27 Best Songs From 1969

“The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel

Song Year: 1969

In 1968, the art-folk duo Simon & Garfunkel saw massive success with the release of their song “Mrs. Robinson.” Just one year later, many wondered if the duo could top such a hit, but with the 1969 release of “The Boxer,” Simon & Garfunkel cemented their status as folk rock legends as it quickly jumped into Billboard’s Top 10.

The song combines ambient folk sound with the classic layered vocals and acoustic guitar that Simon & Garfunkel are known for.

“Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations

Song Year: 1968

The poppy rhythm and upbeat tone of “Build Me Up Buttercup” is one of the reasons this song from The Foundations has stood the test of time. Whether you’re Gen Z, a millennial, or a product of the baby boom, you’ve heard the song’s infectious beat.

The soul and pop genres come together in this classic love song, featuring nostalgic organ tones, a poppy drum beat, and fun bongo adlibs.

“Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet” by Henry Mancini

Song Year: 1969

The “Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet” is unique to other songs on our list. In fact, the song was unique to popular music in 1969. The song is entirely instrumental, featuring a full arrangement by Henry Mancini, including strings and piano. The theme was written for the 1968 film “Rome and Juliet,” based on William Shakespeare’s play.

Many people were shocked that this classical-influenced piece sat on the billboard charts next to the typical pop, rock, and psychedelia songs people enjoyed at the time.

“Get Together” by The Youngbloods

Song Year: 1967

When “Get Together” first appeared on The Youngbloods’ self-titled debut album, it wasn’t incredibly successful. The band had fans, but they wouldn’t see commercial success until 1969 when the song surprisingly jumped in the charts. The jump was likely thanks to the song’s message of peace, hopefulness, and brotherhood, values that the hippie movement held dear.

The folk rock tones of the song perfectly mimicked what hippies wanted in music at the time, even though it was two years early to the movement.

“I Started a Joke” by the Bee Gees

Song Year: 1968

Many people remember the Bee Gees for their disco hit “Stayin Alive,” so the soft rock tune “I Started A Joke” may seem completely out of the left field for the band. Pre-1970s, the band focused on the pop and soft rock genres that people enjoyed.

The song is surprisingly mellow and soulful for a band known for disco, and it’s no surprise the gentle sound of Robin Gibb’s voice secured a spot on our list.

“In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley

Song Year: 1969

Elvis Presley is most well-known for his 1950s hits as the artist was famously drafted into the military in 1958 and then took a seven-year break from live concerts to focus on his film career. However, in 1968, Presley decided to dive back into the world of recording and performing.

“In the Ghetto” was one of Elvis Presley’s most popular songs on his comeback album. The song blends soft melodies with the story of a child born into poverty.

“One” by Three Dog Night

Song Year: 1968

“One” by Three Dog Night is an interesting addition to this list because it’s a cover of the original song “One” by Harry Nilsson. Even more interesting, the version by Three Dog Night managed to gain more popularity than the original, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.

The song is famous for its opening lyrics, “One is the loneliest number,” and the fun pop-rock beat.

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Song Year: 1969

On the same page as “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is one of those songs you can’t help but sing along to. After just a few beats into the song, you’ll find even the quietest room humming along to the song’s irresistible beat and catchy lyrics.

The song perfectly encapsulates the genres of “Easy Listening” and “Adult Contemporary,” thanks to its cheerful melody, upbeat tone, and soft rock influence.

“My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year: 1969

Stevie Wonder is famous for fusing 1960s pop beats with smooth, soulful vocals, and “My Cherie Amour” is no exception. The song features a jazzy guitar overlaid with beautiful horns, strings, and Wonder’s upbeat vocals.

The song is a perfect, simple love song, as its lyrics and song title describes Wonder’s “dear love,” the direct translations of “Cherie Amour.” Endless compliments are peppered throughout the song, which Wonder (along with Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby) wrote about a girlfriend at the time.

“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix

Song Year: 1968

1969 was a banner year for Jimi Hendrix, as the musician was not only the star of the 1969 famous and rowdy Woodstock music festival, but Hendrix was also the highest-paid musician at the time.

Although the eerie and poignant performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is typically the song everyone remembers from the music festival, Hendrix followed up with “Voodoo Child,” a single released in 1968. The song was the final track on the 1970 album, “Electric Ladyland.”