Song of the Day: The Zombies “This Will Be Our Year”

Classic English psych-pop act, The Zombies rollicking anthem “This Will Be Our Year” is one of the great musical statements of intent. The song is built around a pounding piano figure and positively insists that you make the most of the year to come. Its a song about love working out, despite hardship and doubles as both anthem for the New Year as well as a great one for weddings. Singer Colin Blunstone‘s voice is perfectly suited to the material (and to the The Zombies wider sound) combining a bluesy forcefulness with a vulnerability.

The Zombies were founded in St. Albans, England in 1958. According to Wikipedia:

Three members of the band, Rod Argent, Paul Atkinson and Hugh Grundy, first came together to jam in mid 1958 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. Argent wanted to form a band and initially asked his elder cousin Jim Rodford to join as a bassist. Rodford was in a successful local band the Bluetones at the time so declined, but offered to help Argent (Rodford would later join in 2004 when the band reformed). Colin Blunstone and Paul Arnold joined the other three to form the band in April 1961, while all five members were at school

The group really came into their own during the British invasion period of the early-mid 60s. While never having the notoriety of their peers, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones or The Kinks the group forged ahead, racking up some hits with their highly original, highly psychedelic version of the UK R&B sound. Songs like “Time of the Season” demonstrate both the band’s slinky songwriting sensibility, and above all else, genius for complex, layered arrangements. The group broke up at the end of the 60s, but have periodically reformed to tour.