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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, Rock Music

1966 Sensational Singles 

Last month, I started reading about the Beach Boys album “Pet Sounds” on the 60th anniversary of that legendary vinyl record’s release. (May 16, 1966). It is one of my favorite albums from the 20th century.  

After exploring information on the Brian Wilson/Beach Boys musical masterpiece, I did a deep drive into the Beatles’ “Revolver” album that was released almost 3 months after “Pet Sounds.” (August 5, 1966).   

The 1966 groundbreaking recording project by the Beatles is among my favorite Fab Four studio albums by the British band.  As I listened to both “Pet Sounds” and Revolver” on that Mid-May day last month, I wanted to find out more about the biggest Top 40 hits of 60 years ago. 

My inquiry on the topic of outstanding 1966 singles has resulted in this month’s musical musings article: I will be counting down what I consider to be the 20 best Top 40 radio hits from 1966. 

In preparation for writing this article, I needed to educate myself on the biggest radio hit singles from 60 years ago.  I had a limited knowledge of music from that year as I was only 10 at the beginning of 1966 and turned 11 in May. 

However, I wasn’t totally devoid of musical trends in 1966 when I was a student in the fourth and fifth grades at Oakland Elementary School in Roanoke. I remember multiple conversations with some of my classmates on individual songs that we liked during recess times and on school bus rides.  

While I didn’t fully embrace listening to Top 40 radio until 1967, I do remember listening to WROV 1240 AM Roanoke, Virginia which was in my hometown. My parents bought a large RCA stereo console cabinet sometime during 1966, and I fondly remember hearing WROV that year.  

The two WROV DJs that I remember from 60 years ago are Jack Fisher and Fred Frelantz.  

Above is an audio recording of the Fisher/Frelantz show on WROV, March 25, 1966. This aircheck provided by the WROV History online website/Pat Garrett. 

I do have some other random memories of songs that I liked during 1966. 

  • “Eleanor Rigby” and “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles. The group from Liverpool, England became my favorite band when I first discovered Top 40 radio. 
  •  “Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers. During the summer of ‘66, my dad regularly watched a replacement TV show called “Secret Agent” starring Patrick McGoohan. I watched this program with my father, and it featured Rivers’ tune as the theme song.   
  • “(Theme Song) The Monkees.”  Starting in September ‘66, I would watch the musical sitcom TV show called “The Monkees” every Monday evening. As soon as the program ended each week, my mother would send me directly to bed. 
  •  In August ‘66, my family went camping near Charlottesville, Virginia, and this facility had a swimming pool.  We went swimming for 3 consecutive days and I heard the following songs below multiple times on the jukebox each day while we were on vacation:      
  • Hanky Panky—Tommy James & the Shondells 
  • Lil’ Red Riding Hood—Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs  
  • Working in a Coal Mine—Lee Dorsey  
  • Wild Thing—The Troggs      
  • “Monday Monday” by the Mamas and the Papas. When this was a hit in the fall of ‘66, I would sing this song to myself on Monday mornings before I had to catch a bus for school. And I would change the lyrics by singing, “Monday, Monday, can’t stand that day.” 
  • “Gary Lewis & the Playboys Greatest Hits.”  I received this album as a gift for Christmas from my next-door neighbor Sandy and discovered all the top 40 hits by Lewis and his band.  “Sure Gonna Miss Her”, “Green Grass” and “She’s Just My Style” were all top 10 hits for this band in 1966. 
  • “These Boots Are Made for Walking” album by Nancy Sinatra. My parents gave me this LP as a Christmas gift as the blonde singer with her walking boots was my first musical artist crush. The title track on Sinatra’s album was my #1 favorite song of 1966. 

For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the 20 best singles from 1966.   

My countdown of songs is purely based upon Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles chart of 1966. Any song not listed on the Billboard survey was excluded for consideration on my countdown.    

All documentation of the chart positions that I share below comes from “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn. I proudly own a hard copy of this excellent reference manual, which I consider to be the “bible” handbook for music history with Top 40 radio. 

As I put together the listing of best 1966 singles, please note that the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful, or relevant. 

Before starting the countdown of best 1966 singles, I am sharing other outstanding hits from 1966 that didn’t make the cut. 

First off are ten singles that failed to make the Billboard Year-end top 100 Songs of 1966 list, but every song reached #20 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 chart 60 years ago. 

  • Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry ‘bout Me)–The Four Seasons 
  • I Saw Her Again—The Mamas and the Papas 
  • Hold On I’m Coming—Sam and Dave 
  • Mr. Dieingly Sad—The Critters  
  • A Taste of Honey—Herb Alpert & the Tiuana Brass  
  • The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)–The Walker Brothers  
  • Stop Stop Stop—The Hollies 
  • A Hazy Shade of Winter—Simon & Garfunkel  
  • Eight Miles High—The Byrds 
  • Sunny Afternoon—The Kinks 

Songs that I considered for the countdown but fell outside the top 20. These selections are random and not ranked: 

  • Shapes of Things—The Yardbirds 
  • Just Like Me—Paul Revere & the Raiders  
  • My World is Empty Without You—The Supremes 
  • Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind—The Lovin’ Spoonful  
  • Ain’t Too Proud to Beg—The Temptations 
  • Sloop John B—The Beach Boys 
  • Nowhere Man—The Beatles 
  • Daydream—The Lovin’ Spoonful  
  • You Can’t Hurry Love—The Supremes 
  • Paint It Black—The Rolling Stones 
  • Beauty is Only Skin Deep—The Temptations 
  • Hungry—Paul Revere & the Raiders  
  • See You in September—The Happenings  
  • My Love—Petula Clark  
  • Time Won’t Let Me—The Outsiders   
  • Day Tripper—The Beatles  
  • Green Grass—Gary Lewis & the Playboys  
  • Psychotic Reaction—Count Five  
  • A Well Respected Man—The Kinks  
  • Five O’ Clock World—The Vogues  

Without further ado, my 1966 best singles countdown begins: 

20.  Bus Stop—The Hollies 

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 45th Biggest Song of 1966  

First top 10 hit for the British band in the U.S.  Alan Clarke had lead vocals while Graham Nash and Tony Hicks performed backup harmonies on tune. 

19.  Last Train to Clarksville—The Monkees  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Songs of 1966  

Debut single by the Monkees. Song co-written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. It was the first of three #1 hits for the pop rock group on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. 

18.  I Am a Rock—Simon & Garfunkel   

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #3 Hot 100, 42nd Biggest Song of 1966  

Originally, this song was an acoustic recording on “The Words and Music of Paul Simon” solo album in 1965. The single version added electric instruments and vocals by Art Garfunkel. 

17.  When a Man Loves a Woman—Percy Sledge  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 31st Biggest Song of 1966  

Percy Sledge was born in Alabama. Between 1966 and 1968, the R&B/Soul singer had five Top 40 hits. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. 

16.  Reach Out I’ll Be There—The Four Tops   

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 4th Biggest Song of 1966  

The Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs had a powerful vocal delivery on this Motown classic tune. It is the signature song by the Detroit, Michigan quartet.   

15. (You’re My) Soul and Inspiration—The Righteous Brothers  

Positions of Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 12th Biggest Song of 1966 

This blue-eyed soul ballad has outstanding instrumentation. It became the pop duo’s third top 5 smash after “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and “Unchained Melody” were hits in the mid 60s. 

14.  What Becomes of the Brokenhearted—Jimmy Ruffin  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #7 Hot 100, 12th Biggest Songs of 1966  

This soul ballad about the misery of heartbreak was one of Motown’s most beloved hits during the 60s.  It is Jimmy Ruffin’s signature song. 

13.   We Can Work It Out—The Beatles  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Song of 1966  

Co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. From the “Rubber Soul” album. Song was issued as a Double-A-Sided 45-rpm single with “Day Tripper.” 

12.   Cherish—The Association  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 7th Biggest Songs of 1966  

Superb harmonies on this smooth sunshine pop ballad. Terry Kirkman of the Association wrote and sang lead vocals on the song about unrequited love.  

11.   Walk Away Renee—The Left Banke   

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 40th Biggest Song of 1966 

Baroque rock band formed in New York City. The tune employs a harpsichord, a flute, and multiple string instruments. Strong vocal harmonies throughout the melodic song. 

10.   The Sounds of Silence—Simon & Garfunkel  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 54th Biggest Song 1966  

The folk-rock duo’s first #1 hit was written by Paul Simon. It was first recorded as an acoustic tune in 1964. A year later a new version of the song added electric instruments for the single. 

9.    Good Vibrations—The Beach Boys  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 33rd Biggest Single of 1966  

This 45-rpm single was produced and composed by Brian Wilson with lyrics from Mike Love. Considered among the most influential recordings of the 20th century blending pop, rock and psychedelia. 

8.    Poor Side of Town—Johnny Rivers  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1966  

Co-written by Johnny Rivers and Lou Adler.  This pop ballad had a strong orchestral sound with string and brass instruments. It is the signature song for the singer-songwriter and musician.  

7.    This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)—The Isley Brothers  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #12 Hot 100, 98th Biggest Song of 1966 

The Isley Brothers song was their only major hit on the Motown record label. Ronald Isley delivered an emotional vocal performance on the up-tempo groove.  

6.     Homeward Bound—Simon & Garfunkel   

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Songs of 1966  

The third Simon & Garfunkel song on the countdown. From the “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” album. Paul Simon wrote this ode at a railway station in England during 1964. 

5.    Paperback Writer—The Beatles   

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 28th Biggest Song of 1966  

This psychedelic pop-rock song was originally released as a standalone non-album 45-rpm single.” Paperback Writer” became a record bridge between “Nowhere Man” and the Double-A-Sided “Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby” hits. 

4.    Kicks—Paul Revere & the Raiders   

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #4 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1966 

Mark Lindsay was the lead singer on the biggest hit by this American rock band. With a catchy melody and superb guitar riff, “Kicks” is considered the first U.S. top 40 hit that featured an anti-drug message.  

3.    Wouldn’t It Be Nice—The Beach Boys  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #8 Hot 100, 97th Biggest Song of 1966  

From the legendary “Pet Sounds” album by the Beach Boys. Band member Brian Wilson produced this progressive pop-rock masterpiece, as he hired session musicians to play 18 different instruments on the track. I rate “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” as the #1 best sunshine pop single from the 60s. 

2.    Summer in the City—The Lovin’ Spoonful  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 35th Biggest Single of 1966  

The only number 1 hit single for John Sebastian and the Lovin’ Spoonful in the U.S.  The hard driving, up-tempo tune utilized many sound-effects such as car horns and a jackhammer tool to mimic city noises. I rank “Summer in the City” as my second favorite summer song of all time.  

1.    California Dreamin’—The Mamas & the Papas  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #4 Hot 100, #1 Biggest Song of 1966 

My number 1 single of 1966 was written by John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas (M&P). It became a popular song among many counterculture young folks and a prime example of folk-rock music that originated in Southern California during the mid 60s. 

It is interesting that this (M&P) single peaked only at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 but is ranked by the magazine as the #1 biggest hit of 1966. Harmonies on this sunshine pop gem are superb. Without a doubt, I rate “California Dreamin’” as the #1 best single of 1966. 

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best singles for 1966.  I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my own point of view and is subjective.   

If you were creating a similar register of outstanding 1966 Top 40 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be the best-preeminent singles from 60 years ago?  I hope you will comment below.  

Mick Jagger opened the Rolling Stones 1966 hit “Mother’s Little Helper” with these lyrics: “What a drag it is getting old.”  Well, Jagger is still living 60 years later at age 82 and can still enjoy music as an elderly man. 

While I don’t share Jagger’s sentiments on aging, I am grateful to God for being alive and still having the opportunity to enjoy listening to my favorite 1966 singles here in 2026. Rock on!  

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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Retro Rock, rock, Rock Music, Top 40 Radio, Virginia Artists

1986 Totally Tubular Singles

A few weeks ago, I booked a Roanoke, Virginia area DJ gig for the Northside High School Class of ’86 and their 40-year reunion celebration event. Obviously, I will be playing many of the top singles from the year these folks graduated from high school in 1986.

With this latest edition of my music blog, I will be highlighting the popular hits of 1986 and counting down what I consider to be the best songs on Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) 40 years ago.

After I scheduled the Northside Class of ’86 reunion, I needed to brush up on the top 100 singles of 1986 according to trade publications Billboard and Cash Box. I also read up on the most popular MTV videos in ‘86 that the cable TV music channel aired.

At the beginning of 1986, I lived in Roanoke, Virginia and my own listenership of CHR radio had started to wane. Whenever I did listen to the hits from 40 years ago, the station I most often tuned in to was legendary K92 Roanoke (WXLK 92.3 FM).

K92 signed on the air on New Year’s Day in 1980. Throughout the entire 80s decade, this top 40/CHR outlet was the most listened to radio station in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.

K92 Roanoke DJ Staff 1980 on the cover of Roanoker Magazine: From left Bill Jordan, David Lee Michaels, John Berry, Larry Dowdy, Vince Miller and Russ Brown. Photo courtesy of the WROV History website/Pat Garrett.

One of the original K92 DJ’s in 1980 was Vince Miller Wilkes, whom I have known since we both worked for WROV Roanoke in the mid 70s. I asked Wilkes via Facebook Messenger to describe what it was like to work for the high powered, fast paced sound at K92 after coming over crosstown from the low powered WROV 1240 AM station.

Miller shared, “The first thing I remember, having come from a 1000 watt, 250 at night AM (WROV 1240), was how far the 93,000 watt FM signal got out. I went from talking to the Roanoke City limits to parts of five states. We could drive 75 miles to make a personal appearance, and be received as stars.”

Above: Night time DJ Vince “The Prince” Miller inside the main K92 studio sometime during 1980. Photo courtesy of Vince Miller Wilkes.

During the first few years after signing on the air, K92 played some local Roanoke hits in addition to all of the national top 40 hits. I spoke with another one of the 1980 original K92 DJs, David Lee Michaels, last month, and we talked about the music selection on his station during the early years.

Michaels credited former 70s WROV DJs Bucky Stover, Vince Miller Wilkes and Bart Prater that came over to K92 in the early 80s as all being influential with K92 playing popular Roanoke singles and album tracks.  

Examples of popular regional hits played by K92 during 1980 were by the Robbin Thompson Band: “Sweet Virginia Breeze” as well as “Candy Apple Red” and “Brite Eyes.”  K92 also regularly played the album track “South City Midnight Lady” by the Doobie Brothers, which was a favorite 70s Roanoke area track when Bart Prater worked at crosstown top 40 WROV 1240 AM.

By 1986, the music played on K92 closely followed the national hits from the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The “K-Crew” morning drive host that year was Larry Dowdy. The K92 DJ and I first met at WROV Roanoke in 1974 when we both worked for that Top 40 station. I recently had the opportunity to speak Dowdy about the musical direction and types of songs that he played 40 years ago.

In my conservation with Dowdy, he proclaimed “that the song selection on K92 was much tighter in 1986, with fewer current hits on the station’s hot rotation.” Dowdy also said that K92’s playlist tended to lean toward rock songs, synth-pop and dance-oriented singles. It was a transitional year for the CHR format.

Above photo: K92 Roanoke morning “K Crew” staff September 1984: Larry Dowdy, Mike Stevens and Bill Jordan inside K92 studio. Photo courtesy of Larry Dowdy.

For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the most significant CHR singles from 1986.  The songs I feature were all national hits in the U.S.

As I survey the prominent hits from 40 years ago, this countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

For my countdown with the best singles from 40 years ago, I used three 1986 year-end charts.  Each of those surveys ranked their top 100 songs of ’86. Any song not listed by any of the 3 national charts was excluded for consideration on my countdown listing.

The 3 national year-end top 100 charts of 1986 used for the countdown are below:

  • Billboard Hot 100 Singles
  • Cash Box Top 100 Singles
  • Billboard Mainstream Rock Singles

On Billboard’s Hot 100 Year-end top singles for 1986 listing, “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick & Friends was the #1 biggest song of ’86. 

Cash Box rated “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood as the top single of 1986 while Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart placed “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)” by Mike + the Mechanics as the #1 single for ’86.

Before I start my countdown of top 1986 singles, I am sharing 10 excellent rock singles that reached #40 or higher on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart but were not major top 40 hits:

  • I Still Believe—The Call
  • Is It Love—Mr. Mister
  • If She Knew What She Wants—The Bangles
  • Wild Life—Talking Heads
  • Mothers Talk—Tears for Fears
  • All the Things She Saw—Simple Minds
  • Tuff Enuff—The Fabulous Thunderbirds
  • Don’t Get Me Wrong—The Pretenders
  • All the King’s Horses—The Firm
  • Strength—The Alarm

Next are 25 singles that I considered for the 1986 countdown but fell outside of my top 30 selections. These songs are not ranked and placed in a random order:

  • You Can Call Me Al—Paul Simon
  • My Hometown—Bruce Springsteen
  • These Dreams—Heart
  • Sara—Starship
  • Sweet Love—Anita Baker
  • You Give Love a Bad Name—Bon Jovi
  • Walk of Life—Dire Straits
  • Danger Zone—Kenny Loggins
  • Small Town—John Mellencamp
  • How Will I Know—Whitney Houston  
  • Why Can’t This Be Love—Van Halen
  • No One is to Blame—Howard Jones
  • Conga—Miami Sound Machine
  • So Far Away—Dire Straits
  • Land of Confusion—Genesis  
  • I’ll Be Over You—Toto
  • Addicted to Love—Robert Palmer
  • R.O.C.K. in the USA (A Salute to 60s Rock)—John Mellencamp
  • Walk this Way—Run DMC featuring Aerosmith
  • Take My Breath Away—Berlin
  • A Matter of Trust—Billy Joel
  • Coming Around Again—Carly Simon
  • Walk Like an Egyptian—The Bangles
  • Burning Love—Survivor
  • Perfect Way—Scritti Politti

Without further ado, my 1986 best singles countdown begins:

30.  Sledgehammer—Peter Gabriel  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Single of 1986 (MR)

English singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel wrote this smash hit. Song categorized as a hybrid funk, rock and new wave dance tune. Video for “Sledgehammer” won 9 MTV Music Awards in 1987.

29.  Mad About You—Belinda Carlisle  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #3 Hot 100, 36th Biggest Song of 1986  

 Debut solo single by American singer-songwriter Belinda Carlisle. She was the lead vocalist for 80’s band the Go-Go’s.  The artist had 3 more top ten hits during 1987 and 1988.

28.  All I Need is a Miracle—Mike + the Mechanics  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 74th Biggest Songs of 1986

The first of 2 songs on the countdown by this British band. The group was named after bassist Mike Rutherford who also was simultaneously in the rock trio Genesis. Paul Young was lead vocalist on this song.

27.  If You Leave—Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #4 Hot 100, 53rd Biggest Songs of 1986

British electronic band OMD was formed in 1978.  They recorded “If You Leave” for the soundtrack to the 1986 film “Pretty in Pink.” This hit is considered the signature song for OMD.

26.  Your Wildest Dreams—The Moody Blues

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #9 Hot 100, 91st Biggest Songs of 1986  

The Moody Blues guitarist and lead singer Justin Hayward wrote about his “first love” on this surprise synth-pop single. It became the second biggest hit by the progressive rock band in the U.S.

25.  Kiss—Prince

Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100 (B), 5th Biggest Songs of 1986 (C)

The guitar-accented funk riff Prince plays on this song is superb. Rolling Stone rated “Kiss” as the 85th best track on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2021. The late Minnesota artist won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals” on this hit.

24.  Take Me Home Tonight—Eddie Money  

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Mainstream Rock, #4 Hot 100, 59th Biggest Song of 1986

American singer-songwriter born in New York. Moved to California at age 18. Eddie Money had guest singer Ronnie Spector repeatedly singing the words, “Be My Baby” during the chorus on this power-pop single. It became the multi-instrumentalist’s biggest top 40 hit during his career.

23.  Your Love—The Outfield  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #6 Hot 100, 62nd Biggest Single of 1986   

The Outfield had commercial success with their 1985 “Play Deep” album and the single “Your Love.”  True confusion:  When I first heard the song played on K92 Roanoke in early 1986, I actually thought it was a single by the artist Sting instead of by this British band.

22.  Hip to Be Square—Huey Lewis & the News    

Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 49th Biggest Song of 1986

Huey Lewis was smoking hot during 1986 and 1987.  His album “Fore” achieved two number 1 singles: “Stuck with You” and “Jacob’s Ladder.”  And the toe-tapping “Hip to Be Square” peaked at #3. The tune features excellent saxophone playing by Tower of Power’s, Stephen “Doc” Kupka.  

21.  West End Girls—Pet Shop Boys  

Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100 (B), 2nd Biggest Song of 1986 (C)

The British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys are Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, and they wrote the world-wide smash single “West End Girls.”  The tune has a strong bass line and sensational synthesizer riffs. The video was a hot rotation clip on MTV 40 years ago.

20.  Word Up—Cameo   

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #6 Hot 100, 68th Biggest Song of 1986

Cameo lit up the dance floors across American in 1986 with this multi-formatted funk-rock hit. Actor LaVar Burton appears in the video for this song.  “Word Up” won a Soul Train Music Award for “Best R&B Soul Single” and a “Best Dance Record” award with the British NME magazine.

19.  The Next Time I Fall in Love—Peter Cetera & Amy Grant  

Positions on Billboard & Cash Box Charts:  #1 Hot 100 (B), 34th Biggest Song of 1986 (C)

Co-written by Bobby Caldwell and Paul Gordon. Peter Cetera left Chicago in 1985 and Amy Grant was a Contemporary Christian singer looking to crossover into secular music. It was a perfect paring of singers. “The Next Time I Fall” is listed on Billboard’s top 25 “Best Love Song Duets” of all time in 2020.

18.  Manic Monday—The Bangles

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #2 Hot 100, 48th Biggest Song of 1986  

Singer-songwriter and musician Prince penned this selection.  Guitarist Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles provided lead vocals on this infectious pop track. The first major hit by the band lead to the group’s first #1 smash “Walk Like an Egyptian” during late December 1986.

17.  Life in a Northern Town—The Dream Academy  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #7 Hot 100, 78th Biggest Song of 1986

The Dream Academy were billed as a British alternative pop trio. The song was co-written by band members Nick Laird-Clowes and Gilbert Gabriel.  This melodic single is about the collapse of the shipping industry in the United Kingdom.

16.  Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)—Mike + the Mechanics  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #6 Hot 100, #1 Mainstream Rock, #1 Biggest Song of 1986 (MR)

Second song by British supergroup Mike + The Mechanics. It was a side project for Mike Rutherford, who was also in Genesis that same year. Paul Carrack was the lead singer on what became the #1 biggest mainstream rock single of 1986 according to Billboard.

15.  Invisible Touch—Genesis    

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 54th Biggest Song of 1986  

In 1986, British progressive rock band Genesis was a trio consisting of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. These members were co-writers with this upbeat composition. It features multiple key changes and was the only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by the band.

14.  True Colors—Cyndi Lauper   

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 41st Biggest Song of 1986

Actress and singer-songwriter Cynthia Lauper recorded Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly’s co-written ode and turned it into her second #1 hit. “Time After Time” was Lauper’s first chart topping tune. It received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

13.  Never—Heart  

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #4 Hot 100, 18th Biggest Song of 1986  

From the 1985 self-titled “Heart” album. “Never” was the band’s highest charting single to that point.  This power ballad features strong performances by the Wilson siblings: Ann rocks with emotional vocals while Nancy has soaring guitar licks. Video of the song was a MTV favorite.

12.  Amanda—Boston

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 50th Biggest Song of 1986

Eight years had passed since Boston last released their album “Don’t Look Back” in 1978. Then in 1986, the band’s “Third Stage” dropped and “Amanda” was released as a single from the LP. It immediately became a hit and is considered a quintessential power ballad of the 80s.

11.  Tonight She Comes—The Cars

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Mainstream Rock, #7 Hot 100, 81st Biggest Song of 1986

New Wave rock band scored their final top 10 hit before the Cars broke up in 1988. It is from the band’s “Greatest Hits” album. This composition was written and sung by Ric Ocasek and has an outstanding guitar solo from Elliot Easton.

10.  Live to Tell—Madonna   

Positions on Cash Box and Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100 (B), 3rd Biggest Song of 1986 (C)

Music was composed by Patrick Leonard and lyrics written by Madonna. This powerful, emotional and acclaimed pop ballad was completely unlike anything the artist had ever recorded. “Live to Tell” was a significant artistic breakthrough in Madonna’s career.

9.    Kyrie—Mr. Mister  

Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1986

“Kyrie” is the first of two Mr. Mister songs on my countdown. Lyrics were written by John Lang with the music being composed by Richard Page and Steve George. . The term “Kýrie, eléison” means “Lord, have mercy” in the Greek language and is used as liturgy in Christian churches.

8.    What You Need—INXS  

Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Song of 1986  

Australian funk rock/new wave band. “What You Need” was the first top 10 single for the group on the Billboard Hot 100. Highlights on this song include a driving bass line from Garry Gary Beers, strong saxophone playing by Kirk Pengilly and Michael Hutchence’s high-energy rock vocals.

7.    The Way It Is—Bruce Hornsby & the Range   

Positions on Cash Box and Billboard:  #1 Hot 100 (B), 56th Biggest Song of 1986 (C)  

Singer-songwriter and pianist from Williamsburg, Virginia. Hard hitting-lyrics on this pop song addresses topics such as welfare, racism, economic opportunity and civil rights. “The Way It Is” helped pave the way for Bruce Hornsby and the Range to win a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist.”

6.    In Your Eyes—Peter Gabriel   

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Mainstream Rock, #26 Hot 100, 6th Biggest Song of 1986 (MR)

My second selection on the countdown by Peter Gabriel who wrote the lyrics to this hit. Musically, the tune has an African worldbeat influence with percussion and drums. Some music historians consider “In Your Eyes” among the top romantic love songs from the 20th century.

5.    Sweet Freedom—Michael McDonald

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #7 Hot 100, 75th Biggest Song of 1986

 Keyboardist and singer-songwriter Michael McDonald is known for his distinctive blue-eyed soul vocal style.  “Sweet Freedom” was featured in the 1986 film “Running Scared.”  The tune is smooth and has a fast-paced tropical percussion and drumming section. One of McDonald’s best solo singles.

4.   Something About You—Level 42

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #7 Hot 100, 37th Biggest Song of 1986

Level 42 is classified as a British jazz-funk band. Their hit “Something About You” is a defining model of 80’s synth-pop. It was the group’s only top 10 charting song on the Billboard Hot 100.

3.   Alive & Kicking—Simple Minds

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 17th Biggest Song of 1986

Scottish rock band formed in 1977.  Co-written by 3 Simple Minds members:  Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill and Mick MacNeil. Lyrics go from a series of questions to proclaiming faith will overcome obstacles. Guitar and piano playing shine on this mid 80s anthem.

2.  Broken Wings—Mr. Mister

Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Singles of 1986

Mr. Mister’s second song on the countdown.  Lyrics were inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s novel “Broken Wings” according to the band’s lyricist John Lang. The song has an excellent blending of guitar, bass, synthesizer and drums. I consider it as one of the quintessential pop-rock hits of the 80s.

1.  Higher Love—Steve Winwood

Peak Positions on Cash Box and Billboard: #1 Hot 100 (B), #1 biggest Song of 1986 (C)

 British singer-songwriter and musician Steve Winwood has my best single of 1986 with “Higher Love.” This was the first #1 song for the artist who played in three rock bands during the 60s: The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith.  

This hit was co-written by Winwood and Will Jennings and features two members on the R&B band Rufus: Chaka Khan on background vocals and drummer John ‘JR’ Robinson. Also in the mix was guitarist Nile Rodgers.

Musically, the song is a superb mix of synthesizer, drums and guitar giving the tune a funk/pop-rock dance groove.  Plus, the lyrics are a positive affirmation about faith and divine love outside of our world.

In 1987, the artist went on to earn two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.” Without a doubt, I rate “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood as the #1 best single of 1986.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best singles for 1986. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.

If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1986 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from 40 years ago?  I hope you will comment below.

The songs that I selected above still sound good to me 40 years later. I still cherish and fondly remember my favorite hit singles of 1986.  Rock on!

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Broadcasting, Music, Music Countdowns, Pop Music, Radio, Rock Music, Top 40 Radio

1971 Outstanding Top 40 Radio Hits

1971 was a transformational time for Top 40 music in the United States. The songs that became hits that year came from a wide variety of musical genres.

The biggest hits on Top 40 radio from 55 years ago were a combination of pop, rock, soul, country and folk with newer developing genres coming into play: Progressive Rock, Singer-Songwriter Music, Glam Rock, Funk-Soul Fusion and Proto-Disco.

Socially conscious music continued to evolve during 1971. Major social issues like the Vietnam War, racism, and the women’s movement were a part of the musical landscape with some of the biggest hits of 1971.

With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be my favorite Top 40 singles of 1971.  The songs on my countdown were all national hits in the U.S. and peaked at #30 or higher on charts by Billboard and Cash Box magazines.

By 1971 many folks were discovering new ways to hear music. While AM radio still was the dominant force with Top 40, many new FM music channels were coming into existence.

Especially in major market cities across the United States, people could hear their favorite Top 40 songs on the FM band. In addition, there were many new FM music stations that started playing a new format developed in the late 60s: Album Oriented Rock (AOR).

While new FM music stations were starting to take listeners away from AM radio, Top 40 outlets still dominated in major market locations. Three of the most influential stations in 1971 were all Top 40 outlets: WABC 770 AM New York, WLS 890 AM Chicago and KHJ 930 AM Los Angeles.

AM music channels still ruled in most mid to small radio markets 55 years ago. It would take a few more years before FM music channels would overtake AM radio as the dominant force for music played in the U.S.

At the beginning of 1971, I was 15 years old and lived in Roanoke, Virginia.  Since this was a small radio market, we didn’t have any FM Top 40 or AOR stations, so I listened to music on AM.

During the daytime, I had two choices for Top 40 radio:  WROV 1240 AM Roanoke and WBLU 1480 AM Salem. My preference of the two was WROV which was the #1 rated radio station in the Roanoke area.

WROV was known for having an outstanding personality DJ staff in 1971, and I still remember 5 members of the airstaff from that year: Jack Fisher, Bart Prater, Dan Alexander, Larry Bly and Ron Tompkins.  

Above is an audio aircheck clip of Dan Alexander on WROV 1240 AM Roanoke on 12/31/71. Courtesy of Pat Garrett and the WROV History website.

At sundown, WROV reduced their power and WBLU signed off the air, so I would listen to a few AM radio stations located hundreds of miles away from my Virginia home.

A framed WROV 70’s poster that is owned by DJ Barry Michaels, who worked at WROV from 1978 through 1981, and provided his photo to be used here on this music blog.

The two main stations that I listened to during the nighttime were both clear channel 50,000-watt AM stations: WLS 890 Chicago and WABC 770 New York.

On the Big 89 WLS, I fondly remember regularly listening to DJs Larry Lujack, Chuck Buell and Kris Erik Stevens.

When listening to WABC, Dan Ingram, Cousin Brucie (Bruce Morrow) and Chuck Leonard are the DJ voices I heard most frequently.

On nights that WLS or WABC were hard to pick up, I had other high-powered clear channel AM station that I could pick up in Roanoke. Among those other stations: WOWO 1190 Fort Wayne, WCFL 1000 Chicago, CKLW 800 Windsor, Ontario (Detroit) and WKBW 1520 Buffalo.

WLS Chicago Surveys from 1/18/71 and 8/23/71. Photo is courtesy of Pete Battistini: Author of the book, American Top 40 with Casey Kasem (The 1970’s).

 

For the remaining portion of this message, I will be focusing on what I consider to be the most significant top 40 singles from 1971. I will be highlighting hit songs that I feel are still relevant here in 2026.

In calculations for my 1971 singles countdown, I utilized “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn. I consider Whitburn’s book to be the “bible” of Top 40 music reference and still proudly own a hard copy of this excellent book.

I also utilized Cash Box Magazine’s online resource for chart information, including the publication’s year-end top 100 biggest hits of 1971 survey.

The criteria that I used for my 1971 countdown includes:

  •  Or songs that peaked at number 10 or higher (Top 10 hits) on either the Billboard Hot 100 or Cash Box Top 100 charts at any point (January through December) during 1971.

As I surveyed the prominent hits from 1971, the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. My selections are songs that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

Before I reveal my countdown of most relevant top 40 singles of 1971, I am going to share some other significant songs from 55 years ago.

The #1 biggest single of 1971, rated by both Cash Box and Billboard is “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night.

One outlier song that received airplay on many Top 40 stations in 1971 was “Baba O’ Riley” by the Who. This was actually an album track and not released as a single. If this song had been available as a 45-rpm, the Who’s ode would have made my best singles of 1971 countdown.

Surprisingly, I found 15 hits that I like that were not listed on Billboard’s year-end Top 100 singles listing of 1971. Some peaked in the top 10 while every song reach #30 or higher. Songs are listed randomly and not ranked:

  • Sooner or Later—The Grass Roots
  • Rings—Cymarron
  • So Far Away—Carole King
  • Wild Horses—The Rolling Stones
  • Baby I’m-A-Want You—Bread
  • Rock Steady—Aretha Franklin
  • Toast & Marmalade for Tea—Tin Tin
  • Get It On—Chase
  • Love the One You’re With—Stephen Stills
  • Born to Wonder—Rare Earth
  • One Fine Morning—Lighthouse
  • The Story in Your Eyes—The Moody Blues
  • Immigrant Song—Led Zeppelin
  • Eighteen—Alice Cooper
  • Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again—The Fortunes

 The next set of 25 songs made Billboard’s year-end Top 100 singles listing of 1971 but fell outside of my countdown.  Songs are placed randomly and not ranked:

  • It’s Too Late—Carole King
  • One Toke Over the Line—Brewer & Shipley
  • Never Can Say Goodbye—The Jackson 5
  • Draggin’ the Line—Tommy James
  • Another Day—Paul McCartney
  • Liar—Three Dog Night
  • Woodstock—Matthew Southern Comfort
  • Won’t Get Fooled Again—The Who
  • Riders on the Storm—The Doors
  • Reason to Believe—Rod Stewart
  • Beginnings—Chicago
  • I Feel the Earth Move—Carole King
  • For All We Know—The Carpenters
  • Mr. Big Stuff—Jean Knight
  • My Sweet Lord—George Harrison  
  • Love Her Madly—The Doors
  • Do You Know What I Mean—Lee Michaels
  • Temptation Eyes—The Grass Roots
  • Ain’t No Sunshine—Bill Withers
  • The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down—Joan Baez
  • Joy to the World—Three Dog Night
  • Me and Bobby McGee—Janis Joplin
  • Put Your Hand in the Hand—Ocean
  • Mr. Bojangles—The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
  • Don’t Pull Your Love—Hamilton Joe Frank & Reynolds

Without further ado, my 1971 outstanding top 40 radio hits begins:

30.  Maggie May—Rod Stewart  

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 2nd Biggest Song of 1971

First number one hit for Rod Stewart on the Billboard Hot 100.  Song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

29.  Wild World—Cat Stevens

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #11 Hot 100

British Singer-songwriter Cat Steven’s first top 40 hit in the U.S. From the 1970, “Tea and the Tillerman” album.

28.  Sweet City Woman—The Stampeders

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #8 Hot 100, 58th Biggest Song of 1971

Canadian trio rock band the Stampeders featured a banjo on their summer of 1971 hit. The up-tempo tune spent 4 weeks at #1 in Canada.

27.  One Less Bell to Answer—The 5th Dimension

Peak Positions on Billboard Chart: #2 Hot 100

Song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The 5th Dimension’s Marilyn McCoo provides superb heartfelt vocals on this pop power ballad.

26.  That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be—Carly Simon

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #10 Hot 100, 47th Biggest Songs of 1971

The lead single from Carly Simon’s self-titled debut album. The artist won the 1972 Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” on the strength of Simon’s first hit single.

25.  Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)—The Temptations

Peak Position on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 9th Biggest Song of 1971

This #1 hit is considered one of the Temptations signature songs. It was the last single to feature the group’s founding members Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks.

24.  Sweet Hitch-Hiker—Creedence Clearwater Revival

Peak Position on Billboard Chart:  #6 Hot 100

The recording of this song was made just after Tom Fogerty quit Creedence Clearwater Revival. The band became a trio when this single was a hit.

23.  I Am I Said—Neil Diamond

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #4 Hot 100  

Written by Neil Diamond, this powerful ballad was penned from personal experience by the artist. The singer-songwriter received a Grammy nomination for his expressive ode.

22.  What is Life—George Harrison

Peak Position on Billboard Chart:  #10 Hot 100

George Harrison wrote “What is Life” in 1969 and had wanted the Beatles to record the song for their “Abbey Road” album but that didn’t materialize. The singer-songwriter saved his song for the 1970 landmark “All Things Must Pass” album: it became the second single from that LP.

21.  Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)—Marvin Gaye

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 62nd Biggest Song of 1971  

The second single from Marvin Gaye’s outstanding “What’s Going On” album.  This track has superb saxophone playing and is considered one of the best environmental protest and social justice songs from the 20th Century.

20.  If—Bread

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 61st Biggest Songs of 1971

Singer-songwriter David Gates of Bread gives a tender vocal performance on this soft pop rock tune. “If” spent 3 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Easy Listening Singles chart.

19.  Smiling Faces Sometimes—The Undisputed Truth

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #3 Hot 100, 14th Biggest Song of 1971

Psychedelic Motown soul song. Originally recorded by the Temptations.  I consider the Undisputed Truth single as the best one hit wonder from 1971.

18.  Take Me Home (Country Roads)—John Denver

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #2 Hot 100, 8th Biggest Song of 1971

Signature song by John Denver is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame and in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. It is also one of the official state songs for West Virginia.

17.  The Wedding Song (There is Love)—Paul Stookey  

Peak Position on Billboard Charts: #3 Easy Listening, #24 Hot 100

Noel Paul Stookey from the folk-rock Peter, Paul and Mary (PP&M) trio wrote this tender ballad and performed it for the first time at wedding of fellow (PP&M) member Peter Yarrow. I rate this single as the 2nd best one hit wonder of 1971.

16.  Me & You and a Dog Named Boo—Lobo

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 59th Biggest Songs of 1971  

Written by Lobo under his real name Kent LaVoie.  The debut single by the artist was his second biggest hit in the U.S. and it spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.

15.  Treat Her Like a Lady—Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 15th Biggest Single of 1971

An American family group that consisted of siblings Carter, Eddie, and Rose Cornelius. In 1972, the trio were joined by sister Billie Jo Cornelius. This song is now considered a Carolina Beach Music tune for Shag dancing.

14.  Brown Sugar—The Rolling Stones

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Songs of 1971

Lead single from the Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Figures” album. Has superb tenor saxophone solo by Bobby Keys and outstanding guitar licks from Keith Richards.

13.  Imagine—John Lennon

Peak Positions of Billboard Chart:  #3 Hot 100

Best-selling single in the solo career of John Lennon. Rolling Stone magazine proclaims the protest and social justice anthem is the third “Greatest Song of All Time.”

12.  You’ve Got a Friend—James Taylor

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 17th Biggest Songs of 1971

Written by singer-songwriter Carole King. James Taylor’s rendition has backing vocals by Joni Mitchell. “You’ve Got a Friend” helped the folk-rock artist to win two Grammy Awards in 1972.

11.  Colour My World—Chicago

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 56th Biggest Songs of 1971  

“Colour My World” is a short ode from James Pankow’s “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” song cycle/suite on the legendary 1970 “Chicago” (Chicago II) album. Features an outstanding flute solo and Terry Kath singing lead vocals.

10.  Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey—Paul & Linda McCartney

Peak positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 22nd Biggest Songs of 1971  

This song contains fragments of two separate melodies and became Paul McCartney’s first #1 solo hit after the break-up of the Beatles. The song won a Grammy Award in 1971.

9.   How Can You Mend a Broken Heart—The Bee Gees

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Songs of 1971

The Bee Gees first #1 hit in the U.S. Co-written by siblings Barry and Robin Gibb. This song has been covered over 20 times by other artists.

8.   Have You Ever Seen the Rain—Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR)

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #8 Hot 100

In 1971, many thought the lyrics for this song were a countercultural anthem. However, author John Fogerty stated the single was about tensions among his fellow CCR band members. Shortly after this song was recorded, Tom Fogerty left CCR in early 1971 and the band broke-up the following year.

7.   Your Song—Elton John

Peak Position on Billboard Chart: #8 Hot 100

Elton John’s first top 10 hit in the U.S. It is considered a signature song for the Piano Man. “Your Song” has been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

6.   If You Could Read My Mind—Gordon Lightfoot

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #5 Hot 100, 36th Biggest Song of 1971

Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot wrote this ballad, which was based on his own divorce experience. It became the folk-rock guitarist’s first top 10 hit in the U.S.

5.   Superstar—The Carpenters

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #2 Hot 100, 30th Biggest Songs of 1971

The Carpenters covered the song co-written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. “Superstar” peaked at #1 on Billboard Easy Listening Singles chart. I consider Karen Carpenter’s splendid vocals among the best of women artists during the golden age of Top 40 radio.

4.   I Just Want to Celebrate—Rare Earth

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #7 Hot 100, 66th Biggest Song of 1971

Lead single from Rare Earth’s “One World” album. The lyrics are up-lifting and promote a positive message. The combination of guitar, bass, organ and drums brings a celebratory musical experience whenever this song is heard.

3.   Signs—The Five Man Electrical Band

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #3 Hot 100, 24th Biggest Song of 1971

The Canadian rock group is a two-hit wonder in the U.S. This protest anthem is an outstanding sing-a-along song and has one of my favorite opening lines from 70s top 40 hits: “And the sign said, long-haired freaky people, need not apply.”

2.   It Don’t Come Easy—Ringo Starr

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #4 Hot 100, 43rd Biggest Song of 1971  

Written by Richard Starkey, AKA Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, who was an uncredited co-writer of “It Don’t Come Easy.” This was the first solo hit by Starr after the break-up of the Beatles. The song was produced by Harrison and features an outstanding guitar riff throughout the tune.

  1. What’s Going On—Marvin Gaye

Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 21st Biggest Song of 1971

1971 was a troublesome time in America.  Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious song accurately captured the pulse of turmoil that prevailed in our country.  Police brutality, violence in the streets and American involvement in the Vietnam War are all topics on this protest tune. Unfortunately, the lyrics of this song are still relevant here in 2026.

Co-written by Marvin Gaye, Al Cleveland and Renaldo Benson. “What’s Going On” is among the best and most loved tunes in Motown musical history. Rolling Stone ranks it at number 6 on the, “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.  Numerous other music publications place the tune among the best songs from the 20th Century. It remains a crown jewel of the best songs ever recorded by Gaye and my top favorite #1 single of 1971.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best top 40 hits for 1971. I completely understand that my listing of songs in this category was written from my point of view and is subjective.

If you were creating a similar register of excellent 1971 hits, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles from ’71? I hope you will comment below.

Listening to music from the golden age of Top 40 radio will always have a special place in my heart.  I still cherish and fondly remember my favorite superfine singles of 1971.  Rock on!

To subscribe to my blog via email, please click the “Follow” button in the menu above.

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