The Byrds, the American rock band formed in 1964 in Los Angeles, are back in this list of the 1001 albums you must have listened to in your life. They were one of the most influential bands on the 60s rock scene, and their music marked an important step in the evolution of rock towards more complex and sophisticated styles.
In 1966, they were successful again with the album “Fifth Dimension”.
The “Fifth Dimension” album
This album was the Byrds' third release and marked a significant evolution in their musical style. The band abandoned Bob Dylan covers and folk music to fully embrace the emerging psychedelic scene. Each member's touch can be heard in every track, creating a cohesive and captivating listening experience.
The album opens with the eponymous song “5D (Fifth Dimension)”, a centerpiece in which the Byrds explore theories of relativity and dimensions. The song ‘Eight Miles High', one of the earliest examples of psychedelic rock, is also on this album. I have included the Roxy Music cover below. Its influence can be felt in the generations of musicians that followed, from Pink Floyd to Radiohead.
Another highlight of the album is ‘Mr. Spaceman', a pop song with compelling vocal harmonies that deals with the obsession with aliens and UFOs. The music on ‘Fifth Dimension' also explores mystical and spiritual themes, as in the song ‘I See You', which reflects the concerns of the time and the growing attraction to Eastern spirituality.
What sets ‘Fifth Dimension' apart from other Byrds albums are the innovative sounds and mastery of special effects that give this album a unique psychedelic character. Roger McGuinn's 12-string guitar is an essential part of this new musical direction. The vocal and instrumental arrangements work together to create a hypnotic and immersive atmosphere.
“Fifth Dimension helped shape the musical landscape of the 1960s and 1970s, with bands like The Beatles and The Beach Boys drawing on the album to explore new artistic directions. The album is often cited as one of the milestones of psychedelic rock, and its influence can still be felt today.
The cover of Hey Joe (Where You Gonna Go)
“Hey Joe' is a song whose origins are unclear, but its author is generally thought to be Billy Roberts. David Crosby had wanted The Byrds to perform this song for several years. The rest of the band didn't agree.
After the success of the covers of The Leaves and Love, the band gave in but they were never satisfied with this version and David Crosby's vocal performance left them wanting. Years later he said, “It was a mistake, I shouldn't have done it. Everyone makes mistakes.”
Where to listen to Fifth Dimension?
- Listen to Fifth Dimension on Spotify
- Listen to Fifth Dimension on Deezer
- Listen to Fifth Dimension on Youtube