of The Byrds’ signature sound. The lyrics describe the journey of a young man on a motorcycle ride, seeking a sense of freedom and adventure as he travels through different landscapes and encounters various characters. The song’s chorus, “The sky is so high and the sea is so wide, and I’m gonna get where I’m going before I arrive,” reflects the restless spirit of the counterculture movement and its rejection of traditional societal norms.
Simon Robinson 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.
