Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 16, 1967
The Billboard Hot 100 for December 16, 1967 continued to be led by “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees, which held the #1 position for a third consecutive week. The song’s rapid rise and continued dominance demonstrated just how powerful The Monkees remained as a pop phenomenon. Their television exposure, combined with consistently strong records, allowed them to maintain a level of popularity few acts could match during the decade.
While The Monkees stayed on top, the biggest movement came from Gladys Knight and The Pips. “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” climbed from #5 to #2 and emerged as the strongest challenger to the top spot. The Beatles also continued their rapid ascent with “Hello Goodbye,” jumping into the Top 3 only three weeks after debuting on the chart.
The rest of the Top 10 reflected the incredible diversity of late-1967 radio. Motown, psychedelic rock, soul, sunshine pop, and sophisticated adult pop all shared space on the same chart. As the year moved toward its conclusion, listeners were enjoying one of the most creative and varied periods in Billboard history.
Top 5 Songs (December 16, 1967)
1. Daydream Believer – The Monkees
“Daydream Believer” remained comfortably at #1 for a third week. The record combined a memorable melody with a warm and nostalgic lyric that resonated with audiences across generations.
Davy Jones delivered one of the most recognizable vocals of the era, helping transform the song into one of The Monkees’ signature recordings. Its appeal extended beyond the group’s television audience and made it one of the biggest records of the holiday season.
The song’s continued success confirmed its place among the defining hits of 1967.
2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Gladys Knight And The Pips
One of the week’s biggest movers was “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” which climbed from #5 to #2. Gladys Knight’s powerful vocal performance gave the song a sense of urgency and emotional tension that listeners found impossible to ignore.
The record’s dramatic storyline and driving rhythm helped separate it from other Motown releases. It felt darker, more intense, and deeply personal.
Its rapid rise positioned it as a serious contender for the #1 spot in the weeks ahead.
3. Hello Goodbye – The Beatles
The Beatles surged from #8 to #3 with “Hello Goodbye,” continuing another impressive chart climb. Even by Beatles standards, the speed of the record’s ascent was remarkable.
The song’s upbeat melody and playful lyrics provided a contrast to some of the group’s more experimental work. It reminded listeners that The Beatles could still produce irresistible pop singles whenever they chose.
Its rise into the Top 3 suggested that another Beatles chart-topper was likely just around the corner.
4. I Second That Emotion – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Moving up to #4, “I Second That Emotion” became another major success for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. The record showcased Robinson’s songwriting brilliance and smooth vocal delivery.
The song blended romance, melody, and sophistication in a way that became a trademark of the Motown sound. Its polished production helped it appeal to both pop and R&B audiences.
The climb into the Top 5 reinforced Smokey Robinson’s reputation as one of the era’s most important musical talents.
5. The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
Although it slipped from #2 to #5, The Cowsills’ breakthrough hit remained one of the most popular records in the country. Its bright production and unforgettable melody continued to attract radio listeners.
The song’s optimistic spirit provided a welcome contrast to some of the more serious themes appearing elsewhere on the chart. It captured the youthful energy that made sunshine pop so appealing during the late 1960s.
Its lengthy stay near the top demonstrated its broad and lasting appeal.
More Weeks at #1 for “Daydream Believer”
This song spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Explore each chart week below:
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending December 16, 1967, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Daydream Believer by The Monkees
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Daydream Believer – The Monkees
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Gladys Knight And The Pips
- Hello Goodbye – The Beatles
- I Second That Emotion – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
- The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
- Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
- I Say A Little Prayer – Dionne Warwick
- Boogaloo Down Broadway – The Fantastic Johnny C
- In And Out Of Love – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- You Better Sit Down Kids – Cher
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at December 1967
The December 16, 1967 chart captured the final weeks of one of the most important years in popular music. Established stars such as The Beatles, Dionne Warwick, and Cher shared the chart with newer acts that were helping define the sound of the future.
Motown enjoyed another exceptional week with Gladys Knight and The Pips, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, and Diana Ross & The Supremes all appearing in the Top 10. Their success highlighted the label’s continued dominance as the decade neared its end.
Looking back today, this chart serves as a remarkable snapshot of late-1967 music. The combination of British Invasion acts, Motown stars, soul performers, and pop hitmakers created one of the richest and most diverse Top 10s of the entire decade.
