The 1960s didn’t play around when it came to love songs, and many odes to falling in love (or losing love) have become nostalgic classics that are still loved today. If you were young and in love in the 1960s, the following nostalgic songs will probably bring up some (hopefully) pleasant memories. Let’s take a look!
“At Last” by Etta James
Etta James had a voice unlike any other. And one of her signature hits of the early 1960s was “At Last”. A standout tune from the album of the same name, this R&B classic has become a go-to song to use in film media. You can just feel the tension between two nameless characters as they lay eyes on each other for the first time, immediately smitten by one another. “At Last” is all about finding the love of one’s life after far too many lonely days.
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“I’m A Believer” by The Monkees
It’s safe to say that 90s kids remember this song best from Smash Mouth’s version for Shrek. However, 60s kids got to enjoy the OG tune way back in 1966. The Monkees scored a No. 1 hit with “I’m A Believer” across the board when it first dropped. It remains one of the most memorable pop-rock tunes of the latter half of the 1960s. Few love songs manage to be as upbeat and fun, rather than cheesy and moody, as this gem from The Monkees.
Fun fact: Neil Diamond actually penned this tune and would go on to record his own version in 1967.
“Something” by The Beatles
What would a list of nostalgic love songs from the 1960s be without at least one Beatles tune? I went with “Something”, but there are probably dozens more from the Fab Four that could have made it to this list.
“Something” is a gorgeous George Harrison-penned tune on its own, but that famed music video also contributed to its notoriety. It features The Beatles’ then-wives (Yoko Ono, Pattie Boyd, Linda McCartney, and Maureen Starkey Tigrett), though the whole of the song is believed to be a love song for Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife. Personally, I think Harrison’s guitar solo on this track is one of his absolute best.
Photo by Roy Cummings/THA/Shutterstock
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UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Surfaris Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
British guitarist, singer and songwriter Mark Knopfler (left) plays a Schecter Stratocaster as his band, Dire Straits, including Hal Lindes (right), performs live in concert at Wembley Arena in London, England, July 1985. Dire Straits played twelve dates (between 4th July and 16th July) at the venue as part of their 'Brothers in Arms' Tour. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images) -
1990 MTV Video Music Awards (L-R) American musicians Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Steven Tyler and Joey Kramer, of the American rock band Aerosmith, pose with their Moonman award backstage during the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California, September 6, 1990. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images) -
Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple, who recorded a classic rock album any dad would love to have. -
Queen – Freddie Mercury, Queen – Freddie Mercury (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images) -
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Phil Collins (born in 1951), British actor and singer-songwriter, during a concert at Bercy. Paris (12th arrondissement), March 5, 1985. (Photo by Christian Rose/Roger Viollet via Getty Images)
