Before Meghan Trainor existed, The Beatles and The Supremes were the true pop stars.
It’s crazy to think it’s been 50 years since the doors of our school, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, have opened. Since that time, so much has changed with the diversity of our student life as well as the music that our students listen to. The Beatles and The Supremes released some of the most iconic songs that were produced at the height of their fame 50 years ago. So to commemorate UMBC’s 50th anniversary, let’s check out the top singles from September 1966 when the university first opened.
- “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes
The most quintessential Motown song was the number one hit in September 1966. This all girl group rocked the airwaves with this upbeat song that has been featured in pretty much every romantic comedy movie since “The Runaway Bride.” This unforgettable chorus will inevitably make you start tapping to the beat of the song and singing the tune to the chorus. With Diana Ross’s smooth vocals tied in unison with the tambourine background, this famous song truly deserves to be number one.
2. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
Taking a turn for mellowness, “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles made it on the list at number two for that month. Undoubtedly the track brings back nostalgia to your nursery school days when you sang, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” to get excited for the day. This adorably upbeat song will make you feel like a child again, regardless of your age. With Paul McCartney acting as if he was a preschool teacher, his presence will still calm you throughout stressful days, even 50 years later.
3. “Sunshine Superman” by Donovan
If the Quad was a hub for hippies playing volleyball, then Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman” would fit the image perfectly. Donovan’s monotone vocals complemented by a soft undertone of electric guitars perfectly pieces the song together. Unfortunately, the chorus lacks any of the energy or excitement that had been put in elsewhere throughout the track. Though the song is rhythmically successful, the track is easily forgettable. However Donovan’s track made it on the list for top hits, it still does not make sense. Either way, no one knows who he is in 2016, which is a testament to the quality of his music.
4. “96 Tears” by ? & The Mysterians
Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins have often been called the leaders of punk rock, a music trend popular throughout the 90s. But many often forget the true trailblazers that coined the idea of punk rock. One of their biggest hits, “96 Tears” exemplifies the early roots of the genre. The electric organ driven instrumentals in the background of the track bring out the lead singer’s vocals. With all these combined with quite sarcastic undertones, this song is a memorable beginning to punk rock.
5) “Bus Stop” by The Hollies
Equally as popular as The Beatles in 1966, this pop rock group snagged number five. In this three section harmony song, the vocals are layered on top of one another to create echoes throughout the track. This was an uncommon move at the time, but The Hollies knocked it out of the park. The harmony brings out the vocals of the lead singer, which works quite well in the track. The song was featured in “The Conjuring 2,” so anyone familiar with the movie might get nightmares again.
