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The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds

blues rock, psychedelic rock

United Kingdom Est. 1963

"Layered guitar textures intertwine with shifting rhythms, creating a sense of tension that propels each song forward while leaving room for expansive musical exploration."

Quick Start

A good place to start with The Yardbirds is…

Five Live Yardbirds

Five Live Yardbirds

1964
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Career Arc

The Yardbirds's discography from 1964 to 2017

1964 1990 2017
Five Live Yardbirds (1964) Having a Rave Up with The... (1965) Heart Full of Soul (1965) For Your Love (1965) Evil Hearted You (1965) Roger the Engineer (1966) Happenings Ten Years Time... (1966) Shapes of Things / You're... (1966) Over Under Sideways Down (1966) Little Games (1967) The Yardbirds Greatest Hi... (1967) Live Yardbirds: Featuring... (1971) More Golden Eggs (1975) Golden Eggs (1975) Shapes of Things (1977) Reunion Jam (1999) Cumular Limit (2000) Glimpses 1963–1968 (2000) Ultimate! (2001) Live! Blueswailing July '... (2003)
The Yardbirds matter not just for their innovative sound but for the way they served as a crucible for rock's evolution, influencing generations of musicians and reshaping the landscape of popular music.
The Yardbirds matter not just for their innovative sound but for the way they served as a crucible for rock's evolution, influencing generations of musicians and reshaping the landscape of popular music. Emerging in the mid-60s, they were pivotal in bridging the gritty energy of blues rock with the hallucinatory textures of psychedelia, paving the way for the experimental ethos that would characterize much of rock music in the following decades. Their approach to songwriting and instrumentation was marked by a willingness to explore new sonic territories and embrace improvisation. By integrating blues-infused riffs with avant-garde techniques, they challenged conventional song structures and pushed their audience’s expectations. This adventurous spirit manifested in their live performances, where improvisation often took center stage, inviting listeners into a shared experience that felt spontaneous and electric. Lyric-wise, The Yardbirds often weave narratives rooted in existential themes, exploring love's complexities and the pains of disillusionment with a blend of irony and sincerity. Their storytelling can oscillate between raw emotional depth and playful abstraction, creating a space where listeners can find both catharsis and contemplation.

Full discography

The Yardbirds's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

27 releases • 21 albums • 1964–2017
Type:

Singles ()

Happenings Ten Years Time Ago album by The Yardbirds

Happenings Ten Years Time Ago

1966

Shapes of Things / You're a Better Man Than I album by The Yardbirds

Shapes of Things / You're a Better Man Than I

1966

Over Under Sideways Down album by The Yardbirds

Over Under Sideways Down

1966

Heart Full of Soul album by The Yardbirds

Heart Full of Soul

1965

For Your Love album by The Yardbirds

For Your Love

1965

Evil Hearted You album by The Yardbirds

Evil Hearted You

1965

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Yardbirds sound like?

Layered guitar textures intertwine with shifting rhythms, creating a sense of tension that propels each song forward while leaving room for expansive musical exploration. Rooted in psychedelic rock and R&B. Start with Roger the Engineer.

What is the best The Yardbirds album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Roger the Engineer" (1966). It's the most representative of what makes The Yardbirds worth hearing.

Who is The Yardbirds for?

If you're into psychedelic rock and R&B, The Yardbirds is worth your time. Layered guitar textures intertwine with shifting rhythms, creating a sense of tension that propels each song forward while leaving room for expansive musical exploration.

How many albums does The Yardbirds have?

The Yardbirds has 27 releases in their discography, including 21 albums.

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