Top 10 Closing Tracks from 1960s Rock Albums
The 1960s were a transformative time for rock music, with the genre evolving and branching out into new sub-genres. This period saw the rise of iconic bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, who left an indelible mark on the music world. As we count down the top 10 closing tracks from 1960s rock albums, we’re taking a journey through some of the most iconic and influential music of the decade.
#10 – Waterloo Sunset – Something Else – (The Kinks)
We open up our top 10 closing tracks from 1960s albums with a song from The Kinks’ album "Something Else." Released in 1967, "Something Else" is considered one of the Kinks’ most innovative and experimental works. The album’s closing track, "Waterloo Sunset," is a beautifully crafted song that showcases the band’s ability to create lush, melodic harmonies.
#9 – Caroline, No – Pet Sounds – (The Beach Boys)
The Beach Boys’ "Pet Sounds" is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, and its closing track, "Caroline, No," is a masterclass in songcraft. Released in 1966, "Pet Sounds" was a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in pop music.
#8 – Liberation – Chicago Transit Authority – (Chicago)
Chicago’s debut album "Chicago Transit Authority" was a hard-hitting, blues-infused rock record that showcased the band’s impressive musical chops. The album’s closing track, "Liberation," is a sprawling epic that features some of the band’s most innovative arrangements.
#7 – We’re Not Gonna Take It – Tommy – (The Who)
The Who’s "Tommy" was a groundbreaking rock opera that told a complex and poignant story. The album’s closing track, "We’re Not Gonna Take It," is a powerful anthem that features Pete Townshend’s signature songwriting style.
#6 – Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – Electric Ladyland – (Jimi Hendrix Experience)
Jimi Hendrix’s "Electric Ladyland" was a double album that showcased the guitarist’s incredible skill and versatility. The album’s closing track, "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," is a 15-minute epic that features some of Hendrix’s most innovative and experimental playing.
#5 – The End – The Doors – (The Doors)
The Doors’ "The End" is a hauntingly beautiful song that features Ray Manzarek’s iconic keyboards and Jim Morrison’s poetic lyrics. Released in 1967, "The Doors" was the band’s debut album and established them as one of the leading bands of the 1960s counterculture.
#4 – You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Let It Bleed – (The Rolling Stones)
The Rolling Stones’ "Let It Bleed" was a landmark album that saw the band’s music evolving towards a more rootsy, blues-infused sound. The album’s closing track, "You Can’t Always Get What You Want," is a hauntingly beautiful song that features Charlie Watts’ powerful drumming and Keith Richards’ signature guitar work.
#3 – A Day in the Life – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" was a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in pop music. The album’s closing track, "A Day in the Life," is a masterclass in songcraft that features some of the Beatles’ most innovative and experimental playing.
#2 – The End/Her Majesty – Abbey Road – (The Beatles)
The Beatles’ "Abbey Road" was the band’s final album before their breakup, and it saw the band members exploring new sounds and styles. The album’s closing tracks, "The End" and "Her Majesty," are two separate songs that showcase the band’s ability to create complex, innovative music.
#1 – Tie – A Day in the Life – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band / The End/Her Majesty – Abbey Road – (The Beatles)
In the end, we couldn’t choose just one album to top our list. Both "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road" are groundbreaking albums that showcase the Beatles’ innovative spirit and musical genius. We’ve decided to tie for first place, recognizing the incredible achievements of these two albums.
Conclusion
The 1960s were a transformative time for rock music, and the albums that came out during this period are still widely celebrated and influential today. From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones to Jimi Hendrix, these albums feature some of the most iconic and innovative music of the decade. As we look back on this list, we’re reminded of the incredible impact that these albums have had on the world of rock music.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road" in the world of rock music?
A: Both albums are considered landmark works that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in pop music. They feature innovative songwriting, production, and performances that have influenced countless other musicians and albums.
Q: Why are "The Kinks" and "Chicago" often overlooked in discussions of 1960s rock music?
A: Despite their significant contributions to the development of rock music, both bands are often overlooked in discussions of the 1960s. This may be due to their lack of commercial success or their failure to conform to traditional rock music norms.
Q: How did the 1960s rock scene influence the development of subsequent musical genres?
A: The 1960s rock scene laid the groundwork for many subsequent musical genres, including heavy metal, punk, and new wave. The innovations and experiments of the 1960s continue to influence rock music today.
Q: Which 1960s rock albums would you recommend to someone new to the genre?
A: We recommend starting with The Beatles’ "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," The Rolling Stones’ "Let It Bleed," and Jimi Hendrix’s "Electric Ladyland." These albums showcase the incredible range and innovation of the 1960s rock scene.
