CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There’s a good chance when you’re talking about music and debating “the best ever...” you’re going to begin and end in the 1960s. The greatest album, song or festival of all time? It doesn’t really matter. The Sixties mark the decade when rock and roll fully took shape as an art form.
Last month, we listed the 200 greatest songs of the 1970s by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. This time around, with the 1960s, we made things even harder, narrowing down the list to 100.
As always, we kept things focused on artists that are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We also limited it to acts that have been voted into the museum as “Performers," excluding early influencers, non-performers and the songs that have been honored in the divisive “Singles” category.
That means no “Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen or “A White Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum. No “Gimme Some Lovin'” by the Spencer Davis Group or “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf."
Of course, this is the 1960s, which means we still have a who’s who of the greatest artists of all time, including Rock Hall Inductees ranging from The Beatles and Bob Dylan to James Brown and Aretha Franklin.
Here’s a reminder that this is just one subjective list. Your list would surely be different. Ours might be different if we did this again tomorrow. Let the debate begin.
100. Led Zeppelin – “Communication Breakdown”
Led Zeppelin gets all its due credit for being the pioneer of hard rock. Yet, while much of that gets attributed to what the band did for heavy metal, Zeppelin also pushed the world towards punk rock, which is evident by the opening chords of “Communication Breakdown.” Jimmy Page’s downstroke guitar playing style would go on to serve as a major influence on Johnny Ramone.
99. Jackie Wilson - “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher a & Higher”
Wilson is probably most celebrated for his lively performing style. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have landmark recordings. His greatest is unquestionably “Higher & Higher,” a song originally recorded by The Dells for Chess Records. That version was never released. The song eventually made its way to Wilson, who delivers an amazing vocal performance backed by members of Motown’s The Funk Brothers, who were moonlighting with Brunswick Records to make some extra cash.
98. The Four Seasons – “Sherry”
Before The Beatles arrived on the scene to make pop music much more complex, no one was better at cranking out massive hits than The Four Seasons. Bob Gaudio would write songs at a record pace, including “Sherry,” which was original titled “Jackie Baby,” after first lady Jackie Kennedy. Frankie Valli’s voice drove the song to No. 1 on the charts, the first of three consecutive songs by the group to reach that mark.
97. The Mamas and the Papas – “California Dreamin’”
The Mamas and the Papas sang backup on Barry McGuire’s original “California Dreamin.'" Once the group got around to cutting its own rendition, the song was all theirs. Even a later version by The Beach Boys couldn’t top what stands as one of the ultimate West Coast pop songs of the 1960s.
96. The Drifters – “This Magic Moment”
Founded by legendary leader Clyde McPhatter, The Drifters were one of the most important soul groups of the 1950s. But it wasn’t until later in the decade, when Ben E. King came on board, that the group began delivering some of its greatest material. King spent just a few years with The Drifters, but the songs he said lead on were something special, including “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance For Me” and, of course, the early 1960 classic “This Magic Moment.”
95. Stevie Wonder – “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”
Stevie Wonder may very well have been the artist of the 1970s, releasing some of the greatest R&B albums of all time. But he was already cemented as a genius even before that decade began. As a pre-teen in the 1960s, Wonder released a No. 1 single with “Fingertips.” But it was “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)," which Wonder co-wrote, that proved he was something truly special. The song would earn Wonder his first of many (MANY) Grammy nominations.
94. Ricky Nelson – “Travelin’ Man”
One of the great pop songs by one of the biggest artists of early rock and roll. “Travelin’ Man” was written by Jerry Fuller and Sam Cooke. But Cooke’s didn’t like the final product. One great artist’s disappointment became another’s treasure. Nelson rode “Travelin’ Man” all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
93. Sly & The Family Stone – “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”
Released on Sly & The Family Stone’s “Greatest Hits” album at the end of the 1960s, “Thank You...” became a massive hit. Its influence on the funk genre has been immense with bassist Larry Graham Jr.'s slapping technique reaching its peak and changing how others played the instrument.
92. Sam & Dave – “Hold On, I’m Comin'”
One of the ultimate showcases for Stax Studios’ peak years, “Hold ON, I’m Comin'” was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter for two of the label’s best vocalists in Sam Moore and Dave Prater. The duo absolutely nails the song’s back and forth dynamic, making it a landmark soul record.
91. Cream – “White Room”
“White Room” was put together, in all his genius, by Jack Bruce. But it’s Eric Clapton’s hypnotic wah-wah guitar sounds that steals the show. The song proved to be a towering achievement of psychedelic rock at a time when the genre was taking off.
90. Percy Sledge – “When a Man Loves a Woman”
Sadly, Percy Sledge didn’t get the credit (or money) for writing one of the biggest R&B hits of all time. Sledge wrote “When a Man Loves a Woman” with two members of the Esquires, Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright. Lewis and Wright got the writing credit. But it’s Sledge who is identified with the track that became a watershed moment for southern soul music.
89. The Beatles – “Helter Skelter”
There aren’t too many genres of rock The Beatles didn’t influence. That includes heavy metal with “Helter Skelter.” Paul McCartney’s super dark, trippy anthem was one of the heaviest songs ever released by a band of that stature, becoming a primitive form of the acid rock and what would become heavy metal.
88. The Yardbirds – “For Your Love”
“For Your Love” may be The Yardbirds’ most well-known song. But it was also responsible for breaking up the original lineup of the band. Eric Clapton, a true bluesman at heart, hated the single’s pop tendencies and left the group. The song still landed in the top 10 on charts in both England and the United States.
87. Del Shannon – “Runaway”
Del Shannon was a master at merging elements of country and rock and roll. But his biggest hit, “Runaway,” is an unapologetic pop showcase that took on a life of its own after Shannon performed it on “American Bandstand” in 1961.
86. The Rolling Stones – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
One of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history almost never was. Originally, The Rolling Stones intended to replace the rough guitar sounds on “Satisfaction” with horns. While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards weren’t fans of the original guitar recording, they were overruled by the rest of the band and their record label. The result is a massive hit that ranks among The Rolling Stones’ signature tunes.
85. The Ventures – “Walk, Don’t Run"
Chet Atkins’ original “Walk, Don’t Run" is a finger-picking display. The Ventures did something different with their version in 1960, giving the track a fuzzed out, instrumental guitar vibe that would point towards the popularity of surf rock.
84. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Boxer”
Though still considered folk rock, “The Boxer” proved to be one of the more elaborate tracks of Simon & Garfunkel’s run, bringing in various instruments such as a steel guitar, strings, a harmonica and trumpet. Still, the heart of the song is Simon’s introspective lyrics about a boxer struggling with life inside and outside the ring.
83. The Animals – “House of the Rising Sun”
The origins of “The House of the Rising Sun” go back a long way with a folk melody that may have originated in the 16th century. Eric Burdon saw potential in it, adding it to The Animals’ repertoire in the early 1960s. It became an instant showstopper.
82. The Everly Brothers – “Cathy’s Clown”
The Everly Brothers could have called it a career after the 1950s and still have cemented their place in rock and roll history. But the duo still had some hits left for the following decade, the best of the bunch being “Cathy’s Clown,” a uniquely structured slice of pop that would serve as a major influence on The Beatles.
81. The Zombies – “She’s Not There”
The Zombies’ organist Ron Argent built “She’s Not There” around John Lee Hooker’s blues classic “No One Told Me." The songs are similar. Yet, The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” is an entirely different sonic beast that benefits greatly from Colin Blunstone’s stunning vocal performance.
80. Neil Diamond – “Sweet Caroline”
Given how much of an anthem it’s become, “Sweet Caroline” feels overplayed at this point. But there’s not denying the fact that it’s a brilliant piece of country-pop music. The structure is impeccable and the hook infectious, which is why, to this day, “Sweet Caroline” is as celebrated as any song on this list.
79. Donovan – “Catch The Wind”
Calling Donovan the Scottish version of Bob Dylan might seem a bit dismissive. But it’s a compliment of the highest order. And while he had bigger hits, “Catch The Wind” is Donovan’s full-on Dylan moment, a folk masterpiece with universal appeal that has been covered dozens of times by some of the greatest artists of all time.
78. The Beatles – “I Am The Walrus”
“I Am The Walrus” is one of John Lennon’s most meticulous compositions. But it wasn’t without inspiration from another band. Lennon was obsessed with Procol Harum’s “A White Shade of Pale." “I Am The Walrus” lives in that spirit but is far more complex, with an intricate chord structure and the orchestral sounds injected by George Martin.
77. Wilson Pickett – “In the Midnight Hour”
“In the Midnight Hour” was Wilson Pickett’s first major hit on Atlantic Records. Co-writer and producer Steve Cropper’s influence on the soulful record is clear. But “In the Midnight Hour” is great showcase for Pickett’s stunning voice.
76. The Band – “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"
Few acts had a way of capturing the sound and vibe of America better than The Band. Built around Levon Helm’s vocal performance, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” tells the tale of a poor Southerner at the end of the Civil War. Ultimately, the song would prove an influential force in the development of Americana.
75. The Four Tops – “Reach Out I’ll Be There”
The Four Tops aren’t as celebrated as some of the other big Motown groups (specifically, The Supremes and The Temptations). But the hits were massive, none more so than “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” a track that proves singer Levi Stubbs was among the label’s greatest voices.
74. Van Morrison – “Sweet Thing”
“Astral Weeks” is such a masterful and cohesive album, it can be hard to separate any of its tracks. Yet, there’s a distinct kind of beauty to “Sweet Thing,” a romantic tune that captures the feeling of being in love picture perfectly.
73. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
If this list were simply about guitar playing, here’s your No. 1. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is the greatest guitar song of all time that finds Jimi Hendrix’s god-like powers at their peak. What’s almost as jaw-dropping as Hendrix’s playing is the fact he slapped the song together on the fly during the filming of an ABC television documentary in 1968.
72. Bob Dylan – “Blowin’ in the Wind”
In studying the songwriting of Bob Dylan, one should begin with “Blowin’ in the Wind." It’s the kind of ambiguous, yet powerful song only Dylan could write at such a time. It asks thought-provoking question after thought provoking question that has crossed the mind of anyone contemplating life’s meaning at one time or another.
71. The Velvet Underground - “I’m Waiting for the Man”
Lou Reed had a way of showcasing a part of New York City life in the 1960s that many knew existed but few were willing to tackle in song form. Case in point -- Reed crafted one of The Velvet Underground’s trademark songs, “I’m Waiting for the Man,” around the dramatic story of a guy waiting for his heroin dealer, and it’s mesmerizing.
70. Laura Nyro – “Stoned Soul Picnic”
The 5th Dimension’s version of “Stoned Soul Picnic,” written by Laura Nyro, became a huge hit in 1968. But Nyro’s own original version from her landmark album “Eli and the Thirteenth Confession” remains definitive. It’s a soulful pop masterpiece that shows why Nyro was one of the great songwriters of her time.
69. Roy Orbison – “Crying”
Even among his rock and roll pioneering peers, Roy Orbison was unique. “Crying” was a unique hit in the early 1960s that only Orbison could craft, powered by his unique voice and mix of classical and country influences. “Crying” goes beyond a simple song of heartbreak thanks to its compelling production. It’s a one of a kind rock hit.
68. The Allman Brothers Band – “Whipping Post”
“Whipping Post” would become landmark live recording from The Allman Brothers Band’s 1971 live album “At Fillmore East." But the song was a classic right from its first recording on the band’s 1969 self-titled debut album. It marked a defining moment in the history of southern rock.
67. The Byrds – “Eight Miles High”
You’re probably wondering where “Mr. Tambourine Man" is. A great record, no doubt. But The Byrds’ Bob Dylan cover wasn’t as influential as “Eight Miles High,” a track considered by many to be the first true psychedelic rock song and an essential piece 1960s counterculture.
66. Albert King – “Born Under a Bad Sign”
When you think of the blues, Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign" is a nice place to start. From its lyrics (written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell) to King’s guitar playing, it’s the ultimate expression of self-deprecation backed by stunning guitar work that would influence numerous blues players that followed.
65. The Rolling Stones – “Sympathy for the Devil”
Perhaps no Rolling Stones song has with a better opening than the drum heavy start of “Sympathy For the Devil," which is saying something. Mick Jagger wrote a rough version of the song in more of a Bob Dylan-esque folk format. But Keith Richards convinced him to beef up the production with Brazilian samba sounds. Add in a sharp guitar solo and you have one of the first masterpieces of the Stones’ golden album era that started with “Beggar’s Banquet.”
64. The Beach Boys – “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
When Brian Wilson began obsessing over Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production, The Beach Boys music became truly groundbreaking. Nearly everything the band produced at that time was stunning. That included “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” a brilliant pop song that foreshadowed the mainstream sounds of power pop that would emerge in the 1970s.
63. The Beatles – “Eleanor Rigby”
When people point to The Beatles’ “Revolver” as the greatest album of all time, the first song usually mentioned is “Eleanor Rigby.” And understandably so. While the song might seem simple by today’s pop standards, it was quite a shock to the system for a mainstream pop act to make orchestral sounds the centerpiece of a single. Still, “Eleanor Rigby” still topped the singles chart in the UK.
62. Jimmy Cliff – “Many Rivers To Cross”
“Many Rivers To Cross” is a reggae song that, along with the album “The Harder They Come,” helped spread the popularity of the genre worldwide. What sometimes gets overlooked about the song’s wide-reaching appeal is how amazing Jimmy Cliff’s voice is. It gives you chills.
61. The Who – “I Can See For Miles”
The Who were every bit the studio obsessed band The Beatles and The Beach Boys were during the 1960s. Pete Townshend was pulling out all the stops. “I Can See For Miles," the band’s biggest hit in the U.S., was recorded over multiple sessions with tons of tinkering and overdubbing. The song was so complex, The Who wouldn’t perform it live for a long time, unable to replicate many of the sounds in a live format.
60. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”
Crosby, Stills & Nash opened their amazing debut album with its longest track. Stephen Stills wrote “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" about his relationship with Judy Collins. The seven and a half minute love song takes you from the early stages of their relationship to to the devastating breakup. It’s like a car accident you can’t turn away from.
59. Johnny Cash – “Ring Of Fire”
The fact that “Ring of Fire” has become one of Johnny Cash’s biggest hits is ironic, considering the song was written by June Carter Cash (with Merle Kilgore) about June falling in love with Johnny. She was comparing the feeling to falling in love with him to diving into a ring of fire. Regardless of its origins, it ranks as one of the most well-known and beloved country songs of all time.
58. B.B. King – “The Thrill Is Gone”
The song most identified with B.B. King came after his peak period. King’s cover of Roy Hawkins’ “The Thrill Is Gone” marked a resurgence for King. The blues icon hijacks the song with, arguably, his greatest vocal performance ever, backed by the most elaborate production of his career up until that point.
57. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son”
Odds are you’ve probably heard CCR’s “Fortunate Son” in some pop-culture medium, be it a TV show, movie or documentary. John Fogerty takes the idea of rich men creating war and poor men having to fight it, and turned it into one of the greatest anti-war anthems of all time.
56. Dusty Springfield - “Son of a Preacher Man”
It probably doesn’t shock you to learn “Son of a Preacher” man was originally written for Aretha Franklin, whose father was a preacher. Ultimately, the song was given to British singer Dusty Springfield’s whose perfect vocal performance made it the ultimate example of blue-eyed soul.
55. Miles Davis – “Shhh/Peaceful”
The opening track to Miles Davis’ “In a Silent Way” marks a moment in jazz history. It’s the point where Davis went electric, embarking on his highly influential jazz-fusion phase. It was quite divisive at the time. Yet, in retrospect, “Shhh/Peaceful” is easily one of the most important jazz recordings of all time.
54. The Velvet Underground – “Pale Blue Eyes”
With John Cale leaving The Velvet Underground, the band’s self-titled third album shifted to more folk-driven and pop-oriented tunes. And the ultimate expression of that is “Pale Blue Eyes,” perhaps the most beautiful song Lou Reed ever wrote.
53. Leonard Cohen – “Suzanne”
Originating as a poem, “Suzanne” is the finest example of Leonard Cohen’s brilliant songwriting. The song is about a platonic relationship, but it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the love buried with in its delicate nature.
52. Buffalo Springfield – “For What It’s Worth”
Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” is the ultimate look at what was going on in the world during the 1960s. Stephen Stills’ lyrics are profound with Neil Young’s subtle guitar playing adding a sense of urgency.
51. James Brown – “Cold Sweat”
Talk about breaking ground. James Brown had earlier recordings that made funk music what it is. But “Cold Sweat” marked a turning point for soul music as a whole, abandoning the twelve bar blues chord progression for a one-chord bass line and that astonishing breakbeat.
50. Bob Dylan – “The Times They Are a-Changin’”
Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changin'” serves as one of his most universal songwriting masterpieces. If “Blowin’ In The Wind” is the first step in discovering Dylan’s genius, this is step two, being one of the great protests songs of all time.
49. The Supremes – “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
During The Supremes’ amazing run of No. 1 hits, every song marked a major step forward for the group and for Motown Records as a whole. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” adds in clear elements of funk (see the fantastic intro) and utilizes a multitrack technique that became all the rage for the most innovative pop acts of the decade.
48. The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody”
If “Unchained Melody” feels old fashioned, that’s because it is. The song was actually written in the mid 1950s. But it wasn’t until The Righteous Brothers’ covered it that the track became a true pop standard. The duo’s version of “Unchained Melody” became a hit again, nearly 30 years later when it was used in the 1990 film “Ghost.”
47. The Beatles – “Tomorrow Never Knows”
“Tomorrow Never Knows” marks one of the many times The Beatles changed music. The closing song from “Revolver” uses various groundbreaking recording techniques (sampling and backwards guitars) to create one of the early examples of electronic music.
46. Elvis Presley – “Suspicious Minds”
Elvis hadn’t had a No. 1 in seven years when he released “Suspicious Minds.” But the song about a relationship falling apart changed that. The track, written by Mark James, unintentionally mirrored the end of Presley’s marriage to Priscilla. And you can hear that pain in his vocal performance.
45. Jefferson Airplane – “White Rabbit”
When Grace Slick joined Jefferson Airplane, not only did the band get one of the greatest female voices in rock history. But they also got songs Slick had been working on for her previous band. That included “White Rabbit,” an acid trip of a song inspired by moments in “Alice in Wonderland" and lots of drugs.
44. Booker T. & the M.G.’s – “Green Onions”
The members of Booker T. & the M.G.'s spent much of their careers playing the background as members of Stax house band. But the group moved into the spotlight with 1962′s hit record “Green Onions.” The flawless showcase of musicianship is widely considered one of greatest instrumental recordings of all time.
43. The Doors – “The End”
The Doors’ epic masterpiece began as a simple love song written by Jim Morrison. But it morphed into something gargantuan; a 12-minute psychedelic rock closer on The Doors’ self-titled debut album that was unlike anything else in rock music at the time.
42. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze”
Even following the release of The Jimi Hendrix’s debut single “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze” was a shock to the system. The song introduced the world to Hendrix’s distinct guitar playing style, which merged electric blues rock with Middles Eastern influences and studio techniques. The result was a punishing sound that every hard rock act that followed would reach for.
41. The Kinks – “Waterloo Sunset”
The Kinks’ most beautiful song came at a time when Ray Davies was reaching his peak as a songwriter. Much of band’s masterful album “Something Else” tackles a lot of social and political issues going on in England at the time. Somewhat surprsingly, “Waterloo Sunset” ends things on a stunningly majestic note.
40. Ike & Tina Turner – “River Deep Mountain High”
Phil Spector long considered “River Deep Mountain High” to be the peak of his Wall of Sound production style. That’s debatable. But you can certainly here him striving for glory with the song’s over-the-top production. What grounds things is Tina Turner’s amazing vocal performance, making the track a n inventive hybrid of soul and pop that’s stood the test of time.
39. The Rolling Stones – “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
The first song The Rolling Stones recorded for “Let It Bleed” wound up becoming one of the album’s great closers. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” certainly wasn’t like anything else The Stones had put out at the time. It borrowed the choir style The Beatles had utilized on “Hey Jude," making “You can’t Always Get What You Want” one of the most infectious choruses any Stones song ever produced.
38. The Band – “The Weight"
“The Weight” is a song that’s taken on mythological status for two reasons. First, it’s one of the greatest singalong tracks in rock history. Even if you find someone who doesn’t listen to The Band, they probably know this song. Second, the lyrics are some of the most debated in music history. What’s it all about -- a man who arrives in a town called Nazareth? The story is supposed to be ambiguous. But the song has come to mean so much to so many people, most listeners just can’t help themselves.
37. The Impressions – “People Get Ready”
Soul music of the 1960s was mostly light fare in terms of subject matter. But Curtis Mayfield’s songwriting was growing beyond that during the decade. That led to “People Get Ready,” The Impressions’ greatest song and a game-changer for the genre. The song’s political awareness was mostly unheard of for that kind of gospel-influenced R&B record. Of course, Mayfield wouldn’t stop there.
36. Aretha Franklin – “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”
The title track to Aretha Franklin’s greatest album is a powerhouse. For the all the deserved credit “Respect” gets, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” is just as emotionally earth-shattering. Recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the backing musicians drive this one, most notably the electric piano. But it’s Franklin’s conviction that takes hold of you. From the moment she utters "You’re no good, heartbreaker,” she owns you.
35. David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
David Bowie’s first album wasn’t on the level of the masterpieces that would come after it. But it did contain what some still consider to be his greatest song. Inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Space Oddity” is a science fiction triumph that was unlike all other pop music. Right out the gate, Bowie had established himself as a one-of-a-kind artist.
34. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – “The Tracks Of My Tears”
Smokey Robinson is undeniably one of the greatest songwriters in music history. But when it comes to the Miracles, he wasn’t a one-man show. In fact, the group’s greatest song started with a melody by guitarist Marv Taplin. Robinson’s lyrics, of course, are masterful. But “Tracks of My Tears” was a true group effort, as evident right from the iconic opening guitar chords.
33. Ray Charles – “Georgia On My Mind”
Ray Charles’ covering a traditional pop song wasn’t well-received by everyone. Members of his backing band and some of his black fan base didn’t agree with the shift in sound. But, as was usually the case with music, the Genius won out. Released in 1960, “Georgia on My Mind” became a career defining song for Charles and one that crossed racial, genre, political and social barriers.
32. Led Zeppelin – “Dazed and Confused”
Led Zeppelin’s most badass song has a complicated history. Jimmy Page drew inspiration from singer-songwriter Jack Holme’s 1967 original also titled “Dazed and Confused,” reworking the track for the Yardbirds. Page continued to work on the song, which was released on Led Zeppelin’s debut album. There’s no denying the monster of a record Page and his bandmates turned it into. Yet, it wasn’t until 2010 that Holmes got the proper credit he deserved for inspiring one of Zeppelin’s signature songs.
31. Etta James – “At Last”
Not is “At Last” Etta James’ signature tune, but it’s one of the most iconic pop songs of all time. Everything about that has to do with James’ amazing vocal performance, a masterclass in singing that inspired future singers both male and female, from Rod Stewart and Diana Ross to Amy Winehouse and Adele.
30. Neil Young – “Down by the River”
“Down by the River” is the best of both worlds when it comes to Neil Young. It’s a storytelling slow-burner focused on one wild tale of love and murder. It’s also one of Young’s greatest guitar showcases. His playing here is incendiary, mixed with distortion and bristling with electric power.
29. Bob Dylan – “Visions of Johanna”
“Visions of Johanna” is the best song on Bob Dylan’s greatest album. Dylan’s genius as a composer was at its peak when he released “Blonde on Blonde.” Lyrically, “Visions of Johanna” is on another level, a watershed moment in poetic songwriting that would go on to influence every great singer-songwriter that followed. You can’t listen to Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty or Lou Reed without feeling its impact.
28. Nina Simone – “Sinnerman”
“Sinnerman” creeps up on you. An African American spiritual song reworked by Nina Simone with the help of producer Hal Mooney, the song’s jazz arrangement is the first thing that jumps out. But as it goes on and on, Simone’s voice takes over, becoming a tour de force that carries the track into its compelling second half. You never want it to stop.
27. The Kinks – “You Really Got Me”
Quite possibly the most iconic guitar riff in music history leads “You Really Got Me.” But it didn’t begin that way. Ray Davies originally wrote the song on piano. It wasn’t until he played it for his guitar playing brother Dave Davies that the latter had the vision for the legendary sound that would change rock music.
26. Sly & The Family Stone – “Everyday People”
"Everyday People shows just how amazing Sly Stone was at taking ideas and thoughts about the political and social climate of the 1960s, and then working into song format. “Everyday People” is about an ideal world where society isn’t defined by differences. The song sounds so beautiful, it makes you believe it can happen.
25. The Shirelles – “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”
Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” was a groundbreaking record, becoming the first song by a black all-girl group to reach No. 1 on the charts. And the magic of its yearning and desperation hasn’t faded over the years. It remains one of the most blissful sounding songs in pop music history.
24. Joni Mitchell – “Both Sides Now"
“Both Sides Now” was already a hit before Joni Mitchell included it on her second album. Judy Collins’ version of the Mitchell-penned track was a top-10 hit in 1967. But there’s something powerful about Mitchell’s stripped down version and its a raw performance that stays with you.
23. The Stooges – “I Wanna Be Your Dog”
The Stooges’ music felt like Iggy Pop’s personal version of the blues. Only heavier, distorted and downright dirty. On the band’s most influential song, “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” Iggy turns things sexual from a lyrical standpoint. But it’s producer John Cale that pushes the thing to amazing heights, using piano keys and sleigh bells to offset the distorted guitars. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” is a filthy masterpiece.
22. The Supremes – “Where Did Our Love Go”
Just about every hit single from Motown’s golden era has an awesome intro. That was a mandate from Berry Gordy. What makes the opening of The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go” so great is that the marching sound anchors the track throughout. From there it’s the Diana Ross show, backed brilliantly by Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. Ross reluctantly sang in a lower register at the direction of producers Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier. Their vision became the first of five consecutive No. 1 hits for The Supremes.
21. Led Zeppelin – “Whole Lotta Love”
“Whole Lotta Love” is a spark plug of a track with an epic guitar riff, haunting middle section and Robert Plant’s intense vocal. The opening track to Zeppelin’s second album is a defining moment for a band that was conquering the world.
20. Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock fo the Bay” is more restrained than every other Otis Redding hit, which may be what makes it so darn enticing. Backed by Steve Cropper’s guitar, along with the rest of the Stax crew, Redding delivers one of his most majestic vocal performances.
19. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Sound Of Silence”
Released as a fairly basic, acoustic folk song on Simon & Garfunkel’s debut album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” the original version of “The Sound of Silence” was rather forgettable. However, once producer Tom Wilson (Bob Dylan, The Velvet Underground) got his hands on it, it took on new life. The drums and electric guitar were a perfect fit for the new version. Thus, the sound of Simon & Garfunkel was born.
18. The Temptations – “My Girl”
Prior to “My Girl,” Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams sang lead on The Temptations’ songs. But after hearing a solo by David Ruffin during a Motown Revue performance, Smokey Robison decided to write a song with Ruffin in mind. That song became “My Girl." Driven by Ruffin’s mesmerizing voice, the track became The Temptations’ first No. 1 hit.
17. Cream - “Sunshine of Your Love”
Before Led Zeppelin flipped blues into hard rock and heavy metal, there was Cream. Inspired by a Jimi Hendrix concert, Jack Bruce came up with the heavy bass riff that would drive “Sunshine of Your Love." Cream’s classic is a menacing anthem that clearly foreshadows the rise of bands like Deep Purple, Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
16. The Ronettes – “Be My Baby”
The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” is the ultimate example of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, a layered recording technique that would forever change pop music. The list of people performing on the song is astonishing, from the instrumentation of The Wrecking Crew to backing vocals from The Blossoms, Sonny and Cher, Bobby Sheen and others. Of course, the star of “Be My Baby” is undoubtedly Ronnie Spector, who delivers a vocal for the ages.
15. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “All Along The Watchtower”
Bob Dylan had “All Along the Watchtower,” an amazing folk song from his “John Wesley Harding” album, to himself for all of about six months. Then Jimi Hendrix hijacked it. Hendrix’s version of the song became an exhausting recording experience that moved to a 16-track machine as layers and layers were added. Somehow, it worked and the end result is an urgent hard-rock masterpiece that even Dylan admitted “overwhelmed" him.
14. The Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
Michael Jackson was a tween when he recorded “I Want You Back,” which is rather insane to think about considering how refined his performance is. The song turned The Jackson 5 into mega-stars, thanks in no small part to one of the most iconic (and sampled) bass lines in music history.
13. The Who – “My Generation”
As far as generation-defining songs go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Pete Townshend would go on to create more complex music for The Who. But none of it may have had the impact or influence that “My Generation” did. Teenage angst never sounded better.
12. The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows”
It’s been called the most beautiful pop song ever written. That’s hard to argue with. If The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” was the album that proved pop music was art, then “God Only Knows" was its grand statement. Brian Wilson’s style was always rooted more in classical music compared to an act like The Beatles, a trait that allowed him to craft melodies and sounds that no other act could achieve.
11. Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come”
Sam Cooke’s voice is considered one of the greatest in music history. Indeed, it’s the ultimate soul instrument. “A Change Is Gonna Come” proves that and then some. But understand that he wrote the song as well; something so profound, that would serve as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. “A Change Is Gonna Come” wasn’t a huge hit upon its release. But it has since become one of the most celebrated songs in music history.
10. Martha and the Vandellas – “Dancing In the Street"
“Dancing In the Street” was a perfectly written pop song that became a huge hit in 1964. But even the great Motown Records couldn’t control the song’s narrative. With the Civil Rights Movement in full swing and riots breaking out in inner cities across the country, “Dancing in the Street” became a rallying cry that pushed the song to new cultural heights.
9. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever"
As the story goes, “Strawberry Fields Forever” was so innovative that it shook some of the other great musical innovators of the time. Supposedly, Brian Wilson was so overwhelmed by it that he abandoned The Beach Boys’ “Smile” album, claiming The Beatles had already accomplished what he was going for. Whether embellished or not, the fact that it might be true is testament to how amazing “Strawberry Fields Forever” is.
8. The Velvet Underground – “Heroin”
It was a scene and a time in New York City that no one could capture in musical form like Lou Reed. “Heroin” isn’t a pro-drug song. But rather the musical version of a high, lyrically and emotionally, with a pacing that mirrors the physical embodiment of what the narrator is feeling at the time. There’s confusion, lust, depression and the feeling that makes you wish you were “born a thousand years ago.”
7. Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
Motown’s greatest song has quite the backstory. The song was first recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, becoming a No. 2 hit for the group in 1967. The Miracles then recorded it a year later. Marvin Gaye followed suit for his 1968 album “In the Groove.” Only, Berry Gordy wasn’t a fan. It’s one of the few times Gordy was wrong. Radio stations fell in love with Gaye’s version of the song, so much so that Gordy finally agreed to rename Gaye’s album “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” to capitalize on the song’s massive success.
6. James Brown – “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag”
You can have debates all day about which artist created which genre. But when it comes to funk music, there’s a clear consensus. It was James Brown and it happened with “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” in 1965. One of the most influential recordings of all time, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” marks the moment funk took hold with its rhythmic style and emphasis on the first beat of each measure. Music would never be the same.
5. The Beatles – “A Day In The Life”
“A Day In The Life” is generally considered The Beatles’ signature song because it, more than any other track, showcases the songwriting partnership of Lennon-McCartney with its distinct parts. “A Day In The Life” is absolutely mesmerizing with its impact and influence felt on the futures of progressive and art rock.
4. Bob Dylan – “Like a Rolling Stone”
My God, that opening snare. As Bruce Springsteen said when he inducted Bob Dylan into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it “sounded like somebody kicked open the door to your mind.” You have to understand that by 1965, Bob Dylan was already a celebrated artist and considered one of the great singer-songwriters of all time. But “Highway 61 Revisited” was a whole new level of genius. And “Like a Rolling Stone” was the song that kick started a musical revolution.
3. Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
“Respect” is more than just a cover. It’s a total reinvention. Otis Redding’s original version is about a man, on his knees begging his woman to let him know what she wants so he can deliver it to her. In the hands of Aretha Franklin, “Respect” is one of the most empowering anthems ever released. Not only did Franklin add the famous “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” and “Sock it to me!” parts. But her conviction gave the song much needed oomph.
2. The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations”
It’s said that the recording budget for “Good Vibrations” was more than the entirety of The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.” And somehow, it was worth every penny. Brian Wilson put the song together from various recording sessions, combining its unique parts into a pop masterpiece. From an experimental standpoint, nothing like it had ever existed. Simply put: “Good Vibrations” changed the way pop music was made moving forward.
1. The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
Nowadays, the kids tend to describe an awesome piece of music by saying it “slaps.” At the end of the 1960s nothing slapped harder than “Gimme Shelter.” It’s the coolest of the cool, a song that put the cherry on top of the decade, while prepping the rock world for what came next. The part that pushes the song to its peak is Mary Clayton’s soaring backing vocals. In the documentary “20 Feet From Stardom,” Mick Jagger is filmed listening to the isolated vocals of Clayton when she screams, “Rape, murder!” A smile comes over Jagger’s face. He knows it slaps too.