The Notorious Byrd Brothers is the fifth album by the American rock band the Byrds and was released in January 1968, on Columbia Records. The album represents the pinnacle of the Byrds' psychedelic experimentation, with the band blending together elements of folk rock, psychedelic rock, country music, electronic music, and jazz on many of the songs. The album reached number 47 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and number 12 on the UK Album Chart. It was critically praised at the time of its release. A cover of the Gerry Goffin and Carole King song "Goin' Back" was released in October 1967 as the lead single from the album to mild chart success.

Recording sessions for The Notorious Byrd Brothers took place throughout the latter half of 1967 and were fraught with tension, resulting in the loss of two members of the band.Rhythm guitarist David Crosby was fired in October 1967 and drummer Michael Clarke left the band midway through recording, returning briefly before finally being dismissed after completion of the album. Additionally, original band member Gene Clark, who had left the group in early 1966, rejoined for three weeks during the making of the album, before leaving again. Author Ric Menck has noted that in spite of these changes in personnel and the conflict surrounding its creation, The Notorious Byrd Brothers is the band's most cohesive and ethereal-sounding album statement. Producer Gary Usher made extensive use of a number of studio effects and production techniques, including phasing, flanging, and spatial panning. Byrds expert Tim Connors has noted that the album's title evokes the American Old West.

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