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3 Top 40 Hits From 1969 That Stay on Repeat in My Car
The writer singles out three 1969-era songs that remain favourites for driving: the Beatles’ “Come Together”, Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” and David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”. The piece reflects on why each works on the road, from a memorable groove and gritty guitar sound to the chance to sing along and act out the song.
Greenbaum said gospel music inspired “Spirit in the Sky”, and its distinctive fuzzy guitar tone came from a Fender Telecaster with a built-in fuzz circuit. Bowie first released “Space Oddity” in 1969, but it did not reach the US Top 40 until its 1973 reissue, which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The writer includes it anyway as a personal choice.
In short
- Three late-1960s songs make the writer’s driving playlist.
- Greenbaum’s gospel-inspired song is defined by its fuzzy guitar.
- Bowie’s “Space Oddity” reached No. 15 after a 1973 reissue.
Explained simply
The late 1960s were a period of major change in popular music, with rock songs often built around distinctive sounds and memorable choruses. “Come Together” was recorded by the Beatles, “Spirit in the Sky” by American singer Norman Greenbaum, and “Space Oddity” by British musician David Bowie.
The songs have different origins and sounds: Greenbaum said gospel music inspired “Spirit in the Sky”, while its fuzzy guitar tone came from a Fender Telecaster with a built-in fuzz circuit. Bowie first released “Space Oddity” in 1969, but it entered the US Top 40 after a 1973 reissue. The songs’ enduring appeal reflects how listeners connect music with everyday routines such as driving.