1. “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas & The Papas (1965)
Few songs better capture the wistful longing of the ’60s than “California Dreamin’.” Its harmonies and haunting flute solo made it instantly iconic. It spoke to young people dreaming of escape and sunshine.
While still beloved, it doesn’t get the constant play that many other ’60s hits do. Its warmth and melancholy feel as fresh now as they did then. It deserves to be on the radio every single day.
2. “The Weight” – The Band (1968)
With its storytelling lyrics and soulful delivery, “The Weight” became a cornerstone of the late ’60s. Its chorus—“Take a load off, Fanny”—was sung everywhere from dorm rooms to festival fields. The song blended rock, folk, and gospel into something uniquely powerful.
Today, you’ll hear it occasionally, but nowhere near as often as its influence warrants. It’s more than a song—it’s an American hymn. It should never leave the airwaves.
3. “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield (1966)
Though often mistaken for a protest anthem about Vietnam, “For What It’s Worth” was originally about tensions on the Sunset Strip. Still, its opening guitar riff and call of “Stop, hey, what’s that sound” became a generational rallying cry. It’s one of those songs that defined the spirit of the ’60s.
Despite its lasting relevance, it’s surprisingly rare on the radio. Its message still resonates in every decade since. This one should be impossible to ignore.
4. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane (1967)
Grace Slick’s haunting vocals made “White Rabbit” one of the era’s most unforgettable psychedelic anthems. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it mirrored the counterculture’s fascination with expanding the mind. The build-up to that final, soaring note still sends chills.
But despite its iconic status, it isn’t played nearly as often as other Summer of Love staples. It’s a masterpiece that deserves constant rediscovery. Few songs capture the ’60s like this one.
5. “Both Sides Now” – Judy Collins (1967)
Judy Collins’ version of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” became a defining ballad of the late ’60s. Its reflective lyrics about love and life struck a deep chord with listeners. Collins’ crystalline voice gave it a timeless beauty.
And yet, it’s far too absent from today’s playlists. This is the kind of song that deserves endless revisits. It’s as moving now as it was when it first played through transistor radios.
6. “In the Midnight Hour” – Wilson Pickett (1965)
Soul music found one of its defining songs in Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour.” His raw, powerful vocals made it impossible not to move to. It was a dance floor favorite and a showcase of pure emotion.
Despite being one of the greatest soul tracks ever recorded, it doesn’t get the mainstream play it deserves. It’s a cornerstone of ’60s rhythm and blues. No radio rotation could ever do it justice.
7. “Time of the Season” – The Zombies (1968)
With its breathy vocals and hypnotic organ riff, “Time of the Season” became the Zombies’ most enduring hit. It carried the dreamy, experimental vibe of the late ’60s. Its opening line—“What’s your name? Who’s your daddy?”—still feels iconic.
And yet, you rarely hear it outside of classic rock deep dives. It deserves to be every bit as common as Beatles or Stones tracks. This one defines the sound of its era.
8. “Piece of My Heart” – Janis Joplin (1968)
Janis Joplin’s powerhouse performance on “Piece of My Heart” turned it into a raw, emotional anthem. With Big Brother and the Holding Company backing her, she practically tore her soul open on the record. It became her calling card.
But radio play doesn’t match its legendary status. Her voice deserves to ring out as often as possible. Few songs captured the grit and passion of the ’60s quite like this.
9. “It’s My Life” – The Animals (1965)
The Animals gave the ’60s some of its grittiest rock hits, and “It’s My Life” was one of their best. With Eric Burdon’s defiant vocals, it became a statement of independence and rebellion. It was the sound of youth refusing to conform.
Despite its raw power, it’s largely missing from modern playlists. This song belongs alongside any list of era-defining anthems. Its message is evergreen.
10. “People Get Ready” – The Impressions (1965)
Curtis Mayfield’s gospel-infused “People Get Ready” wasn’t just a song—it was a call for hope and unity during a turbulent time. Its gentle, soulful melody carried a message of strength and perseverance. It became an anthem of the civil rights movement.
Yet radio rarely gives it the recognition it deserves today. It’s one of the most important songs of the decade, and one that should never fade from hearing. Every generation can learn something from it.
11. “Crimson and Clover” – Tommy James & The Shondells (1968)
“Crimson and Clover” was hypnotic, dreamy, and unlike anything else on the airwaves when it debuted. Its use of reverb and echo gave it a psychedelic, almost otherworldly sound. For many, it became the soundtrack of young love.
It still feels timeless, but you don’t hear it often enough on the radio. Its hazy beauty deserves endless replay. This one belongs on every ’60s playlist, every time.
12. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” – The Byrds (1965)
The Byrds’ adaptation of biblical verses into “Turn! Turn! Turn!” became one of the most enduring songs of the ’60s. Its jangly guitars and message of peace struck a chord across generations. It was both spiritual and contemporary.
But despite its cultural impact, it doesn’t get constant play. It’s one of those songs that never loses relevance. Radio will never spin it enough to do it justice.
