1968: A Year of Iconic Music Hits and Number One Albums
In 1968, the music scene was vibrant with a mix of rock bands like The Doors, the Rolling Stones, and The Beatles, alongside popular vocalists like Bobby Goldsboro and Judy Collins, and soul hits from Otis Redding and O.C. Smith. The number one albums of 1968 in the U.S. were determined weekly by Record World, showcasing a variety of classic rock favorites. Thirteen different albums claimed the top spot, with artists like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel dominating the charts throughout the year.
Bob Dylan's "John Wesley Harding" topped the chart for one week, featuring the iconic song "All Along the Watchtower." Jose Feliciano's "Feliciano!" introduced the musician from Puerto Rico to a wider audience with covers of popular hits. The Rascals' "Time Peace" greatest hits album included their chart-topping singles. The Beatles' self-titled album, also known as The White Album, spent three weeks at number one, closing out the year and starting 1969 on top.
Cream's "Wheels of Fire" double LP set included classic rock tracks like "White Room" and "Crossroads." Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass reached number one with "The Beat of the Brass," featuring the hit single "This Guy's in Love With You." The Doors' "Waiting For the Sun" and Jimi Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland" both spent four weeks at number one. Big Brother & the Holding Company's "Cheap Thrills" and the soundtrack for "The Graduate" each topped the chart for six weeks.
Simon & Garfunkel's "Bookends" album, released after 18 months, included hits like "Mrs. Robinson" and "A Hazy Shade of Winter." Paul Mauriat Orchestra's "Blooming Hits" album, featuring the instrumental "Love is Blue," stayed at number one for the entire month of March. The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" soundtrack, released in late 1967, started 1968 at number one and remained there through mid-February, showcasing a collection of hits from the iconic band.