Set Me Free (The Kinks song)
# 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

| Chart (1965) | Peak position |
| - | - |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 54 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 2 |
| Canada (CHUM) | 30 |
| France (IFOP) | 29 |
| Germany (Official German Charts) | 32 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 12 |
| Sweden (Tio i Topp) | 11 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 9 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 23 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 | 24 |
