29 Best Songs From 1960
Contents
“Sixteen Reasons” by Connie Stevens
Song Year: 1960
Connie Stevens hit the charts in 1960 with “Sixteen Reasons. While the song was the B-side of a single, it gained popularity and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 pop charts.
The song lists sixteen reasons why the narrator loves her boyfriend. Some of the reasons include his crazy clothes, how he combed his hair, and how he kissed her.
“My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” by Connie Francis
Song Year: 1960
Written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” was a chart-topper in 1960. Connie Francis recorded her version at “Radio Recorders in Hollywood, CA.
The song was an instant hit and reached number one on the Hot 100 and R&B charts in the United States. “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” also peaked at number three in the UK.
“Puppy Love” by Paul Anka
Song Year: 1960
“Puppy Love” is a love letter to one of the most famous Mouseketeers, Annette Funicello. Paul Anka wrote and recorded the song in 1960.
While close to a chart-topper, “Puppy Love” was denied the top spot on the charts and spent several weeks at number two. It also had success in Canada, Ireland, the UK, and South Africa.
“Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” by Brian Hyland
Song Year: 1960
This fun novelty song was played on every radio station in 1960. “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was so successful, German and French versions were recorded as well.
The song tells the story of a shy girl. She has a new bikini and is embarrassed about how small it is. First, she’s afraid to leave the locker room. Next, she’s embarrassed sitting on the beach. Finally, she gains enough courage to go in the water but is now afraid to come out of the water.
“Where or When” by Dion and the Belmonts
Song Year: 1960
Originally recorded in 1937 by Hal Kemp and his Orchestra, the song found pop success after Dion and the Belmonts covered the tune in 1960. The song was the biggest hit for the group and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song discusses deja vu and whether or not the narrator met the other person in the song. Unfortunately, you never get an answer as the song ends before the resolution.
“Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters
Song Year: 1960
Originally planned as a B-side, Dick Clark convinced The Drifters to give “Save the Last Dance for Me” a dedicated release. It was a big hit for the Drifters and hit number one on the pop charts in the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.
The narrator of a song is at a party with his significant other. He doesn’t mind if she goes to socialize and mingle with everyone at the party. While free to mingle, she has to remember to stay and go with the narrator.
“Chain Gang” by Sam Cooke
Song Year: 1960
“Chain Gang” was Sam Cooke’s biggest hit of 1960. Originally dissatisfied with the first recording, Cooke decided to record the song. The second version features new vocal effects to improve the quality of the recording.
The song reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B single charts. “Chain Gang” made it back onto the charts in 1976 after Jim Croce released a medley of the song with “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You) and “Searchin’.”
“Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
Song Year: 1960
“Beyond The Sea” is an English translation of the French song, “La Mer.” Originally the song is about a man’s love of the sea. The English translation turns the song into a love song instead.
Bobby Darrin’s version of “Beyond the Sea” was a smash hit for the singer. “Beyond the Sea” reached number six on the Hot 100 and number fifteen on the US R&B charts in 1960.
The song is an everlasting memory of the time and is featured in films like “Goodfellas” and “Finding Nemo.”
“The Big Hurt” by Toni Fisher
Song Year: 1960
“The Big Hurt” is a pop hit for Toni Fisher and written by Wayne Shanklin. The song reached number three on the Hot 100 in 1960.
The song was unique and pioneered new reverb and phasing effects on several of the tracks and vocal parts of the song. It may be the first recording to use flanging effects. This gives the song the whooshing sounds you hear while listening to “The Big Hurt.”
“Pretty Blue Eyes” by Steve Lawrence
Song Year: 1960
Written by Teddy Randazzo and Bobby Weinstein, “Pretty Blue Eyes” tells the story of a man infatuated with a girl with pretty blue eyes.
Steve Lawrence’s version of “Pretty Blue Eyes” was a hit and lasted eighteen weeks on the Hot 100 charts peaking at number nine. Craig Douglas also released a version in 1960 that reached number four on the UK’s new Musical Express Chart.
