The Monkees "I'm A Believer" (First Time Reaction)

[@L33Reacts]

Smashmouth who?? Man, this song is too much fun! Mickey's vocals are just top notch here. If you have any other picks by the Monkees you'd think I'd like, leave em here! I appreciate y'all!

[@akadros310]

Words Randy Scouse Git The Girl I Knew Somewhere Love is Only Sleeping The Kind of Girl I Could Love She Take a Giant Step You Just Might Be the One Star Collector Daily Nightly Sometime in the Morning For Pete's Sake Papa Gene's Blues

[@KimSimful]

Davy was the cute one, but I always liked Mickey best.

[@tomtortolani8082]

True L33. Mike Nesmith also took lead vocal on a number of tunes and wrote a bunch as well. I suggest the following Nesmith lead tunes for your next Monkees reaction: "Papa Gene's Blues" "Listen to the Band" "What am I Doing Hangin' Round" (not written by Nesmith)

[@tomtortolani8082]

Mickey's finest hour: "Going Down"

[@sirajaxl]

@@tomtortolani8082 I remember, I hated the monkeys episode with the live show, and the extended version of “going down”. Then I turned 14 and it was the best thing in the world.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Neil Diamond wrote "I'm A Believer." He had his first big hit earlier in 1966 with "Cherry, Cherry," which got the attention of Don Kirshner, who was looking for material for The Monkees. Kirshner was sold on "I'm A Believer," and as part of the deal, allowed Diamond to record the song as well. Diamond's version was released on his 1967 album Just For You. The Monkees version benefited from exposure on their television series. This was The Monkees' second single, after "Last Train To Clarksville." It was used on the 13th episode of their TV series, which aired December 5, 1966, and climbed to #1 on December 31. By this time, Monkee mania was in full swing and they had a surefire formula for success, playing their singles on their show to help promote them. Their series lasted just two seasons, running from 1966-1968, but they had six big hits during this time that reached the top 3 in America, an impressive feat at a time when The Beatles and other British Invasion groups were dominating the chart. The concept for the Monkees TV series came from the Beatles movie A Hard Day's Night.

[@ColeenU]

Great information. Just the type that I like.

[@spicy321]

Davy Jones joked that Neil Diamond kept writing the same song over and over for them but luckily it was always a hit.

[@scottyhotty1003]

The Monkees sang on "I'm A Believer" but didn't play any of the instruments. The producers used session musicians because they weren't convinced The Monkees could play like a real band. This became a huge point of contention as the group fought to play their own songs, and eventually they got their way, playing on hits like "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Valleri" when they performed live.

[@damonhines8187]

I quite fond of their cover of Carole King's 'The Porpoise Song' from their movie 'Head'.

[@KBOB-mi8gb]

They didn't play on "Valleri."

[@scottyhotty1003]

The TV show version they did ​@@KBOB-mi8gb

[@scottyhotty1003]

​@@KBOB-mi8gbyou are absolutely correct as it should state they actually played the songs when performed live a couple of years later. ❤

[@thomastimlin1724]

@@KBOB-mi8gb it;s release was also held up from the first year...

[@GetBackJoe1969]

The Beatles loved the Monkees.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

They were friends.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Lennon got what they were trying to do and told them :you guys are like the Marx brothers, very funny."

[@porflepopnecker4376]

@@thomastimlin1724 Sounds like the Monkees appealed to his "Goon Show" vibe as well.

[@Alan-lv9rw]

The Monkees were far more successful than expected from a TV show.

[@corawheeler9355]

This is my favorite Monkees song ... ran right out and bought the 45. Mickey is still performing.

[@stevenblock9712]

Written by Neil Diamond who later had a hit single with his version. The first of their hits featured Mickey singing lead but Davy Jones soon shared the lead singing duties and sang some of the hits like Daydream Believer and A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸AAANND....... everyone needs to remember that they eventually did rally for their ability to play their own instruments and did great on their own.

[@JuliaSteiner-h4o]

Shrek introduced I'm a Believer to a huge new audience!

[@poptart4260]

The perfect pop song , you re falling for them L33 😂😂😂

[@angielofton6372]

Mickey was an interesting guy. I met him in a jazz club in Philadelphia some years ago. I think he thought no one would know him there and there was my old Monkee loving self, lol . I didn’t bother him too much, just said hello and that I was a fan. He was very nice. He loved jazz and if you listen to Goin’ Down, you’ll see it.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 Mickey is still around and he does podcasts and what not every once in a while.. very cool dude

[@michaelkeefe8494]

The Grass Roots were another band with huge hits that had to fight to play on their own records. FYI, Neil Diamond is one of the Last Waltz performances you haven't done (along with Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, and Clapton)... All worth hearing.

[@lyna4873]

I just heard about this on a podcast: "Before the 1965 mass audition, both the Dave Clark Five and Lovin' Spoonful turned down an offer to star on The Monkees. Stephen Stills tried out but was turned down. Producers said he wasn't photogenic but asked him if he knew anyone with a Nordic look. That's when he suggested his Greenwich Village friend Peter Tork". Can you even imagine Stephen Stills as a Monkee???????????

[@russallert]

I'm A Believer is pretty much the signature song for The Monkees, even more than the theme song for their TV show. And it helped bring more attention to Neil Diamond, who'd been a Brill Building writer (like Carole King). Diamond himself became a household name in the 70s, with a new hit single coming out every few months. His recordings for Bang Records in the mid 60s and Uni/MCA in the late 60s/early 70s contain his best material IMO: Cherry Cherry, The Boat That I Row, Sweet Caroline (covered and played to death, but it was a well-deserved hit), Holly Holy, and on and on and on. A great video of Diamond to check out is his performance of Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show on Johnny Cash's TV show in 1970.

[@vernhoke7730]

During their TV show run, The Monkees ruled the charts, even though they weren't considered a "real band". I remember watching the TV show along with other great shows of the sixties, Superman, Batman, and The Green Hornet.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Neil diamond has a huge catalog and many many hits you'd be amazed

[@robotronrichard]

I thought my wife was joking when she said she was leaving me because of my obsession with the Monkees. Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer. 🙊🤣

[@kathybwell]

😅

[@alrivers2297]

Lol 😆

[@scottyhotty1003]

😂😂

[@thomastimlin1724]

Bah Dot Boom!

[@shiannesmith6877]

His vocals ❤❤❤

[@kathybwell]

HUGE deal, and Thanks, Scotty! This song is a must when diving into the Monkees. Mike’s demeanor on stage reflects how he was on the shows. Always the more serious, responsible one of the group.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Absolutely Huge Hit❤ 🎶🔥🎯

[@Not.Satoshi]

The Monkees was intended to be a satire TV show of the biggest band at the time, The Beatles. So yes, there are a lot of similarities…. that’s the joke.

[@p-dru2205]

AMEN! Far too many people took them way too seriously. But their music was still nice to listen too, and as a kid I really enjoyed the TV show.

[@thomastimlin1724]

The TV show was fast paced, quick cut and breaking the 4th wall a lot. Hilarious. Who cares if the story was basically the Monkees versus evil cartoon villains...it was funny. The Fairytale episode is still hilarious today. In another episode, Mike Nesmith calls up TV guide to ask what happens next in the episode so he can figure out a plan to stop the villains....lmao.

[@markferrett700]

Watching the video is like watching a Gerry Anderson puppet show😂😂

[@susanliltz3875]

Monkees: “GOING DOWN “ need to hear that one, totally different sound from them. Micky sorta scats , raps on it , fast paced!!

[@robertmoraga1501]

Lee, imagine you’re 9 years old, there are all of 7 channels to choose from including PBS, no PCs, no cell phones, no internet; just screaming boredom…and then these guys show up. Heaven.

[@cindyfalstrom7231]

Happy memories of my teeny bopper days. i had Monkee posters all over my walls 😍💋❤

[@thescrewfly]

A perfect opportunity to play Robert Wyatt's version of I'm A Believer. Yes, that Robert Wyatt, Soft Machine's drummer Robert Wyatt. It was a minor hit and even got him an appearance on Top of the Pops!

[@yournamehere6002]

The Monkees went out on tour and played their own instruments. Jimi Hendrix opened for them!

[@gpxo11]

FYI-the flip side of the I'm A Believer single is your favorite-I'm Not Your Steppin Stone-which could've added to the singles popularity.

[@L33Reacts]

Such a great track. My favorite monkees song still!

[@nancy9891]

Michael Nesmith wrote his own material and recorded as well. He wrote “Different Drum” made a big hit by Linda Ronstadt’s Stone Poneys and launched her career in music. She became a solo artist and a treasure in the music industry.

[@Forbin777]

Saw a little bit of that in the Laurel Canyon doc, those guys lived in and around everybody for awhile.

[@mightyV444]

My 18-year-old Son has loved this song for years! 😊 And also the Smashmouth version! 😄

[@nigeltown6999]

Mickie D has great vocals on a song called Going Down, it was a B-side, may have been on an Album too - really good song.

[@staffsblue3812]

Remember racing around the roller rink to this in 1967 England. Wonderful days. 🙂

[@billbitterman9487]

Written by the great Neil Diamond. I was hoping you'd do Neil Diamonds original along with the Monkees version. Neil Diamond wrote a whole string of great songs from the mid-60s well into the 70s. A true great. Songs like I Am, I Said, Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show, Holly Holy, Solitary Man, and of course, Sweet Caroline. He was an absolute hit machine. Part of what helped the Monkees was that some all-time great songwriters were wrote most of these hits for them during the run of the show. Writers like Boyce & Hart, Gerry Goffin/Carol King), Carol King (with other collaborators), Harry Nilsson. Yeah, they had some help...besides Mike Nesmith who was a pretty good songwriter as well.

[@yournamehere6002]

Mike Nesmith was a great musician and songwriter

[@Kerazen123]

Mickey is so good on this one. Love it.

[@spazimdam]

The Monkees were so good. One of my early favorites. Keep it up Lee!

[@ColeenU]

Shades of Grey

[@kathybwell]

I love this song too. One of my favorites

[@sherigrow6480]

In my top Monkees songs, too

[@tommelcarek105]

And thanks to the Beatles (greatest band and influence ever), America put 4 small time actors, with a little bit of musical background and named them the Monkees and the legend was born.

[@shirleybhs9zd6li5i]

Yay! Finally "I'm a Believer" one of my top 3 Monkees songs. Thanks, Scott for picking this one. I do love them, regardless of what anyone thinks. Great reaction, L33. Hope you feel better. Blessings all.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Definitely in my top 3 Monkees tracks❤

[@realbser1956]

Thanks Scotty. Great way to start the week off.

[@scottyhotty1003]

Made my day as well!!! ❤

[@JayCross]

"I'm a Believer" was written by Neil Diamond. It is so easy to imagine him singing it.

[@John_Chu]

It's The Everly Brothers chords that Neil's early stuff was based on. Don Everly tuned his guitar in the key of A.

[@mattleppard1970]

I watched the show on re-runs when I was a kid. Love The Monkees so much! They did a trippy hippy movie called “Head” too, IIRC. No Monkees no David Bowie 👍🏻

[@scottyhotty1003]

Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz sang lead on this one. Davy Jones did most of their vocals, but Dolenz also handled lead on some of their most popular songs, including "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Mary Mary" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone."

[@ColeenU]

Micky did most of the singing. Davy was just the most popular.

[@akadros310]

Did Davey really do most of the vocals? I feel like Micky did lead on more songs than Davey.

[@scottyhotty1003]

I think the monkey show the focus was always around Davie falling in love almost every episode so maybe that's why we think of him so prominently ...I don't know the exact songs how many each sang lead that's a great question though

[@thedogwoods5716]

Micky definitely sang lead more than Davy

[@kathybwell]

Lee has already react to stepping stone, and he said it’s one of his favorite Monkee songs

[@denisepoole5838]

Shrek, Eddie Murphy killed it!! Love tge Monkeea!!

[@ROUGHSEES]

Such a top notch hit. Neil was a genius writer! You should check out moee of his catalog!

[@futuregenerationz]

I just noticed that mic is bobbing all around on Mickey Lol.

[@kowindsurf1590]

one of the great Monkees hits Words by the Monkees sung by Mickey is really good

[@scottyhotty1003]

Absolutely 💯

[@emmafrench7219]

When I was a little girl I loved The Monkees, but especially Davy Jones. I thought he was cute. Until I found out he was English! I used to like all things American back then. Oh, I'm British.😊

[@Beatlejamie]

The reason the “cool“ people hate on the Monkees is because they were manufactured. They were put together through an audition process for the TV show. The same process as the Spice Girls (and the Sex Pistols, for that matter). The members of the Monkees were very cool in their own right! (as a member of the cast of “Oliver”, Davy Jones was on the Ed Sullivan show the same night the Beatles played their debut). Mickey Dolenz played a regular character in a popular television series (Circus boy) and Mike Nesmith (whose mother invented liquid paper, BTW) won the first Grammy award ever awarded for a video “elephant parts“ in 1982 Anyway, in the 60’s they hung out in Laurel Canyon with the rest of the pop groups at the time. Quite different from their television persona. Oh, Micky Dolenz was an original member of the “Hollywood vampires“ with Alice Cooper, John Lennon,Harry Nilsson, and more“

[@cindyfalstrom7231]

Yes, if you haven't already, please play some Neil Diamond, as marvelous singer/songwriter. Some suggestions : I Am/I Said, Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Cracklin Rosie

[@GrowingUpJersey]

Solitary Man, Holly Holy, Play Me

[@carolynschmidt5467]

Mickey's voice has a smoky, strong quality I always liked.

[@AngelaGoodwin-fh6fw]

Originally written and recorded by the living legend Neil Diamond. With a great catalog of songs, he is worth checking out. "Sweet Caroline", "Cherry, Cherry", "I Am I Said", "Holly Holy", and "America" are among some of his most iconic songs. Please go down that rabbit hole.

[@charlotex1]

Thanks for giving The Monkees the "airtime" and recognition they deserve. Anxious to hear your review of Tapioca Tundra, my favorite Monkees song.

[@thomastimlin1724]

#1 for 7 weeks in 1967 in Winter time. Didn't need Shrek's help lol

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Good one

[@jaytroyer8590]

I recall reading that Nesmith showed up for the first Monkees studio recording session with his guitar. Someone looked at him and asked, "Why did you bring that?" Nesmith actually played quite well, but couldn't

[@dalemcmillan7231]

HUGE #1 Song for the Monkees. 7 weeks at #1. Written by Neil Diamond ❤❤

[@Richard2003]

everyone knew they did not play their instruments but we still loved them.

[@williamlovett619]

Good stuff

[@Coquinagirl]

Nice review, Lee! It is catchy. Thank you, Scott! I especially enjoyed the show’s footage with Mickey’s rougher vocals and the heavier bass. They were good! 🎶🎸❤

[@terri2494]

🎄“Riu Chiu”, for a little holiday cheer. It’s a Spanish Christmas carol. They sing it a cappella, with Micky taking the lead. Impressive, especially when you know how hard it is to sing a cappella and stay in tune.

[@thomastimlin1724]

The personalities on the show: Mike the quiet ,sardonic or reluctant leader [he was actually funny as hell], Peter played the dumb guy [he hated that but was so damned good at it] like a little kid although he was actually the most versatile musician in the band. Davy was the heartthrob of the girls, and a versatile actor willing to dress up i costume, even as a girl. The British guy, who could summon u p laughter at the drop of a hat, and do a song and dance as well. Mickey, the drum was the consummate clown of the group and is the only ne still living and can tell a story and STILL make people laugh stage 78.He was truly the spirit of the show and groups, always positive, came from a show business family and was a child star in the series :Circus Boy." He and Davy were best buddies since they had a similar background in show business. Micky often says "if you can remember the 1960's then you weren't really there."

[@robrob7400]

We call a beanie a toque (tOOk) in Canada

[@susanliltz3875]

Need to hear Mike Nesmith singing: 1. Papa Genes Blues 2. You Just May Be The One 3. Listen To The Band 4. What Am I Doing Hanging Round? 5. Tapioca Tundra 6. Never Tell A Woman Yes 7. Sunny Girlfriend * reactors need to hear him too!!*

[@carolynschmidt5467]

Thank you, Scott.

[@BringItMAGA]

Lots, tons of groups used the Wrecking Crew. They would have been dumb not to. The best musicians in the world at that time.

[@toodlescae]

Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline I was a Mokees kid. Watched the show all the time.

[@robotronrichard]

Thanks Scotty! Great selection! ☮❤🎶

[@kweile4339]

Anyone else out there get together with friends and do the Monkees walk down the road? No? Just me? Well, it was fun!

[@thomastimlin1724]

Whenever i am drunk lol

[@kweile4339]

@thomastimlin1724 I haven't done it in nearly 50 yrs so I guess that's about the same 😆

[@scottyhotty1003]

Great reaction Lee as per usual you never disappoint❤💯🎯🎶🔥

[@michaelkeefe8494]

They made a lot of money.. Mickey was the cut up; Davey, the heart throb; Mike, the thinker; and Peter, a little bit of a dork. Don't know where that model comes from. Mike and Peter were involved in some pretty good music after the Monkees.

[@jamespoole594]

Written by Neil diamond

[@mr.macbeevee498]

Mary,Mary. Words. The Girl I knew Somewhere. She. Peter Tork vocals on Auntie Grizelda, for some early veiled social commentary.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Peter penned the song For Pete's Sake' [aka "in this generation"]

[@saturninebear]

Feel better soon.

[@yournamehere6002]

The TV show was based on the style of A HARD DAY'S NIGHT and HELP! John Lennon loved them and hung out with Mickey.

[@dawntucker5052]

I love the monkees ❤ I don't care 😊

[@Piwork69]

i like how Mickey Dolenz adjusts his mic. 4:32

[@kimwilson3863]

Shrek!!😂

[@thomastimlin1724]

"Yawn."

[@kimwilson3863]

@thomastimlin1724 you need to go sleep bruv

[@michaelbeckwith6177]

THe MonaLisa Twins do a real good cover of this and about fifty Beatles covers anyone who isn't familiar should check them out!!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I got to see Mickey at the 18th hole of a golf course back in the early 70s. It was a celebrity golf and tennis event for charity. I had my Super 8mm home movie camera with me and started taking some footage of him. He pointed to me and said, "Ah, motion pictures!" The next guy to play through was Alice Cooper. While he was signing autographs I pointed my movie camera at him and said, "Hey Alice, smile for my mother!" He made a big goofy face and said "Hi, Mom! I'll bet you hate me!"

[@rodneygriffin7666]

My favorite song by them is "Randy Scouse Git" also known as "Alternate Title". They had to change the title of the song for the UK market.

[@RaynorBear]

For something a bit different, I recommend The Monkees song (and video) for "Randy Scouse Git". There is a line in the song about the "4 Kings of EMI". That is a reference to the Beatles, who were on Capitol Records (owned by EMI) in the USA. Apparently the title was considered to be offensive in the UK, so for the UK release, the title was changed to "Alternate Title."

[@thomastimlin1724]

Micky Dolenz is the most underrated rock singer ever.

[@shiannesmith6877]

Yay ❤ this video is gonna do well, Lee. I love this 😊

[@PeterOConnell-pq6io]

A blast from the past!

[@edwardthorne9875]

And then I saw her face... and she's a retriever

[@chitownlee]

Written by Neil Diamond.

[@zendt66]

You must do a deep dive into Neil Diamond.

[@jeffschielka7845]

Classic!👍😎

[@chrisjenkins6120]

🎼When Mickey Dolenz was a boy he played the lead role in a show called Circus Boy. He was a really great childhood actor. Go check it out. CIRCUS BOY. 💟☮️

[@cindyfalstrom7231]

Also, Davey Jones was a child actor in England. He was one of the boys in rotation to play the Artful Dodger in the London stage production of "Oliver". Phil Collins, Elton John (I think) and Steve Marriott were other boys playing Dodger over the years. Steve Marriott was chosen to sing the Dodgers songs on the official record of the stage production. All talented boys....

[@kathybwell]

Thanks for that suggestion! I never knew that about Mickey

[@stephenstrudwick8095]

I would say listen to "Porpoise Song" by the Monkees from their later '60s movie "Head." It's a significant departure from their earlier stuff, as they demanded more control of band direction and the music. It's a great song and the soundtrack is ok, but it did signal the eventual demise of the band. Interesting fact, if the movie "Head" had not been made, you most likely would not have had the movie "Easy Rider". Something for you to look up. 😊

[@roberormonde]

I used to watch there show when it was on these songs are still great

[@XFLexiconMatt]

A bunch of serious artists had careers because they submitted songs to the Monkees that became hits. Neil Diamond, Carole King, and Harry Nillson for starters.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Uh, Hello? Boyce and Hart?!!! Last Train to Clarksville and others...

[@markcorcoran482]

Sweet Young Thing, The Door Into Summer. As to Neil Diamond, his A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You for the Monkees is a delightful variation on his classic, Cherry Cherry.

[@ShiverHinge]

Cap'n Crunch. Tang. Spacefood Sticks. It's no wonder I am so distractable.

[@bridgittetirman2645]

Your next Monkees track should absolutely be Goin’ Down. Preferably live. You won’t be disappointed. And the soundtrack to Head is a must. 😊

[@southernwanderer7912]

I love that song!

[@blitztim6416]

Pet Sounds was all studio musicians. The Beach Boys only contributed the vocals. Yet it highly regarded. So lay off The Monkees. After all it was primarily a TV show. Lee should hear and see the tile song of the show. Which was our first introduction to both the show and the band. Just fun loving guys and their iconic custom car. Also, he should do some Neil Diamond songs.

[@ColeenU]

They had a movie called HEAD. It was based on HELP and was horrible. Only those who go deep, like my husband know or have heard it

[@sukie584]

I’ve seen it( & yeah, it’s not great) & have the album. Porpoise Song ( written by Carole King) is an incredible song…

[@bridgittetirman2645]

Horrible? It’s one of my faves! 😝

[@russellkaplan1818]

Directed by Jack Nicholson

[@ednieto05]

Great song! Sad to know that Mickey is the only surviving Monkee. Mickey and Mike became really close with the Beatles and hung out with them in England. You can see Mike in the Beatles video for "A Day in The Life" when they were recording the song in 1967. Mickey also became a close friend of John's during John's "Lost Weekend" in L.A. when John was separated from Yoko and partying hard with Harry Nilsson, RIngo, Keith Moon, Alice Cooper and others who called themselves "The Hollywood Vampires,"