An opinion piece from American Songwriter argues that 1966 stands as the greatest year in mainstream music history, making its case through four landmark albums released that year. The author acknowledges the inherently subjective nature of such rankings but contends these releases collectively demonstrate an extraordinary creative peak across different corners of popular music, from psychedelic rock to folk to vocal pop.

The featured albums are The Beatles' Revolver, praised for tracks like "Eleanor Rigby" and its role in ushering in psychedelic influences; The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, highlighted for Brian Wilson's studio innovation on songs such as "God Only Knows"; The Mamas and The Papas' debut If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, noted for "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday"; and Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde, released shortly after his controversial switch to electric instrumentation at the Newport Folk Festival.

– Opinion piece names four 1966 albums as evidence for the best music year
– Includes Revolver, Pet Sounds, Mamas and Papas' debut, and Blonde on Blonde
– Author frames the choice as personal and subjective, not definitive