- A year of upheaval, change, and some of the most iconic music ever created. If you're looking for a sonic journey back to this pivotal year, you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the best songs of 1968 YouTube has to offer, curating a collection of timeless classics and hidden gems that defined a generation. From the psychedelic soundscapes of Jimi Hendrix to the soulful croons of Aretha Franklin and the burgeoning sounds of folk-rock, 1968's musical landscape was incredibly diverse and influential. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or simply curious to explore the sounds of this transformative year, get ready to rediscover (or discover for the first time!) the unforgettable tracks that shaped the musical fabric of the late 60s. This carefully compiled list, featuring readily available YouTube links, offers a convenient and immersive way to experience the best songs of 1968 YouTube has to offer. Prepare for a trip down memory lane (or a captivating first listen!)
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hey Jude | The Beatles | With The Beatles (Remastered) | 394M+ |
| 2. All Along the Watchtower | Jimi Hendrix | Electric Ladyland | 245M+ |
| 3. the Dock of the Bay | Otis Redding | The Dock of the Bay (Mono) | 127M+ |
| 4. Mrs. Robinson |
Simon Garfunkel | 105M+ | |
| 5. Daydream Believer | The Monkees | 97M+ | |
| 6. I Started A Joke | Bee Gees | Idea (Deluxe Edition) | 97M+ |
| 7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps | The Beatles | The Beatles (Remastered) | 73M+ |
1. Hey Jude (1968)
Iconic Vocals: Paul McCartney's instantly recognizable vocals and the powerful, uplifting outro are hallmarks of this timeless classic, perfect for any "best of 1968" YouTube playlist.
Soaring Melody: The song's memorable melody and optimistic tone make it an enduring favorite, guaranteeing high engagement on YouTube.
Cultural Impact: Its extended outro, encouraging listeners to "take a sad song and make it better," resonated deeply and continues to be a source of comfort and inspiration, making it a quintessential addition to any 1968 music retrospective.
2. All Along the Watchtower
Jimi Hendrix's electrifying guitar work: Hendrix's innovative and experimental guitar playing, full of wah pedal effects and feedback, made "All Along the Watchtower" a standout track, even amongst the best of 1968.
A unique interpretation of a Bob Dylan classic: Hendrix's version transcends the original, offering a heavier, more psychedelic take that resonated with the era's counter-cultural spirit and remains iconic.
YouTube accessibility and enduring legacy: Easily find and enjoy this powerful performance on YouTube, a testament to its lasting impact on rock music and its continued relevance for new generations.
3. the Dock of the Bay - The Dock of the Bay (Mono)
Sound: Otis Redding's soulful vocals and the mellow, laid-back rhythm section create a captivatingly smooth soundscape, perfectly embodying the relaxed vibes of a summer's day in 1968.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone, coupled with Redding's expressive delivery, resonates deeply, capturing a bittersweet feeling of longing and contentment.
YouTube Relevance: Its enduring popularity and iconic status make "The Dock of the Bay" a frequent choice for "best of" lists on YouTube, ensuring its continued presence in the digital landscape for music lovers of all ages.
4. Mrs. Robinson (1968)
Sound: Mrs. Robinson boasts a memorable melody and distinctive instrumentation, perfectly capturing the late 1960s sound that makes it a YouTube classic.
Vocals: Paul Simon's signature vocals, combined with the harmonies, create a captivating and instantly recognizable listening experience perfect for a 1968 playlist.
Cultural Impact: Its use in *The Graduate* cemented its place in pop culture history, ensuring its continued relevance and making it a must-have for any "best of 1968" YouTube compilation.
5. Daydream Believer (The Monkees)
Sound: "Daydream Believer" boasts a bright, instantly recognizable melody and a driving, upbeat tempo that perfectly encapsulates the optimistic spirit of 1968.
Vocals: Micky Dolenz's charming vocals deliver the lyrics with a heartfelt sincerity, making the song incredibly relatable and endearing, a hallmark of classic pop.
YouTube Appeal: The song's catchy tune and nostalgic feel make it highly shareable and perfect for creating engaging YouTube content related to 1968 music.
6. I Started A Joke
Catchy Melody: "I Started a Joke" boasts an instantly memorable melody that's both playful and subtly melancholic, perfectly encapsulating the song's ironic lyrical content.
Unique Vocal Harmonies: The Bee Gees' signature harmonies shine brightly, adding a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the already intriguing composition. Their tight vocal blend is a hallmark of their 60s sound.
YouTube Accessibility: Easily find numerous versions and live performances on YouTube, highlighting its enduring popularity and making it a perfect addition to any 1968 music playlist.
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles (Remastered)
Emotional Depth: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" showcases George Harrison's songwriting prowess with its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody, perfectly capturing the introspective mood prevalent in 1968.
Eric Clapton's Guitar: The unforgettable guitar solo by Eric Clapton adds a layer of raw emotion and technical brilliance, solidifying its place as a classic rock masterpiece for YouTube listeners.
YouTube Accessibility: Easily find numerous high-quality audio and video versions of this iconic track on YouTube, enhancing its discoverability for a 1968 music appreciation playlist.
8. White Room (1968)
Sound: Cream's "White Room" showcases a psychedelic soundscape, blending blues-rock instrumentation with a haunting, atmospheric quality that perfectly encapsulates the experimental spirit of 1968.
Vocals: Jack Bruce's distinctive vocals, both powerful and vulnerable, deliver a memorable and evocative performance, further enhancing the song's emotional depth.
YouTube Relevance: The song's enduring popularity and iconic status make it a frequently searched and shared track on YouTube, ensuring its continued presence in "best of" playlists and showcasing its timeless appeal to new generations.
9. A Man Without Love - 1968
Heartfelt Vocals: Engelbert Humperdinck's emotive delivery is a hallmark of "A Man Without Love" perfectly capturing the song's melancholic yet hopeful tone, a signature of his 1968 sound.
Orchestral Arrangements: The rich orchestral arrangements add depth and sophistication, creating a lush soundscape that complements Humperdinck's powerful vocals and perfectly fits the romantic ballad style popular in 1968.
YouTube Appeal: Its timeless quality and easily accessible emotional core make it a great addition to any "best of 1968" YouTube playlist, ensuring broad appeal to listeners seeking classic romantic ballads.
10. Voodoo Child
Sound: Jimi Hendrix's iconic guitar work on "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" is a psychedelic masterpiece, featuring wah-wah infused riffs and soaring solos that defined a generation's sound in 1968.
Cultural Impact: Its electrifying energy and innovative sound cemented Hendrix's place in rock history, influencing countless musicians and solidifying its place in YouTube playlists and 1968 best-of compilations.
YouTube Appeal: The song's visual potential, with its iconic live performances, makes it highly shareable and engaging on YouTube, ensuring its continued relevance for new audiences discovering the best of 1968's music.
11Magic Carpet Ride
Steppenwolf
1968
The Second
12Born To Be Wild
Steppenwolf
1968
Steppenwolf
13The Weight
The Band
1968
Music From Big Pink (Remastered)
14Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash
1955
Under the Boardwalk
15Sunshine Of Your Love
Cream
1967
Disraeli Gears (Deluxe Edition)
16Think
Aretha Franklin
1968
Aretha Now
17I Say a Little Prayer
Aretha Franklin
1968
Aretha Now
18Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
The Beatles
1968
19What A Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong
1967
What A Wonderful World
20For Once In My Life
Stevie Wonder
1968
For Once In My Life
21Dream a Little Dream of Me
The Mamas , the Papas
1968
22Jumpin' Jack Flash
The Rolling Stones
1968
Forty Licks
23Time of the Season
The Zombies
1968
24Piece of My Heart
Big Brother , The Holding Company
1968
25I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Marvin Gaye
1968
In The Groove
26Spooky
Dusty Springfield
1968
Dusty... Definitely
27Love Child
The Supremes,Diana Ross
1968
28Fire
The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
1968