“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” > “Freebird”
That’s like saying rickets > colitis. Perhaps that’s your point.
Au contraire. The first part of the song is slow and depressing and syrupy because he has mixed feelings. He knows he can’t stay, but he still loves the girl, and is saddened to have to leave her. It’s plodding because, again, even though he knows he has to leave, he’s kinda draggin’ his feet. In the second part of the song, he’s left, he’s free, he’s flying, he’s happy. Sure, not much of a transition, but that’s because once he’s out the door, he just takes off. There’s a clear thematic relationship there, of the bird who is torn between staying and leaving, but once left soars with glee.
I’m not a huge fan of the song, but I just listened to it again a minute ago, and I really don’t get RealityChuck’s complaint about the repetition of the guitar solo. Sure, it’s not the best in the world, but it’s hardly the worst, and isn’t all that repetitious.
So, in response to the OP, I don’t really get why anyone hates it OR loves it. To me, it’s an ok song, not great, not horrible.