Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of June 29, 1968
As June 1968 came to a close, the Billboard Hot 100 reflected a summer music scene filled with variety and momentum. Herb Alpert remained atop the chart with This Guy’s In Love With You, a sophisticated ballad that stood in sharp contrast to many of the louder rock and soul records climbing the rankings. Yet beneath the calm surface, major changes were brewing as several fast-moving songs threatened to challenge for the top spot.
The biggest mover of the week was the instrumental hit The Horse by Cliff Nobles & Co., which galloped from number fifteen all the way to number two. Instrumental records had become less common at the top of the charts by the late 1960s, making its rapid ascent particularly noteworthy. Meanwhile, Richard Harris continued his remarkable run with the dramatic and unconventional MacArthur Park, one of the most ambitious records ever to reach the upper reaches of the Hot 100.
Bubblegum pop remained a major force thanks to Ohio Express and their infectious hit Yummy Yummy Yummy, while Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 continued introducing American audiences to a smooth blend of Brazilian rhythms and contemporary pop. Further down the Top 10, Aretha Franklin, Merrilee Rush, and Shorty Long helped showcase the growing strength of soul and adult-oriented pop music.
Looking back, this chart captures a fascinating moment when no single style dominated popular music. Radio listeners could hear orchestral instrumentals, soulful ballads, bubblegum singalongs, and sophisticated pop records all competing for attention, making 1968 one of the most musically diverse years in Billboard history.
Top 5 Songs (June 29, 1968)
1. This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert remained at number one for a second consecutive week with one of the year’s most elegant recordings. Best known for his trumpet work and leadership of the Tijuana Brass, Alpert surprised audiences with a warm and heartfelt vocal performance.
The song’s lush arrangement and timeless melody helped it appeal to a wide audience. It stood apart from many contemporary hits by emphasizing sophistication and romance rather than youthful rebellion or dance-floor energy.
Its continued success demonstrated that carefully crafted pop ballads still had tremendous power in an era increasingly associated with experimentation and change.
2. The Horse – Cliff Nobles & Co.
The biggest story on the chart was the explosive rise of The Horse, which surged thirteen positions to reach number two. Built around a driving horn section and irresistible groove, the instrumental quickly became a favorite on radio stations across America.
At a time when vocal performances dominated the charts, its success was unusual and refreshing. The record’s infectious energy made it ideal for parties, sporting events, and summer gatherings.
Its rapid ascent suggested that a serious challenge for the number one position could be just around the corner.
3. MacArthur Park – Richard Harris
Richard Harris remained firmly in the Top 3 with the sweeping and dramatic MacArthur Park. Few songs on the radio sounded anything like it, and that uniqueness became one of its greatest strengths.
Written by Jimmy Webb, the record challenged traditional expectations of what a pop single could be. Its orchestral arrangement, emotional intensity, and vivid imagery created a listening experience unlike anything else on the chart.
The song’s continued success demonstrated the growing willingness of listeners to embrace ambitious and unconventional music.
4. Yummy Yummy Yummy – Ohio Express
Ohio Express held steady at number four with one of the defining bubblegum hits of the decade. The song’s simple hook and playful energy made it instantly memorable.
While some critics viewed bubblegum pop as lightweight entertainment, records like Yummy Yummy Yummy demonstrated an impressive ability to connect with audiences. Its singalong chorus ensured frequent radio play and widespread popularity.
As summer 1968 continued, it remained one of the most recognizable records in America.
5. The Look Of Love – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66
Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 continued their climb with the sophisticated and stylish The Look Of Love. The record blended Brazilian influences with contemporary pop, creating a sound that felt fresh and distinctive.
Its elegant arrangement and smooth vocal delivery provided a welcome contrast to many of the more energetic songs on the chart. The group’s musicianship helped elevate the song into one of the year’s standout recordings.
Its continued presence in the Top 5 reflected the growing influence of international sounds on American popular 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 29, 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
- The Horse – Cliff Nobles & Co.
- MacArthur Park – Richard Harris
- Yummy Yummy Yummy – Ohio Express
- The Look Of Love – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66
- Mony Mony – Tommy James And The Shondells
- Angel Of The Morning – Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts
- Think – Aretha Franklin
- Here Comes The Judge – Shorty Long
- Reach Out Of The Darkness – Friend And Lover
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at June 1968
The June 29, 1968 chart perfectly illustrates the musical diversity that defined the late 1960s. Sophisticated pop ballads, soul music, instrumentals, bubblegum hits, and ambitious orchestral productions all competed for listeners’ attention at the same time.
The rapid rise of The Horse showed that instrumental recordings could still become major hits, while the continued success of MacArthur Park proved that audiences were increasingly willing to embrace complex and unconventional songs. At the same time, Herb Alpert’s number one hit demonstrated the enduring appeal of traditional melody and craftsmanship.
Viewed today, this chart stands as one of the most varied and interesting snapshots of 1968. It captures a moment when popular music was expanding in every direction, creating a soundtrack that reflected both the creativity and excitement of the era.
