The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” is a moody song that showcases Graham Gouldman’s songwriting ability. It was released in 1968 and made it to the top of the charts in the UK and Canada and the top ten in the US. Gouldman was a prolific songwriter who wrote hits for various artists, including The Hollies, Cher, and Herman’s Hermits. He also wrote three hits for The Yardbirds, including “Evil Hearted You” and “For Your Love.”
Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty said that “Heart Full of Soul” allowed the band to play the riff in an Eastern way, giving it an Oriental touch. Jeff Beck, the lead guitarist, used a fuzz box on his lead part early. The original arrangement called for a sitar playing the lead guitar part, but they instead opted for Beck’s sitar-sounding guitar. The result was an extremely effective sound that blended the roots of the sitar into rock.
The song was originally recorded in 1965, and a stereo mix was released in 1968. One of the most impressive stereo mixes of the song can be heard in the video. The Yardbirds created psychedelic rock as we know it, and “Heart Full of Soul” was ahead of its time. It was recorded when folk-rock dominated the scene, and it heavily influenced contemporaries, including Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd.
The Yardbirds were an underrated band that never took off as they deserved. They made the initial recordings that spurred others into action. Still, because their hottest things were released in 1965/early 1966, their stuff inspired contemporaries more than catching on with a general audience. Groups like the Byrds and the early phase Beatles were more popular then.
The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” is a timeless classic ahead of its time. It showcases Graham Gouldman’s songwriting ability and Jeff Beck’s unique sound. The Yardbirds’ influence on contemporary artists is undeniable, and they are one of the greatest bands that most people don’t know about. This video is a must-watch for music lovers who want to experience a piece of music history. Share it with your friends and family because it’s a history worth remembering.
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