Need a few stellar rock songs from the mid-1960s, specifically 1965, to unwind? These three tracks should absolutely make it to your playlist. Let’s take a look!
“I Like It Like That” by The Dave Clark Five
How about some old school pop rock? “I Like It Like That” by The Dave Clark Five was released in 1965. It is technically a cover of a Chris Kenner song from 1961. The OG version was a No. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Dave Clark Five’s version also did quite well at No. 7 in 1975. It’s your standard teen rock fodder from the era, but man is it nostalgic.
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“We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals
This might not be The Animals’ most well-known song, but it was an absolute jam back in 1965. Written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” was a smash hit for The Animals in July 1965. This blues rock jam was popular with stateside audiences, but it was a really substantial hit among G.I.s during the Vietnam War for… obvious reasons. “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and continues to make it to lists of influential songs that formed rock music as we know it.
“Do You Believe In Magic” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
I have to admit, I do love a little bit of The Lovin’ Spoonful. I wouldn’t say they’re an underrated band from the 1960s. However, I do think they deserve a bit more recognition, or at least just as much as their contemporaries in the folk-rock space of the mid-1960s. “Do You Believe In Magic” by The Lovin’ Spoonful is probably their most well-known career hit. It’s also one of the finest rock songs to come out of 1965. Complete with a pop-rock edge, this song was a No. 9 hit on the Hot 100 upon its release, and it would later be used as the title track for the band’s debut album. This song is so upbeat and delightful, and it has such a notable 1960s sound that you can place when it came out with ease. A classic.
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(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images) -
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images -
Pop group The Byrds (l to r): Chris Hillman; Dave Crosby; Mike Clark; Jim McGuinn; and Gene Clark. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)