The swinging sixties. Sophisticated cocktails. Intense drama. These are just a few of the things that come to mind when we think of Mad Men. But beyond the sharp suits and scandalous affairs, the show's soundtrack is a character in itself, expertly weaving together iconic tunes that perfectly capture the mood of each era. If you're a fan of the show, or just a lover of classic rock and pop, you've likely wondered, "What are the best songs from Mad Men?" This list dives deep into the show's incredible musical landscape, exploring the carefully curated selections that amplified the emotional impact of every scene. From upbeat blasts of rock and roll to soulful ballads, we'll uncover the tracks that cemented Mad Men's legacy and continue to resonate with audiences today. Get ready to rediscover some forgotten gems and maybe even add a few new favorites to your playlist – this journey through the best songs from Mad Men is one you won't want to miss.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. My Way | Frank Sinatra | My Way (Expanded Edition) | 214M+ |
| 2. I Can't Get No Satisfaction | The Rolling Stones | 169M+ | |
| 3. I Want To Hold Your Hand | The Beatles | Please Please Me (Remastered) | 104M+ |
| 4. The Twist | Chubby Checker | 47M+ | |
| 5. I'm Not In Love | 10cc | Rides Again | 34M+ |
| 6. I Got You Babe |
Cher Sonny | 20M+ | |
| 7. Piece of My Heart | Big Brother and the Holding Company | 8M+ |
1. My Way (1969)
Vocal Performance: Frank Sinatra's iconic baritone voice delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant performance, perfectly capturing the song's themes of reflection and acceptance.
Lyrical Content: The lyrics, a poignant reflection on life choices and their consequences, resonate deeply with the show's themes of ambition, regret, and the complexities of the human experience.
Cultural Significance: "My Way" became a cultural touchstone, embodying a certain self-assuredness and defiance, fitting Mad Men's characters who often struggle with similar emotions.
2. I Can't Get No Satisfaction (1965)
Iconic Sound: The raw, distorted guitar riff of "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" is instantly recognizable and perfectly encapsulates the restless energy of the 1960s, fitting seamlessly into the Mad Men era's atmosphere of ambition and disillusionment.
Cultural Impact: Featured prominently in the show, the song's use underscores the characters' internal conflicts and the societal shifts of the time, highlighting the generation gap and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Emotional Resonance: Its frustration and yearning resonate with the show's themes of dissatisfaction and the search for meaning, making it a powerful and memorable soundtrack element.
3. I Want To Hold Your Hand - Please Please Me (Remastered)
Sound: The iconic, instantly recognizable opening guitar riff and driving rhythm perfectly capture the youthful energy of the Mad Men era, making it instantly nostalgic.
Vocal Harmony: The close vocal harmonies between John Lennon and Paul McCartney create a sense of intimacy and shared experience, reflecting the complex relationships often explored in the show.
Emotional Impact: Its simple yet powerful message of love and longing resonates deeply, fitting the show's themes of yearning and connection.
4. The Twist
Sound: Chubby Checker's "The Twist" features a distinctive, upbeat instrumental track that perfectly captures the energy of the early 1960s.
Rhythm: The infectious, simple rhythm is incredibly danceable and memorable, making it a perfect fit for the dynamic social scenes depicted in *Mad Men*.
Pop Culture Significance: Its appearance on *Mad Men* highlights its enduring appeal and its status as a true cultural icon, representing a pivotal moment in dance and popular music history.
5. I'm Not In Love
Sound: 10cc's "I'm Not in Love" features a distinctive, layered instrumental arrangement, with its iconic, phased guitars creating a dreamy, slightly unsettling atmosphere perfectly suited to the show's melancholic undertones.
Emotional Impact: The song's ambiguous lyrics and subtly shifting harmonies evoke a sense of longing and uncertainty, mirroring the complex emotional landscapes often explored in *Mad Men*.
Pop Culture Resonance: Its inclusion in the series cemented its place in the cultural memory associated with the show, enhancing its nostalgic appeal and solidifying its status as a period piece.
6. I Got You Babe (1965)
Timeless Quality: "I Got You Babe" perfectly captures the yearning and unwavering devotion prevalent in the romantic relationships depicted in *Mad Men*, resonating with the show's themes of longing and connection.
Vocal Harmony: The iconic duet between Sonny and Cher creates a powerful blend of voices, emphasizing the emotional vulnerability and shared strength of their bond, mirroring the complexities of the show's characters.
Nostalgic Vibe: Its inclusion in *Mad Men* solidified its status as a classic, adding to the show's evocative atmosphere and enhancing the emotional impact of relevant scenes.
7. Piece of My Heart
Janis Joplin's Vocals: Janis Joplin's raw, powerful vocals are the undeniable heart of "Piece of My Heart" perfectly capturing the emotional intensity that resonates so well with the turbulent atmosphere of *Mad Men*.
Blues-Rock Energy: The song's driving rhythm and blues-rock energy perfectly encapsulate the restless spirit of the 1960s, a time reflected in the show's setting and characters.
Cultural Significance: Its inclusion in *Mad Men* highlights the song's lasting cultural impact and its ability to evoke a specific era's feeling, making it a quintessential soundtrack choice.
8. Wouldn't It Be Nice
Sound: The lush harmonies and layered instrumentation of "Wouldn't It Be Nice" perfectly capture the wistful, romantic longing of the Mad Men era, creating a dreamy soundscape that fits the show's aesthetic.
Emotional Impact: The song's yearning vocals and bittersweet melody evoke a sense of both optimism and melancholy, mirroring the complex emotions often present in the show's characters and storylines.
Pop Culture Significance: Its inclusion in *Mad Men* further cemented its status as a classic, highlighting the timeless appeal of its romantic idealism and its ability to resonate across generations.
9. The Look of Love
Dusty Springfield's Vocals: Springfield's instantly recognizable, soulful vocals are perfectly suited to the melancholic yet sophisticated mood of *Mad Men*, imbuing "The Look of Love" with a timeless quality.
Orchestral Arrangement: The lush strings and sophisticated arrangement evoke the era's romanticism and elegance, fitting seamlessly into the show's visual aesthetic and emotional landscape.
Perfect Placement in the Show: The song's use in *Mad Men* perfectly captures the underlying tension and unspoken emotions often present in the series' dramatic scenes, enhancing the viewing experience.
10. You Only Live Twice (Nancy In London)
Vocal Performance: Nancy Sinatra's sultry vocals perfectly capture the enigmatic and slightly melancholic mood often present in Mad Men, adding a layer of sophisticated cool to the show's atmosphere.
Retro-Cool Vibe: The song's distinct 60s sound, with its smooth instrumentation and catchy melody, instantly transports listeners back to the era depicted in the show, enhancing the immersive viewing experience.
Thematic Resonance: "You Only Live Twice" subtly reflects the themes of ambition, fleeting moments, and underlying uncertainty present in many Mad Men storylines, making it a fitting soundtrack choice.
11I'm a Man
The Spencer Davis Group
1967
12Bonnie and Clyde
Brigitte Bardot,Serge Gainsbourg
1968
13Zou Bisou Bisou
Gillian Hills
1960
14Love Hangover
Diana Ross
1976
15Early in the Morning
Vanity Fare
1969
16Tomorrow Never Knows
The Beatles
1966
17Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell
1969
18Band of Gold
Don Cherry
1955
19A Beautiful Mine
RJD2
2006
20Bleecker Street
Simon , Garfunkel
1964
21Sixteen Going on Seventeen
Charmian Carr, Dan Truhitte
1965
22Pearly Shells
Don Ho
1960
23The Infanta
The Decemberists
2005
24Porpoise Song
The Monkees
1968
25Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
Bob Dylan
1963
26Money Burns a Hole in My Pocket
Dean Martin
1954
27I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
The Beach Boys
1967
28Tobacco Road
Nashville Teens
1964