"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."
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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)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)54France (IFOP)29Sweden (Tio i Topp)11US Cash Box Top 10024
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