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Fifth Dimension (album)

by The Byrds

Released: July 18, 1966

Folk rock, psychedelic rock, raga rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

Recorded after the departure of principal songwriter Gene Clark in February 1966, the album features an increased songwriting contribution from guitarists Jim McGuinn and David Crosby, although it includes four cover songs and an instrumental. "Fifth Dimension" is the third studio album by the American rock band The Byrds, released in July 1966 by Columbia Records. Notably, this album marked the first time The Byrds did not include any Bob Dylan songs, a departure from their previous work.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It features the singles "Eight Miles High" and…

It features the singles "Eight Miles High" and "5D (Fifth Dimension)," with "Mr. Spaceman" also reaching the U.S. Top 40.

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Essential Tracks

5D (Fifth Dimension)

It features the singles "Eight Miles High" and "5D (Fifth Dimension)," with "Mr. Spaceman" also reaching the U.S. Top 40.

Mr. Spaceman

It features the singles "Eight Miles High" and "5D (Fifth Dimension)," with "Mr. Spaceman" also reaching the U.S. Top 40.

Eight Miles High

It features the singles "Eight Miles High" and "5D (Fifth Dimension)," with "Mr. Spaceman" also reaching the U.S. Top 40.

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Explore the Album

The Byrds - Fifth Dimension (album)

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Then

Reception

The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. Critics noted the album's "wildly uneven" quality, reflecting the challenges of compensating for Clark's absence.

Now

Legacy

Fifth Dimension is often regarded as The Byrds' most experimental album, playing a key role in the emergence of the psychedelic rock genre.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Fifth Dimension" is the third studio album by the American rock band The Byrds, released in July 1966 by Columbia Records. Recorded after the departure of principal songwriter Gene Clark in February 1966, the album features an increased songwriting contribution from guitarists Jim McGuinn and David Crosby, although it includes four cover songs and an instrumental. Critics noted the album's "wildly uneven" quality, reflecting the challenges of compensating for Clark's absence. Notably, this album marked the first time The Byrds did not include any Bob Dylan songs, a departure from their previous work.

The album peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. It features the singles "Eight Miles High" and "5D (Fifth Dimension)," with "Mr. Spaceman" also reaching the U.S. Top 40. Fifth Dimension is often regarded as The Byrds' most experimental album, playing a key role in the emergence of the psychedelic rock genre.