Search - Various Artists :: Billboard Top Hits: 1961

A Great Beginning for the Decade

John DePrisco | Wilmington, Delaware United States | 10/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The early 60's may have been the best years of the rock and roll era, and this album shows you why."Tossin' and Turnin'" became the number 1 song of the year and made Bobby Lewis a one-hit wonder. If you were ever young and in love you can easily relate to the lyrics about a guy who can't sleep for thinking about his new girl. Unless you are old enough to remember home delivered milk you may not understand the line "I heard the milkman at the door....". The rest of the lyrics, though, will probably bring back a memory or two."Runaway" was Del Shannon's first and biggest hit, and is one of my all time favorites. You can almost picture Del "... a walkin' in the rain, tear drops fall and I feel the pain...". A true classic from 1961."Blue Moon" was a hopped up remake of an old ballad and made the Marcels a household name,...at least for a few months. It was the juiced up beat that made this one a big hit. "Runaround Sue" was probably Dion's biggest hit and the first of his "you done me wrong, girl" hits. (Remember "Donna, the Prima Donna" and "Little Diane"?) I can only imagine how many times "Here's my story, it's sad but true..." has been paraphrased over the years.When "Quarter to Three" first hit the airwaves it caused a bit of a stir. The one review I can remember back then was by a reviewer who called it "150 seconds of raw, raucous rock and roll". And it cetainly was, turning out to be (Gary) U.S. Bonds' biggest hit."Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" was a nice ballad by The Shirelles that is easy on the ears and always sounds good."Please, Mr. Postman" launched the career of The Marvalettes. Another one of those heart breakers, about a girl waiting for a letter from her boyfriend every day that, sadly, never comes ("...you wouldn't stop to make me feel better, by leaving me a card or a letter..."). "Mother-In-Law" should appeal to every man who has had to put up with a mother-in-law. A one-hit wonder for Ernie K. Doe, it was probably a bigger hit than the subject matter of the song deserves. But it's a nice tune and easy to listen--and relate--to.If you are compiling a library of 60's music, this one is an excellent starter."