Just like any other list, compiling this list of the Top 10 60s Songs was an extremely difficult task. The task was made more difficult by the fact that the 60s are my favorite music period because so many good damn songs came from this period. A large chunk of my favorite songs, singers and bands originated during this pivotal period of human history. The way music (and society in general) evolved from 1960 to 1970 was absolutely astounding. Arguably, no other decade has since been filled with so many changes.
Ideally, I would simply write about my 10 most favorite Beatles songs since they are my most favorite band hands down! However, for the sake of this blog post and other great artists from this period, I have chosen to restrict each singer/band to just one song.
I hope you enjoy this Top 10 60s Songs list.
Strawberry Fields Forever – The Beatles
While there are so many great and influential songs from the Beatles, this is the song that does it for me. To me, this is where the Beatles were at their creative best and changed music forever. The psychedelic movement was only just beginning when this song was released in February 1967, and the Beatles demonstrated their great versatility in being able to adapt to new musical styles with such easiness. This short analysis of Strawberry Fields Forever does not do any justice to this incredible song.
Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
This was the creative and innovative pinnacle from America’s answer to the Beatles, the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson singlehandedly took the group from being known for poppy, beachy tunes to being regarded as one of the most progressive pop groups of the 60s. At the release of the song in 1966, this was the most expensive song ever produced, thanks to the Brian’s insistence and perfection. In hindsight, it was probably worth it!
Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes
My favorite Supremes song shines from beginning to end. Where Did Our Love Go became the first of 5 consecutive number 1 songs to chart in the United States and cemented the Supremes as one of the leading Motown acts of the 1960s. By the end of the 60s, they would have 12 number 1 hits, which only The Beatles could outdo.
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) – The Four Tops
One of the biggest Motown hits from the prolific production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. This is considered the Four Tops’ signature song and has been covered various times by many artists since. This is a song that could not be left from this Top 10 60s Songs list.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
What else can be said about this song? A true classic is all senses of the word. Not to mention influential. The lyrics may not sound too impactful today, but back then in 1965, it was highly controversial. Nonetheless, it captured the feelings of the youth in the 1960s perfectly and secured the Rolling Stones as the leading British Invasion band apart from The Beatles.
You Really Got Me – The Kinks
Many have said that this is the first heavy metal song. On second thought, I think they are right. Nothing quite like this had been heard before 1964. A very catchy tune and memorable lyrics contributed to this song’s status as one of the Top 10 60s Songs and its inclusion in this list.
Daydream Believer – The Monkees
You may be surprised that I’ve chosen to include this song instead of The Monkees’ other hit “I’m A Believer.” The reason why I prefer this song is because it’s more fun and about daydreaming. I tend to daydream at some point every day, and it’s always a positive, happy experience. This song really emphasizes this and makes you want to daydream more.
Theme From A Summer Place – Percy Faith
Not a typical pop song as such, Theme From A Summer Place is a musical piece from a movie called A Summer Place. Incredibly, this song remained at number 1 in the United States in 1960 and rightly so. It’s an absolutely beautiful tune that one can just imagine what the movie must be like (even though I am yet to watch it). This is beautiful music at its best.
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling – The Righteous Brothers
In my opinion, this is slightly better than their more famous hit “Unchained Melody.” No other song shows the wonderful combination of Bill Medley’s deep bass-baritone voice and Bobby Hatfield’s tenor voice than this. In addition to Phil Spector’s innovative wall of sound technique, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling is a classic that will endure forever.
Happy Together – The Turtles
Another great happy song from the 1960s. A very catchy rhythm in combination with a positive and fun message makes this song very memorable. As a result, it has been featured in countless movies and television series. Truly deserves its place in this Top 10 60s Songs list.
There’s little doubt that the songs I’ve chosen to feature in this list will change over time. Tastes and preferences change all the time and I may or may not decide to re-write this article in accordance with that in the future.
For the time being, I really hope you enjoyed this Top 10 60s Songs list and feel free to share your thoughts below.
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GO THE SUPREMES! =D
Where Did Our Love Go was one of the first songs I heard from the Supremes when I was ten years old, and even today it is still one of my favourites, but Ive gotta say that in my opinion the best supremes song has to be, ‘Love is here and now you’re gone’.
George, I guess everyone has their fav song, but everyone agrees that they’re awesome!