The 1960s was a transformative decade for music, and rock was at the heart of that revolution.
But rock wasn’t the only genre making waves. From Motown to folk, psychedelia to R&B, the 60s were a time of incredible diversity and creativity in music.
In this series, we’re diving deep into the top 60s hits that shaped these genres, starting here with rock music.
Each article will explore the songs that not only defined a genre but also left a lasting impact on music as a whole.
So whether you’re a seasoned music lover or a curious newcomer, stay tuned as we journey through the sounds of the 60s, one genre at a time.
Let’s kick things off with the top 10 rock hits that didn’t just shape the genre—they revolutionised it.
1. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan (1965)
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Released in 20 July 1965, it marked a turning point in rock music with its raw, poetic lyrics and defiant tone.
The song’s six-minute length was unprecedented for a single, challenging the conventions of radio at the time.
Its impact was immediate—Rolling Stone magazine later named it the greatest song of all time on their 2004 and 2010 “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” lists, and it is credited with transforming Dylan from a folk singer into a rock icon.
The song’s introspective lyrics and electric sound made it a rallying cry for the counterculture movement.
2. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones (1965)
The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a quintessential rock anthem of the 1960s.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song’s distinctive guitar riff—created by Richards in a hotel room—became one of the most recognisable hooks in rock history.
Released in June 1965, it topped the charts in the US and UK, symbolising the rebellious spirit of the decade.
The song’s lyrics, which expressed frustration with consumerism and sexual repression, resonated with the youth of the era and helped establish The Rolling Stones as the “bad boys” of rock.
3. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix (1967)
Jimi Hendrix redefined the possibilities of the electric guitar with “Purple Haze,” released in March 1967.
The song is a cornerstone of psychedelic rock, characterised by its innovative use of guitar effects like the wah-wah pedal and fuzz distortion.
Hendrix’s virtuosic playing and surreal lyrics created a soundscape that was unlike anything else at the time.
“Purple Haze” became an anthem of the 60s counterculture, showcasing Hendrix’s ability to blend blues, rock, and psychedelia into a cohesive, groundbreaking sound.
4. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys (1966)
The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” released in October 1966, was a milestone in music production.
Brian Wilson, the band’s creative force, spent months perfecting the song, using unconventional instruments like the theremin and pioneering the “modular” recording technique—where different sections of the song were recorded separately and then spliced together.
The result was a richly layered track that was both innovative and commercially successful. “Good Vibrations” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is often cited as one of the greatest pop songs of all time, influencing artists across genres.
5. “My Generation” by The Who (1965)
“My Generation” by The Who, released in October 1965, became an anthem for the youth of the 60s.
The song’s aggressive sound, driven by Pete Townshend’s power chords and Keith Moon’s explosive drumming, was matched by its rebellious lyrics.
Roger Daltrey’s stuttering delivery of the line “Hope I die before I get old” captured the frustrations and desires of a generation challenging the status quo.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart, and it solidified The Who’s reputation as one of the most influential rock bands of the 60s.
6. “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream (1967)
Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love,” released in November 1967, is a perfect fusion of blues and rock, characterised by its iconic riff and Eric Clapton’s masterful guitar work.
The song was written by Clapton, Jack Bruce, and lyricist Pete Brown during the recording of their album, Disraeli Gears.
Inspired by a performance by Jimi Hendrix, “Sunshine of Your Love” became Cream’s biggest hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s heavy, riff-driven sound helped lay the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal in the following decades.
7. “Light My Fire” by The Doors (1967)
The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” released in January 1967, is one of the most enduring songs of the 60s.
Written primarily by the band’s guitarist, Robby Krieger, with contributions from Jim Morrison, the song combines elements of rock, jazz, and blues.
Its extended instrumental break was groundbreaking for the time, showcasing Ray Manzarek’s organ skills and elevating the song to epic status.
“Light My Fire” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became The Doors’ signature song, epitomising the dark, poetic style that defined their music.
8. “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles (1967)
“A Day in the Life” from The Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is often regarded as one of the most ambitious and innovative rock songs ever recorded.
Released in June 1967, the song is a synthesis of two distinct parts written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Lennon’s haunting verses and McCartney’s upbeat middle section are connected by an orchestral crescendo that was unprecedented in pop music.
The song’s avant-garde production techniques and surreal lyrics made it a landmark in rock history, influencing countless artists in the years that followed.
9. “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks (1964)
“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks, released in August 1964, is one of the songs that laid the groundwork for both hard rock and punk rock.
The song’s driving power chords, played by guitarist Dave Davies, were revolutionary at the time and gave the track an aggressive edge that was uncommon in early 60s rock.
Written by Ray Davies, the song was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and number seven in the US.
“You Really Got Me” is often cited as one of the most influential rock songs, inspiring bands like The Who, The Clash, and Van Halen.
10. “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968)
“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, released in July 1968, became an anthem for the counterculture and biker communities, thanks in part to its inclusion in the film Easy Rider.
Written by the band’s drummer, Mars Bonfire, the song is often credited with popularising the term “heavy metal” due to its lyric, “heavy metal thunder.”
The song’s driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and rebellious lyrics made it a symbol of freedom and nonconformity, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio.
Conclusion
These top 10 60s hits are more than just songs—they are the building blocks of rock music as we know it today.
Each track brought something new to the table, whether it was innovative production techniques, powerful lyrics, or groundbreaking musical styles.
Together, they shaped the sound of a decade and left a lasting legacy that continues to influence musicians today.
And this is just the beginning. In this series, we’ll explore more of the 60s’ diverse music landscape, from the soulful sounds of Motown to the revolutionary spirit of folk music.
Each genre has its own story to tell, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in our journey through the music of the 1960s.
You might also like:
- Endurance Listening: Can You Handle the Longest Songs Ever Recorded?
- Discovering the Best Guitarists of All Time
- Heartfelt Songs About Losing Someone to Help You Heal
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Karaoke Songs and Album Tracks of All Time
- Sing-Along Classics: 50 Songs Everyone Knows by Heart
- 30 Songs About Loneliness That Will Make You Feel Less Alone
- 50 Powerful Self-Love Songs to Boost Your Confidence and Self-Esteem
