Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s

Surfin’ USAThe Beach Boys

The Beach Boys – Surfin Usa – Remastered 2014

When summer comes, a melody wafts in from who knows where—it’s a classic by The Beach Boys.

Even if you don’t know the title, some younger people might recognize the tune.

This song, which opens the album of the same name, “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” became a huge hit and one of the band’s signature tracks.

You Keep Me Hanging OnVanilla Fudge

Vanilla Fudge “Keep Me Hangin’ On” on The Ed Sullivan Show

Vanilla Fudge is a 1960s rock band said to be one of the roots of hard rock and heavy metal.

The performances by bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice—who would later form Beck, Bogert & Appice with Jeff Beck—can only be described as intense.

You can really feel the power in their playing.

Daydream BelieverThe Monkees

The Monkees – Daydream Believer (Official Music Video)

Many of you may know this song from the Japanese cover by The Timers, led by Kiyoshiro Imawano.

The Monkees were marketed as a pop-rock band with idol-like appeal, but this hit song likely cemented their place in music history.

The House of the Rising SunThe Animals

House of the Rising Sun

The Animals, a rock band that had a major impact on the psychedelic rock scene.

They’re known as one of the representative bands of the so-called British Invasion, the movement in which British culture became a sensation in America, and they gained even more popularity after coming to the U.S.

One of their famous songs is The House of the Rising Sun.

Originally an American traditional folk song, it was given a gritty, cool atmosphere through their arrangement.

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Sunday MorningVelvet Underground

The Velvet Underground, Nico – Sunday Morning

This is the opening track of The Velvet Underground’s first album, whose cover—featuring a banana by Andy Warhol—is exceedingly famous.

Although the album was not a hit at the time of its release, its reputation grew steadily and it eventually secured its place as a rock classic.

It’s a song in which Lou Reed’s vocals convey a raw yet refined talent.

Happy TogetherThe Turtles

The Turtles – Happy Together [HD]

This is a quintessential sunshine pop classic from the 1960s that refreshingly sings of innocent first love.

Released in February 1967 by The Turtles, who were active in the United States, the song expresses sweet, aching feelings with a bright and lavish sound.

It opens with an oboe solo, and its sophisticated structure shines with a memorable key change in the chorus.

The track spent three consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and became the band’s signature song.

It has also been featured in films such as Imagine Me & You and Minions, and its universal appeal continues to win support across generations.

Perfectly balancing breezy cheerfulness and bittersweet romance, it’s an ideal choice for spring or summer driving music.

Gimme Some Lovin’The Spencer Davis Group

Gimme Some Lovin’ (Remastered 2010)

An R&B number by the Spencer Davis Group that epitomizes the 1960s British music scene, packed with the exuberance of youth.

The immense vocal power of the prodigiously talented Steve Winwood merges with a soaring, exhilarating organ performance to create a grand, stirring sound.

Released in October 1966, the track became a major hit, reaching No.

2 in the UK and No.

7 in the US.

Its use in the film The Blues Brothers brought it renewed attention, and it was selected for Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

A powerful, uplifting classic that’s perfect for driving, clearing your head, or firing yourself up, it has remained beloved for generations.