Cobbled together for a television program, The Monkees were not a real band. That did not stop them from entertaining millions of people and putting out some fantastic music. The Monkees used the top session musicians and took full of advantage of their access to the best songwriters of the day, including Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, and Neil Diamond. The Monkees had twelve Top 40 hits and their first four albums went to number one on the Billboard chart. From that vast repertoire, here are my choices for the top 10 songs by the Monkees.
10. Daydream Believer (1967)
The Monkees’ third chart-topping hit, “Daydream Believer” was originally slated as the B-side of “Love Is Only Sleeping.” However, the record company got cold feet over the A-side’s subject matter and released “Daydream Believer” instead. The result was possibly the Monkees’ most enearing and enduring song.
9. The Door Into Summer (1967)
Written by Bill Martin who would later find success as a comedy writer, “The Door Into Summer” shares a title with a Robert Heinlein novel. The track benefits from a very tasteful arrangement led by the acoustic guitar and electric bass playing of producer Chip Douglas.
8. Sweet Young Thing (1966)
From the Monkees’ eponymous debut album, this song was co-written by Michael Nesmith and the songwriting team of Carole King and Gerry Goffin. “Sweet Young Thing” was one of the first country-rock songs, featuring some blistering fiddle playing.
7. Auntie’s Municipal Court (1968)
Another country-rock song from Michael Nesmith. A track from The Birds, the Bees & the Monkees, “Auntie’s Municipal Court” is a highlight because of its intricate guitar work and free-form poetic lyrics.
6. The Girl I Knew Somewhere (1967)
Released as the B-side of “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” this song is famous because it was the first track to feature the Monkees playing the backing track themselves. Written by Nesmith, “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” features a stand-out harpsichord solo by Peter Tork and some enthusiastic, if not very proficient, drumming by Micky Dolenz.
5. Pleasant Valley Sunday (1967)
With a driving guitar riff played by Michael Nesmith, Gerry Goffin and Carole King’s commentary on suburban living was the Monkees’ fourth Top 5 single. Be sure to listen to the entire song to hear the psychedelic coda.
4. Last Train to Clarksville (1966)
Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, “Last Train to Clarksville” was released before The Monkees debuted on television. Even without weekly promotion on the tube, the single hit number one on the charts. With a riff influenced by the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer,” the song’s lyrics are blatantly anti-war.
3. Shades of Gray (1967)
A track from Headquarters, “Shades of Gray” is one of the most beautiful songs the Pre-Fab Four recorded. An understated french horn and viola solo is ably supported by the piano playing of Peter Tork who shares lead vocal duties with Davy Jones.
2. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone (1966)
Written by Boyce and Hart, this is one of the hardest rocking songs put to vinyl by the Monkees. The song’s driving beat and angry lyrics led the tune to not only a place in Billboard’s Top 20, but also a cover by the Sex Pistols.
1. I’m a Believer (1966)
Written by Neil Diamond, “I’m a Believer” was the Monkees’ second number one hit and their best selling record, moving more than five million copies. With its catchy lyrics and simple keyboard hook, “I’m a Believer” is one of the best pop records of all time.
Those are my choices for the top 10 Monkees songs from among the more the 200 tracks they have released. What is your favorite? Tell me in the comments section.
