Greatest Rock Songs of the ’60s
The 1960s were a vibrant decade for music, and the best and greatest rock songs of the ’60s reflect that energy. – Author: Cat Badra, Paul McCartney photo by Mary McCartney
The 1960s were a vibrant decade for music, but considering the decade happened so long ago, many of the greatest rock songs of the ’60s are forgotten. Thankfully, plenty of the best songs from the ’60s are still very popular, though, and still played on oldies radio. Even if you don’t listen to oldies radio stations, some of the songs from that decade are just etched in the historical fabric of America and totally recognizable today. So, we’re celebrating the best rock songs of the ’60s by highlighting a selection of the best songs from that whimsical era. Note that we wanted each track on this tally of have somehow influenced popular culture, so all of these songs are important for more than just being great musical snippets.
Best Rock Songs of the ’60s
Bob Dylan, “Like a Rolling Stone”
In 1965, Bob Dylan released a landmark of a song in “Like a Rolling Stone.” The track became one of his biggest hits and still lives on today. This song has everything from bass drum to ragtime piano to raw folk-rock. It’s a classic and one of the best rock songs of the ’60s.
The Beach Boys, “Good Vibrations”
The Beach Boys were a lot of pop and a little rock, but we would be remiss to leave them off this tally. The Beach Boys were the definitive band of their era, and “Good Vibrations,” out in 1966, was one of their best moment. Off “Pet Sounds,” “Good Vibrations” is a psychedelic pop anthem with lots of personality.
The Beatles, “Come Together”
The Beatles were obviously one of the biggest rock bands of the 1960s, and they had so many hits that it’s difficult to pick one shining moment for the band. Right at the end of the decade, in 1969, the guys released their famed “Come Together,” and that earns the title of their best from this era. With raspy guitars and melodic vocals, “Come Together” was the perfect marriage of pop and rock and it set the Beatles up for even more success.
Jimi Hendrix, “All Along the Watchtower”
Jimi Hendrix was one of the best guitarists of his era, and that certainly included in 1960s. In 1968, he released “All Along the Watchtower,” featuring a totally free-fall kind of sound that’s beautifully chaotic and indicative of the experimental nature of Hendrix.
Otis Redding, “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay”
Otis Redding was a major voice in the 1960s, and while it may be a stretch to call him a rocker, he helped lay the groundwork for what would become the classic rock sound. “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” arrived in 1968 and became a massive hit. Its lyrics that are introspective and reflect on life are very relatable, and it’s a breezy song.
The Rolling Stones, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
The Rolling Stones ruled hard rock in the 1960s. They unleashed “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in 1965, and thanks to that song and a bevy of other Stones classic, quickly became one of the biggest rock bands in the world. The riffs on here from Keith Richards are super catchy and fun. The whole track is a rollicking rock anthem.
Roy Orbison, “Oh, Pretty Woman”
The great Roy Orbison released what would become a legendary hit in 1964 with “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Not only was the song popular during its time but it rose to even more popularity when it was used in the sound track for blockbuster film “Pretty Woman” decades later. It’s definitely one of the greatest rock songs of the 1960s.
The Temptations, “My Girl”
The falsetto vocals and harmonies in the Temptations’ 1965 song “My Girl” are simply pleasing to the ear. It’s the kind of song that begs to be listened to over and over again. The famed ’60s Motown track was first written for the Miracles, and Smokey Robinson was going to have Ruffin to sing the vocals. But, the Temptations wanted it, and they got it. It’s a good thing, because this song thrived with them taking it on.
The Who, “My Generation”
The Who was one of the first hard rock bands, and they really made a name for themselves in the 1960s. Their 1965 track “My Generation” marked a defining moment for their popularity and sound. The song is largely about being yourself, and it really changed the course of rock ‘n’ roll with its rebellious lyrics and rhythm and blues accents. It’s the perfect song for anyone who feels like they don’t fit in and one of the greatest rock songs of the ’60s.
Now that we’ve wrapped up the best rock songs of the ’60s find some of the best one-hit wonders from that era, too.
- Greatest Rock Songs of the ’60s - November 27, 2024
- The Greatest Albums of the ’80s - November 23, 2024
- All-Female Judas Priest Tribute Band Releases New Song - November 22, 2024
