10 Of The Most Iconic Lovin’ Spoonful Songs

You may not know much about the American rock band The Lovin’ Spoonful, but they’re pretty much among the greatest rock bands in the mid-60s. Consisted of the classic members John Sebastian, Zal Yanovsky, Joe Butler, and Steve Boone, their career spanned for only 5 years; during this time, they’ve released 7 albums – most of them were chart toppers. Although short-lived, they produced some of the iconic songs that everyone loved to sing along, young or old. We present to you these 10 Lovin’ Spoonful songs for you to listen to. Enjoy!

 

“Close Your Eyes” – Everything Playing (1967)

The Lovin’ Spoonful were no exception to lineup changes. Everything Playing saw Jerry Yester playing the guitar, replacing founding member Zal Yanovsky. Both Yester and Sebastian collaborated for “Close Your Eyes,” a quirky song hinting the band’s change of pace.

“Darling Be Home Soon” – You’re a Big Boy Now (1967)

Award-winning director Francis Ford Coppola tapped the minds of the band to create a soundtrack album for his movie, You’re a Big Boy Now. “Darling Be Home Soon” was an instant hit and burgeoned into different cover versions by artists later on.

“Rain on the Roof” – Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)

Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful became a leeway attempt for the band to be experimental on their sound, recording with a variety of styles. A Sebastian-penned song, “Rain on the Roof” became a top 10 hit in the US.

“She Is Still a Mystery” – Everything Playing (1967)

The album’s opening track, “She Is Still a Mystery” became a top 27 hit in the US charts and a top 3 hit in the Canada charts. What’s not to love about this song? It screams perfection.

“Younger Girl” – Do You Believe in Magic (1965)

“Younger Girl” is a fan-favorite track written by Sebastian and released in their debut album Do You Believe in Magic. If you’re quite familiar with the song and lyrics, that is because it’s a homage to Prison Wall Blues” by Cannon’s Jug Stompers.

“Summer in the City” – Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)

“Summer in the City” is a rocking masterpiece of the band that you need to hear right now. It’s hard-driven riffs, catchy tune, and surreal arrangement feels like you’re on the busy New York streets, living the best life.

“Do You Believe In Magic” – Do You Believe In Magic (1965)

This album opener tells us about music’s influence to bring happiness and enjoyment to one’s life. It was well-received in public, peaking at no. 9 in charts and was also featured to several prominent movies over the years.

“You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice” – Daydream (1966)

Daydream became an iconic album for The Lovin’ Spoonful, producing hits that go down in music history and inspiring hundreds of artists to create such a seminal masterpiece. One of its songs, “You Didn’t Have to be So Nice” is a romantic catchy gem that was said to be the inspiration of Brian Wilson when he created “God Only Knows” by Beach Boys.

“Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” – Do You Believe In Magic (1965)

This rockin’ ballad became a symbol to the band’s well-established debut career as it peaked no. 2 in the American Billboard Charts. What’s stopping the song for reaching no. 1? It was Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.”

“Daydream” – Daydream (1966)

Get your groove on with Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Daydream.” Soaked in funk and blues, this was also said to be the inspiration for the Beatles’ “Good Day Sunshine,” according to Paul McCartney.