3 Rock Songs From the 1960s That Should Be Studied in Songwriting Classes
This music education article recommends three influential 1960s rock songs as exemplars for songwriting students. Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone' merges folk-poetic lyricism with electric rock instrumentation, The Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' showcases sophisticated studio experimentation that established the group as rock innovators, and The Beatles' 'Norwegian Wood' demonstrates how established artists absorb and reinvent the influence of their predecessors while maintaining creative originality.
The piece argues that these compositions offer practical pedagogical value by illustrating different pathways to songwriting excellence. By examining these tracks, aspiring musicians can learn how legendary artists approached melody construction, lyrical storytelling, production techniques, and stylistic evolution—elements that transcended their era and continue to resonate in contemporary music.
- Three 1960s rock songs—Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone,' Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations,' and Beatles' 'Norwegian Wood'—are recommended for songwriting study
- Each track demonstrates distinct compositional techniques: folk-poetry integration, experimental studio production, and artistic lineage
- The article positions these works as instructional models for aspiring songwriters seeking to understand genre innovation and craftsmanship