Who doesn’t love the music of the 1960s? The entire decade has songs that are still appreciated today. But these four rock songs, all from 1966, are so good, they make me want to travel back in time to listen to them again and again.
“Hungry” by Paul Revere & The Raiders
A Top 10 single for Paul Revere & The Raiders, “Hungry” appears on the band’s The Spirit Of ’67 record. “Hungry” was written by the hit husband and wife songwriting duo, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
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“Hungry” says, “I can’t take it, because I’m / Hungry for those good things baby / Hungry through and through / I’m hungry for that sweet life baby / With a real fine girl like you / I can almost taste it baby / And it’s sweet as wine.”
In 1977, Sammy Hagar included a version of this song on his self-titled sophomore project.
“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones released several singles in 1966, including “Paint It Black”. The song, written by band members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is on their Aftermath album.
“Paint It Black’ begins with, “I see a red door, and I want it painted black / No colors anymore, I want them to turn black / I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes / I have to turn my head until my darkness goes.”
“Psychotic Reaction” by Count Five
Count Five had one hit single, and it’s “Psychotic Reaction”. The genre-bending rock song is the title track of their first and only studio album.
Written by all five band members, “Psychotic Reaction” says, “I feel depressed, I feel so bad / ‘Cause you’re the best girl that I’ve ever had / I can’t get your love, I can’t get a fraction / Oh little girl, psychotic reaction / And it feels like this.”
“Poor Side Of Town” by Johnny Rivers
“Poor Side Of Town” is Johnny Rivers’ first and only No. 1 song, although he had plenty of other hits. “Poor Side Of Town” was written by Rivers and Lou Adler. The song is on Changes, Rivers’ third studio album. It is the only single from the record.
The song says, “How can you tell me / How much you miss me / When the last time I saw you / You wouldn’t even kiss me / That rich guy you’ve been seeing / Must have put you down / So welcome back baby / To the poor side of town.“
Photo by Authenticated News/Getty Images
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Paul Revere & The Raiders Perform American pop group Paul Revere & the Raiders perform in matching outfits, probably on a television studio set, mid 1960s. The band includes Mark Lindsay (third left) as the vocalist and Paul Revere (right) on keyboards. (Photo by Authenticated News/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 10: Singer and band leader Brian Wilson of the rock and roll group 'The Beach Boys' goofs around during a portrait session at Pacific Ocean Park on March 10, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Reba McEntire performs at San Jose Arena on November 23, 1994 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) -
Mick Jagger performing with The Rolling Stones during a secret gig live at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street. They were billed as 'Diz And The Doormen'. May 31 1982. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 13 : Members of Poison: (L to R) C.C. Deville, Brett Michaels, Bobby Dall and Rikki Rockett backstage at the Mtv Awards Show, September 13, 1987 in Los Angeles,California. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.) -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1978: Photo of CW McCall Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO — Episode 1599 — Pictured: (l-r) Emily Robison, Natalie Maines, and Martie Maguire of musical guest "Dixie Chicks" performs on May 05, 1999 — (Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
