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 (11–20)
Don’t Let Me DownThe Beatles
This is a classic song by The Beatles, one of the defining rock bands of the 1960s.
John Lennon wrote it as an expression of love for Yoko Ono, and it was released in April 1969 as the B-side to the single “Get Back.” It also achieved commercial success, reaching No.
35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics convey deep gratitude to a loved one and a wish for eternal love.
It’s a recommended track not only for Beatles fans but for anyone who wants to feel pure love.
The song was performed during their final live rooftop concert in London, and it’s a work filled with the essence of The Beatles.
Walk on the Wild SideLou Reed
If there’s one song that epitomizes the counterculture of the 1970s, it’s this one.
It appears on Lou Reed’s Transformer, released in December 1972.
Its lyrics, depicting people living in New York’s underworld, were bold for the time.
Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, the track is notable for its striking twin bass lines.
The song became a global hit, reaching No.
16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics, modeled on real figures who gathered at artist Andy Warhol’s The Factory, portray the lives of those on society’s margins.
It’s a track that conveys a strong respect for diversity.
Gimme ShelterThe Rolling Stones
“Gimme Shelter” is a masterpiece by the legendary rock band the Rolling Stones, created under the influence of the Vietnam War and the turmoil in American society.
It opens their 1969 album Let It Bleed and is memorable for Keith Richards’s wistful guitar intro.
American soul singer Merry Clayton appears as a guest, sharing lead vocals with Mick Jagger.
In 1993, a charity album featuring covers of “Gimme Shelter” was also released, so why not give it a listen and compare the versions?
RevolutionThe Beatles
This song was born amid the political and social turmoil of the late 1960s.
Based on an idea John Lennon had during meditation, it was shaped into a message calling for nonviolent social change.
Released in 1968 as the B-side to “Hey Jude,” it reached No.
12 on the US Billboard chart and hit No.
1 in Australia and New Zealand.
There are three versions: a slower arrangement on the White Album, a hard rock single version, and an experimental sound collage—offering a range of expressions to enjoy.
It’s a recommended track for those who are socially conscious and hope for peaceful solutions.
Black BettyRam Jam
Ram Jam is a rock band formed in the 1970s.
Their signature song is this track, an arrangement of an African American work song.
Its unique sound—fusing hard rock and blues rock—is captivating, with a catchy riff that sticks with you.
Released in June 1977, it reached No.
18 on the U.S.
singles chart and broke into the top 10 in the UK and Australia.
It has remained beloved for years, even being featured on the soundtrack of the film The Dukes of Hazzard.
With its energetic vibe, it’s perfect for when you want to get pumped up.