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 (51–60)
On The Road AgainCanned Heat
A classic that had a major impact on the blues-rock scene of the 1960s: Canned Heat’s “On the Road Again.” Beloved among devoted fans, this track captivates with its unique blend of blues and rock.
Released in 1968, it’s a driving blues-rock number with psychedelic elements and striking high-pitched vocals.
It achieved high positions on charts around the world, cementing Canned Heat’s musical influence.
Its lyrics, symbolizing travel and freedom, resonated deeply with the youth of the time.
It’s highly recommended for listening while driving or traveling.
Time MachineGrand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad is the band famous for the anecdote that they whipped the crowd into a frenzy even while opening for Led Zeppelin.
This song is a fan favorite from their debut album released in 1969.
It was also released as a single and became the hit that cemented the band’s popularity.
Crimson & CloverTommy James and the Shondells
One of the classic songs that had a major impact on the 1960s rock scene is a track by Tommy James & the Shondells, created in 1968, that blends elements of psychedelic pop and garage rock.
Characterized by emotive vocals and the effect of tremolo guitar, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1969.
Exploring the beginnings of a new romance, its lyrics—symbolizing passion and good fortune—brilliantly capture the thrill and happiness of falling in love.
More than just a love song, it’s a journey that delves into the emotional peaks of romantic experience.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone newly in love or in the mood for something romantic.
Strawberry Fields ForeverThe Beatles
A dreamlike world of sound from the Beatles, the quintessential British rock band of the 1960s.
Inspired by memories of a Salvation Army orphanage in Liverpool, John Lennon’s finely crafted melody fuses with an otherworldly sonic palette, unfolding in kaleidoscopic color.
In February 1967, it was released as a double A-side single with “Penny Lane,” accompanied by the ethereal tones of the Mellotron played by Paul McCartney.
The track also drew attention for its innovative recording technique, brilliantly combining two takes in different tempos and keys, and it went on to have a profound influence on later psychedelic rock.
It’s a song best enjoyed on a quiet night when you want to set your mind free, inviting you on a dreamy sonic journey steeped in nostalgia.
Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the 60s (’61–’70)
Sunshine of your loveCream
Like waiting for the break of dawn, this classic song gives voice to the yearning to be reunited with a loved one, and it came from the British rock band Cream.
Included on the album Disraeli Gears, released in November 1967, the track began with a bassline inspired by a Jimi Hendrix live performance.
Eric Clapton’s smooth guitar solo intertwines with Ginger Baker’s drums, which incorporate an Indian beat, creating a uniquely warm sonic world.
Released as a single in January 1968, the song reached No.
5 on the U.S.
Billboard chart.
Frequently used in films and on television, it continues to be cherished as a gem of a love song that stays close to the feelings of being in love.
Nights In White SatinThe Moody Blues
The Moody Blues, the rock band that laid the foundation for symphonic rock.
Their 1967 release “Nights in White Satin” captivates with a one-of-a-kind sound that embodies rock’s evolution.
The song features beautiful melodies crafted with Mellotron and orchestral textures.
It’s a track that shines with the adventurous spirit of a band often labeled progressive rock.
If you enjoy UK rock with classical-inflected arrangements—think The Verve or Oasis—give it a listen.
Bus StopThe Hollies
A heartwarming love story that begins with a chance encounter at a rain-soaked bus stop.
Released by the Hollies in June 1966, it’s a gem of a pop tune woven from gorgeous three-part harmonies and a catchy melody.
Showcasing Graham Gouldman’s exceptional songwriting and the band’s distinctive character in perfect balance, it reached No.
5 on both the UK and US charts.
It was also used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “What Day Were You Born?” broadcast from August 2023, capturing the hearts of a new generation.
Gently enveloping the flutter of anticipation and the quickening heartbeat of love that arrives in everyday moments, this track is the very essence of ’60s British pop.