I watched the Monkees TV shows and enjoyed their singles. Didn't know the first two songs here, though. Overall, this challenge has greatly increased my appreciation of Monkeesdom. "Shades of Gray" is still probably my favorite though.

"This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day": the psychedelic guitar work is most welcome, but sounds like an afterthought here (I don't know the history of this song, but it sounds as if a studio musician is upping the ante here). 82

"Take a Giant Step": probably still a work from studio musicians, but the songwriting and the instrumentation are more harmonious than on "This Just Doesn't...", hence the higher score: 85

"I Wanna Be Free" Fast version: There are some unique charms here, but I'm influenced by the many years during which the slow version has played in my mind. 83

Here's a bonus track: Jim and Susan Webb's medley that includes the slow version of "I Wanna Be Free" (a personal favorite--I'd give it a 95): https://youtu.be/KjFb4fN2oJs