Songs of the Year: 1962

The year is 1962 and we’re picking our favorite songs of the year.

It’s a simple concept. We pick five of our favorite songs that made the Billboard Top 100 (established in 1958) during any time that year. We also select five “wildcards” that can be any songs released as a single or on an album or EP that year. Finally, we also pick our “worst” song of the year, just for fun.

We started in 1958 and we’re going until we run out of years.

Joe thinks 1962 is probably the nadir of popular music and the final stumbling block before the 60s are we know them really kick into gear. Steady ol’ reliable Jason thinks it’s about as good as every other year so far and Kramzer think it’s okay but not great, probably the worst for the Billboard charts yet. For the first time, either Ray Charles or Brenda Lee don’t appear on any of Joe’s top songs lists… but it looks like Smokey Robinson is starting a run of his own. It must be a weird year because the Beach Boys don’t even make it. Fortunately Kramzer and Jason are there to pick up Joe’s slack.

Here comes the wall of sound! Phil Spector’s famous production technique takes the Crystals all the way to #1 for Jason. Joe’s riding the instrumental train with the sweet sounds of a Hammond B3 organ. Kramzer? He’s singing the blues with the legendary John Lee Hooker.

Since you’re here, you might as well watch the second episode of the new series. Once you’re done with that, feel free to vote for which of us (Kramzer, Joe, Jason) had the best song of the year. You can find them down below in Spotify or YouTube form.

Check back every week for a NEW episode and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and share this post or this video on all your favorite social networks because lord knows we’ve earned it.

Standings So Far

Kramzer: 2.5
Jason: 1.5
Joe: 1

Vote

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Best Songs of the Year Playlist

Best Songs of the Year | 1962 | Spotify Edition

Best Songs of the Year | 1962 | YouTube edition

Worst Songs of the Year Playlist