What makes Eight Miles High by The Byrds notable?

'Eight Miles High' is often cited as one of the first true psychedelic rock albums, influencing countless artists and movements that followed. The title track reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received critical acclaim for its innovative use of guitar feedback and unconventional song structure. Released on March 14, 1966, 'Eight Miles High' marked a significant moment in The Byrds' career as their third studio album. Following the commercial success of their earlier work, it showcased a bold artistic direction toward experimentation with sound and lyrical depth, further establishing them as pioneers of the psychedelic rock movement.

How many songs are on Eight Miles High?

Eight Miles High has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Eight Miles High

The Byrds · 1966

6 min · 2 tracks · folk rock

A swirling tapestry of jangly guitars and ethereal harmonies that transports listeners to the outer reaches of psychedelic rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Eight Miles High — This track exemplifies the band's pioneering blend of folk rock and psychedelia, featuring intricate guitar work and abstract lyrics that push musical boundaries.
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Masochism World (live) — The live rendition captures the raw energy of The Byrds' performance style while showcasing their willingness to experiment with improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The record combines innovative composition with distinct sounds, marking a pivotal moment in psychedelic rock.

What we noticed

The song employs layered harmonies that create a dreamy atmosphere, contrasting with the more straightforward arrangement of the B-side.
The live track 'Masochism World' introduces a rawer sound, highlighting the band's improvisational skills and differing from the polished studio production of the A-side.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Eight Miles High 3:56
2 Masochism World (live) 2:59

What to play next

Listen next

Fifth Dimension

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Go back to

Mr. Spaceman

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata