Heart Full of Soul (2:30)

“Heart Full of Soul” is a 1965 single by the British Invasion band The Yardbirds. It was written by Graham Gouldman, who later had a lengthy career as a member of 10cc. It charted in the U.S. at #9 and at #2 in the UK. The song makes an early use of the fuzz box by guitarist Jeff Beck during the guitar solo. Originally, a sitar was going to be used, in keeping with the “Eastern-exotic” atmosphere of the song, but the sound was too thin, and eventually Beck produced a sitar-like effect on the guitar. An outtake exists, with the sitar part intact.

In one way or another, all three of The Yardbirds’ key guitarists were involved with “Heart Full Of Soul”. Although it is Beck that plays on the song, the U.S. single was released with a picture sleeve erroneously showing the Eric Clapton lineup. A March 1968 appearance on the music show Upbeat featured the final lineup with Jimmy Page miming to the record.
“Heart Full of Soul” appears on the 1965 compilation album Having a Rave Up.