Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 2, 1967
The Billboard Hot 100 entered December with a dramatic change at the top as “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees rocketed from #5 to #1 in only its third week on the chart. The song’s rapid rise demonstrated the group’s enormous popularity and gave them another chart-topping hit during one of the most successful runs by any act of the decade. With its warm melody, memorable chorus, and Davy Jones’ charming vocal, the record quickly became a favorite among fans.
The rest of the Top 5 reflected the remarkable variety that defined late-1967 radio. The Cowsills continued their climb with “The Rain, The Park & Other Things,” while Strawberry Alarm Clock slipped from #1 to #3 after their brief but memorable stay at the top. Lulu’s “To Sir With Love” remained in the Top 5 following one of the year’s longest runs, and Dionne Warwick continued her ascent with the sophisticated pop classic “I Say A Little Prayer.”
Beyond the Top 5, soul music remained a powerful force. Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” was still a major hit, while Gladys Knight and The Pips surged into the Top 10 with “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Together, these records reflected the changing musical landscape as 1967 approached its conclusion.
Top 5 Songs (December 2, 1967)
1. Daydream Believer – The Monkees
“Daydream Believer” completed an astonishing climb to #1 this week, rising from #5 in only its third week on the chart. The Monkees had already established themselves as one of the decade’s biggest acts, but this song immediately felt special even among their long list of hits.
Davy Jones delivered one of his most memorable vocal performances, bringing warmth and sincerity to a song filled with optimism and nostalgia. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics helped it connect with listeners of all ages.
The leap to #1 confirmed that The Monkees remained one of the dominant forces in popular music as 1967 drew to a close.
2. The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
The Cowsills climbed to a new peak at #2 with their sunshine pop classic. The song’s bright production, memorable melody, and youthful spirit made it one of the most appealing records on radio.
Its famous “flower girl” storyline helped create an instantly recognizable identity. Listeners responded to its cheerful tone during a period when many songs were becoming increasingly experimental.
The continued rise of the record made it the biggest hit of the group’s career.
3. Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
After reaching #1 the previous week, “Incense And Peppermints” slipped to #3. Its impact, however, remained significant as one of the defining psychedelic hits of 1967.
The song’s swirling production and dreamlike atmosphere captured the spirit of the era and helped introduce many listeners to the psychedelic rock movement.
Even off the top spot, it remained one of the most distinctive records on the chart.
4. To Sir With Love – Lulu
Lulu’s former chart-topper continued its impressive run by holding the #4 position. Few records enjoyed the kind of success that “To Sir With Love” achieved during the fall of 1967.
The song’s emotional message and heartfelt delivery continued to resonate with audiences long after its reign at #1 had ended. It remained one of the year’s most beloved recordings.
Its extended chart life demonstrated the lasting appeal of a truly exceptional song.
5. I Say A Little Prayer – Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick reached a new peak at #5 with one of the finest recordings of her career. Written by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David team, the song combined sophisticated songwriting with Warwick’s elegant vocal style.
The record balanced emotional depth and melodic brilliance, creating a performance that stood apart from nearly everything else on the chart.
Its continued rise showed that audiences still appreciated carefully crafted pop music amid the changing sounds of the late 1960s.
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 2, 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
- The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
- Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
- To Sir With Love – Lulu
- I Say A Little Prayer – Dionne Warwick
- Please Love Me Forever – Bobby Vinton
- Soul Man – Sam & Dave
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Gladys Knight And The Pips
- I Can See For Miles – The Who
- An Open Letter To My Teenage Son – Victor Lundberg
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at December 1967
The December 2, 1967 chart marked another major transition in a year filled with memorable musical moments. The Monkees returned to #1 with a song that would become one of their signature hits, while several of the year’s biggest records continued their successful runs near the top.
The chart also highlighted the extraordinary diversity of the era. Sunshine pop, psychedelic rock, soul, soundtrack music, and sophisticated adult pop all coexisted within the Top 10. Few periods in chart history offered listeners such a wide variety of musical styles.
Looking back today, this chart serves as a fitting snapshot of late 1967—a time when popular music was becoming increasingly creative, adventurous, and influential. Many of the songs featured this week remain classics more than half a century later.
