The folk rock genre was built on the extraordinary songwriting of Bob Dylan and the ground breaking representations of the "The Byrds." In the years that followed, a legion of songwriters, bands, and artists, continued to grow this dynamic genre into the vibrant musical art form that it remains today.
Determining the best folk rock songs is not a topic that can ever be brought to consensus or conclusion. Ultimately, it is a spirited discourse between companions, friends and musicians to be perpetually debated over good food and good drink. Here's my top ten contenders:
Number 10, "Suite, Judy Blue Eyes" by "Crosby Still and Nash." This fine four-sectioned song further expanded the folk rock genre and added in a new generation of fans.
Number 9, "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart. A great story-line lyric augmented by elements of Irish and English folk music and accentuated by Rod Stewart's raw vocals. I love the mandolin work at the end of this song.
Number 8, "Tangled Up In Blue" by Bob Dylan. "Tangled Up In Blue" has a very similar style and feel as Rod Stewart's "Maggie May". This is classic Dylan story telling at it's best.
Number 7, "California Dreamin'" by the "Mamas and Papas." John Phillips planted his mixed folk quartet at the pinnacle of the American pop charts with this enduring classic.
Number 6, "Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan. Dylan strikes again with first-rate poetry and driving rhythm delivered in a rap-like style and cadence.
Number 5, "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by "The Byrds." The Old Testament never had more meaning or relevance than when sung by McGuinn, Hillman, Clark, and Crosby.
Number 4, "The Sounds of Silence" by "Simon & Garfunkel." Paul Simon penned a dusky and morose back-drop to spot-light the duo's singular vocal gifts.
Number 3, "For What It's Worth" by "Buffalo Springfield." This is brilliant composition seething with the political overtones of the times. "For What It's Worth" is well recognized as one of the anthems of its' era.
Number 2, "Mr. Tambourine Man" by the Byrds. It's hard to improve on a Bob Dylan song recorded by the finest folk rock band in history.
And, for my money, the best folk rock song is, "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan. At the time of the song's release, Dylan was greatly criticized for "going electric" and selling out his folk roots. However, audiences quickly adjusted and got on-board with his new sound and expanded horizons. This seminal composition pushed the boundaries of the folk rock genre beyond conventional limits and opened new possibilities and expectations.
Determining the best folk rock songs is not a topic that can ever be brought to consensus or conclusion. Ultimately, it is a spirited discourse between companions, friends and musicians to be perpetually debated over good food and good drink. Here's my top ten contenders:
Number 10, "Suite, Judy Blue Eyes" by "Crosby Still and Nash." This fine four-sectioned song further expanded the folk rock genre and added in a new generation of fans.
Number 9, "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart. A great story-line lyric augmented by elements of Irish and English folk music and accentuated by Rod Stewart's raw vocals. I love the mandolin work at the end of this song.
Number 8, "Tangled Up In Blue" by Bob Dylan. "Tangled Up In Blue" has a very similar style and feel as Rod Stewart's "Maggie May". This is classic Dylan story telling at it's best.
Number 7, "California Dreamin'" by the "Mamas and Papas." John Phillips planted his mixed folk quartet at the pinnacle of the American pop charts with this enduring classic.
Number 6, "Subterranean Homesick Blues" by Bob Dylan. Dylan strikes again with first-rate poetry and driving rhythm delivered in a rap-like style and cadence.
Number 5, "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by "The Byrds." The Old Testament never had more meaning or relevance than when sung by McGuinn, Hillman, Clark, and Crosby.
Number 4, "The Sounds of Silence" by "Simon & Garfunkel." Paul Simon penned a dusky and morose back-drop to spot-light the duo's singular vocal gifts.
Number 3, "For What It's Worth" by "Buffalo Springfield." This is brilliant composition seething with the political overtones of the times. "For What It's Worth" is well recognized as one of the anthems of its' era.
Number 2, "Mr. Tambourine Man" by the Byrds. It's hard to improve on a Bob Dylan song recorded by the finest folk rock band in history.
And, for my money, the best folk rock song is, "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan. At the time of the song's release, Dylan was greatly criticized for "going electric" and selling out his folk roots. However, audiences quickly adjusted and got on-board with his new sound and expanded horizons. This seminal composition pushed the boundaries of the folk rock genre beyond conventional limits and opened new possibilities and expectations.
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