1960’s might simply be the most interesting period of time in human history. This is quite a loud statement, but it is based on the solid deviance. It was the era of revolutions: political, sexual, cultural, and technical. Instead of spreading our attention to all of the exciting events and transformation that were taking place during that period, we will focus on the epic and refreshing 60’s music. Flowers, experiments, hallucinations, and otherworldliness is guaranteed!
The Beatles, “A Day In a Life”
It is a pretty tough task to pick one Beatles song to describe this swinging decade. Their music started the rock-and-roll craze, the age of musical hysteria, big bands, and total sound revolution. Taking inspiration from other cultures and, certainly, some medical substances, The Beatles has many hits. We just happen to think that “A Day In a Life” sounds nice and has great lyrics, as well as experimental structure. But honestly, any Beatles song can easily make the list of the most popular songs of all times.
Jimi Hendrix, “All Along The Watchtower”
Though it is not the original song, Bob Dylan’s cover, Jimi Hendrix, the genius he had been, presented his own version. The story goes that after hearing it, Dylan decided to change it in Hendrix’s favor. His guitar solos are the epitome of the sixties and blooming festival culture. However, the music was so unconventional and complex, that even Hendrix’s guitarist friend walked out from the performance.
The Velvet Underground, “I’m Waiting For The Man”
When we think about influential figures of the 1960’s, we often think about Andy Warhol. He has developed the whole pop-art movement and aesthetic visual feeling of the era. But how he is connected with music, one might ask. Well, he has produced The Velvet Underground, New York band with very distinctive 60’s sound. Their trippy sound and texts became a signature sound of the age of Summer of Love.
Bob Dylan, “Like a Rolling Stone”
If you haven’t heard this song, then we cannot help but wonder where you have been the last 50 years? This is one of the most popular old songs, and it keeps bewildering minds of the music lovers. Dylan’s lyrics have become a hymn of his times full of freedom, uncertainty, and discoveries. The music makes quite an impression, partially due to the organ notes. If the spirit of the Hippie era is captured somewhere at all its beauty, it is safe to say that this piece is a very close match to such title.
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Elvis Presley, “Can't Help Falling In Love”
Talking about the sixties without mentioning the king of rock-n-roll is impossible. He has changed not only the perception of pop and rock music but also the society’s attitude toward sex appeal and style. Despite numerous swinging and swaying tracks, in this list of top songs, we have decided to include his lyrical love song. Sweet and tender, this musical number will be forever associated with cute and lovely times of the first, but not least love. If you would like to write a romantic ballad or a daring story, you can get help with this
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The Stooges, “I Wanna Be Your Dog”
Rebel spirit is often forgotten in the face of the pacifist and hippie philosophies of the era. However, in many aspects, the 60s were the revolutionary times. And if we are mentioning rebels, there is no way around The Stooges. Being from Ann Arbor, they have this deep underground, industrial sound to them; the lyrics also played a huge part in the controversy around the song. The text is raw and direct, which makes it even more sensational. This song is often perceived as an early prediction of the Detroit’s unfortunate fate.
The Ronettes, “Be My Baby”
1960’s are often seen as a birth time of the so-called teenage culture. With the rise of financial stability, education, and general level of life, the need in early labor has dissipated, and the young people emerged as the newly formed sector of society with a lot of free time and some cash on their hands. Thus, the new demand for a special type of music has appeared, the lightweight, flirty pop songs that would entertain the teenage audience while providing the beat to dance to. “Be my baby” is the great and one of the most famous examples of such concept. Being named as one of the most popular songs of all times, it is certainly one of the best songs of the 60s.
The Mamas & The Papas, “California Dreamin’”
Simple ideas usually give great results. A similar thing happened to a famed song by this cult band. A simple desire for a warmer climate has turned into one of the biggest hits of the century. Did we forget to mention a hippie vibe and groovy sound?
David Bowie, “Space Oddity”
Nothing is really possible without David Bowie. He has influenced music, style, gender views, and much more, including with this famed song of his. This goes in tune with the 1960’s as an era of discoveries, space conquering and universe’s secrets being unveiled. Sticking to the dreamy and trippy musical atmosphere, this piece is highly descriptive of its times, while also being a timeless somehow. Seat back, relax, take your protein pills and put your helmet on, and enjoy Space Oddity.
Louis Armstrong, “What a Wonderful Life”
In conclusion to our list, we have decided to put this beautiful song by the truly defining musician Louis Armstrong. Even though the sixties is not exactly a jazz era, without this vivid music movement there would be no rock-n-roll, no Beatles, Elvises, etc. The experiments, the vibrancy, the spiritual richness of jazz paved the way for much more styles to come and completely change the way we listen to the music.
