Top Songs from the 1960’s

The 1960’s was a great time in American music. A lot of great artists released music and many of those songs are still listened to today. Those same musicians shaped the way that that music is today and inspired almost every time of music we listen to. I wasn’t alive during the 60’s, but that doesn’t mean that I can appreciate the quality of the music produced during that era. Here is a list of my top songs released during the 1960’s. Enjoy!

“I Got You Babe” – Sonny & Cher (1965): This hit song, written by Sonny Bono, spent 3 weeks in the number one spot. It’s pretty catchy so it’s no surprise why it was so popular. It has been covered by many artists and used in many television shows and movies. For this reason it is definitely worthy of a top spot.

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones (1965): The Rolling Stones are arguably one of the best bands ever so it’s really no surprise why one of there songs made the list. This song was number one on the charts for 4 straight weeks. It was a pretty controversial song for the Stones and received some criticism for its sexual overtones. Despite that fact, people embraced the song and it became popular abroad as well.

Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum (1969): Greenbaum’s attempt at a gospel song was so popular that it made it all the way to number 3 in the United States and number 1 in the United Kingdom.

“Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones (1969): Yes another song by The Rolling Stones. In a time when the Vietnam War was going strong The Stones put out music to that related to the sentiments of society. I don’t think that I have seen a movie based on the Vietnam War that doesn’t include this song.

Fortunate Son” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969): Another popular song during the time of the Vietnam War, Fortunate Son is anthem for the drafted soldiers, who were not fortunate enough to avoid the war. This is a great song with a great guitar playing. It is definitely worthy of the list.

“Wouldn’t it be Nice” – Beach Boys (1966): In a time of struggle and strife America needed a feel good song from the Beach Boys. This song made it to number 2 on the charts and has been used in many television shows and movies since its release. Every time I hear this song the two movies I think of are Bubble Boy and 50 First Dates.

“Proud Mary” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969): This song was CCR’s first top 10 song and Proud Mary made it all the way to number 2 on the charts. This song was written by John Fogerty about a steamboat. Probably the most famous cover version of this song was by Ike and Tina Turner and it was definitely one of her most successful songs.

“Hey Jude” – The Beatles (1968): Hey Jude was written by Paul McCartney for John Lenon’s son Jules, who was having to endure his parents divorce. This song was extremely popular at the time and made it to number one all of the top charts.

“Last Train to Clarksville” – The Monkees (1966): This song by The Monkees made it all the way to number 1and was the group’s number one single. This song was The Monkees’ way to protest the Vietnam War.

“Daydream Believer” – The Monkees (1967): This song peaked at number 1 on the US charts. It is a great song and classic Monkees.

“Yellow Submarine” – The Beatles (1966): This song by The Beatles was so popular that it was also featured in a movie of the same name. It is catchy and almost sounds like an English bar song. While this song made it to number 1 on the UK music charts it failed to reach the top slot on the American ones.

“I’m Henry the Eighth, I am” – Herman’s Hermits (1965): This song was a popular British music hall song and when it was redone by Herman’s Hermits it bolted all the way to the top. It has been used in many movies and television shows and probably the most popular one was Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze.

Sources: Wikipedia.com (All music chart information sourced from the respective Wikipedia pages).