History's Best Selling Music of 1966

Throughout the swinging sixties, 1966 saw a swell surge of Space Age wonder and counter-culture flair in the world of music! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Sounds of Silence and Aftermath, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Simon & Garfunkel and The Rolling Stones proved their mettle with Pet Sounds, delivering craftsmanship that spurred a pop-culture revolution across the nation. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Sounds of Silence

   Released in 1966 by Simon & Garfunkel, Columbia Records

   Released on January 17, 1966, Simon & Garfunkel's second studio album, "Sounds of Silence," marked a pivotal moment in music history, transforming the folk duo into international superstars. The album's release was directly tied to the unexpected success of its title track. Originally recorded acoustically for their debut album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.," the song was overdubbed with electric instruments by producer Tom Wilson without the duo's knowledge. This electrified version became a surprise No. 1 hit in late 1965, prompting Columbia Records to rush Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel back into the studio. This date, therefore, represents not just an album release, but the birth of the Simon & Garfunkel sound that would define an era of folk-rock.

2. Aftermath

   Released in 1966 by The Rolling Stones, Decca Records

   On April 15, 1966, The Rolling Stones released their fourth British studio album, "Aftermath," marking a watershed moment in their career. It was a pivotal release not just for the band, but for rock music itself, as it was the first Stones album to consist entirely of original songs written by the burgeoning partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. This release saw the band shed their image as primarily interpreters of American R&B and blues, stepping forward as formidable songwriters and musical innovators who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporaries like The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

3. Pet Sounds

   Released in 1966 by The Beach Boys, Capitol Records

   On May 16, 1966, the world of popular music was irrevocably changed with the release of "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys. Dropping in the middle of a decade defined by musical innovation, the album was a stark departure from the band's signature surf-rock image. It was Brian Wilson's deeply personal and ambitious symphonic statement, a 'teenage symphony to God' that challenged the very definition of what a pop album could be. Its release marked a pivotal moment, showcasing a new level of artistry, production complexity, and emotional depth in rock music, directly influencing contemporaries like The Beatles and setting a new standard for studio recording.

4. Freak Out!

   Released in 1966 by The Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa, Verve Records

   Released on June 27, 1966, The Mothers of Invention's debut, "Freak Out!", was a landmark event in the history of rock music. At a time when the single was king and albums were mostly collections of songs, Frank Zappa convinced producer Tom Wilson and Verve Records to release his band's first record as a double album—a virtually unprecedented move for an unknown group. This bold decision signaled from the outset that "Freak Out!" was not a conventional record. It arrived in the midst of the burgeoning counter-culture movement, providing a satirical, complex, and sonically challenging soundtrack that stood in stark contrast to the pop music dominating the airwaves.

5. Revolver

   Released in 1966 by The Beatles, Parlophone, Capitol Records

   On August 5, 1966, The Beatles released their seventh studio album, "Revolver," in the United Kingdom, forever altering the landscape of popular music. This date marks a pivotal moment when the world's biggest band definitively transitioned from being a touring pop act into groundbreaking studio artists. Having recently retired from live performances, the band was free to explore the furthest reaches of their imagination without the constraint of having to reproduce the songs on stage. "Revolver" was not just a collection of new songs; it was a sonic manifesto, a bold declaration that the recording studio itself could be an instrument. The album's release signaled a new era of artistic freedom and technical innovation in rock music, setting a standard that countless musicians would strive to meet for decades to come.

6. Fresh Cream

   Released in 1966 by Cream, Reaction Records

   On December 9, 1966, the landscape of rock music was irrevocably altered with the UK release of "Fresh Cream," the debut album from the genre's first true supergroup, Cream. Comprising Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass and lead vocals, and Ginger Baker on drums, the trio emerged from the fertile British blues scene. This release wasn't just another album; it was a statement of intent. It marked the moment a new kind of power trio was unleashed upon the world, one that fused the raw energy of American blues with the improvisational freedom of jazz and the heavy amplification of rock, setting a new standard for musical virtuosity and laying the groundwork for psychedelic and hard rock.