Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of June 22, 1968
The summer of 1968 arrived with a new number one song atop the Billboard Hot 100. Herb Alpert’s This Guy’s In Love With You completed its rapid rise to the summit, ending the successful run of Simon & Garfunkel’s Mrs. Robinson. The chart reflected the incredible diversity of late-1960s popular music, with sophisticated adult contemporary ballads, ambitious orchestral pop, bubblegum hits, and rock favorites all competing for radio airtime.
One of the most remarkable stories of the week was the continued ascent of Richard Harris’ dramatic MacArthur Park, which climbed to number two. Written by Jimmy Webb, the lengthy and unconventional recording challenged many of the traditional rules of pop radio while still becoming one of the year’s biggest hits. Its success showed that listeners were increasingly willing to embrace ambitious and innovative music.
Elsewhere in the Top 10, Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 surged into the Top 5 with The Look Of Love, while Aretha Franklin and Tommy James & The Shondells remained strong chart contenders. Newcomers such as Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts and Friend And Lover reflected the ever-changing nature of the charts as summer officially began.
Looking back, this chart represents a moment when popular music was becoming increasingly sophisticated while maintaining broad commercial appeal. It was a period when nearly every style of music could find a place on the Billboard Hot 100.
Top 5 Songs (June 22, 1968)
1. This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert reached number one with one of the most elegant and unexpected hits of his career. Already famous as a trumpet player, producer, and bandleader, Alpert surprised audiences with a warm vocal performance that quickly captured the public’s attention.
The song’s lush arrangement and romantic lyrics stood apart from many of the louder and more aggressive records on the chart. Its sophisticated style appealed to a broad audience and helped make it one of the defining ballads of 1968.
Its climb to number one demonstrated that well-crafted melodies and heartfelt performances could still dominate popular music during a period of rapid musical change.
2. MacArthur Park – Richard Harris
Richard Harris continued his remarkable rise with MacArthur Park, climbing from number five to number two. The song’s sweeping orchestration and emotional storytelling made it unlike anything else currently on the chart.
Written by Jimmy Webb, the ambitious composition challenged listeners with its unusual structure and vivid imagery. Yet its uniqueness became one of its greatest strengths, helping it stand out on radio playlists.
Its move into the runner-up position suggested that it was poised to become one of the defining records of the summer.
3. Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
After a successful run at number one, Mrs. Robinson slipped to third place. Even so, it remained one of the most influential and beloved songs of the year.
Simon & Garfunkel combined intelligent songwriting with memorable melodies, creating a record that resonated deeply with listeners. Its connection to The Graduate only added to its cultural significance.
The song’s continued Top 5 presence confirmed its status as one of the defining recordings of the late 1960s.
4. Yummy Yummy Yummy – Ohio Express
Ohio Express held steady at number four with one of the biggest bubblegum pop hits of the decade. Its catchy chorus and playful energy made it a favorite among younger listeners.
The record demonstrated the commercial power of bubblegum music during the late 1960s. While simple in construction, its irresistible hook ensured widespread popularity.
As summer began, it remained one of the most recognizable songs on American radio.
5. The Look Of Love – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 broke into the Top 5 with their sophisticated interpretation of The Look Of Love. The recording blended Brazilian influences with contemporary pop, creating a smooth and distinctive sound.
Its elegant arrangement and relaxed atmosphere provided a refreshing contrast to many of the rock and soul records surrounding it on the chart. The group’s polished musicianship helped elevate the song beyond a standard pop recording.
The record’s continued rise highlighted the growing popularity of international and cross-cultural influences in American music.
More Weeks at #1 for “This Guy’s in Love with You”
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 June 22, 1968, this was your birthday song:
🎵 This Guy’s in Love with You by Herb Alpert
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert
- MacArthur Park – Richard Harris
- Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel
- Yummy Yummy Yummy – Ohio Express
- The Look Of Love – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66
- Mony Mony – Tommy James And The Shondells
- Think – Aretha Franklin
- Angel Of The Morning – Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts
- Tighten Up – Archie Bell & The Drells
- Reach Out Of The Darkness – Friend And Lover
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at June 1968
The June 22, 1968 chart illustrates how broad the definition of popular music had become. Sophisticated ballads, experimental pop, bubblegum hits, soul music, and folk-rock all found success with American audiences.
The arrival of Herb Alpert at number one was especially noteworthy because it demonstrated that mature, carefully crafted pop music could still compete successfully against emerging rock trends. At the same time, records like MacArthur Park showed that audiences were increasingly receptive to ambitious and unconventional songs.
Viewed today, this chart serves as a remarkable snapshot of one of the most creative periods in Billboard history. The records featured here helped define the sound of 1968 and continue to be remembered more than half a century later.
