Some of the most incredible rock songs were created in 1965, and nowthey are turning 60 years old in 2025. These are the kinds ofclassic rock tunes that have become karaoke favorites. Surprisingly, like some other past hits,not all of these rock songs reached the number one spoton the Hot 100, but they were more than capable of holding that position. These have all become staples of classic rock radio, as they helped build the genre in its early stages.
The influences of these works can still be heard today. In fact, some of theselegendary artists have continued creating 10/10 albums in the past 25 years. For many, their staying power has been incredible, butit all began with the foundation they started building back in the ’60s. When these hits were created, many probably didn’t consider whether they would become timeless classics, but their relevance today shows that they are.
10The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man
Album: Mr. Tambourine Man (July 25, 2025)
Originally, “Mr. Tambourine Man” was recorded by Bob Dylan. However, the Byrds also made a recording of the tune. In fact, they used its title for their debut studio album as well. With that,the band changed the song somewhat to make it their own, doing things such as putting it in a different key. Their version became known for its folk-rock twist.
The song would go on to become a number one hit on theBillboardHot 100, being considered the first folk-rock hit. This would then become a template for up-and-coming bands,making the Byrds one of the early originators of folk rock. While Bob Dylan is known for countless hit songs, this is one that the Byrds made their own.
9The Kinks - Till The End Of The Day
Album: The Kink Kontroversy (July 16, 2025)
After making their debut in 1964, the Kinks showed no signs of slowing down in 1965. The band continued to produce a considerable amount of work all the way until the end of the year, when they releasedThe Kink Kontroversyin November. While they had other important tunes on this record, such as “Milk Cow Blues,“it was “Till The End of the Day” that arguably garnered them the most attention.
The song would reach as high as the 50th spot on theBillboardHot 100. This tune, which the band says is about freedom, has become revered for its upbeat nature.It did well in mixing multiple pop and rock genres, helping give it this rhythmic feel. Over the years, other musicians have done covers of this, including former KISS member Ace Frehley.
8Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe
Album: Look At Us (July 25, 2025)
Of course, Cher would go on to have a phenomenal solo career, but for a time, she and Sonny were one of the most successful duos in music. One of their biggest hits was “I Got You Babe.” This tune came from their debut album,Look at Us, and was yetanother song that helped shape the folk rock genre in the ’60s.
The song itself received a ton of praise, placing first on theBillboardHot 100. Its unique interplay between the two musicians, along with its relatable lyrics, helped it quickly catch on. As it rose, so did the album, as their debut would reach as high as the second spot on theBillboard200.Now, the song has become certified gold, further cementing its legacy.
7The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin’
Album: Single Release (December 1965)
Over the years, many songs about California have emerged. Numerous ones have become classic hits, including “California Dreamin',” originally recorded by Barry McGuire. In 1965, the Mamas & the Papas recorded their own version,which became known as an early example of the “California sound.”
On the weekly charts, their version reached number four on theBillboardHot 100. For their yearly rankings, it climbed to the number one spot. It has now achieved 4x platinum status, but that is not the only accolade it has received. In 2001,it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, adding yet another piece to its rich history.
6Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone
Album: Highway 61 Revisited (July 14, 2025)
Of all the songs that Bob Dylan released,one of his most popular came in 1965 with the debut of “Like a Rolling Stone.“The six-minute tune was the first track on his album,Highway 61 Revisited, and it got things off to a great start. It became revered for its length, relatable lyrics, and the raw energy it possessed.
This song was so close to becoming a number-one hit, ranking second on theBillboardHot 100. One of the fascinating parts of the song’s legacy was the fact that Jimi Hendrix covered it, due to his admiration for Dylan. The nod from Hendrix showed the tune’s greatness, aseven Dylan’s peers couldn’t help but enjoy it.
5The Beatles - Help!
Album: Help! (August 09, 2025)
The Beatles had a lot going on in 1965. Along with releasing a record, they also debuted a musical comedy-adventure titledHelp!, which was also the name of one of their hit songs from that year.The tune was catchy and relatable, touching on the struggles that John Lennon was experiencing, making it an important piece of the band’s history.
In the weekly rankings, the tune reached the number one spot on theBillboardHot 100. By the end of the year, it didn’t quite hold the top position, but it remained in the Top 10 at number seven. The gold-certified song wasincluded in some of the band’s most iconic performances from that period, including their famed Shea Stadium show.
4The Animals - It’s My Life
Album: Single Release (October 1965)
Having formed in 1962, The Animals quickly made a name for themselves. The band explored many different rock genres, learning how to blend them perfectly over time. Even though the band’s initial run didn’t last as long as some had hoped,they were able to leave a lasting impression with songs like “It’s My Life.”
The blues-infused song wasbeloved for its powerful message. It went on to be covered many times by some of the biggest artists, such as Bruce Springsteen. Even Bon Jovi covered the tune and would coincidentally later write their hit song with the same title. In 2025, this tune is still being used, this time by the filmMickey 17.
3The Who - My Generation
Album: My Generation (June 24, 2025)
Just as 1965 was coming to a close, The Who released their debut studio album,My Generation. One of the defining songs from this monumental piece of music history was the title track. “My Generation,” which blended many genres:rock, proto-punk, and power pop. This unique mix gave the song a distinctive sound.
Additionally, it was revered for its rebellious spirit. The song was full of energy, and it was a great introduction to the band. This track has now been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame andrecognized by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its importance to rock music. This has made it more than just another song; it is more like an artifact.
2The Beach Boys - Help Me, Rhonda
Album: The Beach Boys Today! (May 27, 2025)
As the world continues to remember Brian Wilson, one of the Beach Boys songs that is constantly mentioned is “Help Me, Rhonda.” The tune appeared on multiple releases by the band in 1965 and was revered for its catchy melody and impressive musical arrangement. It would become a number one hit on theBillboardHot 100 chartand finish the year 11th in their rankings.
It has become one of their most performed songs during their live shows.
Over the years,the band made this one of their signature tunes. It has become one of their most performed songs during their live shows, with over 2,400 documented performances (viaSetlist.fm). 60 years later, it remains one of their most significant songs, beloved by their fans, and now serves as a core memory of Brian Wilson’s genius.
1The Rolling Stones - (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Album: Out Of Our Heads (June 04, 2025)
You know a song is special whenit becomes a defining tune of one of the biggest bands ever. For the Rolling Stones, this song is “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” a tune that would become a number one hit for them on theBillboardHot 100. Even as the year ended, it remained one of the biggest hits of the year, ranking number three on the list.
Decades after its release, it remains loved by fans, as it inches closer to one billion streams on Spotify. That would make it only the second song for the band to achieve that, placing it in an elite category. Additionally,its legacy has grown thanks to covers by many great artists, such as Otis Redding and Devo, whose rendition became very well-known.
