Top Ten Songs on The Album The Notorious Byrd Brothers by The Byrds
The Notorious Byrd Brothers was the band's most experimental album, blending rock, folk, and country with a heavy dose of psychedelia. During this album, rhythm guitarist David Crosby and drummer Michael Clarke left the band; tensions were high during the making of this album. Despite this, they managed to make a surprisingly good album that doesn't really show that it was made in chaotic times. If I missed your favorite song, I'm sorry; you can add it to the list.
This song was written by famous songwriting duo Goffin and King. It gained a tremendous boost in popularity after being featured in the film Easy Rider.
The opening track. The song is about a man who takes amphetamines and realizes when he comes down that he was arrested for murder. It's notable because it has very prominent brass instruments.
The lead single. It was also written by Goffin and King; it's about nostalgia for one's childhood.
The song was originally written by David Crosby about conscription and the Vietnam War; Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman finished it after he left the band.
Roger McGuinn said that the song was written with Gene Clark during a two week period where he replaced Crosby as rhythm guitarist. It's very interesting because it was mostly written in 5/4 time.
The song was written by Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman. It's about the concept of "carpe diem", or "seize the day".
David Crosby wrote this about the Human Be-In held in San Francisco. This song also uses a 5/4 time signature; it reminds me of Take Five by Dave Brubeck.
Written by Chris Hillman. It's also about the longing for childhood ideals.
Written by David Crosby; it was about his penchant to use a sailboat as an escape from society.
The album closer. The lyrics were inspired by the short story "The Sentinel", which also inspired the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey". It's the most psychedelic song on the album by far.