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The Notorious Byrd Brothers

by The Byrds

Released: January 15, 1968

Rock, psychedelic rock, pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

"The Notorious Byrd Brothers" is the fifth studio album by the American rock band, The Byrds. Released in January 1968, it represents the pinnacle of their future-facing psychedelic sound. Therefore, it is the only Byrds album that features all five original band members.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced by Gary Usher at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, and is noted for its innovative use of electronic effects and experiments with country rock and baroque pop. The recording sessions for the album were wrought with tension, culminating in the departure of members David Crosby and Michael Clarke.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Notwithstanding these issues, the album is recognized for…

Notwithstanding these issues, the album is recognized for its seamless integration of a wide array of musical styles and the use of innovative production techniques.

The album contains a mix of original songs…

The album contains a mix of original songs and covers, including the Bob Dylan song 'You Ain't Going Nowhere'.

It delivered some classic Byrd hits such as…

It delivered some classic Byrd hits such as 'Goin' Back' and 'Wasn't Born to Follow'.

It stands as a testament to The Byrds'…

It stands as a testament to The Byrds' defiant resilience and their daring sense of creativity and invention.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Goin' Back

It delivered some classic Byrd hits such as 'Goin' Back' and 'Wasn't Born to Follow'.

Wasn't Born To Follow

It delivered some classic Byrd hits such as 'Goin' Back' and 'Wasn't Born to Follow'.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

The Byrds - The Notorious Byrd Brothers

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Then

Reception

"The Notorious Byrd Brothers" reached number 47 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 12 in the UK Album Chart. Despite not being a commercial success at the time, in retrospect it is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made and a precursor to the country-rock and soft rock of the coming decades. "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" is critically acclaimed and is often cited as the band’s best work alongside 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and 'Younger Than Yesterday'.

Now

Legacy

Despite not being a commercial success at the time, in retrospect it is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made and a precursor to the country-rock and soft rock of the coming decades.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"The Notorious Byrd Brothers" is the fifth studio album by the American rock band, The Byrds. Released in January 1968, it represents the pinnacle of their future-facing psychedelic sound. The album was produced by Gary Usher at Columbia Studios, Hollywood, and is noted for its innovative use of electronic effects and experiments with country rock and baroque pop.

The recording sessions for the album were wrought with tension, culminating in the departure of members David Crosby and Michael Clarke. Therefore, it is the only Byrds album that features all five original band members. Notwithstanding these issues, the album is recognized for its seamless integration of a wide array of musical styles and the use of innovative production techniques.

The album contains a mix of original songs and covers, including the Bob Dylan song 'You Ain't Going Nowhere'. It delivered some classic Byrd hits such as 'Goin' Back' and 'Wasn't Born to Follow'. "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" is critically acclaimed and is often cited as the band’s best work alongside 'Mr. Tambourine Man' and 'Younger Than Yesterday'.

"The Notorious Byrd Brothers" reached number 47 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 12 in the UK Album Chart. Despite not being a commercial success at the time, in retrospect it is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made and a precursor to the country-rock and soft rock of the coming decades. It stands as a testament to The Byrds' defiant resilience and their daring sense of creativity and invention.