1. “She’s Not There” – The Zombies
The Zombies may not have gotten as much attention as some of their British Invasion counterparts, but “She’s Not There” is pure magic. The haunting vocals, jazzy piano, and dreamy melody make it stand out from the usual ‘60s rock fare. It’s one of those songs that feels both mysterious and deeply emotional, and it’s impossible not to get lost in Colin Blunstone’s soft yet urgent voice. The way the song builds up and then falls back into its hypnotic groove makes it feel way ahead of its time. There’s a smooth sophistication to it that a lot of modern music just doesn’t have says BBC.
Even though it hit the charts back in ‘64, it still feels fresh today. The combination of jazz, rock, and blues influences creates something completely unique. It’s the kind of song that makes you wonder why The Zombies weren’t bigger than they were. Their later album, Odessey and Oracle, is just as underrated, but this song was their perfect introduction.
2. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” – The Vanilla Fudge
The Supremes’ version of this song is a classic, but Vanilla Fudge took it to an entirely different level. Their slow, heavy, psychedelic reimagining turns it into something almost haunting. The drawn-out organ notes and dramatic vocals give it an intensity that makes it hit even harder. It’s one of those rare covers that completely transforms the song while still keeping its emotional core intact adds Newsday.
A lot of modern rock bands could learn a thing or two from this kind of reinvention. Instead of just cranking up the volume, they added depth and power through their arrangement. The song builds and swells in a way that feels larger than life. It’s proof that sometimes, taking a risk with a familiar song can create something even more unforgettable.
3. “You’re Gonna Miss Me” – The 13th Floor Elevators
This is garage rock at its absolute finest, with a raw energy that puts a lot of today’s rock music to shame. The 13th Floor Elevators weren’t just any band—they were pioneers of psychedelic rock, and this song is proof of their influence. Roky Erickson’s wild, almost unhinged vocals give it an edge that’s hard to replicate. The electric jug (yes, a literal jug) in the background adds an eerie, otherworldly feel shares American Songwriter.
Despite being a cult classic now, it never quite reached the mainstream heights it deserved. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to blast it on a road trip with the windows down. The rawness and energy are something a lot of polished modern rock lacks. If you haven’t heard it, you’re seriously missing out on a song that helped shape an entire genre.
4. “Time Has Come Today” – The Chambers Brothers
This song is an absolute journey, especially if you listen to the full version. Clocking in at over 11 minutes, it’s a wild mix of psychedelic rock, soul, and experimental sound effects. The ticking clock, echoing vocals, and chaotic guitar solos make it feel almost hypnotic. The Chambers Brothers took traditional soul music and completely flipped it on its head says Rock Cellar Magazine.
It’s one of those songs that builds and builds, making it impossible to ignore. Even the shorter radio version packs a punch with its urgent energy and defiant lyrics. It’s a protest song, a psychedelic jam, and a soul anthem all rolled into one. If more modern music took risks like this, things might be a little more interesting.
5. “I Can’t Let Go” – The Hollies
The Hollies are often overlooked when people talk about ‘60s rock, but they had some absolute gems. “I Can’t Let Go” is one of their most infectious songs, with tight harmonies and a driving beat that make it impossible to resist. The opening guitar riff immediately hooks you, and the soaring chorus is pure pop perfection. The song feels urgent and emotional without being over-the-top, which is a balance a lot of modern pop struggles to find says Louder.
It’s proof that a song doesn’t need to be complicated to be great. At just under two minutes, it packs more punch than some five-minute-long ballads today. The harmonies alone are enough to make you wonder why The Hollies aren’t talked about more. It’s short, sweet, and incredibly effective.
6. “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” – The Electric Prunes
Psychedelic rock had plenty of strange, experimental songs, but this one is hauntingly good. “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” feels like a fever dream in the best way possible. The swirling guitars, echoing vocals, and unsettling lyrics create a mood that’s hard to shake. It’s the perfect example of how the ‘60s were full of boundary-pushing music that still sounds fresh today.
It’s also an underrated breakup song, though it’s not your typical heartache ballad. Instead of crying over lost love, it feels like waking up from a beautiful dream and realizing reality just isn’t as good. The Electric Prunes might not be a household name, but this song is essential listening. Modern music could use a little more of this kind of eerie creativity.
7. “I Found a Love” – Wilson Pickett & The Falcons
Before Wilson Pickett became one of the biggest names in soul, he was part of The Falcons, and “I Found a Love” is one of the most underrated songs of his early career. This song is pure, raw emotion, with Pickett’s powerful, gospel-influenced vocals soaring over a bluesy, slow-burning groove. You can hear the passion in every note, as he belts out lyrics about the overwhelming feeling of love. The harmonies from The Falcons add an extra layer of soulfulness, making the song even more gripping.
It’s one of those tracks that proves just how much emotion can be packed into a simple arrangement. While Pickett would go on to have massive hits like “In the Midnight Hour,” this early gem showcases his vocal power in a way that few songs do. It’s bluesy, it’s soulful, and it’s got that raw energy that so much modern music lacks. If you love classic soul but haven’t heard this one, you’re missing out on something truly special.
8. “Open My Eyes” – Nazz
Before Todd Rundgren became a solo star, he was part of Nazz, and “Open My Eyes” is a perfect slice of psychedelic pop-rock. The fuzzy guitar riff is instantly catchy, and the vocal harmonies are straight out of the best British Invasion playbook. The song’s production was ahead of its time, with layers of sound that make it feel rich and full.
It’s a shame more people don’t know about this one because it’s a near-perfect example of late ‘60s rock at its best. The mix of distortion, melody, and energy is something a lot of modern rock bands try to capture but rarely succeed at. Rundgren’s influence is all over music today, but this song remains one of his coolest early moments. It deserves way more attention than it gets.
9. “Journey to the Center of the Mind” – The Amboy Dukes
This psychedelic rock masterpiece from The Amboy Dukes, featuring a young Ted Nugent on guitar, is a wild ride from start to finish. The song kicks off with a fuzzed-out guitar riff that immediately transports you to another world. The trippy lyrics, swirling instrumentation, and dramatic vocal delivery make it a prime example of late ‘60s rock experimentation. It’s got all the elements of a classic: soaring guitar solos, dynamic tempo changes, and a sense of adventure that modern rock often lacks.
It’s the kind of song that feels like an actual journey, pulling you deeper into its hypnotic sound. While it was a hit at the time, it never quite reached the legendary status of some of its psychedelic peers. That’s a shame because it’s every bit as good as anything from The Doors or Jefferson Airplane. If you’re looking for a song that truly captures the mind-expanding spirit of the ‘60s, this is it.
10. “Pictures of Matchstick Men” – Status Quo
Before Status Quo became known for their boogie rock sound, they gave us this absolute gem of psychedelic rock. “Pictures of Matchstick Men” is instantly recognizable from its swirling, hypnotic guitar riff. The song feels like a dream sequence, with its echoing vocals and trippy, almost ghostly atmosphere. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about it, making it stand out from the usual ‘60s psych-rock fare.
It’s got just the right mix of catchiness and weirdness to make it unforgettable. While it was a hit at the time, it’s often overlooked in favor of bigger names from the era. That’s a shame because it’s one of the best examples of how the ‘60s weren’t afraid to get weird in the best way possible. Even today, that unforgettable riff feels like it belongs in a different dimension.
11. “Badge” – Cream
Cream had plenty of well-known songs, but “Badge” is one that never quite got the same level of attention as “Sunshine of Your Love” or “White Room.” Co-written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, it’s a perfect blend of psychedelic and bluesy rock. The song’s dreamy verses suddenly shift into a soaring chorus, creating an emotional punch that sneaks up on you. That signature guitar riff is smooth as silk, and the production gives it an almost ethereal quality.
It’s one of those songs that feels effortless in the best way possible. Every note, from the subtle piano to the powerful guitar outro, is placed just right. There’s a certain melancholy in the lyrics that makes it even more compelling. It may not be the most famous Cream song, but it might just be one of their most beautiful.
12. “Hush” – Deep Purple
Before Deep Purple became one of the defining bands of hard rock and metal, they delivered this absolute banger. “Hush” has one of the most infectious grooves of the decade, built around a pulsing organ riff and driving rhythm. The way the song builds up with its call-and-response vocals makes it feel larger than life. There’s an intensity to it that a lot of modern rock songs just don’t have.
The song is a perfect mix of blues, rock, and psychedelia, showing off the band’s early potential. It’s impossible to sit still when it’s playing—it demands movement. While Deep Purple would go on to be more famous for heavier songs like “Smoke on the Water,” “Hush” is proof that they were already masters of crafting an unforgettable rock anthem. It’s the kind of song that never gets old, no matter how many times you hear it.
13. “Shapes of Things” – The Yardbirds
The Yardbirds were one of the most influential bands of the ‘60s, launching the careers of Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. “Shapes of Things” is one of their finest moments, blending hard rock, psychedelia, and a touch of social commentary. The song’s guitar work is groundbreaking, with Jeff Beck’s innovative feedback techniques paving the way for future rock experimentation. The driving beat and urgent vocals make it feel like it’s constantly surging forward.
It’s also one of the first rock songs to address social and political issues, giving it an added layer of depth. While The Yardbirds are often overshadowed by the bands that came after them, their influence is undeniable. “Shapes of Things” is proof that they were ahead of their time. If more people gave it the credit it deserves, it would be ranked among the greatest rock songs of the decade.
14. “The Weight” – The Band
Even though “The Weight” has been covered countless times, the original still doesn’t get enough love. The Band had a way of making every song feel like a timeless story, and this one is no exception. The lyrics are full of strange yet vivid imagery, making it feel almost like a surreal road trip. The harmonies are warm and inviting, and the laid-back groove makes it impossible not to sway along.
It’s a song that feels both deeply American and completely universal at the same time. While it gained some recognition from being in Easy Rider, it never became as big as it should have. The blend of folk, country, and rock is something a lot of modern bands try to replicate but rarely capture. There’s a soul to this song that makes it unforgettable, even after all these years.
15. “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield
“For What It’s Worth” is one of the most recognizable protest songs of the ‘60s, yet it often doesn’t get the full respect it deserves. While people tend to associate it with Vietnam War protests, it was actually written about clashes between young people and police on the Sunset Strip. That sense of rising tension and uncertainty comes through in every note. The eerie guitar intro, combined with Stephen Stills’ subdued yet urgent vocals, creates an atmosphere that still resonates today.
The song’s message about unrest and division feels just as relevant now as it did then. Unlike some protest songs that feel tied to their era, this one remains timeless. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after it’s over, reminding you of the power music has to capture a moment in history. Even in a decade filled with incredible songs, this one still stands out as one of the best.