The music industry was revolutionized in a big way in the 1960s. From the rise of Motown to the lively atmosphere of Woodstock, the craziness of Beatlemania, and everything in between, the sounds of the '60s have aged gracefully and continue to have a considerable impact and influence on the world today.
In 1965 specifically, we saw massive chart-topping hits from the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and legendary duos such as Simon and Garfunkel and Sonny and Cher. Fast forward to 2025, and these songs are still as relevant as ever, receiving frequent airplay on radio stations worldwide.
Here are ten tracks that shaped the year 1965 in music.
Top songs that are turning 60 years old in 2025
No. 10 - "I Fought the Law"- Bobby Fuller Four
Initially recorded by the Crickets in 1959, the Bobby Fuller Four popularized the track "I Fought the Law" with their cover, released in October 1965. The song went on to be a top ten hit and was included in Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004, at number 175.
Unfortunately, the band was unable to build on this success as frontman and guitarist Bobby Fuller passed away several months later in July 1966.
No. 9- "I Got You Babe"- Sonny and Cher
Pop duo and power couple (at the time), Sonny and Cher, first made waves in 1965 with their second single, “I Got You Babe,” the first song from their debut album, Look at Us. The song spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over one million copies in the United States.
The song helped launch the pair into stardom, and although their marriage ended 10 years later, they were a fixture in pop culture due to their music and various television shows. Cher has gone on to have a very successful solo career, which was recently recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with her induction in 2024.
No. 8- "My Generation"- The Who
One of the most influential rock bands, the Who helped usher in the British invasion movement alongside the likes of the Beatles and rhe Rolling Stones (who we will get to later). Their debut album, "My Generation," featured the legendary title track, which has become one of their signature songs.
The song was recognized by the Rock and Roll and Grammy Hall of Fames for its historical, artistic, and signature value, a testament to the song’s enduring legacy over the last 60 years.
No. 7- "Do You Believe in Magic"- Lovin' Spoonful
Released as The Lovin’ Spoonful’s debut single, "Do You Believe in Magic" served as a strong introduction for a band that would go on to have seven consecutive top ten hits in the United States.
The band became one of the most popular bands of the mid-1960s, and although their success and tenure as a band were short-lived due to the music industry’s shift to psychedelic rock, they left a significant impact that is still felt today.
No. 6- "I Got You (I Feel Good)"- James Brown
Fresh off the success of "Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag", James Brown continued to dominate the charts with "I Got You (I Feel Good)". The song combined elements of R&B, funk, and soul to create an instant dance classic upon release. "I Got You" features a brass-heavy instrumental arrangement, and when you mix this with Brown’s signature shout-style vocals, it is a recipe for success.
No. 5- "California Dreamin’" - Mamas and the Papas
One of the leaders of the counterculture movement of the mid-1960s, the Mamas and the Papas left a lasting mark in music history with the release of "California Dreamin’" in 1965. The song's lyrics reflect the narrator's desire for the warmth of California during a cold winter, and it is driven by the well-executed harmonies from Dennis Doherty, Cass Elliott, and John and Michelle Phillips.
"California Dreamin'" would go on to be the top song of 1966 and has been covered by several notable artists, including The Mamas & the Papas, The Beach Boys, America, and Jose Feliciano.
No. 4- "Like A Rolling Stone"- Bob Dylan
With the release of "Like A Rolling Stone" in 1965, Bob Dylan went from a popular folk singer to a rock and roll star. Recorded on the heels of a grueling tour that left him contemplating his future, "Like A Rolling Stone" is Dylan at his best, with his lyrical talent on full display.
While the song has always been very popular and regarded as one of his best works, it has recently enjoyed a resurgence, thanks in large part to the new biopic, The Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as the legendary singer.
No. 3- "Yesterday"- Beatles
Fresh off the success of the arrival of Beatlemania in the United States, the Beatles expanded their reach in 1965 with the release of the film Help! and the soundtrack album of the same name. Help! features the classic track "Yesterday," which is essentially the first Beatles solo track as Paul McCartney takes the lead on vocals and guitar.
To say the song has stood the test of time is an understatement. Over the past 60 years, it has become one of the most covered songs of all time. In 1999, BBC Radio 2 ranked it the number one pop song of all time in a poll of music experts and listeners. In terms of royalties, Far Out Magazine reports that the composition has generated over $30 million in royalties, including both record sales and publishing income. This is a massive testament to the song’s enduring legacy and influence on artists and fans worldwide.
No. 2- "Sound of Silence"- Simon and Garfunkel
One of the most iconic duos in music history, Simon and Garfunkel were pioneers of the folk rock movement alongside the likes of Bob Dylan, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield. Their career got off to a rocky start when their first album, “Wednesday Morning, 3 AM,” failed to gain traction.
Less than a year later, the band struck gold with the remix of a previously released song titled "The Sound of Silence”. The original master contained only acoustic guitar and vocals, and the song was revamped to include electric instruments and drums. The result was an instant success.
"The Sound of Silence" climbed the charts, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart to start 1966, and it has become one of the band’s biggest hits, alongside "Mrs. Robinson" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
No. 1- "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction"- Rolling Stones
When your song is added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, you know you’ve hit it big. That’s precisely what happened to the Rolling Stones with the classic hit "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction". Listeners are hooked right from the jump with a guitar riff from Keith Richards that is the main driving force of the song.
In addition to the National Recording Registry honor, the track has also received numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and being named the 31st best song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine (no affiliation). Over the past 60 years, "Satisfaction" has become a staple in the band’s setlist, helping to propel them into the legendary band they are today.