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!
Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the 60s (1–10)
Like a Rolling StoneBob Dylan
When it comes to the signature songs of American musician Bob Dylan, a recipient of honors such as the Grammy Awards, the Academy Awards, and the Nobel Prize in Literature, “Like a Rolling Stone” is indispensable.
Released as a single in 1965, it reached No.
2 on the Billboard chart.
Today, it is regarded as one of the most important songs symbolizing the transformative era of rock in the 1960s.
It has been covered by countless musicians, and in Japan, well-known artists such as Keisuke Kuwata and LOVE PSYCHEDELICO have also recorded their own versions.
Paint It, BlackThe Rolling Stones
As a song that has long been used across various media, many of you have probably heard it before.
Released in May 1966, it topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Characterized by a distinctive musicality that incorporates raga rock elements, it employs the Indian instrument sitar to evoke an oriental atmosphere.
Symbolizing The Rolling Stones’ musical evolution, the track was also used over the end credits of the film Full Metal Jacket and as the theme song for the TV series Tour of Duty.
Its lyrics, which express heartbreak and a sense of loss, reflect the influence of the Vietnam War at the time, making it a song that resonates deeply with those bearing profound sorrow.
All Along The WatchtowerThe Jimi Hendrix Experience
In 1968, Bob Dylan’s classic song “All Along the Watchtower” was released.
This time, we’re featuring the cover by the great rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
His cover reached No.
5 on the UK Singles Chart and spent two consecutive weeks at No.
20 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart, his highest position there.
Dylan himself praised Hendrix’s one-of-a-kind rock guitar sound, and reportedly performed the song in a style closer to Hendrix’s version at his own concerts.
My GenerationThe Who
One of the United Kingdom’s three greatest rock bands, The Who, rose to fame with the title track “My Generation” from their 1965 album of the same name.
Released as a single that same year, it reached No.
2 on the UK Singles Chart.
The lyrics, expressing youthful discontent and anger over a lively beat, are particularly striking.
In 2016, the song was also used as the opening theme for the Japanese animated film A Silent Voice.
White RoomCream
The legendary rock band Cream, formed by Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, released the single “White Room” in 1968.
It became a hit, reaching No.
6 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
The groove created by the minimal setup of guitar, bass, and drums is powerful, and Clapton’s wah‑pedal tone is distinctive.
The abstract lyrics, which seem to hint at something, also leave a strong impression.
HushDeep Purple
“Hush” is the title track of the debut album released in 1968 by Deep Purple, a hard rock band that is also popular in Japan.
When it was released as a single, it reached No.
4 on the U.
S.
charts.
It is a cover of a song by Billy Joe Royal, and the album includes several cover tracks, including “Hush.” Because “Hush” captures Deep Purple before they moved fully into a hard rock direction, it’s interesting to compare it with songs like “Burn” and “Highway Star.”
Good VibrationsThe Beach Boys
Good Vibrations, the single released in 1966 by The Beach Boys, a quintessential surf rock band.
It topped both the U.
S.
and U.
K.
charts and became the band’s biggest hit.
In 2010, it was ranked sixth on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and it was nominated for Best Vocal Group Performance at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards.
The song’s distinctive harmonies—evoking doo-wop—leave a strong impression, layered over the band’s signature breezy West Coast American sound.