Scroll down to hear the best 1961 Chart songs that deserve a place in your playlists.
I turned on the radio for the first time in a while the other day and listened to the UK Top 40 charts. The first song I heard was about someone getting their driving license and was followed by a song that was so autotuned, it sounded like my microwave was singing. In fact, most of the songs sound like they were sang through a desk fan.
Am I sounding like I’m 100 years old right now? Well, I’m currently in the midst of writing a book on sixties music so I’ve been listening to A LOT from the era. And the top UK 40 from 60 years ago feels much more ALIVE. Autotune wasn’t even invented… thank god.
Don’t believe me? Here are some absolute banging 1961 chart songs.
Play Video
1. I Just Wanna Make Love To You By Etta James
This is such a sexy banger and no one can sing it better than Etta. She can switch from soft to feisty in the flick of a finger.
Play Video
2. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow By The Shirelles
Girl bands were hot in the early sixties and The Shirelles were one of the first. ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ remains one of their biggest hits.
Play Video
3. Hit The Road Jack By Ray Charles
The ultimate break up song. If your ex turns up, just start singing the chorus at him.
Play Video
4. The Wanderer By Dion
The definition of big dick energy. Still a bop.
Play Video
5. Crazy By Patsy Cline
Patsy sings about loving someone who doesn’t love us back. I feel like we can all relate.
Play Video
6. Take Good Care Of My Baby By Bobby Vee
While the boys were busy picking their favourite girl band member, the girls were swooning over Bobby Vee. I wish all men still dressed like this.
Play Video
7. Funnel Of Love By Wanda Jackson
Wanda loved releasing a good party song. This is what would have been playing in the nightclubs.
Play Video
8. Please Mr Postman By The Marvelettes
As much as ditching the technology and social media sounds so freeing, The Marvelettes explain why it’s not so great when you have a long distance boyfriend.
Wanna hear more? I’ve made a whole playlist of music that was on the radio during 1961. Listen to it here.
This website uses cookies. Click if you're ok with thisAcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.