Top 24 best of The Byrds songs

Born out of the fertile soil of 1960s Los Angeles, The Byrds became folk-rock pioneers and a key influence on the music of the time. Their powerful fusion of electric guitars and traditional folk tunes encapsulated the spirit of young rebellion and the desire for something better. The melancholic contemplation of "Mr. Tambourine Man" gives way to the passionate cry for harmony in "Turn! Turn! Turn!" The Byrds added a profound literary quality and a social conscience to their music. They were not simply musicians, but also artists who addressed contemporary issues with their music and left a legacy of anthems that still have resonance today.

We've put together a collection of some of their most memorable songs to honor their enduring legacy and introduce a new generation to their enthralling music. These songs, which range from the eerie beauty of "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" to the cosmic wonder of "Mr. Spaceman," highlight the band's extraordinary versatility, their command of the instrumentation, and their timeless capacity to evoke strong emotions in listeners. So grab a pair of headphones and get lost in The Byrds universe, where each note has a tale to tell and a message to convey.

  • Turn! Turn! Turn!
    1

    Turn! Turn! Turn!

    The Byrds

    1965

    Turn! Turn! Turn!

  • Mr. Tambourine Man
    2

    Mr. Tambourine Man

    The Byrds

    1965

    Mr. Tambourine Man

  • You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
    3

    You Ain't Goin' Nowhere

    The Byrds

    1968

  • Mr. Spaceman
    4

    Mr. Spaceman

    The Byrds

    1966

  • Chimes of Freedom
    5

    Chimes of Freedom

    The Byrds

    1965

  • Have You Seen Her Face
    6

    Have You Seen Her Face

    The Byrds

    1967

  • All I Really Want to Do
    7

    All I Really Want to Do

    The Byrds

    1965

  • Hickory Wind
    8

    Hickory Wind

    The Byrds

    1968

  • Chestnut Mare
    9

    Chestnut Mare

    The Byrds

    1970

  • So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star
    10

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

    The Byrds

    1967

  • Ballad of Easy Rider
    11

    Ballad of Easy Rider

    The Byrds

    1969

  • 5D
    12

    5D

    The Byrds

    1966

  • I See You
    13

    I See You

    The Byrds

    1966

  • Pretty Boy Floyd
    14

    Pretty Boy Floyd

    The Byrds

    1968

  • Lover of the Bayou
    15

    Lover of the Bayou

    The Byrds

    1970

  • He Was a Friend of Mine
    16

    He Was a Friend of Mine

    The Byrds

    1965

  • Set You Free This Time
    17

    Set You Free This Time

    The Byrds

    1965

  • Renaissance Fair
    18

    Renaissance Fair

    The Byrds

    1967

  • Lady Friend
    19

    Lady Friend

    The Byrds

    1967

  • Artificial Energy
    20

    Artificial Energy

    The Byrds

    1968

  • Why
    21

    Why

    The Byrds

    1966