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

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.

21st Century Schizoid ManKing Crimson

King Crimson – 21st Century Schizoid Man (Including “Mirrors”)

Among the progressive rock genre, this is a signature song by King Crimson, a quintessential prog band that is especially popular in Japan.

Above all, its grand, large-scale composition—including a horn section—remains absolutely overwhelming even today.

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.

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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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.

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.

Riders on the StormThe Doors

The Doors – Riders on the Storm (Official Audio)

When it comes to signature songs by The Doors, one of the defining rock bands of the 1960s, this is likely the track that comes to mind for many people.

Released in April 1971 and included on the album L.A.

Woman, it is highly regarded as a song in which Jim Morrison’s profound insight merges beautifully with the band’s musicality.

The sound effects that mimic rain and thunder are striking, and the lyrics—depicting the fragility of life and the inner conflicts of humanity—resonate with many listeners.

Its influence endures, with frequent use in films and television dramas.

With its deep philosophical themes, this track is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on the meaning of life.