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 1960s (41–50)
Don’t Let Me Be MisunderstoodThe Animals
A gem of blues rock from The Animals, a band emblematic of the golden age of British rock in the 1960s.
Hailing from Newcastle, England, they boldly transformed Nina Simone’s jazz number into a full-fledged rock piece.
Driven by Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals and a passionate performance, the track became an international hit after its 1965 release, reaching No.
3 in the UK and No.
15 in the US.
In 2003, the Santa Esmeralda version was featured in the climactic scene of the film Kill Bill Vol.
1, bringing it back into the spotlight.
Hailed as a milestone of blues rock said to have influenced Bruce Springsteen’s Badlands, this song’s forceful message and timeless themes make it a perfect pick for music fans seeking a moving classic.
A Horse With No NameAmerica
America, a folk rock band formed in the UK in 1971.
Known as one of their signature songs, this piece was released in 1972 and became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics, depicting a journey through the desert, are striking, and the theme centers on a voyage of self-reflection amid vast nature.
With its simple yet memorable melody and refreshing harmonies, it’s perfect for moments when you want to step away from everyday life and calm your mind.
Wild ThingThe Troggs
A classic song familiar in Japan, “Wild Thing.” This track is extremely famous and always plays in Japanese media whenever Major League Baseball is featured.
Still, many of you have probably thought, “The melody is the same, but isn’t something different?” That’s right—the version you hear in MLB features is actually a cover by a band called X.
The piece here is also a cover by The Troggs, and it’s known as the first cover to become more famous than the original, so I decided to highlight it this time.
Light My FireThe Doors
This is a signature song by The Doors, a California rock band fronted by the very sexy and charismatic vocalist Jim Morrison.
The Doors are known for featuring the Rhodes piano, and in this track the keyboard intro and solo are especially memorable.
Communication BreakdownLed Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin is one of the quintessential British hard rock bands.
Among the tracks on their 1969 debut album, this one has a very driving, rock ’n’ roll feel and is really satisfying to listen to.