The ’60s were all about developing different genres. The top 100 was filled with Motown, experimental, love ballads, and classic rock n’ roll to name a few.
Check out our top 50 picks from the 1960s
The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Tokens
Album:
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Description
This South African hunting song was originally titled “Mbube” translating to “Lion”. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was recorded by The Tokens in May 1961. The Tokens were not happy with their somewhat embarrassing release and didn’t believe that it would ever gain any positive attention. Boy were they wrong! It became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the holiday season of 1961.
Stand By Me

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Ben E. King
Album:
- Dont Play That Song!
Description
In the year 1960, Ben E. King and The Drifters inquired about releasing Stand By Me as a single. However, after much discussion with the group’s manager, the song would eventually be rejected. In the year 1961, Ben E. King would release Stand By Me as a solo project. It is now the 6th highest-grossing single of its era.
Green Onions

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Booker T. & The M.G.'s
Album:
- Green Onions
Description
Recorded in 1962, Green Onions was almost released under the name Funky Onions. You may remover hearing this tune in cult classics such as Happy Gilmore, and The Sandlot.
My Girl

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Temptations
Album:
- The Temptations Sing Smokey
Description
My Girl was written by singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson about the love of his life, Miracles member Claudette Rogers Robinson.
Wipe Out

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Surfaris
Album:
- The Best of The Surfaris
Description
The Surfaris manager Dale Smallin’s voice was made famous for his “ha ha ha ha ha, wipe out” intro for this 1962 beach tune.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Album:
- United
Description
This Billboard chart topper was recorded at the Hitsville USA studio in Detroit, MI in 1967. It is now known as one of the most successful singles to ever be released by Motown.
Try A Little Tenderness

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Otis Redding
Album:
- The Very Best of Otis Redding
Description
Otis Redding on the microphone and Booker T. & The M.G.’s on the instrumental? This song had the perfect recipe for success. Try a Little Tenderness is now listed as one of “the best sons of all time” in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
My Favorite Things

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- John Coltrane
Album:
- My Favorite Things
Description
My Favorite Things has sold more than 500,000 copies. The soprano saxophone used for this recording was gifted to John Coltrane from his good friend Miles Davis.
Blackbird

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Beatles
Album:
- The Beatles (The White Album)
Description
Paul McCartney recalls that this song was written as a combination of a blackbird call he heard on a trip to India, and the 1960 race riots happening in the United States.
The Times They Are A-Changin'

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Bob Dylan
Album:
- The Times They Are A-Changin'
Description
This Folk song was written to invoke chance during the Civil Rights Movement and the Folk music revive. The Times They are a Changin’peaked at the #9 position of the UK singles chart.
The Weight

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Band
Album:
- Music From Big Pink
Description
Although this song never made it to the top of the charts, The Weight is one of the greatest classic rock songs of all time.
Down by the River

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Neil Young, Crazy Horse
Album:
- Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Description
Calm down everyone, Neil Young is not a crazy person who shot his baby Down by the River. This song is actually about overcoming a horrible drug addiction.
I Want You Back

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Jackson 5
Album:
- Jackson 5: The Ultimate Collection
Description
Motown hit the jackpot with the Jackson 5! The group’s first single “I Want You Back” would be the first of four back to back singles to hit #1 on the Billboard Charts.
I Say A Little Prayer

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Dionne Warwick
Album:
- The Windows of The World
Description
Released in 1967 as a love song during the Vietnam War. I Say A Little Prayer For You resonated with the wives of the men who were in battle.
Cast Your Fate to the Wind

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Vince Guaraldi Trio
Album:
- Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus
Description
This song won a Grammy for the Best Original Jazz Composition category. The award would later lead the Trio into much success recording for the hit cartoon Peanuts.
Season of the Witch

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Donovan
Album:
- Sunshine Superman
Description
This song is a psychedelic masterpiece! The Season of the Witch was released shortly before Donovan’s arrest for his possession of the devil’s lettuce.
Time of the Season

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Zombies
Album:
- Odessey and Oracle
Description
The Zombies broke up the group shortly after the release of Season of the Witch. The song would go on to sell over a million copies and secure a #3 spot on the Billboard charts.
King of The Road

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Roger Miller
Album:
- All Time Greatest Hits
Description
King of the Road is an anthem for the less fortunate. Roger Millers ballad of life on the road reminds us that we don’t need much to keep our spirits high.
California Dreamin'

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Mamas & the Papas
Album:
- If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears
Description
Are you feeling homesick yet? This song was written to explain the hate for New York winters and the love for California Summers. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard charts in the year 1966.
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The 5th Dimension
Album:
- The Age of Aquarius
Description
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In was written for the Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. This song would later become a protest anthem for long-haired hippies who disagreed with government policy.
The Twist

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Chubby Checker
Album:
- The Twist-Single
Description
The Twist was originally released by The Midnighters in 1958, peaking at #28 on the Billboard chart. Chubby Checker’s 1960 cover landed the #1 spot, and also started The Twist dance craze.
Sugar, Sugar

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Archies
Album:
- Sugar, Sugar
Description
The song Sugar, Sugar was written for the Saturday morning cartoon Archie. The Archies were portrayed on the show as cartoon characters and needed a song that would speak to the audience.
I'm a Believer

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Monkees
Album:
- More of the Monkees
Description
I’m a Believer was originally written by Neil Diamond. When The Monkees gained the rights to do a cover, producers were not convinced they had the talent to play the instrumentals for the song. Only their vocals were used for the final product.
Good Lovin'

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Young Rascals
Album:
- The Young Rascals
Description
Good Lovin’ is the only prescription that you really need. At least that’s what The Young Rascals would tell you. Their 1966 cover song went all the way to the top of the Billboard charts.
Happy Together

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Turtles
Album:
- Happy Together
Description
This song is about a boy’s crush on a girl that goes unreturned. “Imagine how the world could be so very fine” sounds more like pleading love when you understand the context.
Mrs. Robinson

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Simon & Garfunkel
Album:
- Bookends
Description
Mrs. Robinson won the first-ever Grammy Award in the Rock category for Record of the Year. You can now hear this song covered by artists such as The Lemonheads, Frank Sinatra, and Bon Jovi.
Touch Me

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Doors
Album:
- The Soft Parade
Description
Robby Krieger, the drummer of the Doors, wrote this song originally with the title Hit Me as an homage to the relationship he had with his girlfriend. Jim Morrison would later have the song title changed to Touch me.
All Along the Watchtower

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Jimi Hendrix
Album:
- Electric Ladyland
Description
Believe it or not All Along the Watchtower was Jimi Hendrix’s’ only top 40 hit. Bob Dylan originally wrote and recorded the song. However, Dylan loved the Hendrix version so much he would go on to play the way Jimi did moving forward.
Whole Lotta Love

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Led Zeppelin
Album:
- Led Zeppelin II
Description
Whole Lotta Love is like a Rock and Roll Viagra. Robert Plant is yearning, and he wants everyone to know. Led Zeppelin landed this song on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time list in 2004.
I Can See For Miles

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Who
Album:
- The Who Sell Out
Description
Lead singer Pete Townshend wrote this song for his now-wife then-girlfriend Karen to ensure that even though he was touring on the road, he would still be able to see her.
Piece of My Heart

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Big Brother & The Holding Company
Album:
- Cheap Thrills
Description
While most people think this song was solely credited to the late Janis Joplin, her band Big Brother & The Holding Company wrote and recorded the song in 1968.
Hey! Baby

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Bruce Channel
Album:
- Hey! Baby
Description
Bruce Channel wrote Hey! Baby in the year 1959. However, this #1 hit single would not get an official release until the year 1962.
Good Vibrations

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Beach Boys
Album:
- Smiley Smile
Description
Good Vibrations cost nearly $50,000 to be released, making it the most expensive pop song in American history. The song is about invisible feelings that sometimes you can’t explain.
Last Kiss

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers
Album:
- Last Kiss
Description
Based on a true story, Last Kiss tells an unfortunate event of a girlfriend who dies in her boyfriend’s arms after a tragic car crash.
You Keep Me Hangin' On

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Supremes
Album:
- The Supremes Sing Holland-Dozier-Holland
Description
This #1 song from The Supremes tells a story of a man who doesn’t love his woman anymore, and all she wants from his is to be set free.
Ticket to Ride

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Beatles
Album:
- Help!
Description
Ticket to Ride is rumored to be about the streetwalker girls of Hamburg having the green light from the authorities to go about their business.
Dance to the Music

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Sly & The Family Stone
Album:
- Dance to the Music
Description
Dance to the Music is said to be Sly & The Family Stone’s least favorite song. Despite the bands’ thoughts’ on the single, this song would be their first #1 hit.
Hush

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Deep Purple
Album:
- When We Rock, We Rock and When We Roll, We Roll
Description
The Rock and Roll sound that Deep Purple delivers with this track landed them a #4 spot on the U.S. Billboard charts. Although it never did gain much success over in the U.K.
House of the Rising Sun

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Animals
Album:
- The Animals
Description
Some wish to believe this song is about a woman’s prison with a rising sun gate entrance, and others will say it’s about a women’s brothel in New Orleans. We will leave this for you to decide.
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Byrds
Album:
- Turn! Turn! Turn!
Description
Turn! Turn! Turn! was written as a folk song by Pete Seeger in 1961. The Byrds loved the song but wanted to record a more electric feel. Their version would make it to the #1 spot on the Billboard charts in 1965.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album:
- Pendulum
Description
Have You Ever Seen the Rain was written in by John Fogerty about his brother Tom Fogerty leaving the band. Tom Fogerty sadly passed away from tuberculosis in 1990.
One Fine Day

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- The Chiffons
Album:
- Absolutely the Best!
Description
The lyrics say it all, “One fine day you’re gonna want me for your girl”. This song is about a girl who wants a boy who isn’t interested in her. A girl can dream, right?
These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Nancy Sinatra
Album:
- Boots
Description
Nancy Sinatra is no stranger to success. After all, Nancy’s father is the great Frank Sinatra. These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ is one of 10 top 40 hits recorded by Nancy.
Can't Help Falling In Love

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Elvis Presley
Album:
- Blue Hawaii (Original Soundtrack)
Description
Can’t Help Falling In Love is a love song that was featured in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii, in which Elvis Presley stars and sings.
It's Not Unusual

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Tom Jones
Album:
- Along Came Tom Jones
Description
How would you feel if you saw your girlfriend out and about with another guy? Well, Tom Jones decided to write It’s Not Unusual to help us cope with the feeling.
Born to Be Wild

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Steppenwolf
Album:
- Steppenwolf
Description
Born to Be Wild is know for being the first rock song to use the words “heavy metal”. Steppenwolf however, did not coin the phrase. Those honors go to a man named William Burroughs.
Reach Out I’ll Be There

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Four Tops
Album:
- Reach Out
Description
Reach Out I’ll Be There reached #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K. Thus making this single only the second recording ever to do so from Motown Records.
Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Frankie Valli
Album:
- Frankie Valli: Solo
Description
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You was 2nd only to the song titled Windy released by The Association. Lauren Hill would later cover this song and win herself a Grammy in 1999.
Dancing In The Street

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Martha and the Vandellas
Album:
- Dance Party
Description
Dancing In The Street was written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter, and Mickey Stevenson. This song is about a visit to Detroit, where the group noticed kids playing in the street and dancing around open fire hydrants to keep cool.
Spanish Flea

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
Album:
- !!Going Places!!
Description
Going Places won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental in the year 1965. Spanish Flea was an instant classic that would make it to the #3 spot on the Billboard Chart.
Incense and Peppermint

Listen:
- Amazon Music •
- Spotify •
- Tidal •
- YouTube
Artist:
- Strawberry Alarm Clock
Album:
- Incense and Peppermint
Description
Incense and Peppermint is a prime example of the psychedelic music genre. Most psychedelic music was written on or about drugs in the ’60s. Few would argue that drugs were the inspiration behind this #1 Billboard chart-topper.