This is a list-style feature from American Songwriter highlighting three pop songs from 1969 that the outlet argues foreshadowed the sound and mood of the 1970s, marking a symbolic close to the 1960s era. The songs range from bittersweet flower-power optimism to dramatic balladry and bleak, futuristic themes, reflecting the shifting cultural mood as the decade ended amid the ongoing Vietnam War.

– "Good Morning Starshine" by Oliver — bittersweet flower-power anthem released as 60s optimism faded; reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the UK Singles chart.
– "Love Me Tonight" by Tom Jones — a big, dramatic tune anticipating early-70s pop styles; peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100 and No. 9 in the UK.
– "In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)" by Zager and Evans — a dark, futuristic folk-rock crossover about humanity's downfall; topped the charts in the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere, though it remained the duo's only major hit.