4 Pop Songs From 1968 That Give Me Instant Goosebumps Every Time
The article highlights four pop songs associated with 1968 that the writer says reliably give them goosebumps. It links the era’s sound to influences from the folk revival and West Coast psychedelia, and describes how each track creates an emotional or atmospheric effect.
The selections are Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair”, Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer”, Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood’s “Some Velvet Morning”, and Judy Collins’ “Both Sides Now”. The article notes that “Some Velvet Morning” first appeared on a 1967 album before its single release in December, and that Joni Mitchell wrote “Both Sides Now”, though Collins’ recording became a pop single in 1968.
In short
- Four songs linked to 1968 are praised for their emotional impact.
- The choices span folk, soul and atmospheric pop.
- Joni Mitchell wrote “Both Sides Now”, recorded by Judy Collins.
Explained simply
In 1968, pop music drew on several styles, including the folk revival, which brought traditional and acoustic sounds to wider audiences, and West Coast psychedelia, known for experimental arrangements and dreamlike moods. These influences could give songs a more reflective or atmospheric feel than straightforward dance-pop.
The four recordings named here are by Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Sinatra with Lee Hazlewood, and Judy Collins. Their songs have different origins: Joni Mitchell wrote “Both Sides Now”, and “Some Velvet Morning” appeared on an album in 1967 before its single release in December that year; Collins’ version of Mitchell’s song became a pop single in 1968.