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 1960s (41–50)
Riders on the StormThe Doors
When it comes to signature songs by The Doors, one of the defining rock bands of the 1960s, this is likely the track that comes to mind for many people.
Released in April 1971 and included on the album L.
A.
Woman, it is highly regarded as a song in which Jim Morrison’s profound insight merges beautifully with the band’s musicality.
The sound effects that mimic rain and thunder are striking, and the lyrics—depicting the fragility of life and the inner conflicts of humanity—resonate with many listeners.
Its influence endures, with frequent use in films and television dramas.
With its deep philosophical themes, this track is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on the meaning of life.
Down On The CornerCreedence Clearwater Revival
Swamp rock is a genre based on rock that incorporates elements of Black music like R&B and blues.
A quintessential band of swamp rock is Creedence Clearwater Revival.
One of their best-known works, Down on the Corner, stands out for its strongly soul-driven sound.
As a West Coast band that was largely white-oriented at the time, they were quite an anomaly—so be sure to check them out.
For What It’s WorthBuffalo Springfield
It’s a big hit by the American rock band Buffalo Springfield, which is also famous for having Stephen Stills and Neil Young in the lineup.
Released amid the rise of 1960s counterculture, it resonated with many people as an anti-war song.
Light My FireThe Doors
This is a signature song by The Doors, a California rock band fronted by the very sexy and charismatic vocalist Jim Morrison.
The Doors are known for featuring the Rhodes piano, and in this track the keyboard intro and solo are especially memorable.
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.
Mr. Tambourine ManThe Byrds
The Byrds, a great rock band from Los Angeles.
They excelled in genres like pop rock, country rock, and folk pop, and in particular had a major influence on later bands and artists in folk rock.
One of their classic songs is Mr.
Tambourine Man.
Released in 1965, it’s an exceptionally pleasant track that blends a melody somewhere between folk and country music with a touch of classic rock.
Wild ThingThe Troggs
A classic song familiar in Japan, “Wild Thing.” This track is extremely famous and always plays in Japanese media whenever Major League Baseball is featured.
Still, many of you have probably thought, “The melody is the same, but isn’t something different?” That’s right—the version you hear in MLB features is actually a cover by a band called X.
The piece here is also a cover by The Troggs, and it’s known as the first cover to become more famous than the original, so I decided to highlight it this time.