27 Best Songs From 1969
1969 marked the end of a decade filled with historical events, progressive movements, and flashy trends.
We’d argue the music of the 1960s was some of the most groundbreaking ever, and ’69 was no exception. We’ve compiled a list of the best songs from 1969, so enjoy this blast from the past.
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“Get Back” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1969
In 1969, The Beatles were likely the most famous band in the world. However, the internal strifes within the band made the future of The Beatles a bit murky. The infamous rooftop recordings that made their way onto the 1970 album “Let It Be” cleared the way for The Beatles’ post-1960s career.
“Get Back” features keyboardist Billy Preston on an electric organ and a clever satire of anti-immigrant politics in the lyrics.
“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension
Song Year: 1969
The duo song “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” was originally a track created for the musical “Hair” (1967) but was popularized as 1969 single recorded and released by The 5th Dimension. The song reached the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the defining songs of the year.
The song’s lyrics focus on the idea that the world was entering the astrological “Age of Aquarius” as the 1970s rolled around.
“Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone
Song Year: 1968
Sly and the Family Stone is one of the foundational groups that helped develop the genre of soul and funk and bring it to mainstream America’s ears. The song “Everyday People” was released in 1968 but made its way to the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the early months of 1969.
The soulful and deep song, composed by the band’s frontman Sly Stone, reached the number-one spot in February and lasted four weeks.
“Sugar Sugar” by The Archies
Song Year: 1969
Many people view the song “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies as the quintessential bubblegum pop song. The song features a catchy chorus and it’s performed by a fictional band consisting of the lead characters in “The Archie Show,” a TV show based on the famous Archie comics.
Archie comics have seen a cultural resurface in recent years thanks to the CW show “Riverdale,” a show that offers a modern take on the classic Archie comics characters.
“Time of the Season” by The Zombies
Song Year: 1968
The Zombies had several hits in prior years, but “Time of the Season” is likely their most long-lasting tune. The British band manages to combine the classic rock and psychedelia sound of the 1960s with some incredible funk and soul elements for a truly captivating hit.
The song’s chorus is as catchy as it gets, and the latter half of the song devolves into a fantastic keyboard solo using some heavy organ and electronic tones.
“I Can’t Get Next to You” by The Temptations
Song Year: 1969
The Temptations are one of the world’s most famous and successful rhythm and blues groups. The famous Motown Records label managed the group and combined classic blues rock themes with newer rhythm and blues and funk styles.
“I Can’t Get Next to You” perfectly showcases the group’s broad talent, combining big band sound with soulful vocals and psychedelic funk instrumentals. The song is featured on the band’s eleventh album, “Puzzle People.”
“Come Together” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1969
As the most popular band in the world at the time, it’s no surprise that The Beatles have not one but two songs on this list. The song was released in 1969 as a single paired with the soulful hit “Something.” The songs were included in the band’s penultimate album, “Abbey Road,” released later the same year.
The song blends funk beats with blues rock influence. The lyrics are inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s public protests against the Vietnam War.
“Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” by Marvin Gaye
Song Year: 1969
For Marvin Gaye fans, the song “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” couldn’t be sung by anyone else. However, the song was initially recorded by the American rhythm and blues group The Temptations. The song was put on the back burner, allowing Gaye to come in and record a version on the heels of his 1967 smash hit “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
The Temptations’ version was later released in the late 1990s but the Marvin Gaye version featuring female backing vocals is perfect to us.
“Crimson & Clover” by Tommy James & the Shondells
Song Year: 1968
The song “Crimson & Clover” is one of the most famous psychedelic pop songs of the late 1960s. The funk and psychedelic influence is incredibly clear, as the guitar and vocals frequently dip into classic funk sounds. The ambient noise and use of sound panning were prevalent in psychedelic music at the time.
The song was on the Billboard charts for an impressive sixteen weeks and is Tommy James & the Shondells’ most successful song.
“Dizzy” by Tommy Roe
Song Year: 1968
The 1960s “bubblegum pop” was a genre targeted towards the free willing, pop-loving teenagers of the time. Tommy Roe was famous in the bubblegum pop genre, so it was no surprise when “Dizzy” was released in 1968 to widespread praise.
Notably, Tommy Roe performed onstage with home appliances to play on the idea of Whirlpool washers and dryers fitting into his “Dizzy” theme.
