The article nostalgically highlights four hit songs from 1966 that it says were familiar fixtures on family-car radio journeys to school. It presents them as examples of the varied pop, rock and soul music available on American radio during the decade, and stresses their lasting cultural appeal.

– “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys: released late in 1966 and later reached the US Hot 100 summit.
– “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra: written by Lee Hazlewood and Sinatra’s first chart-topping hit after several years seeking success.
– “I’m a Believer” by the Monkees: written by Neil Diamond, it was the final US number one of 1966 and later reached new audiences through Smash Mouth’s version for Shrek.
– “Wild Thing” by the Troggs: an early chart success for the British band that was subsequently recorded by artists including Jimi Hendrix and the Runaways.