10 Rock Songs From 1960s You Forgot Were This Good

A legendary era for rock music –that’s what defined the 1960s. Almost every week, a new hit song would drop the charts. Remember the groovy beats of The Beach Boys to the soulful sounds of The Temptations? There were so many iconic tracks of that era that some fantastic tunes have faded from our playlists. So let’s take that trip down the 60s memory lane and revisit the songs you might have forgotten were this good.

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’
In 1965, Nancy Sinatra strutted into our hearts with “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” It’s a song that featured a catchy bass line and a tambourine that gave it that mid-60s groove. Written by her musical partner Lee Hazlewood, the song almost became a male-led anthem. However, Nancy knew better, and it wasn’t a mistake that she made the track her own. Despite being covered by everyone from Billy Ray Cyrus to Megadeth, Nancy’s version remains unbeatable. You can still catch this track in movies like Full Metal Jacket or Austin Powers.

Happy Together
You might remember The Beatles and The Monkees, but how about The Turtles? Their 1967 hit “Happy Together” is one of those songs you instantly recognize but rarely hear nowadays. Initially passed over by 12 other groups, The Turtles made it their own. The band blended folk and psychedelia into a pop classic. Although the band didn’t live up to being “happy together” for long—they split up just three years later—this song still deserves a spot among the best recordings of the ’60s.

Crimson and Clover
If you ever woke up with a random phrase stuck in your head, that’s how “Crimson and Clover” came to be! Tommy James woke up one morning with those words lingering from a dream, and the rest is history. This psychedelic masterpiece played with tremolo effect on the vocals and guitar, marked a departure from the band’s bubblegum pop roots. After appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, it soared to number one and stayed on the charts for 16 weeks. Though covered by artists like Prince and Joan Jett, Tommy James & The Shondells’ version still holds its unique charm.

House of the Rising Sun
This haunting track by The Animals might not be as forgotten, but the story behind it is. No one knows who originally wrote “House of the Rising Sun,” but it surely became a rock hit when The Animals released their version in 1964. With a length of 4 minutes and 30 seconds, a moody organ, and Eric Burdon’s raw vocals, it wasn’t your typical ’60s pop song. Even Bob Dylan was so inspired when he heard it that he famously decided to “go electric.”

You’ll Never Walk Alone
People might easily think this 1963 hit was by The Beatles, but it’s not! Managed by Brian Epstein and recorded by George Martin, Gerry and the Pacemakers made this successful hit. The track was an uplifting anthem originally from the Broadway musical Carousel. While it might not be that popular in the U.S. today, it’s an anthem for Liverpool FC, sung before every home match and even more meaningful after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
Combine two unfinished songs from the musical Hair and you’ll get “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” Thanks to Billy Davis Jr., who lost his wallet and ended up seeing the show, this unique blend of two songs by The 5th Dimension became a late ’60s anthem for peace and love. Although it doesn’t get as much play today, it’s a fun, funky reminder of the era’s groovy spirit.

96 Tears
With its catchy organ riff, it’s hard to believe “96 Tears” isn’t more well-known today. Released in 1966 by Question Mark & The Mysterians, this track rocketed to the top of the charts. It was basically a forerunner for garage rock and early punk music. The band’s mysterious lead singer, who legally changed his name to? added to the song’s mystique. If you love the raw, simple energy of early rock, this one’s for you.

I’m a Believer
Neil Diamond wrote “I’m a Believer” which became a massive hit for The Monkees in 1966. This bubblegum pop track has a catchy hook that makes it impossible for anyone not to sing along. Though The Monkees often got flak for being a “manufactured” band, their songs have stood the test of time and remained rock classics. It proves the ’60s were indeed a golden era for feel-good rock music.

White Room
Cream’s “White Room” is one of those songs that you’ll easily recognize once you hear its iconic guitar riff. Released in 1968, this song is a psychedelic rock masterpiece with Eric Clapton’s soaring guitar work and Jack Bruce’s haunting vocals. This track shows the experimental spirit of the late ’60s and is still a fantastic listen for any rock enthusiast.

Time of the Season
“Time of the Season” by The Zombies was released in 1968. It’s a smooth, soulful rock track that features the band’s distinctive style. With a memorable bass line and breathy vocals, this song really takes you back in time. While not as mainstream today, its laid-back groove is worth revisiting.