15 Forgotten ’60s Hits That Deserve a Spot Back on Your Playlist

The 1960s changed music forever with its explosion of sounds, styles, and groundbreaking artists. While everyone knows the Beatles and Rolling Stones hits, hundreds of amazing songs have faded from radio playlists over the decades. These forgotten gems packed the same punch as their more famous counterparts but somehow slipped through the cracks of music history. Let’s rediscover some incredible ’60s tracks that deserve another listen.

1. “Tell Him” – The Exciters

Released in 1962, this powerhouse track showcases lead singer Brenda Reid’s explosive vocals that practically jump out of the speakers. The song’s urgent message about confessing love became an anthem for lovestruck teenagers across America.

Girl groups dominated the early ’60s charts, but The Exciters brought a raw energy that set them apart from their contemporaries. Their influence extended across the Atlantic, with The Beatles even covering this track during their early performances.

Though it reached #4 on the charts, “Tell Him” has been overshadowed by other girl group classics despite its perfect blend of doo-wop harmonies and rock and roll attitude.

2. “You Better Move On” – Arthur Alexander

Country soul pioneer Arthur Alexander delivered this heartbreaking plea in 1961, creating a blueprint for the sound that would later emerge from Muscle Shoals. His smooth, restrained vocals contrast beautifully with the song’s painful message to a romantic rival.

The Rolling Stones and Beatles both covered Alexander’s work, recognizing his genius long before mainstream audiences caught on. This particular track influenced countless British Invasion bands with its perfect blend of country vulnerability and R&B rhythms.

Alexander’s career never reached the heights it deserved, making this song a double treasure – both underappreciated artist and overlooked hit in one perfect package.

3. “I Can’t Let Go” – The Hollies

With their trademark three-part harmonies and jangling guitars, The Hollies delivered pop perfection in 1966. The voices of Graham Nash and Allan Clarke meld flawlessly, creating the signature sound that made British Invasion bands unforgettable.

While reaching #2 in the UK, the song barely cracked the Top 40 in America where the band never achieved the same recognition as their Liverpool counterparts. The driving rhythm and catchy chorus showcase everything great about mid-60s pop.

Those guitar riffs and drum fills create an urgent backdrop for lyrics about romantic obsession that still connect with listeners today. The song deserves recognition alongside the era’s more celebrated hits.

4. “Love Is All Around” – The Troggs

Showing a more tender side in 1967, The Troggs crafted this beautiful ballad. Reg Presley’s warm, unmistakable voice perfectly carries the heartfelt lyrics about love’s constant presence.

String arrangements elevate the song beyond typical garage rock, creating a timeless quality that explains why it’s been covered numerous times. The track reached #5 in the UK but only #7 in the US before fading from regular rotation.

Wet Wet Wet’s 1994 cover for “Four Weddings and a Funeral” introduced the song to new generations, but the original version’s charm and authenticity make it the definitive recording. Those delicate guitar arpeggios create a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly captures the flower power era.

5. “It’s Gonna Be Alright” – Gerry and the Pacemakers

In the heart of the British Invasion, Liverpool’s second-favorite sons released this spirited 1964 track. Gerry Marsden’s distinctive voice carries an uplifting message through lively beats that make it impossible to stand still.

Produced by George Martin before his work with The Beatles made him legendary, the track features the polished yet energetic sound that characterized the Merseybeat era. Despite the band’s massive popularity in the UK, this particular track never received the American airplay it deserved.

The song’s message of hope and perseverance feels just as relevant today as it did during the cultural revolution of the 1960s. That driving beat and those tight harmonies create three minutes of pure musical joy.

6. “Let’s Pretend” – Lulu

Scottish firecracker Lulu delivered this emotional powerhouse in 1964 before “To Sir With Love” made her a household name. Her raspy, soulful voice belies her young age as she sings about creating a fantasy world where love still exists.

The dramatic production builds from quiet verses to an explosive chorus that showcases Lulu’s impressive vocal range. Despite her popularity in the UK, this early gem never made the impact in America that its quality deserved.

The raw emotion in her performance demonstrates why artists from David Bowie to Take That sought collaborations with her decades later. Few teenage singers could deliver such mature emotional depth while maintaining the youthful energy that made the British Invasion so exciting.

7. “Come On Down to My Boat” – Every Mother’s Son

This nautical-themed summer 1967 hit by a New York band shines with bright harmonies and a bouncy rhythm, capturing the carefree essence of the times. It’s the perfect soundtrack for cruising with the volume turned all the way up.

The contrast between the upbeat melody and the slightly suggestive lyrics reflects the cultural shift happening as the innocence of early ’60s pop evolved into something more complex. Despite reaching #6 on the Billboard charts, the band couldn’t replicate their success and faded into one-hit-wonder territory.

Those distinctive organ riffs and the memorable chorus make this the perfect rediscovery for summer playlists. Few songs capture that specific moment when pop music was evolving but hadn’t yet fully embraced psychedelia.

8. “The Rain, The Park & Other Things” – The Cowsills

Blending sunshine harmonies with flower power energy, The Cowsills created a psychedelic pop masterpiece in 1967. The song’s dreamy mood is enhanced by rainfall effects and orchestral layers that bring the whimsical tale of a magical encounter to life.

While it reached #2 on the charts, the song has been somewhat forgotten despite being a perfect encapsulation of the Summer of Love aesthetic. The real-life family band later inspired the creation of The Partridge Family television show.

Those soaring harmonies showcase why The Beach Boys considered the group worthy rivals in the vocal arrangement department. The song received renewed attention when featured in the film “Dumb and Dumber,” but deserves recognition as a standalone ’60s classic.

9. “You Were on My Mind” – We Five

In 1965, We Five revolutionized a simple folk song, creating a hit that bridged the world of traditional acoustic music and the emerging electric pop sound. Beverly Bivens’ clear, soaring voice shines through inventive folk-jazz arrangements.

The song’s unusual structure and time signature changes were revolutionary for mainstream pop at the time. While it reached #3 on the Billboard charts, the band’s influence on the folk-rock movement has been overshadowed by more famous contemporaries like The Byrds.

Those intricate harmonies and the song’s building intensity create an emotional journey that still resonates decades later. The track represents that perfect moment when folk music was evolving into something more commercially accessible without losing its authenticity.

10. “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” – Lou Christie

Featuring Lou Christie’s signature falsetto, this vibrant 1969 pop track effortlessly connects the innocent vibes of early ’60s music with the sophisticated styles emerging later in the decade. Its driving beat and vocal flair make it impossible to turn away.

Bubblegum production elements blend perfectly with soul influences, creating a track that appeals across multiple genres. Despite reaching #10 on the charts, it’s often overlooked when discussing late ’60s pop classics.

The song’s confident lyrics and Christie’s unique vocal approach influenced countless artists who followed. That perfect key change in the final chorus demonstrates why Christie deserves more recognition for his contributions to pop vocal techniques.

11. “She’s Just My Style” – Gary Lewis & The Playboys

Gary Lewis (son of comedian Jerry Lewis) and his band delivered this infectious slice of California pop in 1965. The song’s sunny disposition and celebration of a perfect match captured the optimistic spirit of mid-decade America before the cultural shifts of the later ’60s.

Co-written by legendary songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the track features sophisticated production from Leon Russell that elevates it beyond typical teen pop. Despite the band’s multiple hits, this particular gem often gets overlooked in ’60s retrospectives.

Those distinctive background vocals and the bouncy rhythm section create an irresistible energy that defines the best of the era’s pop music. The song represents that sweet spot where commercial appeal and genuine musical craft intersect perfectly.

12. “Tracy” – The Cuff Links

Bubblegum pop reached artistic heights with this 1969 track featuring studio wizard Ron Dante (who also sang lead for The Archies). The song’s innovative use of vocal overdubs creates a lush soundscape that belies its simple structure.

The contrast between the childlike melody and sophisticated production techniques makes this track stand out from its contemporaries. Despite reaching #9 on the Billboard charts, the song has been somewhat forgotten compared to other late ’60s pop hits.

Those intricate vocal arrangements demonstrate why Dante was in such high demand as both producer and performer. The track represents the best of what could be accomplished in the studio as recording technology advanced, creating a perfect time capsule of an era when pop music was evolving rapidly.

13. “Reflections of My Life” – Marmalade

Scottish band Marmalade created this hauntingly beautiful meditation on change and loss in 1969, showcasing a depth that transcended typical pop fare. The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics reflected the uncertainty many felt as the idealistic ’60s drew to a close.

Technical innovations include the backwards guitar solo that adds psychedelic elements to the otherwise straightforward production. While reaching #10 in the US and #3 in the UK, the song’s artistic significance has been somewhat overlooked in music history.

Junior Campbell and Dean Ford’s songwriting demonstrates remarkable maturity, creating a timeless quality that continues to resonate with new listeners. The track’s emotional honesty and musical sophistication make it a standout even in a decade filled with groundbreaking music.

14. “Beggin'” – The Four Seasons

Before Måneskin’s cover brought this song to TikTok fame, The Four Seasons released this soul-infused plea in 1967 as they attempted to update their sound for changing times. Frankie Valli’s distinctive vocals take on a raw, emotional quality perfectly suited to the desperate lyrics.

Bob Gaudio’s production incorporated soul and R&B elements that represented a departure from the group’s earlier doo-wop influenced hits. Despite the song’s quality, it only reached #16 on the charts as musical tastes were shifting dramatically during the psychedelic era.

The track’s multiple resurrections over decades (including versions by Timmy Thomas and Madcon) prove its timeless appeal. Those driving drums and the emotional intensity of the performance make it one of the group’s most compelling recordings.

15. “Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)” – The Cookies

Female trio The Cookies delivered this feisty defense of a boyfriend in 1963, combining attitude-filled lyrics with perfect girl group harmonies. The song’s confident message about standing by your man regardless of others’ opinions was unusually assertive for early ’60s pop.

Written by legendary songwriting team Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the track features sophisticated production from Tony Orlando that emphasizes the group’s powerful vocal blend. Despite reaching #7 on the R&B charts, the song hasn’t received the same lasting recognition as other girl group classics.

Those handclaps and the call-and-response vocals create an irresistible energy that defined the best of the girl group era. The Cookies’ session work backing Ray Charles and other stars often overshadowed their own recording career.