Top 10 Songs From The Monkees

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The Monkees began as a television creation, but their music quickly outgrew the premise. Powered by unforgettable singles, gifted songwriters, and the distinctive personalities of Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, the group built a catalog that remains one of the most beloved of the 1960s.

Photo: Colgems Records [Public domain]

Our Top 10 Songs from the Monkees list looks at one of the most fascinating stories in classic rock history. A group of actors and musicians were brought together to star in a television show about an imaginary band trying to become the Beatles, all set up by television producers and music industry people. However, a funny thing happened along the way: the imaginary Monkees became a real band. But not just a real band; the Monkees became one of the biggest bands ever. Four young men, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, and Michael Nesmith, became four of the most famous names on both sides of the Atlantic in the late 1960s.

The Monkees’ success was based on their ability to record songs that would become number-one singles. They had multiple number-one singles from 1966 to 1969. Even though their television show lasted only two years, their legacy is based on their recordings. That television show was a lot of fun, especially if you were a kid back then.

The Monkees broke up in 1970 but got back together in 1986. Over the years, they toured the oldies circuit and released new music and compilation albums. However, the heart of their catalog dates back to the late 1960s. Micky Dolenz is the only surviving member of the band. Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork have passed away.

Our Top 10 Monkees Songs list is a tribute to the band. The list focuses on most of the material from the glory years of the late 1960s, from 1966 to 1970. We all have our favorite Monkees songs, but these lists are for people who may not be familiar with the band. Counting them down and choosing our favorites is always a great deal of fun.

# 10 – “[Theme From] The Monkees”

How can we compose a list of the Top 10 Monkees Songs without including the legendary theme song from The Monkees television show? This was the first Monkees song most of us ever heard. This one will bring you back if you were alive in the 1960s, as a kid, a teenager, or even an adult. You can’t escape it.

# 9 – “A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You”

Continuing with our list of Top 10 Monkees Songs, we turn to a song written by Neil Diamond. If there ever were a songwriter the Monkees would want to thank, it would be Neil Diamond. They had some of their biggest hits with Neil Diamond songs. The great song “A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You” was released in 1967. The song went to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It hit number one on the Cash Box Top 100.

# 8 – “Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)”

The Monkees’ song “Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)” was released as a single in 1968. Carole King and Gerry Goffin wrote the song. The song was featured in the movie Head. I love the psychedelic rock feel of this one. It is easily one of our favorite Monkees songs.

# 7 – “Oh My My”

Looking back at the period when the Monkees had their greatest commercial success on the pop charts, one can see that most of their hits came between 1966 and 1970. The Monkees’ single “Oh My My” was one of their last charting singles, but it barely made the Top 100 in 1970. Still, it is a great song that shows how pop music was beginning to change. In 1970, soft rock music began to gain popularity, featuring artists such as James Taylor, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, and many others.

# 6 – “Randy Scouse Git”

“Randy Scouse Git” is one of the most interesting song titles ever. And, of course, it was a song by drummer Micky Dolenz, our favorite member of the band. Come on, he was so funny on the show! The song was a much bigger hit in the United Kingdom than in the United States. Released there under the title “Alternate Title,” it hit number two on the United Kingdom pop chart. The song was released on the Monkees album Headquarters. The album was released in 1967.

# 5 – “Valleri”

As we continue into the second half of our Top 10 Monkees Songs list, we turn to the fantastic song “Valleri.” The song was released on the album The Birds, the Bees & the Monkees. “Valleri” was a Top 10 hit for the Monkees. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote the song. Davy Jones performed the lead vocals on the track.

# 4 – “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone”

The last four songs to appear on this Top 10 Monkees Songs list were among the biggest songs of the band’s career. “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” was initially released as the B-side to “I’m a Believer.” However, the song became a hit in its own right as a B-side, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 3 – “Pleasant Valley Sunday”

The big-time hit “Pleasant Valley Sunday” was released on the Monkees album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. The album was released in 1967. It was the Monkees’ fourth studio album. The song “Pleasant Valley Sunday” was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. It was a Top 10 hit for the band, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 2 – Tie: “Last Train to Clarksville” / “Daydream Believer”

We have a tie for second place on our Top 10 Monkees Songs list. We could not decide between the two songs, so we placed them together at number two. “Last Train to Clarksville” was the first single the Monkees ever released. They were off to a great start because their first single hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was released in 1966. With the great John Stewart song “Daydream Believer,” the Monkees had themselves another number-one hit in 1967.

# 1 – “I’m a Believer”

We close out our list of Top 10 Monkees Songs with the legendary Neil Diamond song “I’m a Believer.” The song was released in 1966 and went straight to number one. It stayed at number one for seven weeks. It became the Monkees’ biggest hit and one of the biggest-selling songs in classic rock history.