27 Best Songs From 1967

11. “Hello, Goodbye” by The Beatles

Honestly, we could fill half this list with Beatles songs from 1967. Still, “Hello, Goodbye” from “Magical Mystery Tour” is a standout in the band’s catalog that year. The song has simplistic lyrics, but the lush production makes it a classic.

Paul McCartney said he sat down to write it with an aide for the band. He said words and asked her to say the opposite. This process became the backbone of the track. The band released it as the a-side of a single with “I Am the Walrus,” much to the chagrin of John Lennon.

12. “All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan

“All Along the Watchtower” is not a song many music critics associate with Bob Dylan. Jimi Hendrix’s cover the following year is typically held up by fans as the superior version. However, despite all of those caveats, the Bob Dylan version is remarkable in its own right.

Dylan sings about a joker and thief as they head toward the titular watchtower. Critics have endlessly debated about the deeper meaning of the song, including justice or the Bible. No matter your interpretation, this song remains one of Dylan’s best.

13. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison

Rock and roll was more diverse than just psychedelic music in the 1960s, and Van Morrison showcased that with his hit single “Brown Eyed Girl.” The song is a straightforward pop and soft rock track, but every element is handled exceptionally well. It was a smash hit at the time and remains the signature track of the singer-songwriter.

“Brown Eyed Girl” is a simple song about looking back on a former romance. The lyrics were controversial at the time, with some radio stations censoring the lyrics or refusing to play the song.

14. “Heroes and Villains” by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys took pop music to a new peak in 1966 with the album “Pet Sounds.” 1967 was a tumultuous year for the group. Frontman Brian Wilson attempted to complete his opus, “Smile,” but various factors led to the project being scrapped and him taking a back seat in the band.

The Beach Boys released “Smiley Smile” using material they recorded during the year, and it featured one of the group’s best songs “Heroes and Villains.” Wilson saw the song as a parody of western films. He wanted the song to surpass any of his other recordings, and while it didn’t, it is still an incredible testament to the band’s brilliance.

15. “I Can See For Miles” by The Who

The Who were part of the British Invasion. While the group did not reach the same heights as the Beatles or Rolling Stones, it still managed to churn out several successful tunes. “I Can See For Miles” was one of the biggest songs for the band, and it remains a staple in the greatest hits collections.

Paul McCartney used the song for inspiration when he wrote “Helter Skelter.” He wanted to write a song that was heavier than “I Can See For Miles.”

16. “My Back Pages” by The Byrds

While it is not the Byrds' signature song, nor is it one they wrote, “My Back Pages” is still one of the best songs of 1967. The Byrds bring its trademark jangly guitar riffs to the song that give it an interesting sound.

Bob Dylan originally wrote “My Back Pages” in 1964. He wrote the song to work through his changing feelings with the folk protest movement and folk protest songs of the decade. He seems to have fallen out of love with the movement and is looking for something new.

17. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell made “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” into a pop staple with their version of the track in 1967. The song embodies the typical soul sound that fans associate with Gaye, and it remains a staple song in both artists' catalogs.

Numerous artists have turned out their rendition of the tune, including, most famously, Diana Ross in 1970.

18. “Somethin’ Stupid” by Frank and Nancy Sinatra

Crooners like Frank Sinatra were largely an anachronism by 1967. Nobody told the Sinatras though, as they turned out a performance of “Somethin’ Stupid” that lives on today. The duet proves that there was still a place for classic crooners in the new age of psychedelic rock.

“Somethin’ Stupid” is a cute love song that tells the story of the early part of a relationship. The singer accidently says they love their partner and worries that it may be too early or have ruined the evening.

19. “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James

Etta James put her spin on “I’d Rather Go Blind” in 1967. Ellington Jordan originally wrote the song, but James was the first person to record and release a version of the track. Since its release, “I’d Rather Go Blind” has become a staple of soul music.

James first heard of the song while visiting Jordan in jail where he showed her the skeleton for the track. She got to work making her version soon after.

20. “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones were beginning to pick up momentum in 1967, and “Ruby Tuesday” helped the band continue its push into the mainstream. The song is more straightforward and smoother than many later songs by the group, but it stands up to the rest of the band’s discography.

Keith Richards claimed writing credit for the song and said it was about his girlfriend Linda Keith. “Ruby Tuesday” also inspired the name of the popular restaurant chain.