About this album
Where they were
Released on June 21, 1965, 'Mr. Tambourine Man' was The Byrds’ debut album. At this point, they were still establishing their identity, having formed just a year prior. This record marked their transition from a local Los Angeles band to national prominence, largely due to their innovative sound and the inclusion of Bob Dylan's songs.
Why it matters
'Mr. Tambourine Man' played a pivotal role in popularizing folk rock, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Its lead single not only showcased The Byrds' signature sound but also influenced countless artists and genres that followed, cementing the band’s place in music history.
Essential tracks
- "Mr. Tambourine Man" — The title track is a transformative cover of Bob Dylan’s song that established The Byrds’ jangly guitar sound and vocal harmonies as a defining characteristic of the genre.
- "I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better" — This original composition by Gene Clark captures the emotional depth and melodic sophistication that became a hallmark of The Byrds’ style.
- "Chimes of Freedom" — Another Dylan cover, this track showcases the band’s ability to infuse traditional folk with contemporary sensibilities through rich instrumentation and layered harmonies.
Release Date
June 21, 1965
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Mr. Tambourine Man 2:34
- 2 I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better 2:35
- 3 Spanish Harlem Incident 2:01
- 4 You Won’t Have to Cry 2:11
- 5 Here Without You 2:40
- 6 The Bells of Rhymney 3:34
- 8 I Knew I’d Want You 2:18
- 9 It’s No Use 2:27
- 10 Don’t Doubt Yourself, Babe 2:58
- 11 Chimes of Freedom 3:55
- 12 We’ll Meet Again 2:17
- 13 She Has a Way 2:29
- 14 I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better (alternate version) 2:31
- 15 It’s No Use (alternate version) 2:27
- 16 You Won’t Have to Cry (alternate version) 2:11
- 17 All I Really Want to Do (single version) 2:06
- 18 You and Me (instrumental) 2:11
