Top 20 Songs (1962)

1962 is certainly a major improvement over the previous two years, although I wouldn't go as far as say this was a great year. At this point, music is certainly evolving in a completely different direction from the 1950s, thanks in part to the pop rock, Motown and Brill Building revolutions taking place. Even though 1962 predates the British Invasion, we can hear pop music already having a more layered and varied sound, no longer coming in only two favors like in the 50s (orchestral or jazzy). That being said, there's still a lot of linguering doo-wop and tired rock 'n' roll linguering around that would finally be put to rest once we get to the British Invasion in the coming years. Also a certain band released their debut single this year...

1. The Crystals - "He's a Rebel"
2. The Tornados - "Telstar"
3. The Shadows - "Wonderful Land"
4. Chris Montez - "Let's Dance"
5. Booker T. and the M.G.'s - "Green Onions"

6. Ray Charles - "I Can't Stop Loving You"
7. Bruce Channel - "Hey! Baby"
8. The Beatles - "Love Me Do" 
9. Little Eva - "The Loco-Motion"
10. Elvis Presley - "Good Luck Charm"

11. Roy Orbison - "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)"
12. Sam Cooke - "Twistin' the Night Away"
13. Peter, Paul and Mary - "If I Had a Hammer"
14. Brian Hyland - "Sealed With a Kiss" (There's been a lot of maturing since the days of "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" huh)
15. The Isley Brothers - "Twist and Shout"

16. Sam Cooke - "Bring It On Home to Me"
17. Freddy Cannon - "Palisades Park"
18. Chubby Checker - "Limbo Rock"
19. The 4 Seasons - "Sherry"
20. The Contours - "Do You Love Me" (It definitely lost some points for referencing the awful "Mashed Potato Time")