1. “Crimson and Clover” – Tommy James & The Shondells
This dreamy 1968 hit was everywhere for a while, with its psychedelic guitar effects and echoing vocals. Tommy James was a chart regular, but this particular track captured a whole mood of the late ’60s. It was different from their earlier bubblegum pop and showed they could push into experimental territory.
It’s a song that instantly transports you back in time, but for some reason, it doesn’t get the same play as “Mony Mony.” The layered vocals still sound mesmerizing, and the vibe feels timeless. It deserves way more radio love than it gets these days.
2. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane
When people think of Jefferson Airplane, “Somebody to Love” usually comes first, but “White Rabbit” is just as important. Grace Slick’s hypnotic vocals paired with psychedelic imagery made it unforgettable in 1967. It was daring for its time, with lyrics openly referencing Alice in Wonderland through a counterculture lens.
Even though it had a strong run back in the day, it’s not played nearly enough now. The build-up alone is spine-tingling, and the way it crescendos is unmatched. It deserves a place on modern playlists right alongside the band’s other classics.
3. “Time of the Season” – The Zombies
This 1968 song is instantly recognizable with its organ riff and whispered “who’s your daddy” line. The Zombies had such a unique sound that stood out from the rest of the British Invasion. “Time of the Season” ended up being their biggest hit, though the band had already broken up by the time it climbed the charts.
It still feels cool and fresh today, yet it doesn’t get as much airplay as it should. The song captures a late ’60s vibe better than most. Its mix of psychedelic pop and soul deserves to be on heavy rotation again.
4. “Bus Stop” – The Hollies
The Hollies were one of the most consistent British Invasion bands, but their songs don’t get the same recognition as The Beatles or The Rolling Stones. “Bus Stop” from 1966 is a perfect example of their craftsmanship. The lyrics tell a sweet love story that starts in such an ordinary setting.
It’s clever and catchy without being over the top. For anyone who loves ’60s harmonies, this one delivers. It might not be spun as much as “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress),” but it deserves to be remembered just as fondly.
5. “Sunny Afternoon” – The Kinks
The Kinks gave us plenty of hits, but “Sunny Afternoon” from 1966 often gets left behind. With its relaxed, sing-song melody, it’s one of their most playful tracks. The lyrics about a lazy day in the sun feel timeless.
It’s a perfect summer anthem, but it doesn’t pop up nearly enough on radio anymore. The song is lighthearted and clever, showing The Kinks’ versatility. It would easily win new fans if stations played it more often.
6. “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield
This track is iconic for its protest tone and haunting guitar line. Released in 1966, it became an anthem for a generation, capturing the social unrest of the era. Stephen Stills’ vocals and Neil Young’s guitar work gave it lasting power.
But oddly enough, you don’t hear it much outside of movies or documentaries. It’s one of those songs that still feels relevant today, and its message has stood the test of time. It deserves a permanent spot on radio playlists.
7. “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” – Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra’s bold 1966 anthem was everywhere at the time. Its sassy lyrics and stomping beat made it a pop sensation, and it’s instantly recognizable once it starts playing. Sinatra’s cool delivery gave it staying power.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t get the same level of airplay as other ’60s female-fronted hits. That’s a shame, because it still feels fun and empowering. Younger listeners especially would probably love rediscovering this one.
8. “Spinning Wheel” – Blood, Sweat & Tears
This 1969 track blended rock, jazz, and pop in a way that was totally unique. Blood, Sweat & Tears were masters of that fusion, and “Spinning Wheel” became one of their most recognizable songs. Its brass section makes it instantly stand out.
Yet it’s not a song you hear all that often now. It’s musically rich, catchy, and full of energy, making it ripe for a comeback. Few songs capture the late ’60s spirit like this one.
9. “Last Train to Clarksville” – The Monkees
The Monkees were often brushed off as a TV band, but they delivered some truly great pop songs. “Last Train to Clarksville,” released in 1966, was their debut single and quickly shot to No. 1. Its jangly guitar and harmonies made it a classic.
But aside from “I’m a Believer,” most of their catalog gets overlooked. This track in particular deserves way more attention. It’s catchy, upbeat, and a perfect snapshot of the era’s sound.
10. “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas & The Papas
This 1965 anthem has one of the most recognizable openings of any ’60s song. The harmonies are lush, and the longing in the lyrics makes it timeless. It’s the kind of track that immediately transports you to another time.
Despite being one of their signature songs, it doesn’t get as much consistent radio play today. That’s surprising, because it’s the perfect mix of melancholy and beauty. It still resonates just as strongly now as it did when it was released.
11. “Itchycoo Park” – Small Faces
This 1967 track was a psychedelic pop masterpiece. With its trippy phasing effects and laid-back vibe, it captured the experimental side of the decade. Small Faces were huge in the UK, but in the U.S., this is the song that broke through.
Even so, it doesn’t get much play today. Its carefree spirit and innovative sound make it a standout that still feels fresh. It deserves to be remembered alongside other psychedelic classics of the era.
12. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” – The Byrds
The Byrds gave us some of the most beautiful harmonies of the decade, and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” is one of their finest. Released in 1965, it set biblical text to jangly folk-rock, making it both timeless and culturally significant.
Oddly, it doesn’t get the same recognition as “Mr. Tambourine Man.” That’s a shame, because its message of peace and seasons of life is still relevant. It should be a radio staple, especially in times when people crave meaningful lyrics.
13. “Good Lovin’” – The Rascals
This energetic 1966 hit was pure rock and soul. The Rascals brought a raw edge to pop music, and “Good Lovin’” had a chorus that stuck instantly. It’s a song that made people want to get up and dance.
While The Rascals are remembered, this track isn’t played nearly as often as it should be. It’s upbeat, fun, and a great reminder of how much variety the ’60s had to offer. Radio could definitely use more of that spark.
14. “She Loves You” – The Beatles
It might sound odd to call a Beatles song “forgotten,” but “She Loves You” doesn’t get the same play as “Hey Jude” or “Let It Be.” Released in 1963, it was one of the songs that helped launch Beatlemania in the U.S. The “yeah, yeah, yeah” chorus became a cultural touchstone.
Despite being one of their early smashes, it’s not as frequently played now. That’s surprising, considering how joyful and infectious it is. It deserves to be brought back into regular rotation to remind everyone how the craze really started.
15. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
Released in 1967, “Brown Eyed Girl” became Van Morrison’s signature hit and remains one of the most beloved songs of the decade. With its upbeat melody, playful lyrics, and that unforgettable “sha la la la la” chorus, it captured a carefree spirit that resonated with audiences everywhere. It was Morrison’s first big solo success after leaving Them, and it helped establish him as a major voice in rock.
While it still pops up occasionally, it doesn’t always get the consistent airplay you’d expect from a song this iconic. Its nostalgic charm and singalong quality make it perfect for any playlist. It’s one of those songs that can immediately brighten a mood, no matter when it’s played. Bringing it back more often would be an easy way to remind listeners of Morrison’s early brilliance.
16. “Happy Together” – The Turtles
When this song debuted in 1967, it became an instant anthem of love and optimism. With its catchy melody and singalong chorus, The Turtles managed to create something simple yet unforgettable. The song’s arrangement, with layered vocals and dramatic builds, gave it a timeless quality. It quickly replaced “Penny Lane” at the top of the charts, which was no small feat.
Even though people instantly recognize it when they hear it, “Happy Together” doesn’t always get the spotlight. It’s one of those tracks that feels like sunshine bottled in a record. Every generation that hears it seems to connect with its cheerful message. It’s a perfect example of why some ’60s songs never really age, they just wait to be rediscovered.
17. “Windy” – The Association
“Windy,” released in 1967, is pure pop magic. The Association specialized in lush harmonies and polished arrangements, and this was one of their biggest hits. The tune is upbeat, breezy, and brimming with optimism, perfectly reflecting the era’s lighter side. It was such a big deal at the time that it stayed at No. 1 for weeks.
But today, it doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves. Its cheerful vibe makes it an easy pick-me-up, and the harmonies still sound fantastic. Songs like this show how much variety ’60s pop really had. “Windy” deserves to spin on radio playlists alongside the heavier rock and psychedelic tunes.
18. “I Got You Babe” – Sonny & Cher
This 1965 duet defined Sonny & Cher’s career and became a cultural touchstone of the decade. With its tender back-and-forth vocals and simple, romantic lyrics, it captured young love in a way that was relatable to everyone. The song’s arrangement, with its lilting rhythm and folk-pop charm, made it stand out. It even inspired countless covers and parodies.
Despite being one of the most famous duets in pop history, it’s surprisingly rare to hear it on mainstream radio now. That’s surprising, because it’s instantly recognizable from the very first notes. It remains a symbol of the mid-’60s, and its charm hasn’t faded one bit. It deserves to find its way back into steady airplay so new listeners can appreciate its sweetness.