As the decade went on, the music scene reflected the era’s shifting moods, from the optimism of the early ’60s to the counterculture revolution of the late ’60s. The songs that defined the ’60s remain timeless.
1. Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone
When it was released in 1965 Like a Rolling Stone took the music world by storm. The song’s revolutionary sound and poignant lyrics marked a departure from the folk music Dylan was known for, embracing a more electric, rock-infused style. With its iconic opening organ riff and Dylan’s raw, impassioned vocals, Like a Rolling Stone was bound to be a hit.
2. Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
This classic hit was released in 1969 and quickly became an anthem defining the late ’60s rock scene. With its heavy, distorted guitar riff and powerful, electrifying vocals from Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking track was a game-changer in the world of hard rock. The thunderous rhythm section and Jimmy Page’s iconic guitar solo made Whole Lotta Love a chart-topping success.
3. The Beatles – A Day In The Life
This was the closing track of The Beatles’ 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Combining two distinct musical sections—one reflective and melancholic, the other dramatic and energetic—the song perfectly describes the era’s experimental spirit. John Lennon’s brilliant lyrics, inspired by newspaper headlines, seamlessly blend with Paul McCartney’s upbeat, whimsical middle section, creating a striking contrast.
4. The Doors – Light My Fire
Released in 1967, Light My Fire became an instant classic and a defining moment in the psychedelic rock movement. The song’s fusion of jazz, blues, and rock elements created a sound ahead of its time, while its sensual lyrics and hypnotic rhythm propelled it to the top of the charts.
5. The Beach Boys – Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Released in 1966, Wouldn’t It Be Nice is a perfect picture of the sunny, optimistic spirit of the 1960s. This hit, written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, blends elements of pop, rock, and classical music, showcasing Wilson’s genius as a composer and producer.
6. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – All Along The Watchtower
Released in 1968 as part of Electric Ladyland, The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s cover of Bob Dylan’s All Along the Watchtower became an iconic reinvention that defined Hendrix’s unparalleled guitar skills and innovative approach to rock music. While Dylan’s original was a haunting, minimalist folk song, Hendrix transformed it into a fiery, electrifying anthem. His version became so influential that it’s often considered the definitive rendition of the song.
7. The Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
This classic hit marked the group’s breakout hit and introduced the world to the magnetic talent of a young Michael Jackson. With its Motown charm and pop-soul sound, I Want You Back showcased the group’s tight musical precision, notably how Michael’s powerful lead vocals soared above the energetic instrumentation.
8. Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues
Released in 1955 but reaching new heights of popularity in the 1960s, this is one of his most iconic songs. It blends country, rockabilly, and a touch of rebellion. Cash’s deep, resonant voice and the stark, rhythmic guitar riff give the song an undeniable edge, and his legendary live performance at Folsom Prison in 1968 became a defining moment in both his career and the history of country music.
9. The Who – I Can’t Explain
This classic hit was a defining track of the British Invasion and one of the band’s earliest hits. Written by Pete Townshend, I Can’t Explain captures the frustration and confusion of youth, with its lyrics expressing a longing for something intangible, wrapped in a bold and infectious melody. The track’s distinctive mix of mod-inspired pop and early rock helped set The Who apart from other bands of the time.
Sources:
The Top Ten Songs Of The Sixties
The 200 Best Songs Of The 1960s
