Emerging in the mid-1960s from the rich musical tapestry of Los Angeles, Buffalo Springfield stands as a beacon of the folk rock movement. Although their time together as a band was brief, the impact they made on the world of music is immeasurable. Comprised of legendary talents like Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin, Buffalo Springfield carved a unique path, blending their individual musical prowess to create an unforgettable sound that resonates with audiences to this day.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the annals of Buffalo Springfield’s discography, delving deep into their vast repertoire to uncover the top 10 best songs that have come to define their enduring legacy. From the hauntingly beautiful ballads to the politically charged anthems, each track weaves a melodic tapestry that captures the essence of an era marked by social unrest and artistic revolution.
We will traverse through timeless classics like “For What It’s Worth,” a powerful protest song that became an anthem for a generation, and “Mr. Soul,” a fierce blend of rock and folk that showcases the band’s dynamic range. From the introspective musings of “Bluebird” to the captivating narratives of “Expecting to Fly,” each composition reveals the multifaceted talents of Buffalo Springfield.
Prepare to relish in the distinctive harmonies, masterful songwriting, and instrumental virtuosity that have solidified Buffalo Springfield’s place in the pantheon of musical greats. Join us as we honor their artistry and unveil the top 10 best Buffalo Springfield songs of all time, celebrating the enduring magic of this legendary band.
1. Four Days Gone
This classic tune recalls the emotional turmoil of a protagonist who has been gone for four days. Buffalo Springfield's 'Four Days Gone' is an evocative and fiery representation of captivating guitar sounds that resonate throughout the track, paired with poignant vocals that capture the powerful emotions of alienation and longing. This memorable track is one of their top hits, demonstrating their impressive artistry and enduring presence in the rock genre.
The song was written by Stephen Stills and debuted on their second album, “Buffalo Springfield Again” in 1967. Its organic composition showcased both Stills' lyrical prowess and Young's guitar skills; the song features a driving melody with harmonious vocals that imbue it with a raw energy. This timeless classic is often cited as one of Buffalo Springfield's greatest achievements, solidifying their status in rock music history.
Despite its haunting lyrics, this track remains perennially popular among fans thanks to its musicality and emotional resonance. The verses slowly build up to a rousing crescendo near the end, highlighting the band's exceptional musicianship. It has inspired many cover versions over the years, cementing its status as one of Buffalo Springfield's most significant contributions to music.
Pro Tip: In addition to 'Four Days Gone', check out other fantastic tracks from Buffalo Springfield like 'For What It's Worth', 'Mr. Soul', or 'Bluebird'. Even Clancy's singing skills have fallen victim to the harsh realities of modern times in this classic tune by Buffalo Springfield.
2. Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing
This exceptional tune of Buffalo Springfield called out to Clancy, a talented musician who had lost his skill with age. The poignant lyrics and the melody showcase the beauty of Neil Young's voice. The band's creative synergy clearly stands out in this song as Stephen Stills adds beautiful harmonies to enhance the track. Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing is a classic example of Buffalo Springfield's socially conscious lyrics that spotlight pressing issues while maintaining a hauntingly beautiful sound.
The track begins with an acoustic guitar picking pattern that gives way to Young's vocals instantly. He sets the tone by singling out prominently Clancy's diminishing abilities while posing larger questions on friends and relationships' transient nature. As the song progresses, Stills' harmonies complement Young's voice, giving the track an added dimension. The instrumental break in the middle showcases Richie Furay's slick licks on the guitar, adding texture and depth to this timeless tune.
Interestingly enough, Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing was not just a concern for one individual but served as an allegory for social decay during that era. Neil Young was inspired by a friend's encounter with someone who could barely hold a tune anymore – their conversation sparked and informed this powerful song.
Pro Tip: This beautiful ballad is perfect for anyone seeking inspiration amid tough times or grappling with similar issues of loss and change in their life or loved ones.
Expecting To Fly? More like expecting to be blown away by this hauntingly beautiful Buffalo Springfield masterpiece.
3. Expecting To Fly
This track encapsulates Buffalo Springfield's experimentation with orchestral arrangement and psychedelic sounds. Originally, Neil Young penned the song for his solo album but later included it in the Buffalo Springfield repertoire. The track draws inspiration from a trip he took to Hawaii while he was still part of the band. Its melodic structure and haunting vocals make it one of the most beloved tunes in their catalog.
The orchestral arrangements used in "Expecting To Fly" represent an innovative approach to rock music, and credit must be given to Jack Nitzsche, who arranged the orchestration in collaboration with Young. The ambient strings and fluttering flute give an organic feel to the song while allowing Richard Furay's rhythm guitar and Dewey Martin's gentle drumming to hold the center ground.
Interestingly, "Expecting To Fly" marks one of the last times that Richie Furay thought Buffalo Springfield sounded like a band. It indicates that Young was already moving on with his artistic vision, which would eventually result in his departure from the group.
Missing out on this epic masterpiece would be a grave mistake for any avid music lover. Allow yourself to soar with Buffalo Springfield's sonic beauty today!
"Flying on the ground might be wrong, but listening to Buffalo Springfield's legendary track about it is definitely right."
4. Flying On The Ground Is Wrong
This Buffalo Springfield classic has been a crowd pleaser since its release in 1966. The euphoric tune coupled with Neil Young's emotive voice evokes an introspective atmosphere, making it a favorite amongst fans.
'Flying On The Ground Is Wrong' was penned by Neil Young himself which made it the only track on the debut album written solely by him. The lyrics talk about the effectiveness of tuning out various distractions in life and staying true to oneself. It draws parallels between current societal norms and past patterns while urging listeners to smile their way through tough times while staying unswayed by materialistic forms of success.
Interestingly, this song’s original track was deemed unsatisfactory by Neil Young as he felt it didn't do justice to his vision for it. Still, Richie Furay managed to convince him to get back on board with revisions that later resulted in one of Buffalo Springfield's biggest hits.
To reap the benefits of this song, one can try meditating or develop mindfulness techniques to help achieve clarity and focus instead of resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms when hit with tough times. Reflections upon the lyrics can also serve as a source of inspiration and a way to stay grounded amidst chaos.
If only every childhood claim to fame could result in writing a song as groovy as Buffalo Springfield's.
5. A Child’s Claim To Fame
This track, which is the fifth song on the list of the 10 best Buffalo Springfield songs of all time, showcases the band's skillful combination of rock and country music. The song highlights a child's perception of fame and how it affects their lives. With its catchy melody and harmonies, "A Child's Claim To Fame" has become one of Buffalo Springfield's most popular songs.
The unique lyrics discuss a child's dreams of being famous and how this can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. The band's members have admitted that this song reflects their own experiences as young musicians trying to make it in the competitive music industry.
Interestingly, "A Child's Claim To Fame" was originally written by guitarist Richie Furay for his previous band, The Au Go Go Singers. However, after joining Buffalo Springfield, he reworked the song to fit their sound and style.
Overall, "A Child's Claim To Fame" remains an essential part of Buffalo Springfield's legacy as one of the most groundbreaking rock bands of the '60s. Its combination of thoughtful lyrics, memorable melody, and unique sound continues to inspire musicians today.
Listening to Bluebird is like soaring through the skies with a buffalo…and I'm not even on drugs.
6. Bluebird
With its rich orchestration and brilliant intricate melody, 'Bluebird' is one of the top songs from Buffalo Springfield. It showcases the creativity and skill of the band's members, especially Stephen Stills, who wrote the song.
The Table for this particular track would contain columns such as:
| Song | Album | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluebird | Buffalo Springfield Again (1967) | Stephen Stills |
One unique fact about this song is that it was covered by many famous artists like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker, The Guess Who, and many more. Its popularity has continued throughout generations.
Interestingly, 'Bluebird' was originally called "The Hour of Not Quite Rain" until David Crosby suggested its current title. The song's powerful lyrics and moving melody have made it a fan favorite over decades.
Broken Arrow: the only thing more broken than this song is my heart when it inevitably gets stuck in my head for days.
7. Broken Arrow
This track is yet another notable creation by Buffalo Springfield, a legendary American rock band. "Broken Arrow" features an enthralling blend of Neil Young's commanding vocal skills and Stephen Stills' mastery of the guitar. The song reveals the band's musical prowess in creating a soulful and energizing vibe with the use of intricate instrumental arrangements.
The song narrates a story of a character that goes by the name of Broken Arrow, who falls into deep despair, with his life hanging on merely through fate. However, as the song progresses, Broken Arrow finds love and eventually sets free from his dismal circumstances.
Interestingly, "Broken Arrow" was initially composed for their previous album but was later released as a single in 1968 following popular demand from fans. This heartfelt tune has established itself as one of the most loved tracks by Buffalo Springfield due to its relatable storyline and striking musicality.
Pro Tip: Listen to this powerful track with headphones to fully immerse yourself in its soulful soundscapes.
Mr. Soul is like a shot of espresso in an otherwise mellow playlist – it wakes you up and makes you appreciate the raw, unfiltered energy of Buffalo Springfield.
8. Mr. Soul
This entry on the list pertains to a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. Its soulful melody and memorable lyrics make it an all-time favorite among listeners of all ages. The song's legendary guitar riff is immediately recognizable and has been covered by numerous artists throughout the years. Truly, this is a testament to the lasting impact that Buffalo Springfield had on music history.
As we delve deeper into the song itself, we are met with a powerful message about one's personal journey in life. The lyrics speak to the struggles of finding one's place in the world and staying true to oneself amidst outside pressures. These themes were especially relevant during the time period in which Buffalo Springfield emerged, as young people sought to make their voices heard amid social and political upheaval.
What sets "8. Mr. Soul" apart from other songs on this list is its unique blend of rock and folk influences. The guitar work is complex yet accessible, and Stephen Stills' vocals are raw yet graceful. This combination creates a truly special listening experience that captures the spirit of an entire era.
Interestingly, some speculate that "Mr. Soul" was actually written as a nod to Bob Dylan, whose influence can be heard throughout Buffalo Springfield's music. Regardless of its origins, the song has stood the test of time as a classic of the genre.
Overall, "8. Mr. Soul" is far more than just another entry on this list – it is a hallmark of American music history that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Protest songs never go out of fashion, and ‘For What It's Worth’ is like a timeless pair of jeans – it just keeps getting better with age.
9. For What It’s Worth
This song, originally written as a protest anthem for increasing curfews on entertainment spots in Los Angeles, has become an all-time classic. Its opening guitar riff is often recognized as one of the most iconic snippets of music in pop culture history. It also remains a powerful commentary on society and its tendency to suppress free speech. The song’s original name was ‘Stop Children, What’s That Sound?’, but it was later released as ‘For What It’s Worth’ by the Buffalo Springfield band in 1966.
Take a trip with Buffalo Springfield's 'On The Way Home', because who needs GPS when you have these groovy sounds leading the way?
10. On The Way Home
With its introspective lyrics and melodic sound, the song ranked at number 10 on the list showcases Buffalo Springfield's signature talent. 'The Homeward Journey' is a soulful ballad that explores themes of self-reflection and growth. The harmonies between Neil Young and Richie Furay create an ethereal sound that perfectly captures the emotion of the song. The track's guitar solo adds depth to this melancholic journey through life. Unafraid to delve into challenging subject matter, Buffalo Springfield creates a memorable listening experience.
Diving deeper into the track, 'The Homeward Journey' challenges listeners to confront their internal struggles while also holding onto hope for brighter days ahead. As with many of their songs, Buffalo Springfield uses poetry to express universal emotions that transcend time and place. The band's ability to combine folk and rock elements in their music made them trailblazers in music history.
It's important to highlight how Buffalo Springfield's influence can still be heard in contemporary artists to this day. Many musicians have cited them as an inspiration for their work, including Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, and Wilco. With 'The Homeward Journey,' Buffalo Springfield proves why they continue to be remembered as musical innovators.
Fun fact: Neil Young wrote 'On The Way Home' when he was just 21 years old, proving his prodigious abilities even at a young age.
Samuel Moore 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.
