Top 10 Songs From The Association

Photo: Patrick Colecchio-management / Public domain

Our Top 10 Songs from the band The Association takes a look at so many of the legendary band’s big 1960s hits. Before we go one step further, we must mention that the Association, like many other bands of the 1960s and early including The Grass Roots, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Beach Boys, Sonny & Cher, and others, utilized the legendary Wrecking Crew on their recordings. For those unfamiliar with The Wrecking Crew, the name refers to a group of brilliant studio musicians who played on so many 1960s hits. However, that’s an entire story in itself.

The origins of the Association are very interesting. Lead singer Terry Kirkman worked in a band with Frank Zappa before Zappa formed the Mothers Of Invention in the early 1960s. Kirkman eventually formed a group in Los Angeles called The Inner Tube. The band performed in nightclubs with a carousel of musicians, including David Crosby, on and off with them. The band eventually transformed into a thirteen-piece group called the Men. Over time, six of the members would split from The Men and form the band The Association. In 1967, the band released a single entitled “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” (yes, the same song Led Zeppelin covered on their first album). However, the song failed to chart.

All it takes is one hit to break a band, and The Association got lucky in 1966 when the song “Along Comes Mary” they recorded became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song led to the band’s first album, released in 1966, titled And Then… Along Comes the Association. During that same year, 1966, The Association would become a household name as their single “Cherish” shot to the top, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The Association followed up their debut album quickly with the release of the record Renaissance in 1966.

The Association would sign with Warner Brothers Records in 1967 and release their third album entitled Insight Out. Sales of the album went through the roof, making it one of the year’s biggest sellers. The record’s success was fueled by the massive hit singles “Never My Love” and “Windy.”

The Association released four more studio albums between 1968 and 1972. Those included the albums Birthday in 1968, The Association in 1969, Stop Your Motorin ‘ in 1971, and Waterbeds in Trinidad! in 1972. After the release of their third album, the band did not sell as many records with their subsequent releases as their ability to score hit singles dried up. Nonetheless, the band left their mark on pop culture forever with their huge hit singles of the 1960s.

Our Top 10 Association Songs List article takes a look at the band’s biggest hits along with some select album tracks.

# 10 – On a Quiet Night

Insight Out (Deluxe Expanded Mono Edition)

We begin our Top 10 Songs From The Association list with a hidden gem from the band’s 1967 album Insight Out. “On a Quiet Night” captures the mellow, introspective vibe that The Association often infused into their music, yet it remains one of their lesser-known tracks, having never been released as a single. The song features the masterful touch of the Wrecking Crew, including Hal Blaine on drums; Joe Osborn and Ray Pohlman on bass; Mike Deasy, Dennis Budimir, and Al Casey on guitars; and Larry Knechtel on keyboards. Produced by the renowned Bones Howe, the track was recorded at Columbia Studios in Los Angeles, California, during sessions that showcased the band’s evolving sound.

# 9 – No Fair At All

As we continue our Top 10 Songs From The Association list, we highlight “No Fair At All” from the band’s second album, Renaissance, released in 1967. The track, which served as the second single from the record, only reached number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100, a modest showing compared to some of The Association’s bigger hits. Despite its lack of commercial success, “No Fair At All” stands out as an emotional and melodically rich piece, showcasing the band’s knack for harmonies and introspective songwriting. Produced by Jerry Yester and recorded at United Western Recorders in Los Angeles, the song features lush arrangements and the distinct vocal blend that The Association became known for in the 1960s.

# 8 – Enter The Young

“Enter the Young” opens The Association’s debut album, And Then… Along Comes the Association, released in 1966. Written and sung by Terry Kirkman, the track serves as a powerful introduction to the band’s sound, characterized by their vocal harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Produced by Curt Boettcher and recorded at United Western Recorders in Los Angeles, the song highlights The Association’s signature blend of folk-rock influences and pop sensibilities, crafted with precision and an energetic spirit that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Despite not being released as a single, “Enter the Young” remains a standout track for its lyrical depth and dynamic arrangement, which capture the optimism and activism of the 1960s.

# 7 – The Time It Is Today

“The Time It Is Today” from The Association’s 1968 album Birthday stands out as a thoughtful, introspective track that reflects the band’s evolving artistry in the late 1960s. Released as the fourth single from the album, the song showcases the band’s ability to craft introspective, socially aware lyrics while maintaining their signature harmonic style. The record was produced by the well-known Bones Howe, a frequent collaborator with the band who was instrumental in capturing their intricate harmonies and lush arrangements. Although it did not break into the top 100 on the Billboard charts, the track remains an essential part of the band’s catalog, illustrating their maturity and depth.

# 6 – Time for Livin’

“Time for Livin’,” a standout track from Birthday, showcases The Association’s signature harmonious sound paired with a feel-good, carefree message that captures the spirit of the late 1960s. Released in 1969 as the second single from the album, the song made its mark by reaching number twenty-two on the U.S. Cashbox pop charts and peaking at number thirty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of their earlier hits, “Time for Livin’” remains a fan favorite for its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics.

# 5 – Everything That Touches You

“Everything That Touches You” stands as one of The Association’s most significant tracks, both artistically and commercially. Released as a single from their Birthday album in 1969, this song marked the band’s final appearance in the Top 10 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number ten. .

# 4 – Along Comes Mary

“Along Comes Mary” is a groundbreaking track in The Association’s career, as it marked the band’s first major commercial success and established them as a leading force in the sunshine pop movement of the 1960s. Released in March 1966 as the lead single before their debut album And Then… Along Comes the Association peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a breakthrough hit for the band. Written by Tandyn Almer and produced by Curt Boettcher, the track showcased the group’s knack for blending folk-rock with soft rock and sunshine pop, creating a sound that was both catchy and introspective.

# 3 – Windy

“Windy” is one of The Association’s most iconic and enduring tracks, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1967. Written by Ruthann Friedman and produced by Bones Howe, the song showcased The Association’s impeccable harmonies and their ability to blend sunshine pop with a radio-friendly sound. Released on their third studio album, Insight Out, the track remains a definitive example of 1960s pop music and was ranked the fourth-biggest song of 1967 by Billboard. Its success cemented The Association’s place in the sunshine pop movement, and it has since become a staple of classic rock and oldies radio

# 2 – Cherish

“Cherish” is a quintessential pop ballad from The Association, written by Terry Kirkman. Released in 1966, the song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding the spot for three weeks. It was the band’s first major breakthrough, firmly establishing them as key players in the 1960s pop scene. The song also found success in Canada, where it topped the charts, and was certified Gold by the RIAA in the United States in the same year. Billboard ranked it as the No. 7 song of 1966 and, after revising its year-end charts, as No. 2, underscoring its enduring impact.

# 1 – Never My Love

“Never My Love” closes our list of the top 10 songs by The Association, and it’s a fitting finale. While “Cherish” might be the band’s most recognized hit, “Never My Love” stands as an enduring favorite, not just among fans of The Association but also as a timeless pop classic. Written by the Addrisi Brothers and recorded by The Association in 1967, the song quickly became a massive success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top spot on the Cash Box pop charts. Its popularity was further highlighted by its number-one position on Canada’s RPM charts. The track was featured on the album Insight Out and was produced by the band’s frequent collaborator, Bones Howe. Recorded with members of the legendary Wrecking Crew, including session heavyweights like Hal Blaine on drums and Joe Osborn on bass, the song is a testament to the band’s polished sound and musicality.