“Kind Of A Drag” became the breakout hit for The Buckinghams, a Chicago-based pop-rock band. The song, written by Jim Holvay, mixes teen heartbreak lyrics with an upbeat melody and a bold brass arrangement—something rare in mainstream pop at the time.
The track stood out in the pop landscape thanks to its catchy horn section, lush harmonies, and clean production. It marked the beginning of what became known as the “Chicago horn rock” sound, which would later influence bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
The song was a surprise success, quickly catapulting The Buckinghams to national fame and earning them a spot among America’s leading pop-rock acts of the 1960s.
Kind Of A Drag
“Kind Of A Drag” was recorded at Columbia Studios in Chicago and produced by Carl Bonafede and Dan Belloc.
It was the first of five Top 40 hits The Buckinghams had in 1967 alone.
Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics reflect a melancholic breakup theme — a contrast that made the song stand out.
The Buckinghams’ sound helped bridge the gap between British Invasion pop and American soul-influenced rock.
The brass arrangement in “Kind Of A Drag” set a new tone for pop music in the late ’60s.
