The Monkees, often initially branded as the “Prefab Four,” have proven to be anything but manufactured in terms of musical impact. Over the decades, appreciation for Monkees Songs has not only endured but flourished, solidifying their place in pop culture history. From their beginnings as a made-for-TV band, Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones, crafted a vibrant catalog of tunes that defined a generation. Even after their final performances in 2021 and the subsequent passing of Mike Nesmith, the legacy of Monkees songs continues to resonate with fans old and new. This quartet, initially assembled for a sitcom, unexpectedly delivered some of the most infectious and cleverly written pop songs of the 1960s.
While reunions dotted the 1980s, 90s, and even the 2010s, it’s the original run of The Monkees, from 1966 to 1971, that produced their most iconic and beloved work. Let’s dive into a countdown of ten of the very best Monkees songs that continue to capture hearts and ears. These tracks showcase the band’s evolution, from catchy TV themes to genuinely innovative pop masterpieces, proving that The Monkees were a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
1. A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
This gem marks the second Monkees song penned specifically for them by the legendary Neil Diamond. Interestingly, Diamond himself never officially recorded a studio version, adding to the mystique of The Monkees’ rendition. Rumors persist that Neil’s backing vocals can be heard on the track, a tantalizing thought for fans. Led by Davy Jones’s charming vocals, “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” soared to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It narrowly missed the top spot, blocked only by Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s “Somethin’ Stupid,” highlighting the competitive pop landscape of the era. This song perfectly encapsulates the sweet, melodic pop sensibility that made early Monkees songs so irresistible.
2. You Bring The Summer
The Monkees performing 'You Bring The Summer' in a vibrant, modern music video setting, reflecting the song's upbeat and contemporary feel.
After navigating less successful studio reunions in the 80s and 90s, The Monkees surprised and delighted fans with their 2016 album, Good Times! This record was a testament to their enduring creativity, expertly produced by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains Of Wayne fame. Schlesinger masterfully blended vintage recordings with fresh material and exciting collaborations. “You Bring The Summer,” written by Andy Partridge of XTC, stands out as a bouncy and infectious single from this late-career triumph. Featuring contributions from artists like Weezer, Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, and Harry Nilsson, Good Times! proved that Monkees songs could still be relevant and innovative decades after their initial burst of fame.
3. Valleri
“Valleri” is a prime example of the hit-making magic of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, who were responsible for numerous chart-topping Monkees songs. This track climbed to number three in the US charts and holds the distinction of being their final top-ten hit in America. Musically, “Valleri” is notable for its innovative hammer-on guitar technique, lending a distinctive flamenco flair courtesy of session musician Louie Shelton of the renowned Wrecking Crew. This touch of instrumental sophistication elevated “Valleri” beyond typical bubblegum pop, showcasing the band’s and their collaborators’ musical prowess.
4. She
Another Boyce/Hart composition, “She” is a testament to the consistent quality of Monkees songs from this era. Despite not being released as a single in the United States, its sheer catchiness ensured its inclusion on countless Monkees compilation albums. “She” had the honor of opening More of the Monkees, the band’s second album. Remarkably, this album was one of three full-length records The Monkees unleashed in 1967 alone, a testament to their incredible productivity and popularity at the height of Monkeemania.
5. I’m A Believer
“I’m A Believer” is the other Neil Diamond-penned Monkees song and arguably their most globally recognized hit. Deservedly reaching number one in both the US and UK, this track is a masterclass in pop songwriting and performance. The song’s credits read like a who’s who of 1960s pop royalty. Beyond Diamond’s songwriting genius, he himself played acoustic guitar on the recording. Adding to the star power, Al Gorgoni, known for his guitar work on classics like “The Sound of Silence” and “Brown Eyed Girl,” also contributed. And if that wasn’t enough, the track was produced by none other than John Barry, famous for his James Bond scores. “I’m A Believer” remains one of the quintessential Monkees songs, instantly recognizable and endlessly enjoyable.
6. Porpoise Song (Theme from Head)
From their inception, The Monkees sought to break free from their manufactured image and assert more creative control. This desire for artistic liberation culminated in the 1968 film Head. Marketed with the wildly descriptive tagline, “the most extraordinary adventure, western, comedy, love story, mystery, drama, musical, documentary satire ever made (And that’s putting it mildly),” Head was a bold and experimental project. The film and its soundtrack continue to divide fans, but “Porpoise Song,” the title track written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, is widely hailed as a psychedelic rock classic. This Monkees song signaled a significant departure from their earlier pop sound, embracing a more adventurous and musically complex direction.
7. Last Train To Clarksville
“Last Train To Clarksville” holds the distinction of being The Monkees’ debut single, launching their career with an explosive start. The songwriting duo of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart once again delivered a perfect pop package. Despite being known as the drummer, at least on television, Micky Dolenz took the lead vocals, imbuing the song with his signature energy. Frequently featured on The Monkees sitcom, “Last Train To Clarksville” rapidly ascended the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This song established the blueprint for many successful Monkees songs to follow: catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and undeniable charm.
8. Daydream Believer
Davy Jones singing 'Daydream Believer' with heartfelt emotion, emphasizing the song's tender and romantic qualities.
Davy Jones takes center stage again on “Daydream Believer,” another stone-cold classic in the Monkees songs catalog. Peter Tork’s memorable piano intro is instantly recognizable and sets the stage for the song’s gentle, wistful mood. Written by John Stewart of the Kingston Trio, “Daydream Believer” reached number five in the UK and became the band’s last number-one single in the US. It later found a home on The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees album. This song’s enduring appeal lies in its sweet melody and relatable lyrics about love and everyday dreams.
9. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
While it’s a stretch to label The Monkees as punk rock, “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” certainly hints at a raw, rebellious energy that predates punk. Another Boyce/Hart composition, the song was initially recorded by Paul Revere & the Raiders. However, it’s The Monkees’ snarling, energetic version, sung with gusto by Mickey Dolenz, that became the definitive take. Its influence is undeniable, inspiring covers from artists as diverse as the Sex Pistols and PJ & Duncan. Dolenz’s vocal performance on this Monkees song is particularly iconic and hard to surpass.
10. (Theme From) The Monkees
“Hey, hey, we’re the Monkees and people say we monkey around / But we’re too busy singing to put anybody down” – these opening lines are instantly recognizable and perfectly encapsulate the spirit of The Monkees. This theme song, unsurprisingly another Boyce/Hart creation, launched the entire Monkees phenomenon. A shorter rendition opened each episode of The Monkees sitcom, while a full-length version kicked off their self-titled debut album, The Monkees. Despite not being released as a single in the US or UK, the theme song charted in other countries where it was officially issued. It remains the ultimate Monkees song for many, embodying the fun, energetic, and slightly anarchic charm of the band.
These ten songs represent just a glimpse into the rich musical tapestry of The Monkees. From bubblegum pop perfection to psychedelic experimentation and proto-punk energy, Monkees songs continue to delight and inspire generations of music lovers. Their legacy as more than just a TV band is firmly cemented in the annals of pop music history.
