Set Me Free (The Kinks song)

"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

References

Sources