Billboard Hot 100 Chart – Week of February 3, 1968

1. Green Tambourine – The Lemon Pipers

Green Tambourine completed its rapid rise to the top this week, jumping from number three to number one. The song’s unusual sound and psychedelic atmosphere made it one of the most distinctive records on American radio. Its success demonstrated how quickly listener tastes were evolving as the decade entered its final years.

The Lemon Pipers blended catchy pop melodies with experimental production techniques that reflected the psychedelic movement. While some records of the era pushed boundaries too far for mainstream audiences, Green Tambourine found the perfect balance between creativity and commercial appeal.

The song’s arrival at number one marked a significant moment for psychedelic pop. It proved that adventurous sounds could reach the top of the Billboard chart while still attracting a broad audience. For one week, The Lemon Pipers stood at the center of the American music scene.

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2. Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) – John Fred And The Playboys

After spending two weeks at number one, Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) slipped to the runner-up position. Even with the drop, the record remained one of the biggest hits in America and continued to receive extensive radio play.

The song’s playful personality and memorable title helped it stand apart from the competition. It captured the lighter side of the psychedelic era while maintaining a strong pop structure that appealed to listeners of all ages.

Its chart run remains one of the most surprising success stories of the late 1960s. Rising from a debut at number 99 to become a chart-topper was an achievement few records could match.

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3. Chain Of Fools – Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin remained at number three this week with Chain Of Fools, continuing one of the strongest chart runs of her career. The song had already become a defining recording of the soul era and was still building momentum.

Franklin’s commanding vocal performance transformed the song into something unforgettable. Her ability to communicate emotional depth while maintaining complete control of the performance helped set a new standard for soul music.

Although it had yet to reach number one, the song’s influence extended far beyond its chart position. It reinforced Franklin’s status as one of the most important voices in popular music and remains one of her signature recordings.

4. Spooky – Classics IV

Classics IV continued their impressive ascent as Spooky climbed from number seven to number four. The record’s distinctive blend of jazz, pop, and rock influences gave it a sound unlike anything else currently in the Top 10.

The song’s mysterious atmosphere and memorable saxophone-driven arrangement helped it stand out on radio playlists. Its title perfectly matched its mood, creating a record that listeners immediately recognized.

As it continued to climb, Spooky was becoming one of the breakout hits of early 1968. Its unique style demonstrated that originality could still find a large audience in the highly competitive singles market.

5. Bend Me, Shape Me – The American Breed

Bend Me, Shape Me held steady at number five this week, maintaining its strongest chart position. The American Breed had successfully blended rock, pop, and soul influences into a record that appealed to a broad audience.

The song’s energetic arrangement and powerful chorus helped it remain competitive against some of the biggest names in music. It was the kind of upbeat, radio-friendly hit that fit perfectly into the evolving sound of late-1960s pop.

Its continued presence in the Top 5 reflected both strong listener support and the group’s ability to create memorable records. Even as new songs climbed the chart, Bend Me, Shape Me remained one of the week’s most popular hits.