The Zombies emerged during the British Invasion, a wave of bands that swept across the globe, many of whom found themselves in the shadows of giants like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. While they initially enjoyed a taste of chart success, they seemed destined to become a footnote in rock history. However, their story took an unexpected turn, defying the typical trajectory of a fleeting pop sensation.
After recording their seminal second album, Odessey & Oracle, in 1967, The Zombies, disheartened by perceived lack of commercial traction, decided to disband. The album, seemingly destined for obscurity as an unreleased project from a band fading from memory, found an unlikely champion within their record label. Al Kooper, of Blood, Sweat & Tears fame, recognized the album’s brilliance and persuaded the label to release Odessey & Oracle. While the album itself didn’t initially set the charts ablaze, one song, “Time of the Season,” remarkably ascended to No. 3 in 1969, over a year after its recording. Today, Odessey & Oracle is celebrated as a baroque pop masterpiece and a quintessential cult classic in rock music.
Despite their relatively short initial run and a catalog less extensive than some of their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame peers, The Zombies’ influence is undeniable. Their music resonates far beyond Odessey & Oracle, although this iconic album undeniably features prominently in any discussion of their best work. As we delve into our list of the top 10 Zombies songs, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of sounds, from their early jazz-infused singles to the ambitious projects that followed their unexpected resurgence with “Time of the Season.” Prepare to explore some of the finest examples of British Invasion, psychedelic rock, and baroque pop ever created.
Top 10 Zombies Songs: A Track-by-Track Exploration
10. “She’s Coming Home”
From: 1965 single
Following the success of “Tell Her No,” which became their second consecutive Top 10 hit after their breakthrough “She’s Not There,” “She’s Coming Home” surprisingly stalled at No. 58 on the charts. This marked the last time they reached such heights until “Time of the Season” unexpectedly stormed into the Top 5 in 1969. Perhaps “She’s Coming Home”‘s less emphatic chart performance can be attributed to its sonic departure, leaning more towards the Wall of Sound production style of Phil Spector than the typical British Invasion sound.
9. “I Want You Back Again”
From: 1965 single
Uniquely among their contemporaries, The Zombies drew inspiration from jazz masters, weaving rhythmically complex melodies rarely heard on mainstream pop radio. Keyboardist Rod Argent frequently took center stage with dazzling solos, channeling the spirit of Jimmy Smith or a Miles Davis sideman. This jazz sensibility imbued the band with a level of sophistication that set them apart from many other groups, both British and American. “I Want You Back Again” stands out as the most overtly jazz-influenced of their early singles, showcasing this distinctive element of their sound.
8. “Whenever You’re Ready”
From: 1965 single
The Zombies’ initial period of commercial success proved to be as fleeting as it was impactful. However, even as their chart presence waned, their creative output remained remarkably consistent. “Whenever You’re Ready,” while narrowly missing the Top 100, encapsulates the band’s signature sound. It’s packed with classic Zombies hallmarks: a jazzy electric piano solo courtesy of Rod Argent and an irresistibly catchy chorus. Like many of their early singles, it was a song that deserved a wider audience and greater recognition.
7. “Imagine the Swan” (1969)
From: 1969 single
The unexpected success of Odessey & Oracle, propelled by the belated hit “Time of the Season,” spurred record executives to encourage keyboardist Rod Argent and bassist Chris White to assemble a new Zombies album. This project was intended to capitalize on their renewed popularity and featured a mix of previously unreleased tracks and new songs recorded by a revised, Argent-led lineup. “Imagine the Swan” was released as a single but failed to break into the Top 100. Consequently, the planned album was shelved for over three decades. Argent subsequently moved on to form his eponymous band, Argent. “Imagine the Swan” serves as a bittersweet and beautiful postscript to The Zombies’ all-too-brief first chapter.
6. “This Will Be Our Year”
From: Odessey & Oracle (1968)
The Zombies recorded their second album during the latter half of 1967 and then disbanded before its release. Odessey & Oracle nearly remained permanently unreleased. Almost a year after its eventual release in April 1968, “Time of the Season” unexpectedly climbed into the Top 10, transforming the album into a celebrated “lost” masterpiece. “This Will Be Our Year” is a standout track from this classic record. Its blend of horns, “Summer of Love” pop sensibilities, and Colin Blunstone’s warm, intimate vocals makes it a centerpiece of the album. Like the majority of the songs on Odessey & Oracle, “This Will Be Our Year” was penned by bassist Chris White.
5. “Tell Her No”
From: 1965 single
The follow-up to their breakthrough hit “She’s Not There,” “Tell Her No,” is a concise gem, clocking in at just under two minutes. Despite its brevity, it’s one of the most effortlessly breezy and memorable two-minute singles of the 1960s. Rod Argent drew inspiration for the song’s structure and feel from the hits of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, evident in its hushed, soft-pop arrangement. “Tell Her No” became The Zombies’ second Top 10 hit in the U.S., although it achieved less success in their native England. Colin Blunstone’s breathy “whoa-oh-oh-oh” interlude during the second verse remains an iconic and instantly recognizable moment in pop music history.
4. “Care of Cell 44”
From: Odessey & Oracle (1968)
“Care of Cell 44” holds the distinction of being both the opening track of Odessey & Oracle and the album’s lead single, released in November 1967. Its commercial underperformance was a contributing factor to the band’s decision to break up before the end of that year, prior to the album’s release in April of the following year. Written by Rod Argent from the perspective of a letter from prison, “Care of Cell 44” is the longest track on Odessey & Oracle, yet at nearly four minutes, it unfolds seamlessly, establishing the baroque pop soundscape that defines the album. Odessey & Oracle has profoundly influenced entire genres, and “Care of Cell 44” effectively encapsulates its essence: a radiant burst of psychedelia-infused sunshine.
3. “A Rose for Emily”
From: Odessey & Oracle (1968)
“A Rose for Emily” stands as one of Odessey & Oracle‘s most melancholic and melodically rich songs, and arguably one of its finest compositions. It can be seen as a precursor to the chamber-pop movement of the 1990s, anticipating its blend of pop songcraft and sophisticated arrangements. The initial lukewarm reception to Odessey & Oracle‘s first single, “Care of Cell 44,” contributed to internal tensions within The Zombies, ultimately leading to their breakup. The album’s release itself was uncertain until Al Kooper, a seasoned rock musician who had worked with Bob Dylan and was then a producer at The Zombies’ record label, championed its release. While Odessey & Oracle wasn’t an immediate commercial success, its critical stature and influence have grown significantly over time. “A Rose for Emily” is undoubtedly a key reason for this enduring legacy.
2. “Time of the Season”
From: Odessey & Oracle (1968)
The Zombies had already disbanded when “Time of the Season” unexpectedly surged to No. 3 on the charts in 1969. This unforeseen hit prompted record executives to press Rod Argent and Chris White, the creative forces behind Odessey & Oracle, for more music. However, the intended follow-up project never fully materialized, yielding only a single and a handful of songs that surfaced on albums years later. “Time of the Season” possesses a timeless quality while also being deeply evocative of its era. This duality perhaps explains how a song recorded during the Summer of Love could become a hit in the distinctly different musical climate of 1969, bridging two distinct periods of pop music evolution.
1. “She’s Not There”
From: 1964 single
The Zombies’ debut single, “She’s Not There,” arrived precisely as Beatlemania was ushering in the British Invasion onto the U.S. charts. The song swiftly climbed to No. 2, establishing The Zombies as a major force in this musical movement. Two further Top 10 hits followed, including the belated success of “Time of the Season” in early 1969, before the band went into a long period of dormancy until their reunion in the early 1990s. Over half a century later, “She’s Not There” still sounds remarkably fresh and revolutionary. Rod Argent, who penned “She’s Not There,” infused the track with his signature jazz-inspired electric piano playing. This distinctive element immediately set The Zombies apart from their contemporaries who primarily drew from blues and R&B influences, marking them as innovators within the British Invasion soundscape.
