The Monkees Best 10 Songs

America wanted an American Beatles in the 1960s, and looked to four young performers to appear in a TV show, with a mix of zany sketches and pop songs. Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork, and diminutive Englishman Davy Jones were selected, and became superstars. Ah, the English connection was still deemed necessary for success, it seemed.

Some may say that the Monkees didn't even have ten good songs, but let me prove otherwise. Here's what I consider to be their ten greatest songs.

1. I'm a Believer
Young singer/songwriter Neil Diamond supplied the Monkees with this 1966 sparkling gem about love, and it was a number one on both sides of the Atlantic. Micky Dolenz proved that he could sing - as well as act in the American soap opera Peyton Place!

2. Monkees Theme
A Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart song, Monkees Theme always evokes happy memories of the wacky Monkees TV show, and it was the ideal vehicle for Micky Dolenz's infectious sense of fun. The dynamic drumming and guitar work are notable, and the "...we've got something to say" line sounded almost rebellious.

3. Daydream Believer
Davy Jones sang the lead vocal on this very catchy 1967 hit, which was written by John Stewart. Daydream Believer was initially adopted by Sunderland soccer supporters in the 1990s and used to cheer up their serious looking coach Peter Reid. The original "Cheer up, sleepy Jean" line was replaced by "Cheer up, Peter Reid". Other soccer supporters also adopted the song to mock opposing coaches, when their own team was winning.

4. Pleasant Valley Sunday
Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Pleasant Valley Sunday was a bit of a departure for the Monkees, as behind the jaunty tune is a knock at "status symbol land".

5. Last Train to Clarksville
Boyce and Hart songs served the Monkees well, and though lyrically sad, given the Monkees treatment, Last Train to Clarksville sounds cheerful enough.

6. Shades of Gray
A Barry Mann, Cynthia Weill composition, the ballad Shades of Gray was possibly the deepest Monkees song of all, with lyrics echoing the turbulent '60s. Davy Jones and Peter Tork share lead vocals. Beautiful.

7. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You
Another Neil Diamond song, the lilting quality of Davy Jones voice is utilized well on this fine pop song.

8. Porpoise Song
A lovely, dreamy number, with sweet porpoise noises at the end! Porpoise Song featured in the 1968 movie Head, which was co-written and co-produced by Jack Nicholson.

9. Can You Dig It?
Another song which appeared in Head, Can You Dig It? had to come out of the '60s. Reminiscent of the group Love, Can You Dig It? featured a beautiful Spanish sound and Mickey Dolenz's plaintive vocals, which combine to help make this one of the Monkees best songs.

10. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
A song which British punk legends the Sex Pistols, no less, played regularly throughout their career. Pistols bassist Glen Matlock is a Monkees fan. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone is very danceable, with bass to the fore. Lyrically, it does what it says on the tin.

In truth, I'd probably struggle to find a top 20 of great Monkees songs, but the Monkees did only have a couple of years at the very top (1966-68). It'd be fun if you wrote in your top 10 Monkees songs in the comments box, or at least a top 5.

Sources

Yahoo! Music - The Monkees Biography

Personal Knowledge