Some songs you know by heart. You know them backwards and frontwards. Up and down. You know the little vocal inflections from your favorite singer, and you know just when certain musical moments happen throughout the tune. But then there are other songs that make you belt out the choruses and the choruses alone.
Videos by American Songwriter
Here, we wanted to take a look at three songs from the 1960s with choruses that you know by heart. You may not know each word of the verses, but the choruses—those you know like the back of your hand. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders from the 1960s with choruses we can’t stop singing at the top of our lungs.
“Do You Love Me” by The Contours from ‘Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)’ (1962)
This exciting song, which peaked No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, is about love and it’s about music. Whether you’ve heard the track in movies, on television, or in commercials, it’s a familiar one. It’s also one that’s fun to, well, both sing and dance along with, belting out at the top of your lungs: “Do you love me!?” And then crooning along with: “Now that I can daaaaaaaaaance!” It’s a fun song, and it’s also one perfect for performing along with. Every song about love should be this intoxicating and engaging.
“Angel Of The Morning” by Merrilee Rush from ‘Angel Of The Morning’ (1968)
Originally recorded by Evie Sands in 1967, it was the Seattle, Washington-born Merrilee Rush who made this track famous. Since then, it’s been covered many times, including by artists like Shaggy in 2001. For her part, Rush earned a Grammy nomination for her recording, which also hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. When the chorus to this empowering track hits, you find yourself singing as loudly as you can: “Just call me angel! Of the morning! Angel!” In a time when women weren’t always given the chance to lead the romantic conversations, this track puts it all squarely in Rush’s capable hands.
“Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies from ‘Everything’s Archie’ (1969)
It’s no wonder that a song called “Sugar, Sugar” is sweet, but this recording takes the cake! Blissful and bright, the tune by the fictional cartoon band The Archies is as palatable and palate-pleasing as any from the decade. It actually makes you wonder why The Archies didn’t have more singles that did well on the charts. If the Monkees could do it, why not a band of cartoon pals? Either way, this offering from the “band” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and even though it’s over 50 years old, we bet you can still sing the chorus right now.
Merrilee Rush via “Angel of the Morning” YouTube music video











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