Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s
The era when the foundations of rock music were forged: the 1960s.
Today’s rock music includes many subgenres that blend a variety of musical styles.
Of course, every genre is rooted in rock, but if you trace many of them back to their origins, you end up in the 1960s.
This time, we’ve selected classic songs that had a tremendous impact on the rock scene of the 1960s.
Many famous artists and bands appear, so even if you’re not well-versed in rock, be sure to check them out!
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Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the 60s (1–10)
All Along The WatchtowerThe Jimi Hendrix Experience
In 1968, Bob Dylan’s classic song “All Along the Watchtower” was released.
This time, we’re featuring the cover by the great rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
His cover reached No.
5 on the UK Singles Chart and spent two consecutive weeks at No.
20 on the U.S.
Billboard chart, his highest position there.
Dylan himself praised Hendrix’s one-of-a-kind rock guitar sound, and reportedly performed the song in a style closer to Hendrix’s version at his own concerts.
Good VibrationsThe Beach Boys
Good Vibrations, the single released in 1966 by The Beach Boys, a quintessential surf rock band.
It topped both the U.S.
and U.K.
charts and became the band’s biggest hit.
In 2010, it was ranked sixth on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and it was nominated for Best Vocal Group Performance at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards.
The song’s distinctive harmonies—evoking doo-wop—leave a strong impression, layered over the band’s signature breezy West Coast American sound.
Lookin’ Out My Back DoorCreedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival embodies the essence of American rock.
Released in July 1970, this song appears on the album Cosmo’s Factory.
The lyrics, which unfold a fantastical world, were reportedly written by John Fogerty for his three-year-old son.
Images like elephants, tambourines, and a flying spoon are said to have been inspired by Dr.
Seuss’s stories.
Another appeal is its optimistic message, which contrasts with the social unrest of the time.
With its poppy melody and whimsical lyrics, it remains beloved by many to this day.
It’s a perfect pick when you want a change of pace or a little boost of energy.
Love StreetThe Doors
The Doors, led by vocalist Jim Morrison, released the single “Love Street” in 1968.
It was issued as a single from the album “Waiting for the Sun,” which was also released that same year.
Both the single and the album reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard charts.
While The Doors are often associated with their distinctive sound featuring the VOX Continental organ, “Love Street” features a poppy, melodious sound built around acoustic guitar and piano.
House of the Rising SunThe Animals
The Animals, a legendary band from the United Kingdom.
Released in 1964, this song is known as one of their signature works.
Eric Burdon’s deep vocals and Alan Price’s organ playing are particularly striking.
The piece tells a tragic story about a young man whose life is ruined in the city of New Orleans.
Following in the footsteps of his father, who was consumed by gambling and alcohol, the protagonist ends up going down the same path, conveying a message of regret and warning.
The Animals recorded the song in a single take, and it reached number one on the charts in both the UK and the US.
A pioneering work of folk rock, it has continued to be covered by many artists, including Naomi Chiaki.