The Byrds Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Mr. Tambourine ManThe Byrds1rank/position

The Byrds – Mr. Tambourine Man (Audio)

The innovative sound created by the American rock band The Byrds brought a fresh breeze to the folk-rock scene of the 1960s.

They adorned Bob Dylan’s songs with the shimmering melodies of a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar and rich harmonies, brilliantly fusing rock and folk.

Released by Columbia Records in April 1965, the work achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and has appeared in numerous works, including the film Dangerous Minds and Stephen King’s novel Carrie.

It’s a perfect track for spending a pleasant time—whether on a peaceful afternoon drive or at a relaxed home party with friends.

Turn! Turn! Turn!The Byrds2rank/position

The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn!

A track inspired by the Bible.

It was written by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s.

This version by the American folk-rock group The Byrds was released in 1965 and became an international hit.

It was sampled in B.

Reith’s 2012 track “Lonely Hearts Interlude.”

Chestnut MareThe Byrds3rank/position

The Byrds – Chestnut Mare (Audio)

The Byrds, the great band based in Los Angeles that laid the foundations of folk rock.

This is a classic country-rock song from their album (Untitled), released in October 1970.

It tells a story about a man chasing and trying to tame wild horses, drawing you in with its dramatic structure that alternates between spoken narration and singing.

It was originally written for an unproduced musical, and the shimmering sound of Roger McGuinn’s 12-string guitar vividly paints scenes of the open wilderness.

In 1971, it reached No.

19 on the UK charts.

Its open, expansive sound that evokes vast nature makes it perfect for a weekend drive.

Eight Miles HighThe Byrds4rank/position

The Byrds – Eight Miles High (Audio)

A quintessential hit of the 1960s woven from psychedelic sounds and hallucinatory lyrics.

Released by The Byrds in 1966, this track unfolds an innovative soundscape influenced by jazz and Indian music.

From the striking 12-string guitar in the intro, it lures listeners into a dreamlike world.

Using the metaphor of air travel, the lyrics depict altered states of consciousness and liberation from reality.

Featured on the album Fifth Dimension, it reached No.

14 on the Billboard charts.

Although it was unfortunately banned from broadcast in some states, that, too, attests to the song’s groundbreaking nature.

I’ll Feel A Whole Lot BetterThe Byrds5rank/position

The Byrds – I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better (Audio)

A song written and sung by Gene Clark, a former member of The Byrds.

It features complex harmonies and a guitar solo influenced by country music.

It was released as a single in 1965, and shortly thereafter Gene left the band.

Old BlueThe Byrds6rank/position

The Byrds – Old Blue

Folk songs are said to have originally emerged from shows in theaters in the late 19th century.

This version by the Los Angeles rock band The Byrds is included on their seventh album, Dr.

Byrds & Mr.

Hyde, released in 1969.

Don’t look back, you are beautiful.The Byrds7rank/position

The Birds — Don’t Look Back, You’re Beautiful

“Don’t Look Back, You Are Beautiful” is performed as the official theme song of the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, including during TV broadcasts.

With lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Takashi Miki, it was released in 1976.

It’s often used by brass bands in the cheering sections and by cheerleaders, so many of you may already know it.

The band arrangement, full of a sense of speed, matches the image of players sprinting across the field.

Riding on a fiery, exhilarating sound, the song heightens the excitement of the matches.

Give this classic beloved by soccer fans of all ages a listen.

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