Famous and popular songs by The Ventures
Let me introduce some songs by The Ventures, a band that could be called the pioneers of American surf music.
Their slightly laid-back electric sound really conveys the relaxed atmosphere of the seaside.
They’re a legendary band said to have influenced the music scene that followed, on par with The Beatles.
Their signature technique is the tremolo gliss-down—sliding while applying tremolo—which is famous from tracks like “Diamond Head.” In Japan, this technique is often nicknamed “tekete-ke.”
However, it’s also said that the first to use this technique was Dick Dale, another pioneer of surf music.
Now, let The Ventures’ tunes make you feel the ocean.
- The Ventures Popular Song Ranking [2025]
- Trivia Quiz about The Ventures: Kings of Electric Guitar
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Explore the innovative sounds and iconic songs that shaped the history of 60s bands
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- The Beach Boys Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- [Eternal Guitar Hero] Van Halen’s Classic and Popular Songs
- Beginner’s Guide to the Beach Boys: Best and Most Popular Songs
- The Beatles’ famous and popular songs
- [50s–60s] A Collection of Rock ’n’ Roll Classics
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s
- What are Buddy Holly’s popular songs that laid the foundation for rock bands?
- [Revival among the youth?] Rockabilly classics and recommended popular songs
The Ventures’ classic and popular songs (21–30)
Sad Street CornerThe Ventures
It seems this is a song that reached number one on the Billboard chart for Del Shannon.
In Japan, many people covered it and it became a hit.
It felt fresh to hear vocals on a Ventures track.
It wasn’t just a novelty— it was genuinely well done, which surprised me.
Are there other examples like this?
House of the Rising SunThe Ventures
I knew the title was House of the Rising Sun, but when I used to listen to it with the lyrics in real time, I was younger and it left a languid, dark impression.
Listening to it now by The Ventures, I can appreciate the song more deeply.
The slow tempo really seeps in.
Ellie My LoveThe Ventures
Known as Japanophiles and hugely influential in the Japanese music scene, The Ventures here take on “Itoshi no Ellie.” Even without vocals, the guitar-driven version of this song is really cool, isn’t it? The Ventures’ sound will continue to shine forever, no matter how many decades pass.
Walk, Don’t RunThe Ventures
A cover song by an American guitar instrumental band that has long enjoyed immense popularity in Japan, and one of their signature classics.
It is also one of the earliest surf rock masterpieces to hit the U.
S.
Billboard charts.
It’s performed at virtually every live show.
Diamond Head ~ PipelineThe Ventures
The Ventures, a representative band of guitar instrumentals and surf rock, sparked a huge craze in Japan during the Showa era.
For guitarists, a song where the guitar is pushed this far to the forefront is impossible to ignore.
The tightly chopped phrases and tones, the nuanced use of muting and dynamic touch—these are top-tier techniques, and the subtlety they create makes this song exceptionally satisfying.
Diamond HeadThe Ventures
The Ventures’ “Diamond Head,” which has influenced many modern artists, refers to the Diamond Head volcano in Hawaii.
This spot is known as a popular landmark, and listening to the song evokes images of Hawaii’s beautiful ocean and the majestic Diamond Head.
Slaughter on Tenth AvenueThe Ventures
Surprisingly, the original is an insert song from the musical On Your Toes (1936).
Included on the album Knock Me Out! and released as a single, it reached No.
35 on the U.
S.
charts.
It starts with a striking intro, then shifts into a lively guitar-driven melody, culminating in a humorous interlude—a structure that makes it far more upbeat than the title suggests.
A track that showcases their exceptional arranging skills.