How The Zombies landed a number one in 1969 after they had already split
The Zombies recorded "Time of the Season" during a financially strained period in 1967 when their record sales were declining and band members were considering leaving due to lack of income. Working on a minimal budget at Abbey Road Studios, the band created what would become one of their most recognizable songs, though its commercial prospects seemed remote at the time.
The album's path to American success was hindered by record label indifference and questionable promotional decisions. Despite Al Kooper's advocacy securing an American release through a CBS subsidiary, the label initially pushed a different, anti-war single that flopped commercially, leaving "Time of the Season" sidelined until years later when it unexpectedly achieved major chart success—long after the band had already disbanded.
- The Zombies recorded "Time of the Season" in 1967 but it didn't chart until nearly two years later
- The band was financially struggling and near collapse when they recorded what became their biggest hit
- Record labels initially pushed a different single while overlooking the song that would eventually top the charts