11 OCTOBER 1966
The Monkees released their self-titled debut album during this week in 1966. Backed the popularity of their TV show and songs such as 'Last Train to Clarksville' and '(Theme From) The Monkees', it topped the album charts in the US and the UK.
The rather wistful album track ‘I Wanna Be Free’ was written by the songwriting duo of Boyce and Hart long before the Monkees existed. It released as a single in some countries, such as Japan and Singapore, and it reached #17 in Australia. The song - about a man rejecting the love of a woman so he can remain free to see other women - was a thematic precursor to Mike Nesmith's 'Different Drum', and almost as pretty. According to Tommy Boyce, this song inspired Jimmy Webb's 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix',
Another song from this album, 'I'll Be True to You', had previously released as a single in the US with the title 'Yes I Will' by The Hollies in 1965.
B-side: 'You Just May Be the One'
Released: May 1967
Highest chart position: #17 (Australia, 1967)
Length: 2:27
Writers: Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart B side/ Michael Nesmith
Producers: Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, B side/ Douglas Farthing-Hatlelid
