27 Best Songs From 1967

21. “Heroin” by The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was at the cutting edge of music in 1967. Teaming up with Andy Warhol, the group created one of the first punk recordings of all time and laid the foundation of the burgeoning punk movement in the United States.

“Heroin” was controversial at the time, to say the least. The song, written by Lou Reed, depicts a person using and abusing heroin. The song does not outright condemn heroin use, adding to its controversial nature.

22. “Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks

The Kinks hoped to get in on the action of the British Invasion with “Waterloo Sunset,” but the song was a flop in the United States. It charted in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, but did not even crack the top 100 in America.

Regardless of its failure to chart in America, “Waterloo Sunset” is still one of the band’s best songs. The singer describes watching a couple walking across a bridge in Waterloo and considering the world around them.

23. “Dance to the Music” by Sly & the Family Stone

Sly and the Family Stone did not originally want to take a pop sound when making “Dance to the Music.” After much insistence from executives and producers, the group acquiesced and created a psychedelic soul sound for the track.

“Dance to the Music” is the perfect song for a party. The beat is funky and perfect for dancing to, as the name of the song implies.

24. “Happy Together” by The Turtles

After writing the lyrics to “Happy Together,” Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon searched for a band to record it. Several bands turned down the offer until the Turtles took a crack at a recording. It was a lucky break for the band, as the song became a smash hit and put it on the map.

The song is simple, but the production gives it a psychedelic bend. The lyrics contain a straightforward love song, while the heavy production adds layers to the track.

25. “A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was busy in 1967, and “A Natural Woman” was another classic she turned out during the year. Gerry Goffin and Carole King wrote the song for Franklin to contrast the idea of a natural man, or perhaps find companionship for him.

The song was not a smash hit for Franklin, but it did remain a signature song for her up until her death.

26. “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles

John Lennon wrote one of his best songs with “All You Need is Love.” Lennon saw it as an anthem for the Summer of Love, and the ideas present in that movement. The song moves the band past rock and roll, with an orchestra playing and heavy sampling.

The song begins with a refrain from “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem. It also borrows from an older Beatles song, “She Loves You.”

27. “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson

Jackie Wilson turned out one of the best soul and R&B hits of the year with his recording of “Higher and Higher.” Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, and Carl Smith originally recorded the song, but Wilson made it his thanks to a spirited performance.

The song is a typical Motown soul recording dealing with love. While it may lack points for originality, it does all the little things well.

Top Songs From 1967, Final Thoughts

There was so much good music from 1967 it was hard to narrow the list so much. What do you think some of the best songs of 1967 are? Did we miss your favorite? Let us know!