#TBT: 10 Songs that represent the 1960’s

Want to know what gets those Baby Boomers so nostalgic? Now you can! Here are the top 10 songs from the 1960s that defined not just an era, but the post-war generation.

#TBT: 10 Songs that represent the 1960’s

The Who - My Generation (1965)


I'm starting off this list with a banger! The title says it all - a song encapsulating rebellion, teenage angst and the power of the counterculture. Inspired by the Queen Mother, who had lead guitarist Townshend's car towed off the street as she was offended by the sight of it during her daily drive through the neighbourhood of Belgravia, it encourages young people to this day to stand up for themselves and make their voice heard - a hard rock anthem for the ages!

The Kinks - You Really Got Me (1964)

A great song from what must be the world's most underrated band, The Kinks were criminally overshadowed by their contemporaries in the 1960s and 1970s, most notably the Beatles - likely a result of disappointing record sales throughout their career. They are now regarded as one of the most seminal bands of the decade, and this 1964 hit single will remind anybody who listens to it that The Kinks can never be forgotten.

The Beatles - Hey Jude (1968)

Honestly, what would be the point of this list if I didn't mention one of the most iconic and HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT (emphasis on the word "significant") British bands of all time? The Beatles created a blueprint for modern music through the Fab Four's revolutionary approach to songwriting - from "Love Me Do" to "Blackbird", they inspired legions of artists. "Hey Jude" happens to be one of their best, dedicated to Lennon's son as his parents divorced, and reminds the listener with charisma and love from a stranger that everything is going to be fine. Nothing else can top that message.

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now (1967)

Taking a break from the British Invasion, we head across the pond to Canada, where folk-jazz legend Joni Mitchell made her own dent in the music world, by providing songs about heartbreak, politics, environmentalism, and personal subject matter through melodic vocals that gave a voice to a generation of lonely listeners. "Both Sides Now" is her defining song, reflecting on life and its hardships. Be prepared, people - this one's an emotional roller coaster.

Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence (1964)

Moving down into the USA, the iconic folk duet Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel are regarded as counterculture icons thanks to their defining debut single, reflecting the dark side of history as president John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, three months prior to the song's release. It's haunting vocals and finger-picked acoustic guitar will have you taking a look at the world around you, realising what a sorry state it has become...

Nancy Sinatra - These Boots are Made for Walking (1966)

On a lighter note, the daughter of the infamous baritone Frank Sinatra had a taste of success for herself by releasing this sassy little bop back in 1966. Covered by a huge variety of artists in various genres (including heavy metal - yes, I know), it's the original that incites strength and self-respect - "mess with me, and you'll know about it"

Aretha Franklin - Respect (1967)

Delivering even more sass is this brilliant earworm that assures that all women need respect! This one captures the rising soul movement in the US, by helping to give women a voice and the strength to stand up for themselves, and preserving one of music's most brilliant voices - another amazing work of art!

The Rolling Stones - I Can't Get No Satisfaction (1965)

Back to England! Whilst the Beatles were busy paving the foundations for modern music, The Stones made their own mark by revolutionising Rock 'n' Roll and entertaining audiences for over 50 years - Jagger's barking vocals and raunchy lyrics combined with Richards roaring guitar skills makes this song a classic tune.

The Supremes - Stop! In the Name of Love (1965)

More soul legends! This glamorous trio helped to evolve soul into a fashion statement, and whilst they were more of a commercial item (apologies to the hipsters), they inspired hoards of girls and young women to pick up the mics and sing their hearts out, especially artists like Beyoncé. Not bad at all.

Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me (1963)

Last, but certainly not the least, we have the powerful girl-power hit for the ages. "You Don't Own Me" is a dramatic ballad that made people LISTEN: You don't own me, you can't tell me what to do, I am my own person. Thanks to the hip-hop cover released by singer Grace featuring American rapper G-Eazy in 2015, a month after Lesley Gore died, the song gained a revival in popularity. The lyrics also became an inspiration for younger women and are sometimes cited as a factor in the second wave feminist movement. Gore's legacy will live forever in this song, and in musicians she inspired.


Those were the songs that defined the 1960s! What do you guys think? Are there better songs that you can think of? Let me know in the comments below!

Image: CNN.com

Author

Luke Taylor

Luke Taylor Contributor

I work as the Network Administrator for Voice. Having completed my apprenticeship at Unit Twenty Three, I continue my work supporting Voice and the Youth Network in whatever way possible. Music is my passion, and I will happily talk about all the bands you've probably never heard of!

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3 Comments

  • Gary Royals

    On 30 September 2017, 08:33 Gary Royals commented:

    Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Steppenwolf... once again any trace of prog or rockers (apart from a token appearance by the Stones 'cause they're still going) gets swept under the carpet. Reminds me of the BBC4 documentary on British popular music from the 60's to present which would have you believe it went Beatles, Soul, Disco, Dance, Rave and Rap. Might as well have had a documentary about children and omitted boys.

  • Luke Taylor

    On 2 October 2017, 11:10 Luke Taylor Contributor commented:

    Cool - valid opinion! What dates were those then? I'd love to know!

  • Michael Crompton

    On 9 October 2017, 01:03 Michael Crompton commented:

    A good list Luke.. I know it's difficult to do this in ten songs but I feel two iconic moments in the 1960's revolution are worthy of mention. Firstly there is Bob? He ushered in "attitude" early in the decade and then totally blew wide open the doors of pop music, replacing them with "rock music" when he released "Like A Rolling Stone." Leslie Gore.. well hhmmm..... a good song but a comparatively quiet impact at the time ( however, you represent feminism well elsewhere in your list). A pinnacle turning point in the mid sixties was The Beach Boys "Good Vibrations" which was totally breathtaking and re-defined multi track recording techniques. In a close run thing I would mention Albatross by Fleetwood Mac and worthy of note is the fact that an innovative Judy Collins brought huge public attention to Joni Mitchell by recording "Both Sides Now." Great list though Luke. Keep going!

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