Set Me Free (The Kinks song)
"Set Me Free" | ||||
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Single by the Kinks | ||||
from the album Kinda Kinks (US edition) | ||||
B-side | "I Need You" | |||
Released | 21 May 1965 | |||
Recorded | 13–14 April 1965 | |||
Studio | Pye, London | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 2:12 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | Ray Davies | |||
Producer(s) | Shel Talmy | |||
The Kinks UK singles chronology | ||||
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The Kinks US singles chronology | ||||
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"Set Me Free" is a song by Ray Davies, released first by the Kinks in 1965. Along with "Tired of Waiting for You", it is one of band's first attempts at a softer, more introspective sound. The song's B-side, "I Need You", makes prominent use of powerchords in the style of the Kinks' early, "raunchy" sound. "Set Me Free" was heard in the Ken Loach-directed Up the Junction, a BBC Wednesday Play which aired in November 1965; this marked the first appearance of a Kinks song on a film or TV soundtrack.
Billboard said of the single that "hot on the heels of [the Kinks'] 'Tired of Waiting for You' smash comes this down home blues rhythm material with a good teen lyric." Cash Box described it as "a snappy tune that’s taken for an engaging disk ride."
Personnel
According to band researcher Doug Hinman:
The Kinks
- Ray Davies – lead vocal, rhythm guitar
- Dave Davies – backing vocal, lead guitar
- Pete Quaife – bass
- Mick Avory – drums
Additional musician
- Rasa Davies – backing vocal
Charts
Chart (1965) | Peak position |
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Australia (Kent Music Report) | 54 |
Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 2 |
Canada (CHUM) | 30 |
France (IFOP) | 29 |
Germany (Official German Charts) | 32 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 12 |
Sweden (Tio i Topp) | 11 |
UK Singles (OCC) | 9 |
US Billboard Hot 100 | 23 |
US Cash Box Top 100 | 24 |