Welcome to our second edition of this unique compilation!
As with the first post, I’m listing the top 100 songs for 4 decades since rock music began topping the Billboard pop chart. I do so by weighing three factors:
- Peak position in the top 10,
multiplied by number of weeks at the peak
- Number of weeks in the top 10
- Number of weeks on the Hot 100 in total
Each song in each year receives a score in reverse ranking, meaning:
- 1 point for peaking at 10
- 2 points for peaking at 9, and so on…
- Up to 10 points for Number One records.
Ties are broken in that order where possible.
The competition for 1965-1974 was tough, with many songs scoring the same number. In fact, these records deserve honorable mention: their score of 48 matched the five last entries on this decade’s 100 hits – but fell short based on my previously given criteria:
- “Simon Says,” 1910 Fruitgum Company
- “Fire and Rain,” James Taylor
- “Ball of Confusion,” The Temptations
- “A Lover’s Concerto,” The Toys
- “Those Were the Days,” Mary Hopkin
- “Proud Mary,” Creedence Clearwater Revival
- “Live and Let Die,” Paul McCartney
- “The Most Beautiful Girl,” Charlie Rich
- “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” Vicki Lawrence
The last one deserves note because it was originally designed for Cher to sing. Coincidentally: she’s the same artist who starts off the top 100 for 1965-1974, with miscellaneous additions provided for your reading pleasure.
99 (tie): “Half Breed,” Cher – 48 points
(1973; #1, 2 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 20 weeks total)
99 (tie): “Top of the World,” The Carpenters – 48 points
(1973; #1, 2 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 20 weeks total)
98. “I Can’t Get Next to You,” The Temptations – 48 points
(1969; #1, 2 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
Surprisingly, this is the only Temptations song on the listing (Cher and the Carpenters will reappear). It’s also the first of 10 Motown records to make the cut.
96 (tie). “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” Herman’s Hermits – 48 points
(1965; #1, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 11 weeks total)
96 (tie). “Summer in the City,” The Lovin’ Spoonful – 48 points
(1966; #1, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 11 weeks total)
95. “(Sweet, Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone,” Aretha Franklin – 49 points
(1968; #5, 5 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
This is the sole appearance by Aretha on this list as well as the only song to peak at #5.
94. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” Robert John – 49 points
(1972; #3, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
A freaky coincidence here: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” version by The Tokens also finished at #94 for the 1955-1964 decade countdown.
93. “She’s Just My Style,” Gary Lewis and the Playboys – 49 points
(1966; #3, 4 weeks, 5 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
92. “Dancing Machine,” The Jackson 5 – 49 points
(1974; #2 ,2 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 22 weeks total)
91. “I Gotcha,” Joe Tex – 49 points
(1972; #2, 2 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 21 weeks total)
90. “Playground in My Mind,” Clint Holmes – 49 points
(1973; #2, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 23 weeks total)
89. “Keep on Truckin’ (Part 1),” Eddie Kendricks – 49 points
(1973; #1, 2 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
Apart from two ex-Beatles, Eddie Kendricks is the only soloist in this listing whose former group also made this survey. In his case, it’s the Temptations (see #98).
88. “Help!,” The Beatles – 49 points
(1965; #1, 3 weeks, 6 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
87. “We Can Work It Out,” The Beatles – 49 points
(1966; #1, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
86. “Hello Goodbye,” The Beatles – 49
(1968; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 11 weeks total)
A Beatles trifecta! They’ll have three more entries on this countdown – the most of any group.
83 (tie). “Soul Man,” Sam and Dave – 50 points
(1967; #2, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
83 (tie). “Young Girl,” Gary Puckett and the Union Gap – 50 points
(1968; #2, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
83 (tie). “What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye – 50 points
(1968; #2, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
With two other entries beside this one, Marvin Gaye has the most songs on this countdown among male soloists.
81 (tie). “Will It Go Round in Circles,” Billy Preston – 50 points
(1973; #1, 2 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 22 weeks total)
81 (tie). “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” Jim Croce – 50 points
(1973; #1, 2 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 22 weeks total)
80. “Cherish,” The Association – 50 points
(1966; #1, 3 weeks, 6 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
79. “Mrs. Robinson,” Simon and Garfunkel – 50 points
(1968; #1, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
One of 11 duets to make this listing. Make it 12 if you count the instrumental combo of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell.
78. “Monday, Monday,” The Mamas and the Papas – 50 points
(1966; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
77. “Devil With a Blue Dress On & Good Golly Miss Molly,” Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels – 51 points
(1966; #4, 4 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 16 weeks total)
One of 2 medleys to make the listing. The other one can be found in the top 10.
76. “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” The Stylistics – 51 points
(1974; #2, 2 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 25 weeks total)
75. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Elton John – 51 points
(1973; #2, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
A minor surprise here: Elton has only one more entry on this list despite his many early 1970s hits.
74. “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” Tommy James and the Shondells – 51 points
(1969; #2, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
73. “(You’re) Having My Baby,” Paul Anka with Odia Coates – 51 points
(1974; #1, 3 weeks, 6 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
72. “I Got You Babe,” Sonny and Cher – 51 points
(1965; #1, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
71. “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration,” The Righteous Brothers – 51 points
(1966; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
Amazingly, this knockoff of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” makes the listing while the original didn’t for the 1955-1964 countdown.
70. “Let’s Get It On,” Marvin Gaye – 52 points
(1973; #1, 2 weeks, 13 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
69 “Turn! Turn! Turn!” The Byrds – 52 points
(1965; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
68 “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Gladys Knight and the Pips – 53 points
(1967; #2, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
This is the only song with a remake that also makes this listing. Keep reading to find out where.
66 (tie). “War,” Edwin Starr – 53 points
(1970; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
66 (tie). “American Woman,” The Guess Who – 53 points
(1970; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
64 (tie). “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Diana Ross – 53 points
(1970; #1, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
Miss Ross makes the survey while none of her work with the Supremes does. (Although “Baby Love” did make the 1955-1964 post, I should add.)
64 (tie). “Family Affair,” Sly and the Family Stone – 53 points
(1971; #1, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
63. “Little Willy,” Sweet – 54 points
(1973; #3, 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 23 weeks total)
The only instance of glam rock to make this listing.
62. “The Letter,” The Box Tops – 54 points
(1967; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 16 weeks total)
60 (tie). “Happy Together,” The Turtles – 54 points
(1967; #1, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
60 (tie). “Go Away Little Girl,” Donny Osmond – 54 points
(1971; #1, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
59. “A Horse with No Name,” America – 54 points
(1972; #1, 3 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
58, “The Streak,” Ray Stevens – 55 points
1974; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
57. “Winchester Cathedral,” The New Vaudeville Band – 55 points
(1966; #1, 3 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
Apart from this act and The Beatles, the only other artists representing the British invasion of the 1960s on this listing are Herman’s Hermits, The Rolling Stones and the Bee Gees. And maybe Lulu, if you’re feeling generous.
56 “Dueling Banjos,” Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell – 56 points
(1973; #2, 4 weeks, 6 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
55. “(Theme From) Valley of the Dolls,” Dionne Warwick – 56 points
(1968; #2 4 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
Dionne is 1 of 10 female vocalists on this countdown. Others are Cher, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Melanie, Carly Simon, Bobbie Gentry, Roberta Flack, Lulu and Carole King.
54. “Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron,” The Royal Guardsmen – 56 points
(1966; #2 4 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
53. “Lean on Me,” Bill Withers – 56 points
(1972; #1 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
51 (tie). “Light My Fire,” The Doors – 56 points
(1967; #1, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
51 (tie). “Crocodile Rock,” Elton John – 56 points
(1973; #1, 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
50. “Yesterday,” The Beatles – 57 points
(1965; #1, 4 weeks, 6 weeks top 10, 11 weeks total)
49. “The Candy Man,” Sammy Davis Jr. – 58 points
(1972; #1 3 weeks, 7 weeks top 10, 21 weeks total)
“The Candy Man” is 1 of 7 songs written for a movie, in this case Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The others are “Help!”, “Mrs. Robinson,” “(Theme From) Valley of the Dolls,” “The Way We Were,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” and To Sir With Love.” (“Dueling Banjos” and “Ode to Billie Joe” predated their inclusion in movie soundtracks.)
48. “Brand New Key,” Melanie – 58 points
(1971; #1, 3 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 18 weeks total)
47. “You’re So Vain,” Carly Simon – 58 points
(1967; #1, 3 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
46. “Seasons in the Sun,” Terry Jacks – 59 points
(1974; #1, 3 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 21 weeks total)
Terry Jacks is one of three acts from Canada to make this listing. The others are Paul Anka and the Guess Who.
45. “Knock Three Times,” Dawn – 59 points
(1971; #1 3 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 18 weeks total)
44. “I Think I Love You,” The Partridge Family – 60 points
(1970; #1 3 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
43. “We’ve Only Just Begun,” The Carpenters – 62 points
(1970; #2 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
This is the last song to peak at #2. The rest all topped the Hot 100 for several weeks each.
42. “The Way We Were,” Barbra Streisand – 62 points
(1974; #1 3 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 23 weeks total)
41. “This Guy’s in Love With You,” Herb Alpert – 62 points
(1968; #1 4 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
39 (tie). “Groovin’” The Young Rascals – 62 points
(1967; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
39 (tie). “Somethin’ Stupid,” Frank and Nancy Sinatra – 62 points
(1967; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
The only appearance in this listing by either Sinatra.
38. “Daydream Believer,” The Monkees – 62 points
(1967; #1 4 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
35 (tie). “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” The Rolling Stones – 63 points
(1965; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
35 (tie). “Ode to Billie Joe,” Bobbie Gentry – 63 points
(1967; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
35 (tie). “Windy,” The Association – 63 points
(1967; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
34. “Dizzy,” Tommy Roe – 64 points
(1969; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
33 “My Sweet Lord,” George Harrison – 64 points
(1970; #1 4 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
George Harrison is 1 of 2 solo acts previously a member of the Beatles on this countdown. We’ll see the other one just 3 positions ahead of here.
32. “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” The Bee Gees – 65 points
(1971; #1 4 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
31. “Honky Tonk Women,” The Rolling Stones – 66 points
(1969; #1 4 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
30. “My Love,” Paul McCartney – 67 points
(1973; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 18 weeks total)
29. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Otis Redding – 67 points
(1968; #1 4 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 16 weeks total)
One of two records from the late great Stax record company to make the list. The other is “Soul Man.”
28. “I Can See Clearly Now,” Johnny Nash – 68 points
(1972; #1 4 weeks, 8 weeks top 10, 20 weeks total)
26 (tie). “Everyday People,” Sly and the Family Stone – 68 points
(1969; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
26 (tie). “Without You,” Nilsson – 68 points
(1972; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
25. “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” The Carpenters – 68 points
(1970; #1 4 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
24. “American Pie – Parts I and II,” Don McLean – 70 points
(1972; #1 4 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 19 weeks total)
The only 2-sided hit to finish in this listing. What’s a 2-sided hit?! Eh, get off my lawn, kid!
23. “Get Back,” The Beatles – 71 points
(1969; #1 5 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 12 weeks total)
22. “The Ballad of the Green Berets,” SSgt. Barry Sadler – 72 points
(1966; #1 5 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
21. “People Got to Be Free,” The Rascals – 73 points
(1968; #1 5 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
20. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” Tony Orlando and Dawn – 74 points
(1973; #1 4 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 23 weeks total)
Billed as just Dawn at #45, but still the same group. The same applies to the previously listed Young Rascals and the Rascals.
19. “Sugar, Sugar,” The Archies – 74 points
(1969; #1 4 weeks, 12 weeks top 10, 22 weeks total)
18. “One Bad Apple,” The Osmonds – 74 points
(1971; #1 5 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
17. “Honey,” Bobby Goldsboro – 75 points
(1968; #1 5 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
A sweetness trifecta here, although the last one doesn’t provide any aural enjoyment to me.
16. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” B.J. Thomas – 75 points
(1970; #1 4 weeks, 13 weeks top 10, 22 weeks total)
15. “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” Roberta Flack – 75 points
(1973; #1 5 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 16 weeks total)
14. “To Sir With Love,” Lulu – 76 points
(1967; #1 5 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
13. “It’s Too Late,” Carole King – 77 points
(1971; #1 5 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
12. “I’ll Be There,” The Jackson 5 – 77 points
(1970; #1 5 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 16 weeks total)
11. “Love is Blue,” Paul Mauriat – 78 points
(1968; #1 5 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 18 weeks total)
This and “Dueling Banjos” are the only instrumentals on the countdown, a sharp drop-off from the 13 in the 1955-1964 listing.
10. “Maggie May,” Rod Stewart – 78 points
(1971; #1 5 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
9. “In the Year 2525,” Zager and Evans – 82 points
(1969; #1 6 weeks, 9 weeks top 10, 13 weeks total)
8. “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Simon and Garfunkel – 84 points
(1970; #1 6 weeks, 10 weeks top 10, 14 weeks total)
6 (tie). “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” The Fifth Dimension – 88 points
(1969; #1 6 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
6 (tie). “Joy to the World,” Three Dog Night – 88 points
(1969; #1 6 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 17 weeks total)
The Fifth Dimension and Three Dog Night are both the most frequently charting groups of the 1965-1974 period with just one entry each on this listing.
4 (tie). “Alone Again (Naturally),” Gilbert O’Sullivan – 89 points
(1972; #1 6 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 18 weeks total)
4 (tie). “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Roberta Flack – 89 points
(1972; #1 6 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 18 weeks total)
3. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Marvin Gaye – 96 points
(1968; #1 7 weeks, 11 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
2. “I’m a Believer,” The Monkees – 97 points
(1966; #1 7 weeks, 12 weeks top 10, 15 weeks total)
1. “Hey Jude,” The Beatles – 123 points, 1968
- #1, 9 weeks
- 14 weeks top 10
- 19 weeks total
Besides being #1 overall for 1965-1974, “Hey Jude” also has the most weeks in the top 10 since “Mack the Knife” in 1959. Its record of 14 weeks will stand until 1977.
What record surpassed it?
Well… you’ll have to read the next post for 1975-1984 to find out!
See you then!
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I was about to make a smart crack about that 1977 song … but then I realized there might be another 1977 song you’re referring to (one I like much more…), so I’ll hold off.
MT’s use of the record jacket for “We’ve Only Just Begun” reminded me that early on, The Carpenters were considered a group/band, not just a duo. I wonder when that changed.
Question on double-sided hits: Why wasn’t George Harrison’s No. 1 credited as “My Sweet Lord/Isn’t It a Pity”? I know that’s how it was listed in Billboard throughout its chart run.
I’m sure your methodology is accurate, but it boggles my mind that no Supremes song (“Someday We’ll Be Together,” “Love Child”) made this set. Harsh competition! (“Red Baron,” “Mrs. Brown” and “Honey,” included.)
The absence of Stevie Wonder and John Denver is kind of shocking to me.
The “My Sweet Lord/Isn’t It a Pity” is an oversight on my part, Chuck. Thanks for catching that.
As for the Carpenters, I think it was their constant appearances on TV where just Karen and Richard spoke that made most record buyers see them as a brother-sister duo and ignored the band behind them. Indeed, a lot of deejays during the time including Casey Kasem on American Top 40 would refer to them with something like, “Here’s the latest from Karen and Richard.”
I knew 98 out of 100 of these. Some of the greatest songs to score big on the charts are here, as well as some of the absolute worst. The later you get in this time frame you’ve chosen, the more chances are it’s the latter of the two.
I wonder how much of these you can actually sing the chorus to – I sure can’t think of a lot besides the title to many of these!
Challenge accepted. It’s a tricky question because some of them don’t have conventional choruses, so I had to appropriate the closest thing. And I counted 3 instrumentals. My total was 70, if I don’t have to get every single word correct.
That’s still really impressive.
As much as I loved “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” as a kid, I didn’t think it was popular enough to be on this list at all, let alone at #54. Likewise with the other novelty songs, but I can’t argue with the numbers. Nice work!
What really impresses me here is the 22 weeks on the chart for “Sugar, Sugar” and “Raindrops.” For comparison, look at “I’ll Be There” from around that time which is higher up than those two yet had only 16 weeks.
Anyone else sing this on the playground back in the day?
We had joy, we had fun.
We were streakers in the sun.
But the cops had the guns,
and they shot us in the buns.
A mix of the good, the great and the best forgotten.
With some judicious pruning (looking at you Ray Stevens, Paul Anka, Bobby Goldsboro and Barry Sadler) it’d make a fine playlist.
Having seen the top 10 the only ones that are surprising in retrospect are Three Dog Night which is purely from a British point of view as they only managed two hit singles here. The even bigger surprise to me is someone who was successful here but very quickly dropped out of fashion and that’s Gilbert O’Sullivan.
Of the 100 entries, my mouth was agape for a good 1/4 of these as I was doing the layout. Ozmoe’s methodology is fascinating and revelatory.
For the anomalies that a lot of you were mentioning, I’m searching for a vector that would account for the lackluster performance of what we would concur are “gigantically monstrous hits.”
Perhaps record sales themselves were either sky high, or in the weeds on a particular multi-week period? I’m stumped.
(The good news is that if this is what I’m pondering, perhaps my brain is starting to snap out of its Covid fog.)
A lot of the absences here I’d blame on being huge hits that the public and/or radio enjoyed and then moved on rather quickly. The number of songs that made the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 during 1965-74 that stayed on the chart overall for 10 weeks or less is rather surprising (including “Yesterday” by the Beatles, among others), so that would explain some absences here. As for the ones with longevity, I’m afraid it was the buying public who had a lot of this responsible. “Honey,” for one, was supposedly the most in-demand single to buy at the time in 1968, which is astounding given the amount of much better music out at the same time.
“Better,” yes. “Sappier,” probably not, which might account for the demand…
Yes, these continue to amaze. It shows how weeks at #1 really isn’t the best measure for the popularity of a song.
I knew all of these songs, but I really can’t think of how 2 of them go:
95 “(Sweet, Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” – Aretha Franklin
90 “Playground in my Mind” – Clint Holmes
So if “Hey Jude” didn’t exist, “I’m a Believer” would be the biggest song of that period? I mean, I knew it was popular and all.
Playground in my Mind is the “My name is Michael, I’ve got a nickel…” song.
Maybe that helps?
If you think of the song where Aretha starts her verses with “Baby, baby, sweet baby …,” you might remember “Since You’ve Been Gone.”
James Taylor is sad. He loves this song so much. He wants Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds to cover it. James Taylor developed a crush on Martha Plimpton after he her in Sidney Lumet’s Running on Empty. And laughed when Judd Hirsch asked her: “Are you sure you’re not my kid?”