1. “You Can’t Hurry Love” – The Supremes
The Supremes were one of Motown’s most iconic acts, and “You Can’t Hurry Love” became a defining hit for them. Released in 1966, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, just shy of the top spot. The catchy rhythm and Diana Ross’ powerful vocals made it an unforgettable tune, still beloved by fans to this day. Despite its popularity, it never managed to reach No. 1, a rare occurrence for the Supremes, who had several chart-toppers during their career.
Its upbeat tempo and unforgettable refrain made it a go-to hit for dance floors everywhere, yet it faced fierce competition from other top hits of the time. Nevertheless, it solidified The Supremes’ place as a legendary group in music history, and its absence from the No. 1 spot remains one of the great “what-ifs” of the ’60s.
2. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” – Four Tops
“I Can’t Help Myself” was a massive hit for the Four Tops in 1965, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s Motown magic, thanks to its infectious melody and Levi Stubbs’ distinctive voice, made it a classic. The song spent several weeks at No. 2 but just couldn’t top the charts, hindered by another smash hit that year, “Help!” by The Beatles.
The song’s lyrics, with their sweet plea for love, and the groove that’s irresistible, made it a fan favorite. It became one of the Four Tops’ signature songs, though it remains a close contender for the crown of the top spot that it just couldn’t claim.
3. “California Dreamin'” – The Mamas & The Papas
Released in 1965, “California Dreamin'” captured the yearning for warmth and freedom during the harsh winter months. The song, blending folk rock with pop, became an anthem for the ’60s, though it never reached No. 1, peaking at No. 4. Its nostalgic vibe and poetic lyrics created a deep connection with listeners, propelling it into the top of the charts.
Despite the song’s success, it couldn’t quite push its way past other legendary hits. It remains one of The Mamas & The Papas’ most beloved songs, symbolizing the longing for California’s sunshine while sitting in the cold of winter.
4. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is one of the most famous duets in pop and soul music history. Released in 1967, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, a position it held for several weeks, but it was never able to snag the No. 1 spot. The song’s uplifting message and the incredible chemistry between Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell made it a timeless classic.
Although it did incredibly well on the charts, it had to settle for second place. Its upbeat and positive message has made it an enduring favorite, and it would eventually be a massive hit when Diana Ross re-recorded it in 1970.
5. “The Weight” – The Band
In 1968, “The Weight” by The Band became a hit and a staple of the era’s music, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, with its haunting melody and cryptic lyrics, was influential in the development of rock music. Yet, despite its undeniable popularity and enduring legacy, it never reached the coveted No. 1 spot.
The song’s rustic vibe and distinct narrative set it apart from other hits of the time, making it a beloved anthem for generations. Despite charting highly, it was often overshadowed by the sheer power of other songs from this era, leaving it a bit of a hidden gem.
6. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – The Beach Boys
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” a beloved track from the 1966 album Pet Sounds, is one of the Beach Boys’ most enduring songs. Though it reached No. 8 on the charts, it was never able to climb higher than that. The song’s lush orchestration and dreamy vocals were revolutionary at the time, and its hopeful theme made it a standout track.
Even though it was a hit with fans and critics alike, it never topped the charts, likely due to the massive success of other songs dominating the era. It has since become one of the Beach Boys’ signature songs, and its status as a classic continues to endure.
7. “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield
Released in 1966, “For What It’s Worth” became an anthem for a generation dealing with political unrest and social change. Despite its cultural significance, the song peaked at No. 7, never quite making it to the top spot. Its hauntingly prophetic lyrics about division and protest resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the tension of the ’60s.
Though Buffalo Springfield didn’t make it to No. 1 with this track, the song became a defining moment in music history, laying the foundation for socially conscious rock music in the years that followed.
8. “I Got You Babe” – Sonny & Cher
Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe” was one of the biggest hits of 1965, topping the charts in several countries and becoming their signature song. However, in the U.S., it could only reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the song’s worldwide popularity and Cher’s distinctive voice, it was unable to outshine other hits of the time, preventing it from claiming the top spot.
The song’s blend of pop and folk styles and its declaration of love made it an anthem of sorts for the ’60s. Yet, it remains one of the most iconic tracks in pop history, solidifying Sonny & Cher as one of the decade’s standout duos.
9. “Light My Fire” – The Doors
The Doors’ “Light My Fire” was a defining hit in 1967, capturing the psychedelic era’s spirit with its extended instrumental sections and Jim Morrison’s poetic lyrics. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it wasn’t without competition. Despite its cultural impact, it spent just three weeks at No. 1, never quite able to solidify a longer reign.
Though it made an impressive mark on the charts, its brief time at the top felt like a missed opportunity for a song that defined the era’s musical transformation. Regardless, “Light My Fire” remains one of the Doors’ most iconic songs.
10. “Red Rubber Ball” – The Cyrkle
Released in 1966, “Red Rubber Ball” was a sunny, upbeat pop tune that reached No. 2 on the charts. Its catchy melody and light-hearted lyrics captured the era’s sense of optimism, but it never quite managed to overtake the other hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its lack of a No. 1 title, it remains a classic example of mid-‘60s pop.
With its vibrant, energetic feel, “Red Rubber Ball” became a favorite among fans, even if it had to settle for second place. It’s still remembered fondly as a one-hit wonder for The Cyrkle, despite their brief run in the spotlight.
11. “Dance to the Music” – Sly & The Family Stone
“Dance to the Music,” released in 1968, was a groundbreaking song in terms of its fusion of rock, funk, and soul. It reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, but surprisingly, it never managed to break into the top spot. The song’s infectious beat and vibrant energy made it a standout, but it faced stiff competition from other chart-topping hits at the time.
Its lively spirit and influential sound helped define the early days of funk and soul, ensuring Sly & The Family Stone’s place in music history. Despite not reaching No. 1, it became an anthem for dancing and celebration.
12. “People Got to Be Free” – The Rascals
In 1968, “People Got to Be Free” became an anthem for the civil rights movement, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts—but not in the U.S., where it stalled at No. 2. The song’s powerful message of unity and freedom resonated with a generation facing social and political upheaval. Yet, despite its message of hope, it couldn’t quite make it to the top in the American charts.
While it didn’t make it to the top of the charts in the U.S., the song became a cornerstone of protest music and one of The Rascals’ most enduring hits.
13. “Mrs. Robinson” – Simon & Garfunkel
“Mrs. Robinson” was released in 1968 as part of the soundtrack for The Graduate, becoming one of Simon & Garfunkel’s biggest hits. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for several weeks without reaching No. 1. Its signature folk-rock sound and the iconic reference to the character from the film made it a cultural touchstone of the era.
Despite its massive popularity and cultural relevance, it was ultimately edged out of the top spot. “Mrs. Robinson” continues to be one of the most recognizable songs in Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog.
14. “The Sound of Silence” – Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” was another hit that reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1965. However, it wasn’t their first song to hit the top, as their earlier version of the song in 1964 had failed to chart, even though it was eventually re-released. The iconic folk tune encapsulated the changing times with its introspective lyrics and delicate harmonies.
The song’s blend of folk and rock elements made it an undeniable classic, and it’s now widely regarded as one of the most influential songs of the decade. Despite its success, it was overshadowed by other songs during its release, which limited its overall success in the market.
15. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” was a soothing and hopeful anthem, originally released in 1967. Despite its timeless message and Armstrong’s iconic voice, it only reached No. 32 on the Billboard charts and never even came close to reaching No. 1. Over time, however, the song’s gentle optimism has made it one of the most beloved tracks in music history, with a place in pop culture cemented decades after its release.
While it didn’t dominate the charts in its time, “What a Wonderful World” is now widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever recorded. Its legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, making it an enduring piece of Armstrong’s remarkable career.
