3 One-Hit Wonders From the 1960s That Quietly Shaped a Generation

Some songs come and go. Others change the world. But how does this happen? How can a song move people forward? How can it galvanize a moment? It’s an impossible thing to predict, and it’s an impossible thing to plan. But when it happens, look out.

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That’s what we wanted to explore below. We wanted to dive into three tracks from back in the day that helped to revolutionize an entire culture. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders from the 1960s that quietly shaped a generation.

“Do You Love Me” by The Contours from ‘Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)’ (1962)

When you think about the 1960s, rock music is sure to come to mind. But what is rock music? It’s just the next step in the evolution of other sounds that came before it. It’s electrified blues. It’s a heavy beat, and it’s a singer who shouts into the night, fighting against the reality of the end. Well, before rock music became the dominant sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s, groups like The Contours were helping to shape it earlier. This 1962 song gets at the guttural question of love, and it does so with a stalwart cry into the bleakness of it all. What power!

“The Girl From Ipanema” by Astrud Gilberto from ‘Getz/Gilberto’ (1964)

It’s funny—the 1960s are a decade remembered for artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. But while so many were rebelling, so many others were lounging. Enter: Astrud Gilberto and her iconic, relaxed, and tropical single, “The Girl From Ipanema”. Take off your business shoes and step onto your shag carpet for a little slow dance with Gilberto and her lilting voice. Of course, there were others during the time who offered a similar mellow vibe. For more, check out folks like Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass.

“San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie from ‘The Voice Of Scott McKenzie’ (1967)

The 1960s were a decade of possibilities, of change. There was a sense, both in the music and in the streets, that there could be a better future. The 1950s left a sour taste in the mouths of many young people. So, the 1960s were about revolution. But sometimes that revolution was driven by peace, not violence. Enter: “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)” by Scott McKenzie. The track is so sweet that it aims to inspire you with pacifism, not aggression. It’s a track that reminds you that change can happen in more than one way.

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