Here we propose the five most influential songs of the British Invasion of the 1960s, and describe how they shaped the sound of a generation.
Without question, the 1960s marked a transformative era in music history. The British Invasion played a significant role in breaking group with new, exciting, and innovative sounds. Beginning in 1964 with the The Beatles, a wave of British bands crossed the Atlantic, conquering the American music charts. Together, they left an indelible mark on both popular music and culture.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles (1963):
No list of British Invasion hits would be complete without mentioning the Beatles. Drawing inspiration from American rock and roll pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, the Beatles fused catchy melodies, harmonies, and infectious energy creating a distinctive sound. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” exemplified their ability to blend rock and pop sensibilities. Although technically their fifth single release and third consecutive #1 hit in the UK, this track introduced them to US audiences.
“Paint It Black” – The Rolling Stones (1966):
The Rolling Stones, heavily influenced by American blues legends such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, developed a sound that reflected their rebellious nature and edgier musical tastes. “Paint It Black” showcased their evolving musical style, borrowing elements from Indian classical music and incorporating Keith Richards’ signature guitar work. The result was a dark and introspective song that resonated with a generation seeking to challenge societal norms.
“House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals (1964):
Folk revivalists Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie influenced The Animals’ rendition of the folk classic “House of the Rising Sun.” Lead singer Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals and the band’s bluesy arrangement add a distinct flavor to the song. With its haunting atmosphere and Alan Price’s mesmerizing organ solo and arrangement, their interpretation influenced subsequent rock bands with its captivating fusion of folk and blues.
“You Really Got Me” – The Kinks (1964):
The Kinks drew inspiration from American R&B and garage rock, particularly the raw energy of artists like Little Richard and The Kingsmen. With its distorted guitar riff, “You Really Got Me” revolutionized the sound of British Invasion, essentially inventing punk rock. The song also influenced bands like The Who and The Clash, making it a true game-changer of its time.
The clip below captures a live performance of “You Really Got Me” on the UK music show “The Beat Room.” The band’s energy is even more wild here than the recording, and it’s cool to see the audience dancing. It’s interesting to note that this represents the only surviving complete “Beat Room” episode. Airing October 5, 1964, the line up included Tom Jones, Julie Rogers, John Lee Hooker, and The Syndicats. “The Beat Room” broadcast on BBC2 from July 1964 until January 1965.
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” – Procol Harum (1967):
While strictly not a British Invasion band in the traditional sense, Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” drew inspiration from diverse sources like classical, baroque, and psychedelia. You can also hear the elements of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ray Charles. Overall, the song’s grandiose organ, poetic lyrics, and haunting melodies created an ethereal and introspective experience. Its immense popularity and lasting influence solidify it as one of the most iconic songs of the era.
The clip below is a promo film of the band performing the song, an early “music video.”
The British Invasion of the 1960s was a pivotal period in music history, and its influence is still felt today. These five tracks represent just a fraction of the groundbreaking music that emerged during this era. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Kinks, and Procol Harum each drew inspiration from various artists and genres to shape their unique sounds. The British Invasion was not only a musical phenomenon but a cultural revolution that forever changed the face of popular music.