Top 10 60s Songs You Forgot Were AWESOME
#10: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (1969)
The 5th Dimension
This one goes out to all the astrology nerds. The 5th Dimensions biggest hit is actually a medley of two songs from the musical Hair and it sounds just as theatrical as youd expect. With elements of psychedelic soul, sunshine pop, gospel, and show tunes, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In covers nearly all the bases of the 60s music scene. Teasing an upcoming age of spiritual enlightenment, the song was a hopeful anthem for the decades hippie movement. It might be a little early for the mostly 70s soundtrack, but its campy sci-fi lyrics practically scream for inclusion in a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel.
#9: Something in the Air (1969)
Thunderclap Newman
The Beatles werent the only 60s band calling for revolution. Thunderclap Newmans only hit, Something in the Air, was a metaphor for the changing cultural landscape. Although peace, love, and flower power were all the rage throughout the decade, they werent necessarily getting protesters anywhere in the way of social change instead, the edgy song advocated for more dramatic measures of organizing against issues like the Vietnam War, including violence. Even if you havent heard of Thunderclap Newman, youll almost certainly recognize a familiar face: guitarist Pete Townshend first formed the band as a side project from The Who.
#8: Georgy Girl (1966)
The Seekers
Besides offering serious political anthems, the music of the 60s could also be light and breezy. One of the best examples is the Seekers Georgy Girl, which instantly begins with one of pops catchiest hooks. From its opening whistle, the Australian folk-pop hit glides effortlessly between cheery and wistful throughout its runtime. The story of a frumpy young woman who comes out of her shell following a makeover, it was written as the theme song for a movie of the same name. Despite being a happy tune, it has little in common with todays empowerment anthems, encouraging the subject to change her style for male attention. Either way, some distance from the 60s attitudes towards women has made it just as enjoyable.
#7: Build Me Up Buttercup (1968)
The Foundations
The subject of their biggest hit might have taken them for granted, but the Foundations remain a 60s soul staple. Much soul music of the time was about a man mistreating a woman, but the group turned gender roles on their head for a song about the exact opposite. On Build Me Up Buttercup, they also follow in the footsteps of Motown groups like the Temptations and the Four Tops with an added British twist. Not only were they one of the first successful mixed race groups in the UK, but their vocals on this track are equally harmonious the songs timeless sound continues to resonate with listeners even though the Foundations would disband shortly after in 1971.
#6: Daydream Believer (1967)
The Monkees
Decades later, people are still going bananas for the Monkees signature hit. While the Beatles had long moved on to trippier pastures, the made-for-TV boy band was leaning into their teen-pop sound more than ever. On Daydream Believer, they sang to a homecoming queen over a whimsical bubblegum backdrop. As the groups last number-one hit, it feels slightly bittersweet with an underlying theme of fading youth. Thankfully, lead singer Davy Jones would later reintroduce the song to a whole new audience, creating one of the best gags in SpongeBob history. Daydream Believer proved that the Monkees were more than just a manufactured copy of the Fab Four.
#5: A Whiter Shade of Pale (1967)
Procol Harum
Its about time this song makes a come-Bach. If you want to know what the biggest Baroque composer would sound like with lyrics and rock-era instruments, look no further than A Whiter Shade of Pale. Even though Procol Harum is obviously paying homage to Bachs Air on the G String, the organ-heavy arrangement is still original enough to stand on its own. A Whiter Shade of Pale became one of the biggest hits of 1967s Summer of Love, showcasing a subdued side of the psychedelic genre amid wilder offerings from Jefferson Airplane and Jimi Hendrix. Over 50 years after its release, the song was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 as part of their very first round of singles.
#4: Happy Together (1967)
The Turtles
Slow and steady wins the race, or at least gets the Turtles fourth place. The verses of Happy Together may seem humble and unassuming, but they quietly build to one of the biggest pop choruses of the 60s. Once the minor key turns to major, the song suddenly explodes into a wave of pop ecstasy. However, according to lead singer Howard Kaylan, several artists perplexingly passed on it prior to the Turtles. Thankfully, the band was able to recognize the songs staying power in and outside of the 60s decade and claim it for themselves. No matter how you toss the dice, Happy Together will go down in history as one of pops greatest love songs.
#3: The House of the Rising Sun (1964)
The Animals
Okay, this one technically isnt from the 60s. The House of the Rising Sun is a folk song whose exact origins are unknown, passed down through generations and cultures until landing in the Animals lap. The bands version, widely considered the definitive one, deals with a narrator down on his luck after getting caught up in gambling in New Orleans. The lyrics never say for sure what happened in the title house, but based on the songs ominous organ, it clearly wasnt anything good. Further adding to its mystique, historians still arent in agreement over whether the house was a jail, brothel, or even existed at all. Despite telling a cautionary tale, being bad has never sounded so tempting.
#2: Downtown (1964)
Petula Clark
Forget all your troubles, forget all your cares: thats the exact effect of listening to Downtown. Full of hope and wonder, Petula Clarks biggest hit stateside sounds ripped from a Broadway musical. Rather than staying inside and moping on a bad day, the British singer suggests immersing yourself in the lights and sounds of the nearest busy city. Even pulling off a key change without feeling gimmicky, its nearly impossible not to crack a smile during Downtowns three-minute runtime. Numerous artists have since been inspired by the songs message of escapism, with the likes of Dolly Parton and even Baby Spice Emma Bunton releasing their own cover versions, but Clarks stage-ready vocals have yet to be topped.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Blackberry Way (1968), The Move
Future ELO Members Combine Psychedelic & Classical
Psychotic Reaction (1966), Count Five
A Garage Rock Staple Later Covered by Tom Petty
On a Carousel (1967), The Hollies
The Beat Bands Poppiest Hour
#1: Time of the Season (1968)
The Zombies
Just like the creatures that inspired the bands name, this song refuses to die. Contrary to its title suggesting a passing fad, Time of the Season is one of the most enduring songs of the 60s. Surprisingly smooth and sensual, the Zombies cult classic marks a turning point for popular music getting less prudish. Between the breathy sound effects and iconic organ solo, Time of the Season conjures an atmosphere equally steamy and seedy. Lyrics of the 1960s have rarely been more explicit than here either: rhyming pleasured hands with Promised Lands, the Zombies dont even try to hide what the song is about. Decades after its release, Time of the Season has held on for a reason.
What are your favorite hidden gems from the 60s decade? Let us know down in the comments!