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Best 1960s Rock Songs

The best rock songs of the 1960s (60s), ranked — each one links to the album it came from, on vinyl, CD or Amazon Music.

Reviewed by Callum Ashworth, 247 Album Verdict · Last updated · How we rank

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  1. 1
    BD

    Blowin' in the Wind

    Bob Dylan · from The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963) · Album scores 81/99

    The question that gave a generation its language.

  2. 2
    BD

    Like a Rolling Stone

    Bob Dylan · from Highway 61 Revisited (1965) · Album scores 95/99

    The six-minute single that broke every rule and made Dylan permanent.

  3. 3
    WH

    My Generation

    The Who · from My Generation (1965) · Album scores 89/99

    The stuttering anthem of mod youth.

  4. 4
    BY

    Mr. Tambourine Man

    The Byrds · from Mr. Tambourine Man (1965) · Album scores 84/99

    Twelve-string jangle that launched folk-rock overnight.

  5. 5
    BB

    God Only Knows

    The Beach Boys · from Pet Sounds (1966) · Album scores 99/99

    Paul McCartney's favourite song and the high point of 60s pop production.

  6. 6
    RS

    Paint It Black

    The Rolling Stones · from Aftermath (1966) · Album scores 83/99

    Sitar and menace — Brian Jones's finest moment.

  7. 7
    BE

    Tomorrow Never Knows

    The Beatles · from Revolver (1966) · Album scores 98/99

    Tape loops and Tibetan philosophy — rock's most radical experiment.

  8. 8
    BE

    A Day in the Life

    The Beatles · from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) · Album scores 99/99

    The orchestral crescendo and Lennon's most unsettling domestic narrative.

  9. 9
    VU

    I'll Be Your Mirror

    The Velvet Underground · from The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) · Album scores 98/99

    Nico's tender counterpoint to the album's darkness.

  10. 10
    DO

    Light My Fire

    The Doors · from The Doors (1967) · Album scores 80/99

    The organ-driven breakthrough that made them stars.

  11. 11
    JH

    Purple Haze

    The Jimi Hendrix Experience · from Are You Experienced (1967) · Album scores 91/99

    The dissonant intro chord (E7#9) and everything followed from it.

  12. 12
    KI

    Waterloo Sunset

    The Kinks · from Something Else by the Kinks (1967) · Album scores 85/99

    Ray Davies looking out over London and writing pop's most tender observation.

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