🔘 Blackberry Way – Single: Nov. 1968

In the winter of 1968, The Move delivered one of their most sophisticated and enduring singles. Written by Roy Wood, “Blackberry Way” was a lush, psychedelic pop masterpiece featuring intricate harmonies, dramatic orchestration, and a memorable descending melody.

Released on November 28, 1968, the single appeared on Regal Zonophone under catalogue number RZ 3015. Backed with “Something” (written by Dave Morgan), this 7-inch release became The Move’s biggest hit, reaching No. 1 in the UK.

Label: Regal Zonophone

Catalogue Number: RZ 3015

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: November 28, 1968 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3015 — 1968

A. Blackberry Way

B. Something

Written by:

- Blackberry Way: Roy Wood

- Something: Dave Morgan

Produced by: Jimmy Miller

Recorded: 1968

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released November 28, 1968

• The Move’s only UK No. 1 single

• Roy Wood’s psychedelic pop triumph with rich orchestration and harmonies

• Chart debut: December 7, 1968

• Peaked at No. 1 in the UK

🔘 The Story

“Blackberry Way” was a major artistic and commercial peak for The Move. Roy Wood crafted a beautifully arranged psychedelic pop song with a haunting descending melody, layered vocals, and dramatic production by Jimmy Miller. The lyrics told a story of lost love and nostalgia, delivered with Wood’s signature melodic flair.

The B-side “Something,” written by band member Dave Morgan, offered a strong, melodic contrast. The single topped the UK chart for one week in January 1969, giving The Move their only No. 1 hit and cementing Roy Wood’s reputation as one of Britain’s most talented songwriters of the era.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3015 — UK — 1968

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Regal Zonophone – RZ 3015 — UK — 1968

• Issued in standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on December 7, 1968 and peaked at No. 1. It spent a total of 13 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 13

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Blackberry Way” – lush, orchestral psychedelic pop classic written by Roy Wood.

• B-side: “Something” – melodic track written by Dave Morgan.

• Production: Jimmy Miller – delivering a rich, cinematic sound.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Regal Zonophone company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the height of the psychedelic era, representing The Move’s transition toward more ambitious pop arrangements before the glam and progressive shifts of the 1970s.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: A staple on The Move greatest hits collections and Roy Wood retrospectives.

🔘 Related Material

• Fire Brigade (1968)

• Wild Winds Are Blowing (1969)

• Chinatown (1971)

• Do Ya (1972)

🔘 Discography

Fire Brigade – Single: 1968

Blackberry Way – Single: 1968

Wild Winds Are Blowing – Single: 1969

Chinatown – Single: 1971

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1968 — Recorded with producer Jimmy Miller

✦ November 28, 1968 — UK single released

✦ December 7, 1968 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ January 1969 — Peaks at No. 1

✦ Early 1969 — Completes 13-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With soaring harmonies and a haunting melody, Roy Wood and The Move created pure psychedelic magic with “Blackberry Way” in November 1968 — their only No. 1 and a timeless British pop classic.

#ReleaseChronicle #TheMove #BlackberryWay #1968 #RegalZonophone

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Regal Zonophone, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QwXpuPJ-4k

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