# 4 Unforgettable Hard Rock Hits From 1964 That Take Baby Boomers Back in Time

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/4-unforgettable-hard-rock-hits-from-1964-that-take-baby-boomers-back-in-time/
- Published: 2026-10-29T09:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T09:20:06+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/4-unforgettable-hard-rock-hits-from-1964-that-take-baby-boomers-back-in-time/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Four 1964 hits captured hard rock in its early stages.
- “You Really Got Me” topped the UK charts.
- The songs mixed hard rock with blues, garage rock and R&B.

## Summary

In 1964, hard rock was beginning to emerge from rock and roll, with some hits blending its early sound with garage rock, blues and R&B. The article looks back at four songs that hint at the harder styles their performers, and other bands, would develop later.

The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” reached No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the UK charts. The Rolling Stones’ “Time Is On My Side” peaked at No. 6 in the US, while The Animals’ “I’m Crying” reached No. 19 there and No. 8 in the UK; The Pretty Things’ “Don’t Bring Me Down” made the UK top 10 and reached No. 34 in Canada.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.