Right.
The Boyce-Hart pop magic was always evident. Diamond, Carol King and Michael Murphy also contributed, along with some stellar work by top-drawer, LA session musicians.
I didn’t care for Nesmith’s songs very much; it seemed like he preferred the obtuse, “intelligent” route of his pal Frank Zappa.
To their credit, the Monkees themselves, did perform much of the music written for them, live.
He had one good song after he went solo and it was on his "Elephant Parts" video/album. I can't remember the name of the song but it was all about Lucy, Ramona and Sunset Sam.
A sizable portion of those session musicians were from Phil Spector’s “wrecking squad”.
Thanks for reminding about Michael Murphy I enjoy his songs.
Nesmith did write “Different Drum” which was big for Linda Ronstadt. Around the same time. there was a short-lived act called “The Lewis & Clark Expedition” which consisted of Michael Murphy and a casual pal of mine from here in Nashville, Boomer Castleman.