Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 30, 1967
The final Billboard Hot 100 of 1967 brought another major shift at the top as “Hello Goodbye” by The Beatles climbed from #3 to #1. The song became yet another chart-topper for the world’s most successful band, capping a remarkable year that had seen popular music continue to evolve in exciting new directions. While many artists were experimenting with psychedelic sounds and increasingly ambitious recordings, The Beatles once again demonstrated their ability to dominate the charts with a catchy and accessible pop single.
The race for the top remained competitive. Gladys Knight and The Pips held steady at #2 with “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” while former #1 hit “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees slipped to #3 after a successful run at the summit. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett rounded out a Top 5 that showcased the diversity of late-1967 radio.
Further down the chart, several future classics were gaining momentum. Aretha Franklin’s “Chain Of Fools” surged into the Top 10, while “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” and “Bend Me, Shape Me” continued their rapid climbs. The final chart of the year offered a glimpse into the musical trends that would dominate the opening weeks of 1968.
Top 5 Songs (December 30, 1967)
1. Hello Goodbye – The Beatles
The Beatles reached #1 with “Hello Goodbye,” proving once again that they remained the dominant force in popular music. Rising from #3 in just its fifth week on the chart, the record continued the group’s incredible streak of chart success.
Built around simple contrasts and an unforgettable melody, the song highlighted The Beatles’ unique ability to create records that were both innovative and instantly accessible. Its upbeat sound made it a perfect fit for holiday-season radio.
By ending 1967 at #1, The Beatles reinforced their position at the center of popular music as the decade entered its final years.
2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Gladys Knight And The Pips
Holding steady at #2, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” remained one of the strongest challengers to the top spot. Gladys Knight delivered a powerful vocal performance that transformed the song into one of Motown’s most compelling recordings.
The song’s dramatic storytelling and emotional intensity gave it a distinctive identity among contemporary hits. Audiences continued to connect with its tale of suspicion, heartbreak, and betrayal.
Its extended stay near the top confirmed it as one of the defining soul records of the year.
3. Daydream Believer – The Monkees
After six weeks at #1, “Daydream Believer” slipped to #3 but remained one of the most beloved records in America. The Monkees had scored another major hit that successfully blended pop craftsmanship with broad audience appeal.
Davy Jones’ warm vocal and the song’s nostalgic message helped create a timeless recording that resonated with listeners of all ages.
Even after leaving the top spot, the record remained one of the biggest songs on radio.
4. I Second That Emotion – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles remained at #4 with one of Motown’s most polished productions. Robinson’s songwriting and vocal performance helped elevate the record into one of the label’s biggest hits of the year.
The song’s smooth arrangement and memorable hook appealed equally to pop and R&B audiences, demonstrating the crossover strength that defined the Motown sound.
Its continued Top 5 presence reflected the enduring popularity of Smokey Robinson’s work.
5. Woman, Woman – The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett
Remaining at #5, “Woman, Woman” continued its impressive ascent. Gary Puckett’s powerful vocal performance gave the song a dramatic quality that helped distinguish it from many other contemporary hits.
The record tackled mature themes and emotional uncertainty, creating a level of depth that resonated with listeners. Its strong melody and heartfelt delivery made it one of the standout songs of late 1967.
The song’s momentum suggested that even greater chart success could be ahead in the new year.
More Weeks at #1 for “Hello, Goodbye”
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 30, 1967, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
Looking Back at December 1967
The final chart of 1967 perfectly captured the musical diversity that made the year so memorable. British Invasion acts, Motown stars, soul performers, and emerging pop groups all competed for attention on the same chart.
The Beatles closing the year at #1 felt fitting. Throughout the decade they had repeatedly set the standard for commercial and artistic success, and “Hello Goodbye” became another chapter in that remarkable story. At the same time, artists such as Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight were helping shape the future of soul music.
Looking back today, the December 30, 1967 Billboard Hot 100 stands as a bridge between two eras. It celebrated the accomplishments of an extraordinary year while previewing many of the artists and songs that would define 1968.
