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 (21–30)
(Don’t Fear) The ReaperBlue Oyster Cult
Released in 1976, this work is a classic song by Blue Öyster Cult themed around death and eternal love.
Its gothic storytelling and distinctive guitar lines are captivating, carrying a message that death should be accepted rather than feared.
Included on the album Agents of Fortune, it reached No.
12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received high acclaim, including a spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song also inspired Stephen King’s novel The Stand.
It’s perfect for times when you want to reflect deeply on life or are seeking music that truly resonates.
St. StephenGrateful Dead
The Grateful Dead, a band that epitomizes psychedelic rock culture.
Many people will recognize their skull-and-rose-themed artwork and the bear character commonly known as the “Dancing Bears.” This is a classic song by a band that influenced countless musicians, with hints of country woven into its sound.
You Really Got MeThe Kinks
Rock in the 1960s didn’t often have the intensity we associate with it today.
One band that had a major impact on 1960s rock was The Kinks.
Their gritty, distortion-heavy sound—unusual for the time—connects strongly to modern rock.
One of their classic songs is “You Really Got Me,” a memorable track marked by its distorted guitar and just-right level of intensity.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Surfin’ USAThe Beach Boys
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.
Foxey LadyThe Jimi Hendrix Experience
It’s a masterpiece that stands as a pinnacle of psychedelic rock.
It paints a tribute to a captivating woman, paired with a distinctive guitar sound.
Jimi Hendrix’s innovative playing style colors the entire track.
Included on the 1967 debut album Are You Experienced, it was also released as a single in the United States.
Its cultural significance is exceptionally high—evidenced by its inclusion in the Library of Congress.
It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of rock music or in exploring the possibilities of the guitar.