So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star cover

So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star

The Byrds · 1967

5 min · 2 tracks · folk rock ยท psychedelic rock ยท country rock

A playful critique of fame wrapped in jangly guitars and harmonized vocals that encapsulate 60s rock culture.

So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star is a single by The Byrds, released in 1967. A playful critique of fame wrapped in jangly guitars and harmonized vocals that encapsulate 60s rock culture. This album stood out for its direct commentary on the music industry, reflecting the disillusionment with rock stardom during the counterculture movement. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard charts and has been recognized for influencing future artists who would grapple with similar themes of celebrity culture. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star sound like?

A playful critique of fame wrapped in jangly guitars and harmonized vocals that encapsulate 60s rock culture. Rooted in folk rock and psychedelic rock.

What makes So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star by The Byrds notable?

This album stood out for its direct commentary on the music industry, reflecting the disillusionment with rock stardom during the counterculture movement. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard charts and has been recognized for influencing future artists who would grapple with similar themes of celebrity culture. Released on January 9, 1967, 'So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star' was The Byrds' fifth studio album and marked their continued evolution in the folk rock landscape. At this point, they were riding high on the success of previous hits like 'Mr. Tambourine Man,' but faced pressures from their rising fame and changing musical trends.

How many songs are on So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star?

So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Tracklist

2 tracks·5:16

Best experienced from track one โ€” press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 So You Want to Be a Rock'n'Roll Star Standout 2:07
  • 2 Everybody's Been Burned Standout 3:09

Release Date

January 9, 1967

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

5 min 16 sec