The Sixties were about change and revolutions. Teenagers were breaking away from their parents views and opinions. Those changes are reflective in their music. These are the songs that best describe the changes.
Number five is “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley. Since coming out of the Army in 1960, Elvis’ career slowly ground to a halt. He was still hugely popular in music and movies, but he was slowly losing popularity with the youth. In 1969, though, Elvis showed that he still had the magic that propelled him in the 1950’s. He jump started his famous comeback with the number one song “Suspicious Minds”. Released in 1969, the song would once again place Elvis in the most popular concert attractions. The song also would be Elvis’ last number one song.
Number four “Someday We’ll be Together”, by the Supremes. Released in 1969, the song would be the last number one single by the Supremes. The song emphasized the Motown sound and popularity. The Motown sound was highly successful and popular in the 1960’s, with the Supremes being one of it’s premier artists. But by 1969, rifts between the members were breaking the group apart. So much so that the song was actually intended to be Diana Ross’ first solo record, but Motown’s founder Berry Gordy appointed it to be a Supremes recording. The song has the extra distinction of being the last American number one hit of the 1960’s.
Number three is “Light My Fire” by the Doors. Released in 1967, the song was their debut song and would establish the group as one of the most popular American bands of the late Sixties. The song showcased the groups sound, which could be categorized as jazz-rock. The song was widely popular in the psychedelic circles as a song about getting high. The song also propelled front man Jim Morrison to sex symbol status. Which would compel him to be anti establishment and would increase the groups popularity. It was also one of the longest running number one songs at a little over seven minutes. It was shortened to about three minutes for radio.
Number two is “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, by the Rolling Stones. Released in 1965, the song shot up the charts and can be credited for popularizing the Rolling Stones in the United States. Before “Satisfaction”, the Rolling Stones weren’t as popular as some of their counterparts, especially the Beatles. After the songs release, the Stones then rivaled the Beatles. Starting from a guitar riff that came to Keith Richards in a dream, the song helped the Stones bring to light their own style and music interests. The song would forever endear the Stones to the youth as being anti-establishment music and artists.
The greatest song of the Sixties is “Hey Jude”, by the Beatles. When it was released in 1968, “Hey Jude”, had opened yet another door for the Beatles. Being over seven minutes long the song was too long for radio airplay. But since it was a Beatles’ single, radio overlooked it longevity. The song spent nine weeks at number one and became the Beatles biggest selling single. It also would be one of the longest songs ever to reach number one. The song also featured a rock ballad with an orchestra backing. It is still a widely popular song, with its sing-a-long ending. That is why it should be considered for the top song of the Sixties.
