The ABC's of the 60's

I enjoy music that spans across a range of decades. From the music of today to that of the 60’s. A little variety! As a kid, I was forced (I mean introduced!) to listen to music from the 60’s. I’m glad to have been introduced to music decades before I was born. Many of these songs remain timeless even today.

Previously, I shared songs from other decades. One for each letter of the alphabet. I did the 80’s Pt I and II and 90’s Pt I and II. (Eventually I’ll do the 70’s and 2000’s).

Aquarius / Let the Sunshine in (1969)— The Fifth Dimension

This is such an iconic song! The beginning of the song is light hearted, free, and moving. This is one of those songs where it is a must to listen through the whole way through because well, at the 2:20 mark, things take a turn and the sunshine arrives!

Breaking Up is Hard to Do (1962)— Neil Sedaka

This song speaks one of the hardest truths in life. Even so, its still incredibly fun and catchy! It’s about a guy longing for his girl to give him another chance. You can hear elements of the previous 50’s era in this song as it swings into a new era of music — the 60’s.

Can’t Buy Me Love (1964) — The Beatles

The Beatles were one of the most iconic and recognizable bands from the 60’s. It wouldn’t be right not to include at least one of their songs on this list. In fact, their songs were some of the very first music I was introduced to as a young kid. And I still enjoy listening to quite a few of their songs! Including this one! This is such a fun song to sing along to. The tone of the song is easy going and mellow yet very catchy and upbeat at the same time.

Do You Love Me (1962) — The Contours

This is one of my favorite songs from the 60's. It’s about a guy that was turned down and now that he’s gained some serious dance moves to show off, he wonders if the one that previously turned him down will give him another chance now that he can dance. I also like how this song references past popular dance crazes like “the mashed potato” and “the twist”.

Evil Ways (1969) — Santana

At the very end of the 60’s era, this tune has low key chill vibes throughout. The tune is very moving, and ideal to chill out to yet hold your attention throughout

Fun, Fun, Fun (1964) — The Beach Boys

The Beatles were another iconic band from the 60’s. The Beach Boys bring up thoughts of warm summer shine, trips to the beach with surfboard in tow, and of course, cars! Seemed that the Beach Boys had quite a few songs about cars or at least mentioned a car. This is one of them.

This song is very upbeat and easy going as it mentions the fun to be had in the summer and maybe taking your parent’s car out to have that fun.

“And she’ll have fun, fun, fun til her daddy takes the T-Bird away”

— written by Brian Wilson and Michael Love

Get Ready (1966) — The Temptations

The Temptations were one of the most well known Motown bands from the 60's. The harmony they put together makes their songs even more refreshing to listen to. This is undoubtedly one of their songs that they are most know for.

Hit the Road Jack (1961) — Ray Charles

Here’s another iconic song from the late Ray Charles. It’s a fun and refreshing song to listen and sing along to. It has elements of jazz in it and is very upbeat.

Incense and Peppermints (1967) — Strawberry Alarm Clock

One of my favorite 60’s classics, this tune starts out steady then quickly builds up in memento. Towards the half way mark, it’s gets just slightly more rock heavy before falling back into a more mellow tempo. You can definitely hear the cow bells in this song!

It hit number 1 on the Billboard charts.

Jimmy Mack (1966) — Martha & the Vandellas

Another iconic song from the 60's! This band reminds me very much of the Supremes! The song also reminds me of one of the many songs that would play on a juke box in a diner back in the day. The melody is harmonious and is just an easy laid back song to listen to.

Kicks (1966) — Paul Revere and the Raiders

This is one of the many songs out there with a message that warn against the dangers of drugs. But it does it in a different way so that it sounds like its coming from a concerned friend rather than from authority.

The intro to this song grabs your attention immediately. This song is mellow with very genuine sounding lyrics.

Lil’ Red Riding Hood (1966) — Sam the Sham

This is a little bit of a different song. It’s a fun song but with a dark societal meaning behind it. Based on the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale, this song is about a man giving all too believable lies and offering his deception to a girl in order to win her over and take advantage.

In this song, the big bad wolf warns Little Red Riding hold that she should never be out in the woods alone, when in reality, he is the one she has to worry about.

It hit number 2 on the US charts.

Midnight Confessions (1968)— The Grass Roots

Here’s another upbeat 60’s song. It starts out steady then really picks up the pace. I believe this is undoubtedly one of their more well known songs. The midnight confessions this song is referring to is that the person has feelings for another woman.

It hit number 5 on the US charts.

It was a great listening to some 60’s tunes. I always enjoy listen to some 60’s every now and then.

Stay tuned for part II N — Z.