(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
Otis ReddingReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #4Redding wrote this song while staying on a houseboat in Sausalito, California.
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Reported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #4Redding wrote this song while staying on a houseboat in Sausalito, California.
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Source year-end #46Aretha Franklin developed as a singer and pianist in the gospel life of her father's Detroit church. Her early recordings for Columbia drew on pop, blues and jazz before her Atlantic work brought gospel phrasing and...
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Source year-end #42Dionne Warwick brought a distinctive contralto and precise phrasing to the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David in the early 1960s. Anyone Who Had a Heart and Walk On By are landmarks of that partnership. Her later...
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Source year-end #48The 1910 Fruitgum Company emerged from New Jersey during the late-1960s bubblegum-pop boom. Singer Frank Jeckell and the production partnership of Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz were central to its early identity....
View background statusThe optimistic lyrics reflect the band's move towards more socially conscious music.
View background statusAn English version of an Italian song about loneliness and lost love.
View background statusWritten by Aretha's sister Carolyn, the song expresses the pain of unrequited love.
View background statusRelease: 1968Source checked
Source year-end #57Written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the song celebrates authentic love.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #28The song deals with the complex emotions of a one-night stand.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #83A plea to a lover not to leave after finally finding each other.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #98The song's title was inspired by a slogan for Playdoh.
View background statusWritten by Mars Bonfire, the song became an anthem for motorcycle enthusiasts.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #63Written by Tom Paxton, the song humorously describes the effects of alcohol.
View background statusThe song tells the story of a heartbroken man confiding in a taxi driver.
View background statusAnother bubblegum pop hit with playful, suggestive lyrics.
View background statusA playful duet combining fairy tale elements with contemporary references.
View background statusThis instrumental piece combines classical guitar with a rock arrangement.
View background statusThe song describes the transition from childhood to adulthood.
View background statusThe song was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham in a single night.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #20The song was created at the request of Epic Records for a more commercial sound.
View background statusThe dramatic song tells the story of a man who kills his unfaithful lover.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees, the song is about maintaining independence in a relationship.
View background statusBurt Bacharach and Hal David wrote this song about a failed attempt at stardom.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
The song addresses interracial relationships, a controversial topic at the time.
View background statusThe song offers consolation to someone going through a difficult time.
View background statusA bubblegum pop song about a popular local hangout.
View background statusA cover of a 1931 standard, showcasing Cass Elliot's solo vocals.
View background statusA parody of love songs that became a genuine hit.
View background statusThe theatrical performance and lyrics were inspired by Brown's interest in the occult.
View background statusLynn's warning to women who might try to steal her husband
View background statusA live recording from Cash's famous Folsom Prison concert.
View background statusA bossa nova cover of The Beatles' song about a misunderstood visionary.
View background statusA joyful declaration of finding true love.
View background statusA playful song about appreciating female beauty.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #74This medley combines two popular love songs into a single track.
View background statusA bubblegum pop song with a catchy, childlike refrain.
View background statusThis instrumental hit was inspired by South African township music.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #47The song's psychedelic sound was influenced by the growing counterculture movement.
View background statusThe song tells the story of a widowed mother confronting her daughter's school's parent-teacher association.
View background statusJim Morrison wrote the lyrics after seeing a woman walking on the beach in Venice, California.
View background statusBased on a catchphrase from the TV show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."
View background statusPaul McCartney developed the song from an idea called "Hey Jules," intended to comfort Julian Lennon during his parents' separation. The piano-led ballad gradually expands into a long communal-sounding ending. The...
Read background and sourcesA song using a telegram as a metaphor for urgent communication in a relationship.
View background statusJohnny Nash was a Houston-born singer whose pop and soul recordings also drew on Jamaican reggae. I Can See Clearly Now brought that combination to a wide audience in 1972. He supported Bob Marley's music early and...
View background statusThis sentimental ballad tells the story of a man reminiscing about his late wife.
View background statusScottish singer-songwriter Donovan reached a wider audience with Catch the Wind, then worked with producer Mickie Most on records including Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow and Hurdy Gurdy Man. His writing also...
View background statusA cover of Joe South's song, transformed into a psychedelic rock anthem.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
A song expressing frustration with changing musical trends.
View background statusA follow-up to their hit "Tighten Up," celebrating the joy of dancing.
View background statusJames Brown was an American singer, songwriter and bandleader whose work helped shape soul and funk. He began recording with the Famous Flames in the 1950s, then developed a rhythm-centered style in which bass,...
View background statusNorman Whitfield shaped Gaye's distinctive interpretation after the song had already succeeded for Gladys Knight and the Pips. These are different recordings of the same composition.
Read background and sourcesThis romantic ballad showcases the softer side of late 1960s rock.
View background statusA song about staying faithful while a loved one is away.
View background statusA cover of Dionne Warwick's hit, with Franklin's distinctive soulful style.
View background statusWritten by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, the song expresses gratitude for love.
View background statusA song about the desire to fully embrace life and love.
View background statusRelease: 1967Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #22The song expresses the pain of heartbreak through the metaphor of rain.
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Source year-end #72Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart established themselves as a songwriting and production partnership before recording as a pop duo. Their work for the Monkees included Last Train to Clarksville, Valleri and the group's...
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
A duet between two of Motown's biggest groups, promising devoted love.
View background statusAn exuberant declaration of being in love.
View background statusReleased posthumously, the song deals with heartbreak and memories.
View background statusThe song tells the story of a man on death row trying to send a final message to his wife.
View background statusA song about the possibility of love if both parties are willing.
View background statusThe Cowsills developed as a family band in Newport, Rhode Island, with siblings Bill, Bob, Barry and John joined in its recording history by their mother Barbara and siblings Paul and Susan. Their layered vocal...
View background statusThe song explores the theme of jealousy in relationships.
View background statusDonovan wrote this song about Jenny Boyd, sister of Pattie Boyd and George Harrison's sister-in-law.
View background statusA psychedelic rock song with lyrics that hint at drug use.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #25The title was a play on The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."
View background statusThe title was inspired by Keith Richards' gardener, Jack Dyer.
View background statusA bittersweet song about the end of a relationship.
View background statusA song telling the story of a popular and handsome young man.
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Source year-end #23The Delfonics helped establish Philadelphia soul through the partnership of lead singer and co-writer William Hart with producer and arranger Thom Bell. La-La (Means I Love You), Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)...
View background statusThe Beatles recorded this song in February 1968 before leaving for India. The basic track paired McCartney's piano with Starr playing drums using brushes. Released with George Harrison's The Inner Light on the...
Read background and sourcesReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #34The song continues the storytelling style of the band's previous hit, "Young Girl."
View background statusA whimsical song about a relaxed Sunday in London, with cockney-accented vocals.
View background statusA cover of Chris Montez's 1962 hit, encouraging people to dance.
View background statusA Latin-infused cover of The Doors' hit song.
View background statusWritten by Bobby Russell, the song uses simple pleasures as metaphors for love.
View background statusMotown places this recording in the group's later, socially conscious period rather than the uncomplicated romance of their early hits. It belongs to the Diana Ross-led era.
Read background and sourcesThe Troggs formed in Andover, Hampshire, with singer Reg Presley at the center of their early identity. The group moved from R&B toward a direct, stripped-down rock sound, exemplified by Wild Thing. Its records also...
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #2This instrumental version of a French song became an unexpected hit.
View background statusA duet celebrating the joy of being in love.
View background statusJimmy Webb wrote this complex song about the end of a relationship.
View background statusThe psychedelic lyrics were inspired by the band's experiences with fame.
View background statusA song asking for permission to love and care for someone.
View background statusThe song's brass arrangement was inspired by the sound of Blood, Sweat & Tears.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #13The title was inspired by the Mutual of New York (MONY) building sign in New York City.
View background statusOriginally written for the film "The Graduate," the song was expanded for its single release.
View background statusA cover of Bobby Helms' 1957 hit, celebrating a perfect love.
View background statusA soulful promise of eternal devotion.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #67A cover of an Isley Brothers song with a distinctive "no" chant.
View background statusGary Puckett & The Union Gap was a 1960s pop group fronted by singer Gary Puckett. Its repertoire includes Young Girl and Lady Willpower. The group's CBS recordings continued to circulate through compilations and...
View background statusThe song was written as a response to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #55The psychedelic lyrics were inspired by the paintings of L. S. Lowry.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #96Janis Joplin's powerful vocals transformed this cover into a rock classic.
View background statusThe song warns about falling for a man with a "playboy" reputation.
View background statusA duet about a secret love affair.
View background statusReported release: 1967 / 1968Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #49The song's message of unity reflected the idealism of the 1960s.
View background statusThe Beatles were the Liverpool group of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Their early music drew on rock and roll, pop harmonies and R&B, and their growing emphasis on original songs...
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #90An anthem of Black pride and empowerment.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #89A blend of a traditional English ballad with an anti-war song.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #95A cover of Brian Hyland's 1962 hit about summer love.
View background statusA demand for commitment and stability in a relationship.
View background statusA song admonishing someone for their hurtful behavior.
View background statusAn upbeat song celebrating a beautiful woman.
View background statusThis upbeat song showcased Wonder's evolving sound and songwriting skills.
View background statusThe song was based on the children's game of the same name.
View background statusThe Animals emerged from Newcastle with a forceful approach to American blues and rhythm and blues. Eric Burdon's vocals and Alan Price's organ stood alongside Hilton Valentine's guitar, Chas Chandler's bass and John...
View background statusThe song tells the story of a secret love affair.
View background statusAn instrumental track with a distinctive Caribbean flavor.
View background statusAn instrumental version of the song originally recorded by King Curtis.
View background statusNot related to the TV show, this song uses a train as a metaphor for life's journey.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #26Originally an instrumental, lyrics were added to create this hit version.
View background statusA plea for a lover to remain faithful and committed.
View background statusWritten by Laura Nyro, the song's unique lyrics were inspired by her love of wordplay.
View background statusA song comparing a troubled relationship to a storm.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
An interracial duet about a couple whose love is like a fairy tale.
View background statusAn English version of an Italian song about unexpected love.
View background statusA hard rock cover of Eddie Cochran's 1958 hit about teenage frustration.
View background statusReported release: 1967 / 1968Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #6The distinctive riff was composed by bassist Jack Bruce after attending a Jimi Hendrix concert.
View background statusCreedence Clearwater Revival came from El Cerrito, California, despite the Southern settings evoked by its roots-rock and blues sound. John and Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook and Doug Clifford had played together before...
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Source year-end #84The Sweet Inspirations combined a substantial session-singing career with their own soul and gospel recordings. The group worked behind artists including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield and Van...
View background statusPercy Sledge developed as a singer around Leighton and Sheffield, Alabama, performing with the Esquires before recording with producers Quin Ivy and Marlin Greene. When a Man Loves a Woman introduced his expressive...
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #29Inspired by the 1967 film about the infamous criminal couple.
View background statusA song about being captivated by a woman's gaze in New York City.
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Source year-end #69A bossa nova cover of The Beatles' song about a misunderstood visionary.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #8This was a cover version of Ennio Morricone's theme from the 1966 film of the same name.
View background statusThis instrumental was originally the B-side to "Love Is All Right."
View background statusA dramatic song with a Spanish flavor, telling a story of love and revenge.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #36Originally written for the James Bond spoof "Casino Royale," this version became popular.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #91A cover of a Bob Dylan song with surreal, cryptic lyrics.
View background statusA song telling the story of a woman who turns to prostitution to support her children.
View background statusBased on a poem by Shel Silverstein, the song tells a whimsical story about Noah's Ark.
View background statusA powerful song demanding respect and consideration in a relationship.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #7Alpert, primarily known as a trumpet player, sang this Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition.
View background statusMary Hopkin is a Welsh singer whose recordings connected folk-influenced pop with a clear soprano voice. She came to Paul McCartney's attention as Apple Records was developing its roster in 1968. Those Were the Days...
View background statusThe song's dance instructions were inspired by popular dances of the time.
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #87A psychedelic soul song reflecting the turbulent times of the late 1960s.
View background statusOriginally recorded by Glen Campbell in 1961, The Vogues' version became a hit.
View background statusA play on words, the title refers both to a male from the U.S. and to U.S. Mail.
View background statusThe song was written quickly to fulfill a request for a "girl's name" song.
View background statusAn optimistic song about perseverance and progress.
View background statusCream united guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker in a British trio that drew on blues and jazz experience. Fresh Cream combined older blues material with new compositions, including...
View background statusJimmy Webb wrote this song after seeing a lone lineman working on a telephone pole.
View background statusRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #79Gary Puckett & The Union Gap was a 1960s pop group fronted by singer Gary Puckett. Its repertoire includes Young Girl and Lady Willpower. The group's CBS recordings continued to circulate through compilations and...
View background statusReported release: 1967Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #77A psychedelic rock cover of The Supremes' hit song.
View background statusRelease: 1968Source checked
Source year-end #82Another Ashford & Simpson composition celebrating devoted love.
View background statusA romantic ballad about enduring love despite separation.
View background statusReported release: 1968Date needs verification
Source year-end #15The controversial lyrics describe an older man's attraction to a younger girl.
View background statusThis bubblegum pop hit features deliberately simplistic lyrics.
View background status1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.