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Favorite Double-Sided 45-RPM Radio Hits of the 60s and 70s

Did you ever wonder why some artists had two hits from the same 45-rpm single during the golden age of top 40 radio?  With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be some of the best two-sided radio hits from the 60s and 70s.

The first 7-inch, 45-rpm vinyl record, a format that became known as a “single,” was released by RCA Victor in March 1949. Creation of the 45-rpm single helped to change music forever.

In simple terms, record companies labeled their singles with an A-side and a B-side. Generally, songs that record labels wanted to promote as possible hits received an A-side designation while the B-side traditionally was not considered “hit material” by a record company.

It is interesting that sometimes the A-side of a single flopped while the B-side actually became a major hit record. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Steam is an excellent example of the B-side of a single actually became a #1 hit while the A-side (“Sweet Laura Lee”) never charted.

Other outliers in this category:  Occasionally, the A-side of a single becomes a hit but the B-side doesn’t initially chart.  Eventually, the original B-side is re-released as an A-side single and then becomes a hit. “Another Park, Another Sunday” and “Black Water” by the Doobie Brothers are a perfect example of this phenomenon.

Some record companies regularly promoted what is known as a Double-A Single, in which both sides of the 45-rpm record were of equal importance with regard to promotion.  Most of the time, record companies released a Double-A single from an established music artist.

In the 50s and early 60s, Elvis Presley was the king of double-sided hit singles. According to Billboard magazine, Presley achieved 39 singles where both sides reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Then in the 60s, the Beatles charted 24 two-sided hits while Creedence Clearwater Revival had 7 double-sided radio hits from 1969 through 1971.

For the remainder of this message, I will be counting down what I consider to be the 5 best double-sided radio hits from the golden age of top 40 radio. 

In researching historical musical data for this article, I used “The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits” by Joel Whitburn.  I consider Whitburn’s book to be the “bible” of Top 40 music history and I bought a second copy of this superb music guide a few years ago.

The criteria that I used for my countdown of double-sided 45-rpm singles hits:

  • Only top 40 hits in the United States from 1965 to 1975.
  • Both sides of a 45-rpm vinyl single must have charted #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
  • Both sides of a 45-rpm charted #40 or higher within 6 months of the first song becoming a hit.

My countdown of the top 5 double-sided 45-rpm hits is based entirely on my opinions, songs that I consider to be my favorites. These are selections that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

Obviously, there are many more excellent double-sided hits from the golden age of top 40 radio that fell outside of my top 5 countdown. My selections below are not ranked and placed in a random order:

  • Question 67 & 68 & I’m a Man—Chicago
  • The House That Jack Built & I Say a Little Prayer—Aretha Franklin
  • All You Need is Love & Baby You’re a Rich Man—The Beatles.
  •  Up Around the Bend & Run Through the Jungle—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  •  Junior’s Farm & Sally G—Paul McCartney
  •  Pleasant Valley Sunday & Words—The Monkees
  •  Atlantis & To Susan on the West Coast Waiting—Donovan
  • There’s a Kind of Hush & No Milk Today—Herman’s Hermits
  • Green River & Commotion—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Get Back & Don’t Let me Down—The Beatles
  • Calypso & I’m Sorry—John Denver
  • Lookin’ Out My Back Door & Long As I Can See the Light—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • (Sweet Baby Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone & Ain’t No Way—Aretha Franklin
  • Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) & Everybody is a Star—Sly & the Family Stone
  • I’m a Believer & (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone—The Monkees
  • My Sweet Lord & Isn’t It a Pity—George Harrison
  •  It’s Too Late & I Feel the Earth Move—Carole King
  • Have You Ever Seen the Rain & Hey Tonight—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Colour My World & Beginnings—Chicago
  • Laughing & Undun—The Guess Who
  • Paperback Writer & Rain—The Beatles
  • Who’ll Stop the Rain & Travelin’ Band—Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Maggie May & Reason to Believe—Rod Stewart
  • So Far Away & Smackwater Jack—Carole King
  • Something & Come Together—The Beatles
  • Bad Moon Rising & Lodi—Creedence Clearwater Revival

Without further ado, my countdown of the best double-sided 45-rpm radio hits begins:

5.    Hey Jude & Revolution—The Beatles:  1968

Peak Positions on Billboard Hot 100

  • Hey Jude:  #1
  • Revolution #12

Both songs were first placed on the “Hey Jude” (original title: The Beatles Again) album, which is a collection of non-album singles and B-sides by the Beatles. Released February 1970.

These songs were recorded during the Beatles “White Album” sessions but left off the 30-track double LP (November 1968).  This Double-A sided 45-rpm single became the first Beatles’ recordings that were released on Apple Records by the band.

  • Revolution:  Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song.  It was primarily written by Lennon.

Lyrics for “Revolution” came about as some anti-war moment members were calling out for violence to achieve their goals.  Lennon, being a peace activist, believed in non-violent methods to promote peaceful transitions.

The Beatles rocked with a message of social change on this hard driving tune. I rate “Revolution” as the 8th best protest and social justice anthem from the 60s and 70s.

  • Hey Jude: Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song. It was primarily written by McCartney.

One of the signature songs for British band.  “Hey Jude” spent 9 weeks at the top of Billboard’s singles chart and is ranked as the #1 song of 1968. It also was Billboard’s biggest charting single of the 60s decade.

The Beatles successful song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Grammy Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, this track remains one of the Fab Four’s most enduring singles.

4.    American Woman & No Sugar Tonight—The Guess Who:  1970

Peak Position on Billboard Hot 100:  Both songs reached #1

These songs are found on the “American Woman” album. Released January 1970.

  • No Sugar Tonight

Released as the B-side. “No Sugar Tonight” is a stand-alone track on the 45-rpm single. However, the song is actually part of the “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” medley that is found on the Guess Who’s “American Woman” album.

Co-written by Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman. Classic rock and classic hits radio stations do not separate the “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” medley in 2025 like top 40 stations did back in 1970.

  • American Woman

Co-written by Burton Cummings, Garry Peterson, Jim Kale & Randy Bachman: According to Billboard, it was the third biggest Song of 1970 and the most popular track in the U.S. by the Canadian band.

Randy Bachman of the Guess Who stated in 2014 that “American Woman” was an anti-war protest song against the Vietnam conflict from a Canadian point of view. Of course, lyrics can also be interpreted literally as guys from Canada not wanting anything to do with women from the U.S.

3.    Wouldn’t It Be Nice & God Only Knows—The Beach Boys:  1966

Peak Positions on the Billboard Hot 100

  • Wouldn’t It Be Nice: #8
  • God Only Knows: #39

Both songs from the “Pet Sounds” album. Released May 1966

  • God Only Knows

Issued as the B-side. Co-written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher. Like many of the songs on the Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” album, around 20 session musicians played on this orchestral masterpiece. Single is in the sub-genre Baroque pop classification.

“God Only Knows” is renowned for its beautiful harmonic structure and innovative complexity. Rolling Stone magazine ranks it at number 11 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing and Paul McCartney proclaims the Beach Boys single to be the greatest song ever written.

  • Wouldn’t It Be Nice

 Co-written by Brian Wilson, Tony Asher & Mike Love. Wilson produced this classic “Sunshine Pop” song himself by using the “Wall of Sound” production technique, with 18 different instruments played on the track.  The Beach Boys single is considered ground-breaking and influential for future sub-genres of rock music: Power pop and progressive pop.

This track is superb and has a melodic tune and excellent vocal harmonies. Pitchfork ranks Wilson’s gem at number 7 on their “200 Best Songs of the 1960s” listing.  Without any doubt, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” is my favorite number one, “Sunshine Pop” song of the 60s.

2.    Fortunate Son & Down on the Corner—Creedence Clearwater Revival:  1969

Peak Position on the Billboard Hot 100: Both songs reached #3.

From the “Willie & the Poor Boys” album. Released October 1969

  • Down on the Corner

Produced and written by John Fogerty.  The tune on this ditty contains a calypso beat and is a feel-good story about Willy and the Poor Boys, a fictional jug band who were street musicians. The song makes reference to a harmonica, washboard, a kazoo, a Kalamazoo guitar, and a gut bass.

Initially, “Down on the Corner” was the B-side of the CCR single. It quickly became just as popular as the A-side “Fortunate Son” song. The band came up with the name “Willie and the Poor Boys” for their 1969 album, from the lyrics to this “swamp rock” classic song.

  • Fortunate Son

Written by John Fogerty. Released in September 1969 during the peak period of American involvement in the Vietnam War, this ode quickly became an anti-war movement anthem and is considered a signature song for its author, singer-songwriter Fogerty.

The former CCR front man recently explained with a post on X, “Fortunate Son is a song I wrote during the Vietnam War, inspired by the stark contrast between those who were drafted to fight and die for their country and those who had the privilege to avoid the draft because of their wealth and connections.”

“Fortunate Son” is my favorite John Fogerty/CCR track of all-time and I rate it as the #1 best protest and social justice song of the 60s and 70s.

  1. Penny Lane & Strawberry Fields Forever—The Beatles:  1967

Peak Positions on Billboard Hot 100

  • Penny Lane #1
  • Strawberry Fields Forever:  #8

Both songs were placed on the “Magical Mystery Tour” (MMT) album which was divided into separate song categories:  Side 1: Soundtrack songs from “MMT” and Side 2:  Tracks from the 1967 Beatles’ non-album singles.

These songs were recorded during the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” sessions but left off that 13-track album (Summer of Love 1967).

  • Strawberry Fields Forever
  • Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song.  It was primarily written by Lennon.

Double-A sided hit. John Lennon based the song on his childhood memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool, England. Musically, the sound on this song had a much different feel than any other Beatles singles released before 1967.

Strawberry Fields Gate: Liverpool, England. Photo courtesy of Dave Delaney

With a psychedelic rock sound, “Strawberry Fields Forever” was ground breaking. Beatles producer George Martin utilized diverse recording techniques such as reverse-recorded instrumentation, Mellotron flute sounds, an Indian Swarmandal (or harp), a fade-out/fade-in coda, as well as a cello and brass arrangement.

The combination of musical instruments, studio space-age sound effects and Lennon’s vocals, helped to make “Strawberry Fields Forever” a landmark recording in the psychedelic pop rock genre of music. Rolling Stone magazine ranks at #7 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.

  • Penny Lane
  • Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song. It was primarily written by McCartney.

I rate “Penny Lane” as my second favorite Beatles song of all-time. The lyrics of the single refer to a street in Liverpool, and make mention of the sights and characters that Paul McCartney recalled from his upbringing in the city. 

Just like the song “Strawberry Fields Forever”, the Beatles became avant-garde pop rock composers and broke new ground with instrumentation with the recording of “Penny Lane.”  Music historians declare that the single is a cross between progressive and Baroque pop. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.

McCartney’s ode uses many instruments not associated with most Beatles songs: flutes, piccolos, oboes, trumpets and a flugelhorn.  It became the 13th Beatles single to peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 during March 1967.

When I discovered Top 40 radio on WROV Roanoke in early 1967, the first song that I remember liking was “Penny Lane.”  Sometime in the spring of that year, I went to Sears and bought a 45-rpm single of my favorite Beatles song. It was the first vinyl record that I bought with my own money and still own it here in 2025.

Without a doubt, the Beatles, “Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever” is my #1 favorite double-A sided single from the golden age of top 40 radio.

That wraps up my countdown of what I consider to be the 5 best double-sided 45 rpm singles from the golden age of Top 40 radio. I realize 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 double-sided singles from the 60s and 70s, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent double-sided hit singles in this category? There are no right or wrong answers. I welcome your thoughts.

I still love all of the double-sided singles that are in my countdown above and fondly remember hearing those songs played on the radio when I was growing up. I still cherish those singles here in 2025.  Rock on!

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

Best Protest and Social Justice Anthems: Hits of the 60s and 70s

When I was growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, it was a tumultuous time in the United States and my country was dominated by political and social unrest.

During the 1965 to 1975 time period, there were 3 main protest movements that happened simultaneously in America:  Anti-war sentiments with U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict, Black civil rights activism and women’s rights issues.

Many in the music industry started writing songs that addressed these pressing, controversial topics by recording music that promoted hope, empowerment, love, and encouragement to press on for change.

Top 40 radio provided an outlet for artists to reach large audiences with concerns that many Americans shared from all walks of life: folks hoping that change would take place in the future.

With this edition of my musical musings, I will be counting down what I consider to be the best protest and social justice anthems that were played on Top 40 radio from 1965 to 1975.

For the rest of this message, I will be counting down my favorite Top 20 singles of protest and social justice songs.  The sole criterion I utilized with song tabulation for the countdown is that the song must have peaked at #40 or higher on the Billboard Hot 100 between the 1965 to 1975 time period.

As I surveyed the prominent songs in this category, the countdown is entirely based on my opinions. The songs that I selected are singles that I deem to be culturally, historically, aesthetically significant, meaningful or relevant.

Before I start my countdown, I want to share what I consider to be four foundational protest and social justice songs between 1960 and 1964. These selections are building blocks for songs popular from the mid 60s to mid 70s.

  • Blowin’ in the Wind—Bob Dylan

Written by Bob Dylan.  Protest song asking rhetorical questions on topic of freedom, peace and war. Made popular by Peter Paul & Mary. Their 1963 cover of ‘Blowin’ in the Wind” reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100. One of Dylan’s signature songs. Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

  • We Shall Overcome—Joan Baez 

Written by Charles Albert Tindley. Originally a gospel song.  Modern version of tune made famous by Pete Seeger. Became associated with the 60s civil rights movement. Joan Baez sang song in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington Civil Rights protest in August 1963.

  • A Change is Gonna Come—Sam Cooke

Written by Sam Cooke.  This song is the crown jewel of all songs written by the “King of Soul.”

Lyrics were inspired by multiple real-life discrimination against Cooke during the 60s. Tune became hope for the Civil Rights Moment. It’s ranked as the third “Greatest Song of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine.

  • Where Have All the Flowers Gone—Pete Seeger

Written By Pete Seeger.  Lyrics are an anti-war protest, highlighting death and destruction upon the effects of war.  Many artists have covered the song with Peter Paul & Mary and the Kingston Trio having the most popular versions in the 60s. Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1973.

There are also two excellent protest and social justice songs that were not top 40 hits but are memorable singles I want to highlight:

  • Requiem for the Masses—The Association

Written by Terry Kirkman. A member of the Association. The song references war, racism and protesting network TV news reporting of the Vietnam conflict. The tune has requiem-style vocals that depict thousands of fallen dead soldiers coming back to the U.S. to be buried.

  • 7 O ‘Clock News/Silent Night—Simon & Garfunkel

Co-written by Josef Mohr & Franz Gruber. The Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel duo sing the traditional Christmas carol “Silent Night” while simultaneously an announcer reads actual news events that happened during the summer of 1966.  The 7 O ‘Clock dialogue features prominent news about Martin Luther King, Jr, the Civil Rights Moment and info about the Vietnam War

I have one more outstanding protest song to share before the countdown starts:

  • Signs–Five Man Electrical Band

One of my favorite singles of 1971 is a protest on the topic of signs. Musician and lead vocalist Les Emmerson from Canadian group Five Man Electrical Band, wrote this song after traveling on U.S. Route 66 in California and seeing multiple large billboards blocking the natural scenic beauty along the historic highway.

Without further ado, my Top 20 countdown of best protest and justice songs begins:

20.  Eve of Destruction—Barry McGuire  1965

Written by P.F. Sloan:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 29th Biggest song of 1965

Co-written by Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter:   This ode mentions many hot button topics: Vietnam War, drafting of soldiers, the Civil Rights Movement, Nuclear War, U.S. space program and war in the Middle East. Barry McGuire’s song is a one hit wonder. He went on to record Jesus Music in the 70s.

19.  One Tin Soldier—The Original Caste:  1969

Co-written by Dennis Lambert & Brian Potter:  Peaked by #26 on Billboard Hot 100

The Original Caste was a Canadian group and their anti-war song is about a fictional kingdom that had a great treasure. Warring tribes fight, killing and destroying all foes in order to obtain the treasure. When the treasure is conquered, the rock has a message, “Peace on earth.” Overall message of the lyrics:  The war was pointless.

18.  Sweet Cherry Wine—Tommy James & the Shondells  1969

Co-written by Richard Grasso & Tommy James:  Peaked at #7 on Billboard Hot 100

Lyrics of “Sweet Cherry Wine” had multiple meanings. It directly declares an anti-war message, as the Vietnam conflict was happening in the late 60s. Tommy James also said in 2012 that his song refers to the blood of Jesus that Christians celebrate as Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion.

17.  Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)—Marvin Gaye  1971

Co-written by James Nyx Jr. & Marvin Gaye:  Peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100

From the landmark “What’s Going On” concept album by Marvin Gaye. This song depicts horrid living conditions, extreme poverty and economic despair for people living in American inner-city ghettos.  It was the third consecutive hit by Gaye to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart in 1971.

16.  American Woman—The Guess Who. 1970

Co-written by Burton Cummings, Garry Peterson, Jim Kale & Randy Bachman:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 3rd Biggest Song of 1970.

Randy Bachman of the Guess Who stated in 2014 that “American Woman” was an anti-war protest song against the Vietnam conflict from a Canadian point of view. Of course, lyrics can also be interpreted literally as guys from Canada not wanting anything to do with women from the U.S. The single became the biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by the Canadian rock band.

15.  Give Peace a Chance–John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band  1969  

Co-written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono:  Peaked at #14 on Billboard Hot 100

During John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s honeymoon in 1969, the newly married couple held a “bed-in” peace rally in Montreal, Canada.  “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded in a hotel room with a group of friends and acquaintances. It became an anthem for the anti-war movement in America.

14.  Living for the City—Stevie Wonder:  1973

Written by Stevie Wonder:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #8 Hot 100, 45th Biggest Song of 1974

An epic story about a poor Black man from Mississippi moving to New York City who took a job with low wages. He eventually faces racial injustice, police brutality and a corrupt criminal system.  Stevie Wonder won two Grammy Awards for his written story song.

13.  People Get Ready—Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions  1965

Written by Curtis Mayfield: Peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100

A gospel influenced song of social and political awareness.  After Curtis Mayfield’s song was released, Martin Luther King Jr. named “People Get Ready” as the “Unofficial Civil Right Movement Song.”  Rolling Stone rates it at #24 on their “Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

12.  Imagine—John Lennon  1971

Co-written by John Lennon & Yoko Ono: Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100

Best-selling single in the solo career of John Lennon.  Lyrics are a call for world peace:  one world, one country, one people. “Imagine” is ranked as the third “Greatest Song of All Time” by Rolling Stone and is considered Lennon’s masterpiece signature song.

11.  Get Together—The Youngbloods  1967

Written by Chet Powers:  Peak positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 16th Biggest Song of 1969

An appeal for peace, love, tranquility and brotherhood are all captured on this only top 40 hit by the Youngbloods. Originally released during the summer of love in July 1967, this folk-rock tune actually didn’t become a hit until two years later, back in the summer of ’69.

10.  Abraham Martin & John—Dion:  1968

Written by Dick Holler:  Peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100

A tribute to four men who were assassinated:  Abraham Lincoln, John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F Kennedy.  Was written after the assassinations of MLK and RFK in the summer of 1968. All 4 leaders were icons of social change. Gone but not forgotten.

9.   Respect—Aretha Franklin   1967

Written by Otis Redding:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #1 Hot 100, 13th Biggest Song of 1967

Aretha Franklin took Otis Redding’s “Respect” and made it her own song. It became an anthem for Black Civil Rights and Women’s Rights, especially workplace equality, protection from domestic violence and sexual assault/harassment issues.  Rolling Stone magazine rates “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” as the #1 greatest song of all time.

8.   Revolution—The Beatles:  1968

Co-written/credited as a John Lennon & Paul McCartney song.  It was primarily written by Lennon. Peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100

Lyrics for “Revolution” came about as some anti-war moment members were calling out for violence to achieve their goals.  Lennon, being a peace activist, believed in non-violent methods to promote peaceful transitions. The Beatles rocked with a message of social change on this hard driving tune.

7.   War—Edwin Starr. 1970

Co-written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #1 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1970

“War, huh, yeah, What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” is the chorus to one of the most renowned anti-war protest songs of the 20th century.  Edwin Starr delivers powerful vocals and expresses anger, frustration and moral conviction with this outstanding Motown Records gem.

6.   Ohio—Crosby Stills Nash & Young  1970

Written By Neil Young:  Peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100

When Neil Young saw photos in Life Magazine about the Kent State University tragedy of 4 students being killed by National Guard soldiers, he wrote lyrics that expressed horror, rage and disgust about the May 4, 1970 event. Some music historians proclaim that “Ohio” is the greatest protest song of the 20th century.

5.   Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today)—The Temptations  1970

Co-written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong: Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #2 Hot 100, 24th Biggest Song of 1970

Psychedelic soul that mentions a wide variety of topical issues. It was an age of discontent with the world spinning out of control.  “Ball of Confusion” was archetypical of social justice Motown songs that were produced in the late 60s and early 70s.

4.   For What It’s Worth—Buffalo Springfield  1967

Written by Stephen Stills:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts: #7 Hot 100, 27th Biggest Song 1967

This protest song was originally written by Stephen Stills about curfew riots that happened at Sunset Strip in Los Angeles in November 1966.  After the tune became a hit, it was associated with Vietnam War protests, with young people clashing with police during the late 60s counterculture era.

3.   People Got to Be Free—The Rascals  1968

Co-written by Felix Cavaliere & Eddie Brigati:  Peak positions on Billboard Charts:  #5 Hot 100, 5th Biggest Song of 1968 

 Written on May 14, 1968, between the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr and Robert F Kennedy.  The message promoted tolerance, freedom and brotherhood of all mankind. Released during the turbulent summer of 1968, “People Got to Be Free” became an anthem of hope for young Americans.

2.   What’s Going On—Marvin Gaye  1971

Co-written by Al Cleveland, Renaldo & Marvin Gaye:  Peak Positions on Billboard Charts:  #2 Hot 100, 21st Biggest Single of 1971

1971 was a troublesome time in America.  Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious song “What’s Going On” 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.

“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.

  1. Fortunate Son—Creedence Clearwater Revival  1969

Written by John Fogerty:  Peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100

My #1 protest and social justice song is “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).  Released in September 1969 during the peak period of American involvement in the Vietnam War, this ode quickly became an anti-war movement anthem and is considered a signature song for its author, singer-songwriter John Fogerty.

As Fogerty explained with a post on X, “Fortunate Son is a song I wrote during the Vietnam War, inspired by the stark contrast between those who were drafted to fight and die for their country and those who had the privilege to avoid the draft because of their wealth and connections.”

In 2013, Fogerty’s song was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress and it is widely regarded as the best overall song ever written by Fogerty. Without a doubt, I rate “Fortunate Son” as my favorite John Fogerty/CCR track of all-time and it is the #1 best protest and social justice song on my 60s and 70s countdown.

That wraps up what I consider to be my favorite and best 60s and 70s protest and social justice songs.  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 protest and social justice singles, your tabulation may be totally different. What do you consider to be best preeminent singles in this category?

I have passionate memories of the protest and social justice songs that I have shared in this article.  Without a doubt, I still cherish and fondly remember my countdown singles to this day.  Rock on!

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

The Beatles Abbey Road Album at 55

Photo above:  Yours truly, DJ Dave with my three-year old dog Abbey Road, whom I named after the legendary album by the Beatles. Photo credit: Stephanie Woodson.

It is hard to believe that it has been 55 years since the Beatles “Abbey Road” (AR) album was released during the fall of 1969.  Arguably, the last studio album that was recorded by the British rock band is among the most renowned rock albums from the late 60s.

The “Abbey Road” album had two release dates:  In the United Kingdom, the LP came out on September 26, 1969 while in the United States, AR became available almost a week later on October 1st.

On this 55th anniversary of the 1969 Beatles album, I am sharing my thoughts on how the music of Abbey Road has aged, along with historical significance of individual songs.  I will also have a countdown on what I consider to be the 8 best full-length tracks on AR.

 I must note: this message is not a review of the Fab Four’s AR album.  For those wanting to read opinions on the 1969 LP, there are plenty of online sources to view what others have written about “Abbey Road.”

The Beatles masterpiece LP is rated at #5 on Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” listing. Most music historians in 2024 praise AR as an outstanding Fab Four compilation.  

“Abbey Road” contains 17 songs: It starts with 8 full-length tracks and ends with a 16-minute medley of 9 short songs. I will be describing the AR songs in a couple of groupings.

The first category will be breaking down the 9-song medley, while in the second section I will countdown my ranking of the AR 8 full-length tracks.

Here are the 9 medley songs:

  • You Never Give Me Your Money
  • Sun King
  • Mean Mr. Mustard
  • Polythene Pam
  • She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
  • Golden Slumbers
  • Carry That Weight
  • The End
  • Her Majesty

As I recently re-listened to the Beatles 16-minute medley, I came away appreciating the brilliance of what some have nicknamed “The Abbey Road Suite.”

I believe the AR medley was a foundational building block for the progressive rock sub-genre of music that became popular in the early 70s. This outstanding medley utilizes a variety of musical instruments, many that weren’t normally associated with pop rock sounds in 1969.

Some main characteristics of the 9-song medley and interesting facts:

  • Classical and jazz music elements
  • Multiple tempo changes within songs
  • Subject matter with lyrics in songs are mostly unrelated
  • Songs tied together by chord transitions and/or sound effects
  • The last song “Her Majesty” is considered a “hidden track” and is only 14 seconds long

My favorite 3 songs on the medley are “Golden Slumbers/Carry that Weight/The End.”  I have seen Paul McCartney twice in concert during the past ten years and at both shows, he ended his encore performance with these 3 songs from the AR medley.

Now it is on to my countdown of the 8-full-length tracks on AR.  Here are the songs in order of placement on the album:

  • Come Together
  • Something
  • Maxwell’s Silver Hammer
  • Oh! Darling
  • Octopus’s Garden
  • I Want You (She’s So Heavy)
  • Here Comes the Sun
  • Because

My countdown goes from what I consider to be the least significant song to the number 1 overall best Beatles track on “Abbey Road.”

8.    Maxwell’s Silver Hammer

Primarily written by Paul McCartney 

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

McCartney has lead vocals on song

A tune that has an upbeat sound, is catchy and sounds pleasant but the song is actually Paul McCartney’s contribution to “death pop.”  A student named Maxwell Edison commits homicides with a hammer.  Ringo Starr cleverly plays an anvil on this avant-garde ode.

 7.    Octopus’s Garden

Written by Ringo Starr & Beatles drummer sings lead vocals

This whimsical ditty was only the 2nd song written by Ringo recorded by the Beatles.  Starr created “bubbling sound effects” for his country flavored tune. Jim Henson’s Muppets covered the song with multiple Sesame Street videos.  Starr published a children’s book called “Octopus’s Garden” in 2013.

6.     Because

Primarily written by John Lennon

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

Lennon has lead vocals on song

The Beatles Bible states that John Lennon wrote “Because” after he heard Yoko Ono play Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on a piano. The track features a harpsichord and Moog synthesizer. Has dreamy 3-part harmonies by Harrison, McCartney and Lennon.

5.    I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

Primarily written by John Lennon

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

Lennon has lead vocals on song 

An almost 8-minute tune. Written as a love song to Yoko Ono by John Lennon. It incorporates progressive rock sounds. The most psychedelic composition on the AR album. Billy Preston is guest organist. Multi-tracked guitars, driving bass and a Moog synthesizer blend together for a superb musical delight.

4.    Oh! Darling

Primarily written by Paul McCartney

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

McCartney has lead vocals on song

The British band paid tribute to 50s rock ‘n’ roll, R&B and doo-wop sounds on this throwback track with a catchy melody. The Trio of Lennon, Harrison and McCartney recorded outstanding three-part doo-wop vocal harmonies to backup Sir Paul’s larynx-shredding lead vocals.

3.    Come Together

Primarily written by John Lennon

Credited as a Lennon/McCartney written song

Lennon has lead vocals on song

“Come Together” was released as a double-A-sided 45-rpm single along with “Something” on October 6, 1969. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hard driving blues rock tune. Paul McCartney’s exceptional melodic bass line riff rocks on this tune.

Who knows what this John Lennon sardonic nonsensical lyric actually means? The phrase, “Here comes old flat-top” is a direct quote from Chuck Berry’s, 1956 song “You Can’t Catch Me.”  Ringo Starr proclaimed in 2021 that “Come Together” was his favorite Beatles song of all time.

2.    Something

Written by George Harrison & Beatles guitarist sings lead vocals

“Something” was released as a double-A-sided 45-rpm single along with “Come Together.”  This George Harrison penned love ballad to his first wife Pattie Boyd, is the only Beatles #1 song not written by Lennon/McCartney.

The opening lyric was taken from the title of “Something in the Way She Moves”, a track by another Apple Records artist James Taylor. Harrison’s guitar riffs on this tune are exquisite.

 This song received the Ivor Novello Award for “Best Song Musically and Lyrically” in 1969, ranked as the 17th-most recorded song of the 20th century and is #110 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” listing.

  1.   Here Comes the Sun

Written by George Harrison & Beatles guitarist sings lead vocals

Without a doubt, I consider “Here Comes the Sun” as the best song on “Abbey Road.”  I place this melodic acoustical tune as my 5th favorite Beatles song of all-time.

Together with his second contribution to AR, “Something”, many music historians place Harrison’s song-writing on par with that of Lennon & McCartney.  The “Quiet Beatle” wrote his beloved composition when he was outside visiting his friend Eric Clapton’s home in early 1969.

An exceptional acoustic guitar part by Harrison was enhanced by producer George Martin’s hiring of an orchestra of violas, cellos, piccolos, flutes and clarinets.  It gives this cheerful pop song a classical feel.

During the 21st century, Harrison’s track is the most streamed Beatles song on Spotify and other online music platforms around the world.  Folks of all ages love the positive, encouraging message of Harrison’s number 1 AR song on my countdown: “Here Comes the Sun.

That wraps up my musical musings of the Beatles “Abbey Road” album at 55.  I look forward reading your comments below on any aspect of AR, including what you consider to be the best song on the album.

As music historians state, the Beatles had much tension when recording tracks for “Abbey Road” and were on the verge of breaking up.  Hardly anyone knew that AR would be the swansong achievement for the greatest rock band of the 20th century.

I rate the Beatles “Abbey Road” as a masterpiece and one of the best albums from the late 60s.

I close this article by quoting lyrics from the last song recorded collectively by all four of the Beatles and also the final song of the AR medley, “The End.”  Rock on!

“And in the end, the love you take, Is equal to the love you make.”

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