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!
- Explore the innovative sounds and iconic songs that shaped the history of 60s bands
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- [50s–60s] A Collection of Rock ’n’ Roll Classics
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
- Top Western Music Rankings Popular with People in Their 60s (By Generation)
- Timeless Western pop ballads that colored the 1960s—masterpieces whose brilliance never fades.
- [Revival among the youth?] Rockabilly classics and recommended popular songs
- Recommended Western music for women in their 60s: world classics and popular songs
- [Oldies] A collection of nostalgic hit songs from Western music of the 1950s
- A roundup of popular Western blues bands—also recommended for rock fans!
- A classic blues rock masterpiece. A highly recommended album you should listen to at least once.
Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the 60s (’61–’70)
Time MachineGrand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad is the band famous for the anecdote that they whipped the crowd into a frenzy even while opening for Led Zeppelin.
This song is a fan favorite from their debut album released in 1969.
It was also released as a single and became the hit that cemented the band’s popularity.
Crimson & CloverTommy James and the Shondells
One of the classic songs that had a major impact on the 1960s rock scene is a track by Tommy James & the Shondells, created in 1968, that blends elements of psychedelic pop and garage rock.
Characterized by emotive vocals and the effect of tremolo guitar, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1969.
Exploring the beginnings of a new romance, its lyrics—symbolizing passion and good fortune—brilliantly capture the thrill and happiness of falling in love.
More than just a love song, it’s a journey that delves into the emotional peaks of romantic experience.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone newly in love or in the mood for something romantic.
Nights In White SatinThe Moody Blues
The Moody Blues, the rock band that laid the foundation for symphonic rock.
Their 1967 release “Nights in White Satin” captivates with a one-of-a-kind sound that embodies rock’s evolution.
The song features beautiful melodies crafted with Mellotron and orchestral textures.
It’s a track that shines with the adventurous spirit of a band often labeled progressive rock.
If you enjoy UK rock with classical-inflected arrangements—think The Verve or Oasis—give it a listen.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced rock music from the 1960s, and what’s striking about rock from this era—unlike today’s—is how strongly it reflects the characteristics of folk and blues.
RagMusic also has other articles featuring Western music from the 1960s, so if you’re eager to learn more, be sure to check them out!