The 40 Best Songs of 1966

Numbers 40 to 36

40. My Little Red Book – Love

Arthur Lee & Love did a tremendous version of this Bacharach/David song. The insistent driving beat of their arrangement contrasts nicely with the obsessive love story recounted in the lyrics.

39. Wouldn’t It Be Nice – The Beach Boys

The opening track of the Beach Boys’ classic album Pet Sounds, this song beautifully portrays the impatient desires of youth. It made it up to number eight on the Billboard charts and is one of Brian Wilson’s most-beloved compositions.

38. You Keep Me Hangin’ On – The Supremes

The Supremes spent two weeks in November 1966 at the top of the charts with this song. The Funk Brothers really outdid themselves on this one. The feel of the song is a sort of early funk. It inspired several good remakes over the years.

37. Spoonful – Cream

Cream recorded Willie Dixon’s blues classic “Spoonful” for their debut album, Fresh Cream. It was a perfect example of the type of blues jam that was so in vogue with British bands at the time.

36. Dead End Street

– The Kinks

Ray Davies’ vivid story of British working class existence was a much bigger hit in the UK than it was in the States. I like the Kinks and I think this song deserves a place on this list.

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Thank you for your interest.