Unforgettable songs of the '60s
For most of us, the 1960s are fondly remembered as our teen years and early 20s, when we thought we knew everything (we did!) and believed we were invincible (we weren’t!). Here, we take a look back at the songs which became the soundtrack to our youths.
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
We just couldn’t go past this iconic 1966 surf rock track which embodies everything we loved about the ‘60s. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, “Good Vibrations” quickly shot to number 1 in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Malaysia and former Rhodesia.
“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s 1965 hit was quite different from most music at the time, breaking away from the “good vibrations”-style music celebrating peace, freedom and love and instead conveying resentment and cynicism. The song has been covered by artists like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix.
“Space Oddity” by David Bowie
This 1969 classic was David Bowie at his peak. Again, this song was rather unlike most hits of the decade, creating a sort of sci-fi universe Bowie would go on to revisit in later songs including 1983’s “Major Tom (Coming Home)” and one of the last singles before his recent death, “Blackstar”.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, Aretha Franklin changed the lyrics and turned “Respect” into a celebration of strong, confident women just two years later. Peaking at number one in Australia and the US, the song became a feminist anthem in the ‘70s.
“California Dreaming” by The Mamas and the Papas
This Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted song was released in 1965 by The Mamas and the Papas and was an embodiment of the so-called “California sound” of the decade. The Beach Boys covered the hit in 1986, but we think the original is unbeatable.
“Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen
First recorded by its writer Richard Berry, “Louie Louie” became a hit after US band The Kingsmen released their version in 1963. One of the most decorated songs in rock n’ roll history, “Louie Louie” has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame and many others.
“My Generation” by The Who
English rockers The Who released “My Generation” in 1965 and the mod anthem has become one of the band’s most recognisable tunes. NME hit the nail on the head when they described the Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted song as an encapsulation of the angst of being a teenager.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
We couldn’t write an article about classic songs from the ‘60s without including The Beatles, could we? The 1963 hit was a huge deal for the band, marking their first number one in the US. Of course, they would go on to have many more, but “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is just the perfect ‘60s tune.
Which of these songs brings back the best memories? Let us know in the comments below.
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