The Best Rock Songs Of The Early 60’s

The 1960’s was a great decade for music, primarily due to the development of rock n’ roll. Taking from the previous decade’s rhythm n’ blues influence, rock n’ roll proliferated in the early sixties by converging multiple genres like folk and country, to name some. Fresh to the ears of the masses, while providing a new and exciting form of musical entertainment, rock music was welcomed with open arms at the advent of the sixties. Here are some of the best rock songs of the earlier part of the decade!

“Mr. Tambourine Man” – The Byrds (1965)

From the Bob Dylan original, The Byrds made it their own, with complete and immaculate vocal harmonies and the signature jangle of their 12-string guitar. The track was a fresh take from Dylan’s stripped folk version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYLKlgalHMs

“Go Now” – The Moody Blues (1964)

The Birmingham-grown band released the soulful track in 1964, becoming a precursor of the full sound that contemporaries utilized in the later years. Powerful vocal parts and harmonies, with a melancholic main progression packs an emotional punch for the listener to take.

“The House Of The Rising Sun” – The Animals (1964)

This rock staple relies on a circular progression, with the distinct synthesizer parts that add a haunting quality to it. Full vocals drive the folk song original for that unique twist by The Animals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sB3Fjw3Uvc

“Surfin’ USA” – The Beach Boys (1964)

This Beach Boy classic features a modernized call-and-response dynamic, with obvious influence from Chuck Berry’s arrangements. Fresh backing vocals adds to the appeal of this lighthearted track.

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones (1965)

The Rolling Stones broke records and norms, with the authentic fun rocker in “Satisfaction”, proving to be a powerful track even with its simple progression and melody. The energetic track is still regarded as one of the greatest rock n’ roll tracks of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ8GZ3PFVGM

“I Saw Her Standing There” – The Beatles (1963)

A true Beatles classic from their earlier years, “I Saw Her Standing There” featured the band’s straightforward approach to rock music. Powerful vocals and a fun arrangement made the track one of the most memorable rock songs of the early sixties.

“Heart Full of Soul” – The Yardbirds (1965)

From the group that birthed some of rock’s finest guitarists came the track “Heart Full Of Soul”. With the signature sitar employment, the track featured fuzz sections with an eastern influence, which became one of the group’s concert staples.

“My Girl” – The Temptations (1965)

Vocal group The Temptations gave the world a musical gem in the form of “My Girl”. The rich, round tone and melodic quality of the group’s performance borrows heavily from rhythm n’ blues, that hint of soul adding to the overall feel of the song.

“My Generation” – The Who (1965)

Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals leads the track ahead, with backing vocals from the members, and an evident innovation in the Who’s brand of rock. The song became one of their most recognizable hits, even garnering a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame for its influence and reach.

“You Really Got Me” – The Kinks (1964)

Featuring one of the greatest guitar riffs ever invented, “You Really Got Me” led the revolution for hard rock, and later, punk, to proliferate. Their gritty, unrestrained style had so much appeal to the growing liberation of culture, becoming a template for their successors to emulate.