Forgotten Classic Rock Songs of the ’60s
The 1960s were packed with incredible classic rock sounds, but there are certainly some forgotten classic rock songs of the ’60s. – Author: Anne Erickson, Paul McCartney photo by Mary McCartney
The 1960s were packed with incredible classic rock sounds, since that was really the decade where the hard rock sound got its start. But, amid all those big rock hits there were also plenty of forgotten classic rock songs of the ’60s that should be celebrated. While the decade is known for blockbuster songs such as the Rolling Stones, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and the Who, “My Generation,” that doesn’t mean those songs are any better than some of the tracks that didn’t get their due. We’re honoring those incredible forgotten classic rock songs of the ’60s right here and now.
Forgotten Classic Rock Songs of the ’60s
Led Zeppelin, “How Many More Times”
Led Zeppelin surfaced later in the 1960s, actually right at the very end of the decade. While they took off right away, some songs off their first two albums, both of which dropped in 1969, are underappreciated. “How Many More Times” is one of those. It’s a folk-rock gem off Zeppelin’s self-titled debut. Between track such as “Good Times Bad Times” and “Dazed and Confused,” it’s easy to overlooked “How Many More Times,” but it’s worth bringing out, dusting off and listening to again.
Simon & Garfunkel, “Cloudy”
Simon & Garfunkel are known for many great songs, but “Cloudy” often goes overlooked. As with many successful musician and bands, “Cloudy” often is often overlooked simply because so much of their catalog has become classic and popular. “Cloudy” is heavy on the folk, but it still rocks, so we’re including it in this tally of the greatest forgotten classic rock songs of the 1960s.
Steppenwolf, “Monster”
Steppenwolf are certainly one of the great classic bands, but their song “Monster” never got much love, largely because it was the title track off their album by the same name, which was largely criticized. But, looking back, “Monster” is a diamond in the rough. The song is magnificent and certainly one of the forgotten classic rock songs of the ’60s.
The Beatles, “There’s a Place”
It’s difficult to say that any Beatles song is underrated, because they’re really one of the greatest and most popular rock bands of all time. But, “There’s a Place” is rarely a Beatles song that gets spun on classic rock radio or played through jukeboxes. The song, which has a Motown feel, arrived on the Beatles’ 1963 debut album, “Please Please Me,” and sandwiched between chart-topping songs such as “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Love Me Do,” it’s no wonder “There’s a Place” doesn’t get its due. It’s certainly one of the most underrated rock songs from the ’60s.
The Youngbloods, “Darkness, Darkness”
“Darkness, Darkness,” written by Jesse Colin Young, has been covered by a lot of different musicians. Young’s band The Youngbloods released the song in 1969 on their album “Elephant Mountain,” and while it’s been covered a bunch, the original never really got the due it deserved. The whole band, the Youngbloods, deserves more attention.
The Who, “Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand”
The Who is another mega band that isn’t underrated in any way, but some of their music has flown under the radar, because so much of their catalog has such chart-toppers. “Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand” is a very mysterious song, because the lyrics are written pretty ambiguously. The track, written by Pete Townshend and released on 1967’s “The Who Sell Out,” features some unique acoustic guitar and a Latin vibe.
Traffic, “Heaven Is in Your Mind”
“Heaven Is in Your Mind” is the lead track off Traffic’s 1967 debut album, “Mr. Fantasy.” While “Mr. Fantasy” put the band on the musical map, that lead song is often overlooked. The English rock band hit No. 88 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with their debut album, but “Heaven Is in Your Mind” wasn’t considered a popular single. It’s worth another listen.
Aside from these forgotten classic rock songs of the ’60s, find Audio Ink Radio’s tally of the best one-hit wonders from that decade.
- Forgotten Classic Rock Songs of the ’60s - December 8, 2024
- Best Metal Songs of the ’70s - December 4, 2024
- AC/DC Announce North American Tour With Singer Brian Johnson - December 2, 2024
