As we approach the end of the most memorable decade for citizen protests, the 60s, we present the best songs of 1967, distinguishing between English-language music and the rest, grouping all Latin-derived languages in a single section.
As you already know, we are compiling the top hits of 1967 in two different articles, depending on the language used for the artists, being English or Anglo-Saxon for one post and Spanish and other Romance languages for this post. At this point, we have already surpassed the halfway mark of the decade and are facing the maturity of many artists we have been following over the past few years. This is the case, for example, with Charles Aznavour, whose song “Emmenez-Moi,” one of our favorites, confirms that from his beginnings in the music of the 50s until ’67, there is a very clear evolution and, above all, a maturity that adds even more to his talent.
So, let’s begin with our favorite music of 1967 and top hits. 30 songs available in a Spotify Playlist that provide a good example of what that year must have been like and that already hinted at what was to come with the music of the 70s and the changing society in every part of the world represented by the names below.
Top 30 songs of 1967 in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese
While we don’t offer music in all the mentioned languages every year, throughout the decade, these languages are well represented. In our review of the 1967 music, you will find all the languages mentioned, but you will certainly miss some songs in Portuguese, as we’ve seen in past years. So, if you want to listen some of them, don’t hesitate to visit other years at the end of this article.
Below, we present you with a list of the best songs of 1967 in Spanish, although it’s true that some songs in other languages, such as French or Italiam, also had a significant impact on the Spanish music scene.
Celia Cruz – Guantanamera
We start our review of the best songs of 1967 with the queen of salsa, the Cuban Celia Cruz, an irreplaceable artist. Here’s one of her greatest hits, remembered as one of the happiest songs ever, although it’s overshadowed by the one that claims life is a carnival, probably.
Many years have passed since the release of “Guantanamera,” but it remains a hit at every party or gathering worth its salt.
We continue with Charles Aznavour, who maintained his popularity until the moment of his death and left behind a long musical career in the universal history of music.
“Emmenez-Moi” is one of his most representative songs, narrating the singer-songwriter’s desire to leave the past behind and set sail like sailors who constantly travel to different lands. Moreover, it associates these journeys with the sea and youth.
Charlotte Leslie – Les Filles C’Est Fait Pour Faire L’Amour
The next song comes from Charlotte Leslie, whose musical influence was brief as part of the list of 1960s French female singers, lasting only a few years. One of her most well-known songs is “Les Filles C’Est Fait Pour Faire L’Amour.” This musical composition brings a melody that reminds us of rock and roll with lyrics that seem somewhat assertive but ultimately are not.
At first, despite knowing her destiny, the song’s protagonist wants to take time to develop herself, for example, by working, before focusing on “making love,” as the song suggests throughout the chorus. However, in the end, she agrees that it’s best to devote herself to love.
Claude François – Comme D’Habitude
Claude François was a well-known French singer in the music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. His song “Comme D’Habitude” is one of the most memorable, as Frank Sinatra later used the same melody to write “My Way.”
However, the lyrics are nothing like that song. Here, the singer-songwriter narrates the routine he follows with a tinge of sadness and melancholy, as he repeatedly sings, “on fera semblant comme d’habitude” (we’ll pretend as usual).
How did this man really die prematurely? It depends on whether you believe the official version or what the French people on the street say. We prefer not to comment.
Joan Manuel Serrat – Cançó De Matinada
One of the artists that cannot be missing from this list is Joan Manuel Serrat. The singer was known for advocating for his language, Catalan, within the musical scene. That’s why he is recognized as one of the pioneers of what was known as the “Nova Cançó” movement in Catalonia.
Additionally, he was awarded nine honorary doctorates for his contribution to music, among other accolades. His song “Cançó de matinada” narrates the awakening of an ordinary village. Through the song, he describes the dawn for both the countryside and the town’s inhabitants. It’s, in essence, a picturesque portrait.
Joan Manuel Serrat – Paraules D’Amor
On the other hand, “Paraules d’amor” also tells a story, but this time, instead of an everyday story, it speaks of a love experience. The protagonists, just two young kids, play with words of love they’ve heard in loving fragments. Due to their youth, their love doesn’t progress beyond this. The musician occasionally reminisces about what became of her and the love they once had.
Juan & Junior – La Caza
Other relevant artists of that year were Juan & Junior. With a brief discography but full of hits, they managed to captivate the population of that time. Their song “La Caza” presents a cheerful and pleasant melody with catchy lyrics. In general terms, it talks about the game of seduction in love, metaphorically speaking, hunting for the beloved. The protagonist plays hard to get because he wants to see the other person make an effort to win his attention and affection.
Karina – Romeo Y Julieta
Continuing with the music of 1967 in Spanish, the next musical composition that can’t be overlooked is “Romeo y Julieta” by Karina. She was a Spanish singer known not only in her home country but also in Latin America. She achieved great success, especially in the 60s and 70s, although later she focused more on other entertainment industry activities.
This song compares the singer’s love story to that of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” It also makes a positive comparison of how it’s easier to be happy in terms of love today compared to medieval times, as long as both people involved truly love each other.
Los Ángeles – No Estoy Contento
In this year, 1967, Los Ángeles, also previously known as Los Ángeles Azules, released a hit called “No estoy contento” (I’m Not Happy). This pop music group had a significant impact on Spanish music in the 60s and 70s.
In the mentioned track, the melody resembles many other pop songs of the time, while the lyrics narrate the disillusionment of the lover upon realizing that the other person doesn’t love him in the same way and that by the time she does, it will be too late because love will have withered away.
Los Archiduques – Lamento De Gaitas
Los Archiduques were a pop group formed in Asturias, which, despite creating hits in their time, is mainly known for the addition of Tino Casal in 1967.
One of their most representative songs, “Lamento De Gaitas,” tells a tragic love story from the beginning. The beloved has died, and the protagonist of the narrative only wishes for her death because he feels lonely and abandoned since she is no longer there. The most striking melodic feature is the bagpipe that accompanies the other instruments in this pop song.
Los Bohemios – Qué Chica Tan Formal
Continuing this list, “Qué Chica Tan Formal” by Los Bohemios is another classic of this year. This group emerged in the Balearic Islands and composed songs only in the 60s. They followed in the footsteps of other successful Anglo-Saxon groups like The Beatles, for example.
The song is about a girl who is not like the others, who behaves differently from the rest of the girls of that time. That’s why the singer feels devotion towards her and doesn’t even dare to declare his love. He idealizes her completely.
Los Bravos – Los Chicos Con Las Chicas
On the other hand, “Los Chicos Con Las Chicas” also has to do with the way of living life, but in this case, it has a more romantic character. It’s an expression of free love that doesn’t want old traditions but aims to have fun and be happy in modern times. In other words, it invites rejoicing and discovering love without social restrictions as in the past.
Los Mustang – La Carta
“La Carta” was one of the songs by Los Mustang that saw the light in 1967. This rock group developed its musical career, especially, in the 60s and early 70s.
As for the song, it narrates the story of a guy who decides to return to his girl after she forgave him and implores him to come back to live with her. The melody and the chorus of voices give the song a catchy touch. It’s, obviously, a Spanish cover version of the classic “The Letter” by The Box Tops.
Los Pasos – Anouschtka
Moving on to another musical act, Los Pasos achieved success practically at the end of the 60s. Their preferred genre was pop. Their song “Anouschtka” is named after the protagonist of the lyrics, a woman who lived in a poor and neglected village.
This is a love story in which the man must leave the girl to continue his journey and regrets that she can’t enjoy the wonders of life like the sea or the flowers. The melody, which initially accompanies the voice in the background, becomes more energetic in the end, as if it were a polka.
Los Pops – No, No, No
Another song that should be added to this list is “No, No, No” by the musical group Los Pops. This group borders on pop, garage-beat, and rhythm & blues genres, as is evident in this song. The singer tells us how he wants to leave his partner because she doesn’t want his love, and he wants to live freely. He wishes to find a new passion, so he asks her to forget him. The melody reinforces the rebellious attitude of the singer, especially at the beginning of the song, by repeating the word ‘no’ several times.
Los Stop – El Turista 1.999.999
Los Stop, a group formed in Barcelona, had several hits in the 60s, especially when Cristina was their lead vocalist. Thanks to the catchy and commercial music they produced, they managed to be among the successful groups of that time, although the change of lead vocalist and the constant hustle contributed to the group fading into obscurity.
Two of their most representative songs released in 1967 are “El Turista 1.999.999” and “Tres Cosas (Salud, Dinero y Amor).” The first of these presents a danceable and catchy melody with lyrics that praise the virtues of Palma de Mallorca through a somewhat curious observer: the tourist 1,999,999, who, despite not receiving the attention of tourist 2,000,000, takes away memories of the island.
Los Stop – Tres Cosas (Salud, Dinero Y Amor)
In the second song, the melody is very characteristic of Spanish pop from that decade, with a melody that complements the vocals perfectly. The lyrics are very simple: if you have health, money, and love, you have everything, and you should be grateful for it. The important thing is to take care of these three elements to keep them for as long as possible.
Luis Aguilé – Cuando Salí De Cuba
A singer who released a song in this year was Luis Aguilé. He was one of the first to sing rock in Spanish and has had an extensive musical career.
His most famous song, released in 1967, “Cuando salí de Cuba” (When I Left Cuba), speaks of the sense of belonging to a place because of love and the past lived there. Therefore, he sings nostalgically about Cuba, a city he had to leave for ideological reasons but still holds in his heart. The melody resembles a ballad in which the spotlight is reserved for the voice.
Marie Laforêt – Ivan, Boris Et Moi
“Ivan, Boris Et Moi” (Ivan, Boris, and Me) is one of the most representative songs of 1967. Its author is Marie Laforêt, a French pop singer who later, in the 1980s, abandoned music to become an actress.
This song tells a story of personal growth in which the transition from childhood to adolescence and then to adulthood is narrated. From being close friends, they move on to possible love affairs and finally to the friendship that is abandoned in the face of new horizons.
Paco Ibáñez – Andaluces De Jaén
Paco Ibáñez is a Spanish singer who has devoted much of his musical career to setting music to numerous Spanish and Latin American poems. Additionally, the genre he has mostly developed is the protest song, which caused him trouble with the political authorities of the time.
The two songs he released this year were “Andaluces de Jaén” and “La Poesía Es Un Arma Cargada De Futuro” (Poetry Is a Loaded Weapon of the Future). The first one is a poem by Miguel Hernández in which, through the figure of the olive pickers of Jaén, the effort and work involved in working with olive trees are praised. The lyrics make it clear that they should hold their heads high, not be slaves but dignified workers.
Paco Ibáñez – La Poesía Es Un Arma Cargada De Futuro
In contrast, “La Poesía Es Un Arma Cargada De Futuro” is a poem by Gabriel de Celaya reworked by this artist. In this song, the lyrics are clear and forceful: it is a social message denouncing the social reality of the time and inviting the acceptance of poetry as what the author considers, a social weapon that can lead to a better future.
Peret – Una Lágrima
Another of the Spanish songs from 1967 is “Una lágrima” (A Tear) by Peret. This artist popularized Gypsy music and rhythms throughout Spain, especially in Catalonia, where he pioneered Catalan rumba.
Indeed, the influence of Gypsy rhythm is noticeable in the melody of this song, since it is a rumba version of a waltz piece by Manuel Monreal. The lyrics are quite simple and tell a moment when the protagonist denies a kiss to his beloved, and upon seeing her rejection, she starts crying. In the end, he laments that a tear falls on the sand instead of his lips so that he can kiss it.
Pic-Nic – Cállate Niña
Another group that must be included in the list is Pic-Nic, a musical group with influences of pop and folk that uses the guitar as its main instrument. They were successful in the 60s.
“Cállate Niña” (Shut Up, Girl) presents the story of a girl who is crying because of her mother’s death. In an attempt to make her stop crying, they tell her that this way she won’t suffer anymore and introduce another character, Gloria, to comfort her. The melody tries to convey calmness, as it resembles lullabies sung to young children.
Raphael – Digan Lo Que Digan
Raphael is one of the most iconic and well-known artists in Spanish music. He was one of the pioneers of romantic ballads in Spanish-speaking countries. His long musical career began in the early 60s and continues to this day as he still tours in America and Europe. The two songs he released in 1967 are “Digan Lo Que Digan” (Say What They Say) and “Mi Gran Noche” (My Great Night).
Regarding the first one, it offers a positive outlook in the face of negativity from some people. Therefore, it emphasizes positive things like light versus darkness, blue sky versus black clouds, or love versus hate. In the end, no matter what they say, you should always focus on the good.
Raphael – Mi Gran Noche
In contrast, in the second song, “Mi Gran Noche” (My Great Night), the singer adopts an open attitude towards the unknown of the night because he believes it is the perfect moment to enjoy youth and love while dancing, singing, and laughing. There are no worries or sorrows worth considering while living life to the fullest.
Richard Anthony – En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor
A singer who sang in both his native language, French, and others, including Spanish, is Richard Anthony. He is known as the “quiet father of rock.”
His song “En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor” (In Aranjuez with Your Love), released in 1967, was a best-selling success. The melody perfectly accompanies the vocals, which narrate a love sworn in Aranjuez. The story belongs to the past, but as long as the flame of love lives between them, that love will remain in that place, awaiting the reunion of the lovers.
Sandie Shaw – Marionetas En La Cuerda
The song “Marionetas En La Cuerda” (cover version of Puppet On A String in Spanish) was one of the most well-known songs in Spain because it won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967. The artist behind this song is Sandie Shaw, who began her musical career in the mid-60s but is still active today.
The lyrics of the song depict a girl who feels like a puppet on a string of love. She will do anything to be close to her beloved and to win his love, even though she knows that if the string breaks, she will end up unhappy.
Sylvie Vartan – Comme Un Garçon
Sylvie Vartan was a French singer and actress who achieved great success, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. She later combined her music career with film, but she continues to be the most successful singer of her generation, consistently selling out shows to this day.
The songs that were released by this artist in 1967 were “Comme Un Garçon” and “Dis-Moi Que Tu M’Aimes.” The first of them talks about how the protagonist feels like a little boy doing many things, like having long hair, wearing a jacket, or having a motorcycle, but deep down, when she’s with her beloved, she’s like a little girl with whom he can do whatever he wants, even though he’s never with her, as he reproaches in one of the verses.
Sylvie Vartan – Dis-Moi Que Tu M’Aimes
On the other hand, “Dis-Moi Que Tu M’Aimes” also tells a love story, but this time it’s about one from the past that can start again if the other person puts in the effort and tells her that he loves her. She will leave everything behind, regardless of how far apart they currently are, and return to him with that condition alone.
Violaine – J’Ai Des Problèmes Décidément
The last song on the list is “J’Ai Des Problèmes Décidément” by Violaine. She was a singer from the Ye-Ye or “Yeah Yeah” movement who only released two singles and did not achieve subsequent success.
The song mentioned at the beginning of the paragraph talks about how the artist has problems because she goes against her parents on several occasions: choosing a boyfriend her father doesn’t like, shortening her dresses to her mother’s dismay, or saying she wants to be a singer instead of choosing another profession, much to the displeasure of both parents.
(Madrid, 1987) Novelist by vocation, SEO specialist by profession. Music lover, cinephile and reading lover, but in “amateur” mode.