Feature Photo: AnonymousUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
We had one rule with this list. No artist could be represented more than once. Otherwise, it would be all Beatles, Stones and Dylan songs….
# 10 – “St. Stephen” – Aoxomoxoa (The Grateful Dead)
When we’re talking about the 1960s, it’s impossible to compile a list of the best opening tracks from rock albums of the era without including at least one song from the Grateful Dead. It’s fascinating to see how bands, including the Grateful Dead, often placed their most famous songs deeper into their albums. The Grateful Dead released three studio albums in the 1960s: their debut album, The Grateful Dead, in 1967, followed by Anthem of the Sun in 1968, and Aoxomoxoa in 1969. “St. Stephen” was the opening track on their 1969 record, Aoxomoxoa, setting the tone for an era of musical exploration and some very interesting trips, if you know what I mean.
# 9 -“Break On Through (To the Other Side)” – The Doors (The Doors)
Continuing with our Top 10 Opening Tracks From 1960s Rock Albums list, we take a look at The Doors. Part of the criteria for compiling this list was not only to pick fantastic songs but also to choose from albums and bands that are not only legendary but immensely inspirational to many bands that followed. The Doors were one of the most fascinating bands of the 1960s and early seventies. There has never been a lead singer quite like Jim Morrison. Although I was too young to have seen The Doors in concert, I wish I had—the stories from my friends who saw Morrison perform always hinted at the unpredictability of their shows, describing each concert as an adventure, never knowing what would happen next.
The band’s debut album was propelled by the huge hit single “Light My Fire” and the album closer “The End.” However, the opening track, “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” woudl become a big-time fan favorite/ There’s so much meaning behind this song, and it’s just a kick-a** track too.
# 8 – “White Room” – Wheels of Fire (Cream)
# 7 – “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” – Crosby, Stills & Nash (Crosby, Stills & Nash )
Landing in the number seven spot on our Top 10 Opening Tracks From 1960s Rock Albums list is “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” This song served as the opening track from the debut album of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Stephen Stills composed the song and sang lead vocals, but the magic really lies in how the trio’s voices blend together—it’s almost all harmony throughout the song, making it less important who sang the lead vocals.
“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” was released as the album’s second single, following the lead single “Marrakesh Express.” Its extended length of over six minutes probably made it challenging to secure airplay on AM radio. Nonetheless, it still managed to be a hit, peaking at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
# 6 – “Foxy Lady” UK Edition “Purple Haze” US Edition – Are You Experienced (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
At the number six spot on our list, we have a tie due to the variations between the UK and US album versions—a common occurrence with albums by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. In this specific case, the difference is quite significant. On the original UK edition, “Foxy Lady” was the opening track; however, on the US edition, it was “Purple Haze.” When the albums were reissued on CD, there were two versions that mirrored the original UK and US editions, but each included different bonus tracks.
Yes, I know, it’s all very confusing. That’s why we’ve decided to feature both songs here, although we showcased “Foxy Lady” in the video.
# 5 – “The Sound of Silence” – Sounds of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel)
The song “The Sound of Silence” was released on Simon and Garfunkel’s Sounds of Silence album in 1966. What’s particularly interesting about this track is that its appearance as the opening track on Sounds of Silence was actually the second time the song had been featured on a Simon and Garfunkel album. It was originally released on their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., as the final track on side one. However, that version was an acoustic one, differing greatly from the version that became a number one single in the United States during the winter of 1966.
# 4 – “A Hard Day’s Night” – A Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles)
Compiling this list posed a significant challenge, especially when it came to selecting just one Beatles song to represent the band. Almost every opening song on every Beatles album was exceptional, leaving us with a multitude of iconic tracks to choose from. Initially, we considered “I Saw Her Standing There,” then “Help!” and, of course, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was a strong contender too. There are simply too many great options.
In the end, we decided to go with the opening song from our personal favorite Beatles album, A Hard Day’s Night. We understand if this choice doesn’t resonate with everyone—we get it, and we’re sorry. But the sheer vibrancy and historical significance of “A Hard Day’s Night,” both as a song and as the kick-off to the album of the same name, ultimately swayed our decision. So if you’re not happy with this, we understand, we get it, we’re sorry, yada yada yada.
# 3 – “Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin II (Led Zeppelin)
Led Zeppelin released two albums in 1969, their groundbreaking debut and the monster album Led Zeppelin II. This narrowed our choice for the opening track to just two songs: “Good Times Bad Times” from their debut album and “Whole Lotta Love” from Led Zeppelin II. While we love both tracks, in the end, “Whole Lotta Love” is just so epic that we felt we had to go with it no matter how many times we have heard this song in our lives.
# 2 – “Like a Rolling Stone” – Highway 61 Revisited (Bob Dylan)
Choosing just one Bob Dylan opening track from his incredible array of albums was no easy task, similar to the challenge we faced with the Beatles. Dylan’s discography is filled with iconic openers. He gave us the classic “Blowin’ in the Wind” from The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan released in 1963, and then “The Times They Are A-Changin'” from the album of the same name in 1964. That same year, he released “All I Really Want to Do” from Another Side of Bob Dylan. Moving forward, Bringing It All Back Home (1965) featured “Subterranean Homesick Blues” as its opener, and Blonde on Blonde (1966) opened with “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35.” Nashville Skyline (1969) introduced “Girl from the North Country.” However, ultimately, we chose “Like a Rolling Stone” from Highway 61 Revisited, released in 1965, as our top pick.
# 1 – “Gimme Shelter” – Let It Bleed (The Rolling Stones)
We close out our Top 10 Opening Tracks From 1960s Rock Albums list with the classic Rolling Stones song “Gimme Shelter.” It was a tough call between “Gimme Shelter” and “Sympathy for the Devil” for the number one spot. Both songs are iconic Rolling Stones tracks, incredibly loved by their fans, and so representative of the 1960s era. However, there’s just something a little extra special about “Gimme Shelter.” It’s the raw intensity and the urgency in its lyrics that make it stand out. That’s why we not only picked it as the number one opening track from any Rolling Stones album in the ’60s but also for the top spot on this list. We think we got it right with this one, but I’m sure you’ll let us know if you think otherwise.
Read More: Top 10 Opening Tracks From 1970s Rock Albums