The pop music of 1969 was an amalgamation of musical styles, from country-tinged ballads to the early beginnings of psychedelic funk. Across the stylistic spectrum, there were a multitude of songs that made the Billboard Hot 100 that never fail to give me goosebumps when I listen.
“Galveston” by Glen Campbell
I’ll start this list of goosebump-inducing pop songs from 1969 with a no-brainer from Glen Campbell: “Galveston”. Campbell’s lilting voice never fails to give me chills, no matter the song. But there’s something particularly triumphant about the chorus in this Jimmy Webb-penned track that gets me, no matter how many times I’ve heard it before.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Oh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins Singers
Even as someone who doesn’t find themselves particularly religious, The Edwin Hawkins Singers’ arrangement and rendition of the 18th-century hymn “Oh Happy Day” never fails to leave me with goosebumps. If I’m being honest, a large part of the chill factor for me is my strong association of this song with the movie Sister Act 2. If you know, you know.
“Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley might not have been quite as high on the totem pole in 1969 as he was in the late 1950s and early 60s. Nevertheless, he proved his reign as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll wasn’t entirely over with his rendition of Mark James’ “Suspicious Minds”. The song’s melodic progression is already goosebump-inducing. Presley’s voice just sealed the deal.
“Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension
The 5th Dimension’s larger-than-life 1969 hit “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” has a way of sweeping listeners into those same passionate, hopeful, and sun-soaked feelings—myself included. The all-out singing displayed by the vocal group plays a large role in this song’s chill factor. Indeed, no matter how many times I’ve heard this song, I still get goosebumps when they start singing “Let the sunshine in, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in.”
“Time Of The Season” by The Zombies
Finally, The Zombies’ “Time Of The Season” is a track that, so far, has never gotten old for me. And considering this song has been out for decades, and I’ve been listening to it my entire life, I’d say it’s spot on my personal list of goosebump-inducing pop songs from 1969 is more than secure. This song is an example of a track that gives me chills for no other reason than the groove is airtight. Even with all its stutters and stops, the track keeps rolling at a steady pace. It scratches my brain just right, hence the goosebumps.
Photo via NBC/Getty Images
More The List
-
Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage for BMI Nashville -
IN CONCERT – From London – Shoot Date: June 13, 1974. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images) BLUE SWEDE -
3rd September 1968: American psychedelic rock band, The Doors during a press conference at Heathrow Airport, London (left to right); drummer John Densmore, keyboard player Ray Mansarek, vocalist Jim Morrison (1943 – 1971) and guitarist Robby Krieger. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) -
Original Caption) : 1980-Pop singer Linda Ronstadt is shown singing on stage, holding the microphone stand. She wears a gingham shirt with a tie front and askirt with flowers on it in this waist-up portrait. (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images) -
Tears for Fears – Koninklijk Circus – Brussel – Belgium – 21/04/1985 Roland Orzabal, Curt Smith Photo gie Knaeps -
The Rolling Stones at Desert Trip -
Pauk Simon 1965.© Chris Walter. -
NEW YORK – JANUARY 13-15: Bob Dylan plays a Fender Jazz bass with the harmonica around his neck while recording his album 'Bringing It All Back Home' on January 13-15, 1965 in Columbia's Studio A in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)