While best known for their studio albums, The Byrds also released several influential compilations throughout their career. One such release was their "Greatest Hits" album on the Embassy label. While not their first hits collection, this particular record offers a glimpse into their multifaceted sound and the band's evolution across a significant period of musical history.
A Mid-Career Retrospective
By the time "Greatest Hits" was released, The Byrds had already established themselves as key architects of the American folk-rock sound in the mid-1960s. Their signature jangly guitars and Bob Dylan covers like "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!" had become staples of the era.
The compilation showcases this early sound, but also reflects the musical growth the band had undergone. It includes later hits with their psychedelic explorations, such as "Eight Miles High," and even hints at the country-flavored direction they would take with "Sweetheart of the Rodeo."
Lineup Changes and Musical Shifts
The tracklist of "Greatest Hits" also serves as a timeline of sorts for The Byrds' frequent lineup changes. Founding members like Gene Clark and David Crosby made significant contributions to the band's early hits. The compilation highlights their work, even though they had departed by the time it was released. Likewise, the presence of tracks featuring Gram Parsons foreshadows the new country-infused direction he would briefly usher in.
