Explore the innovative sounds and iconic songs that shaped the history of 60s bands
The 1960s were a golden age of innovative sounds that shine in the history of music.
Led by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, legendary bands like The Beach Boys and Creedence Clearwater Revival produced one classic after another.
From experimental psychedelic sounds to protest songs that raised questions about society, this was an era in which the possibilities of musical expression expanded dramatically.
Here, we present a selection of timeless masterpieces that remain as vibrant as ever, along with the historical context of their time.
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- The Greatest American Rock Band [All Time Best]
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Timeless Western pop ballads that colored the 1960s—masterpieces whose brilliance never fades.
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- A roundup of popular Western blues bands—also recommended for rock fans!
- The Beatles’ famous and popular songs
- Recommended Western music bands for men in their 60s
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Beginner’s Guide to the Beach Boys: Best and Most Popular Songs
- Karaoke Hits for People in Their 60s: Top Uplifting Songs by Popular Western Bands [2025]
Exploring the iconic songs that shaped the innovative sounds and history of 60s bands (31–40)
Mr.Tambourine ManThe Byrds
The Byrds covered Bob Dylan’s classic from the album “Bring It All Back Home” and released it as their debut single.
The floating, airy sound characteristic of 60s folk rock explodes from start to finish—beginning with an intro said to be inspired by George Harrison—achieving a brilliant fusion of the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
white light white heatVelvet Underground
It’s the shocking number that shook the music scene of the ’60s.
Released in January 1968 as the title track of The Velvet Underground’s second album, it’s marked by an experimental sound that incorporates elements of noise rock and proto-punk, and its provocative lyrics—hinting at intravenous amphetamine use—sparked controversy.
David Bowie performed the song live for many years.
Vivid yet alluring, it captures the sensations experienced under the influence of drugs.
Experience this groundbreaking track that opened up new possibilities for rock music.
Waterloo SunsetThe Kinks
Speaking of the Kinks, garage rock-style numbers like “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night” are famous, but “Waterloo Sunset” is a romantic song that evokes the beautiful scenery of the River Thames in London.
It has become a song close to the hearts of Londoners, and when it was performed at the London Olympics, it was welcomed with a massive sing-along.
Summer in the CityThe Lovin’ Spoonful
The Lovin’ Spoonful, a quintessential American folk-rock band of the 1960s, crafted an urban soundscape that still shines with undiminished brilliance.
Released in July 1966, this track features an innovative arrangement that deftly weaves in car horns and jackhammer noises—symbols of city clamor—and spent three consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard chart.
Included on the album Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful, it vividly depicts scenes of a sweltering summer in the city.
Its hard-driving rock sound and organ-fueled, fast-paced melody were also used in the opening scene of the 1995 film Die Hard with a Vengeance, and the song remains beloved for evoking the heat and energy of summer.
Both Sides NowJoni Mitchell
The names of the racers in Part 7 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Steel Ball Run, are a treasure trove of music references, but in fact, there are hidden references in the stage names as well.
Stage 8, “Both Sides Now,” is said to be based on the timeless classic Both Sides, Now, written and composed by the great Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell—a wonderfully subtle nod, to say the least.
Some may recognize it better by its Japanese title, “Seishun no Hikari to Kage” (Light and Shadows of Youth).
Incidentally, the first person to sing the song was Judy Collins, and it was included on her 1967 album Wildflowers.
Exploring iconic songs that shaped the innovative sounds and history of 60s bands (41–50)
Daydream BelieverThe Monkees
A signature song by an American idol band formed through auditions in the wake of Beatlemania.
In Japan, it’s well known from a certain convenience store’s TV commercial.
Although they were a media-created idol group that mainly used studio musicians for the backing tracks with vocals layered on top, they delivered sparkling, glittering pop that lifts the spirit.
Monday MondayThe Mamas & The Papas
This is the celebrated hit by America’s The Mamas & the Papas, known for their innovative folk-rock harmonies—their only song to reach No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
Spinning a tale of a lover leaving on Monday through intricate vocal work, the track features an irresistibly catchy melody and striking choral arrangements.
Released in March 1966 and included on the album “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears,” it has continued to resonate across generations, appearing in the 2010 film “The Other Guys” and on ESPN’s Monday Night Football in 2017.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to lift your spirits at the start of the work or school week, or when you’re trying to get through a parting with someone special.