Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of November 18, 1967
The Billboard Hot 100 for November 18, 1967 remained firmly under the control of “To Sir With Love” by Lulu, which spent a fifth consecutive week at #1. What began as a song associated with a successful motion picture had evolved into one of the year’s defining hits. Its emotional message, heartfelt vocal, and broad appeal continued to resonate with listeners across America.
While Lulu held the top spot, the competition beneath her was growing stronger. Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” remained locked at #2 and continued to build momentum as one of the most important soul records of the decade. Meanwhile, Strawberry Alarm Clock’s psychedelic anthem “Incense And Peppermints” climbed into the Top 3, reflecting the growing influence of psychedelic rock on mainstream radio.
The week’s chart also showcased a remarkable mix of styles. The Cowsills brought sunshine pop into the Top 5, Vikki Carr continued her successful run with “It Must Be Him,” and Dionne Warwick made a dramatic leap into the Top 10 with “I Say A Little Prayer.” It was another reminder that late-1967 radio remained one of the most diverse musical environments in American history.
Top 5 Songs (November 18, 1967)
1. To Sir With Love – Lulu
“To Sir With Love” remained at #1 for a fifth week, continuing one of the most impressive chart runs of 1967. The song’s emotional honesty and universal message helped it connect with audiences far beyond the film that inspired it.
Lulu’s vocal performance remained the key to the record’s success. She delivered the song with a sincerity that felt genuine, allowing listeners to form a personal connection with the lyrics.
By mid-November, the song had become one of the signature records of the year and showed little sign of slowing down.
2. Soul Man – Sam & Dave
Holding at #2 for another week, “Soul Man” continued its rise toward legendary status. Sam & Dave’s powerful vocals, combined with the unmistakable Stax rhythm section, created one of the defining soul records of the decade.
The song’s energy and confidence made it stand out on radio playlists. It felt both contemporary and timeless, helping it reach audiences far beyond traditional R&B listeners.
Its continued strength suggested that a challenge for the top position could soon be possible.
3. Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
“Incense And Peppermints” climbed from #4 to #3 this week, becoming one of the fastest-rising records in the country. Its psychedelic sound captured the mood of late 1967 and appealed to younger listeners looking for something different from traditional pop.
The song’s swirling production, unusual lyrics, and dreamlike atmosphere made it instantly recognizable. It represented a style of music that was becoming increasingly influential on both albums and singles charts.
Its steady rise suggested that the psychedelic movement was becoming impossible to ignore.
4. The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
The Cowsills moved into the #4 position with “The Rain, The Park & Other Things,” one of the most cheerful and memorable records of the year. Its bright production and catchy melody made it a favorite with radio listeners.
The song blended sunshine pop with a youthful energy that fit perfectly alongside the more experimental sounds of the era. Its charm came from its simplicity and optimism.
The continued climb showed that upbeat pop still had a strong place on the Hot 100.
5. It Must Be Him – Vikki Carr
Although it slipped from #3 to #5, “It Must Be Him” remained one of the most dramatic records on the chart. Vikki Carr’s emotional performance helped make the song a standout among the many love songs competing for airplay.
The record’s orchestral arrangement and escalating tension created a sense of anticipation that listeners found compelling. It proved that traditional vocal pop still had significant power in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Its extended stay in the Top 5 reflected the song’s broad appeal and lasting emotional impact.
More Weeks at #1 for “To Sir With Love”
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 November 18, 1967, this was your birthday song:
🎵 To Sir With Love by Lulu
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- To Sir With Love – Lulu
- Soul Man – Sam & Dave
- Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
- The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
- It Must Be Him – Vikki Carr
- Please Love Me Forever – Bobby Vinton
- Your Precious Love – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- I Say A Little Prayer – Dionne Warwick
- Expressway (To Your Heart) – Soul Survivors
- I Can See For Miles – The Who
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at November 1967
The November 18, 1967 chart captured the incredible variety that defined late-1960s popular music. Lulu’s soundtrack ballad remained #1, but psychedelic rock, soul, sunshine pop, and traditional vocal performances all occupied prominent positions within the Top 10.
The continued rise of “Incense And Peppermints” highlighted the growing influence of psychedelic music, while “Soul Man” demonstrated the increasing dominance of soul on mainstream radio. Together, they represented two of the most important musical movements of the era.
Looking back today, this chart serves as a perfect snapshot of 1967’s musical diversity. Few periods in chart history featured such a wide range of successful styles competing side by side on the Billboard Hot 100.
