In the annals of music, few years resonate with the sheer creative output and enduring impact quite like 1968. It was a time when the airwaves buzzed with innovation, and the competition to reach the pinnacle of the charts was fierce. While reaching the coveted No. 1 spot is the ultimate dream for any artist, I've always found a particular fascination in those tracks that climbed all the way to No. 2. These songs, by definition, were immensely popular, yet they narrowly missed the absolute top, often leaving us to ponder what might have been. Looking back, these No. 2 hits from 1968 offer a compelling glimpse into the musical landscape of the era, and more importantly, their lasting power speaks volumes about their inherent quality.
The Soulful Grit of The Box Tops
One track that immediately springs to mind is "Cry Like A Baby" by The Box Tops. This wasn't their debut, nor was it their chart-topping smash "The Letter." Yet, in my opinion, "Cry Like A Baby" stands as a testament to the raw, soulful talent that defined this group. With Alex Chilton at the helm, a vocalist whose future would be etched in indie rock legend, the band possessed an undeniable charisma. What makes this song particularly interesting is how it managed to blend their R&B roots with a subtle touch of psychedelia, notably through the inclusion of an electric sitar. Personally, I think this experiment, though perhaps not fully realized due to the band's short lifespan, adds a unique texture that elevates it beyond a simple soul track. It’s a prime example of how even a slight deviation from the norm could create something truly memorable, even if it didn't quite dethrone the reigning champions of the week.
The Ambitious Spectacle of "MacArthur Park"
Then there's the operatic grandeur of "MacArthur Park" by Richard Harris. This is a song that, from my perspective, defies easy categorization. Jimmy Webb, the brilliant songwriter behind it, clearly envisioned something monumental, and he certainly delivered. The piece is a journey, a multi-movement epic that demands a vocalist with incredible range. Richard Harris, a seasoned performer from the world of musical theater, stepped up to the challenge, and while some might point to his vocal strain on the final notes, I believe that raw emotion is precisely what gives the song its power. What many people don't realize is the sheer audacity of releasing such a complex, nearly seven-minute song onto the pop charts. It’s a bold statement, and its success, even at No. 2, cemented Webb's status as a master storyteller and Harris's ability to translate dramatic material into a popular hit, even if his pop chart momentum was fleeting.
The Birth of an Anthem: "Born To Be Wild"
Moving on, "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf is a track that has become so ingrained in our cultural lexicon that it's almost hard to believe it only reached No. 2. What makes this particularly fascinating is its origin story: it was initially conceived as a ballad. The transformation into the ultimate outlaw anthem, driven by the band's decision to amp up the tempo, is a masterclass in artistic interpretation. While the lyrics famously coined the phrase "heavy metal thunder," in my opinion, the song's true essence lies in its robust blues-rock foundation, amplified by Michael Monarch's searing guitar work. It’s a powerful example of how a song can transcend its initial intent and, through sheer sonic force and lyrical resonance, come to define an entire genre, even if it wasn't the absolute chart-topper of its time.
The Melancholy Charm of "Those Were The Days"
Finally, we have "Those Were The Days" by Mary Hopkin. This song, produced by none other than Paul McCartney, is a beautiful illustration of how the Beatles' Apple Records could identify and nurture talent. Plucked from a television talent show, Hopkin, a young Welsh singer, was given a classic Russian folk song with new English lyrics. What immediately stands out to me is Hopkin's crystalline voice and her uncanny ability to imbue the song with a profound sense of world-weary melancholy, despite her youth. While McCartney's involvement was undoubtedly crucial, it's Hopkin's performance that truly makes the track soar. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, a song’s emotional depth and a pure, captivating vocal can resonate universally, achieving massive global success even if it didn't conquer the American charts completely.
These four songs, each a No. 2 hit in a landmark year, are far more than mere footnotes in music history. They represent artistic ambition, genre-bending innovation, and enduring vocal talent. Personally, I believe their continued presence in our cultural consciousness is the truest measure of their success, proving that sometimes, the songs that narrowly miss the absolute peak are the ones that truly stand the test of time. What other forgotten gems from that era do you think deserve a second listen?
