Far Out Magazine looks back at 1966, arguing that it was a landmark year in which musicians pushed recording production, songwriting and social commentary to new levels, producing songs that still feel innovative six decades later. The article highlights how established acts stepped outside their comfort zones during this period, embracing experimentation that would go on to shape the trajectory of popular music.

Among the tracks singled out are The Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'", Bob Dylan's "Visions of Johanna" and The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows", each praised for distinct innovations, whether evocative songwriting, dense poetic ambiguity, or pioneering use of psychedelic studio techniques influenced by John Lennon's LSD experiences and readings of Timothy Leary. The piece also recounts an anecdote of Paul McCartney playing "Tomorrow Never Knows" to Dylan, who reportedly remarked on The Beatles' shift away from conventional pop songwriting.

– 1966 is presented as a pivotal, boundary-pushing year in music history
– Featured songs include "California Dreamin'", "Visions of Johanna" and "Tomorrow Never Knows"
– Innovations spanned production techniques, lyrical ambiguity and psychedelic influences