Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of October 28, 1967
The Billboard Hot 100 for October 28, 1967 showed stability at the top as “To Sir With Love” by Lulu remained the nation’s #1 song. The record had quickly captured the attention of listeners with its heartfelt message and emotional delivery, and its second week at the summit confirmed that its success was more than a temporary surge. Inspired by the popular film of the same name, the song offered something different from many of the rock and soul records dominating radio.
Behind Lulu, “The Letter” continued its remarkable chart run at #2 while The Association’s “Never My Love” held firmly at #3. The Young Rascals remained in the Top 5 with “How Can I Be Sure,” and Soul Survivors continued their rise with the Philadelphia soul classic “Expressway (To Your Heart).” The upper reaches of the chart reflected a broad mix of styles that defined late 1967.
Further down the Top 10, soul music continued to gain strength. Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” held at #7, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell moved higher with “Your Precious Love,” and Aretha Franklin entered the Top 10 with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Meanwhile, psychedelic rock arrived in force as Strawberry Alarm Clock’s “Incense And Peppermints” reached the Top 10 for the first time.
Top 5 Songs (October 28, 1967)
1. To Sir With Love – Lulu
“To Sir With Love” remained at #1 for a second week, continuing one of the year’s most impressive climbs. The song’s appeal came from its sincerity, offering a message of appreciation and respect that resonated with listeners of all ages.
Lulu’s vocal performance balanced strength and vulnerability, helping the record stand apart from many contemporary hits. Its connection to the popular film certainly helped, but the song’s staying power came from its emotional authenticity.
By holding the top spot, the record established itself as one of the defining songs of 1967.
2. The Letter – The Box Tops
After its lengthy reign at #1, “The Letter” remained a powerful force at #2. Few records of 1967 had made a stronger impression on radio audiences than The Box Tops’ urgent and unforgettable hit.
Alex Chilton’s distinctive vocal remained the centerpiece of the record. Even after weeks of heavy airplay, the song retained its sense of urgency and excitement.
Its continued presence near the top showed that listeners were not ready to let it go.
3. Never My Love – The Association
Holding steady at #3, “Never My Love” continued to prove the staying power of harmony-driven pop. The Association created a record that felt timeless from the moment it appeared on the charts.
The song’s elegant arrangement and heartfelt lyrics appealed to a broad audience. While music trends were changing rapidly in 1967, “Never My Love” succeeded because it focused on melody and emotional honesty.
Its enduring popularity would eventually make it one of the most remembered love songs of the era.
4. How Can I Be Sure – The Young Rascals
“How Can I Be Sure” remained at #4 this week, continuing its strong climb. The Young Rascals offered a record that combined uncertainty, romance, and musical sophistication in a highly distinctive package.
Its emotional honesty helped separate it from many of the more confident love songs of the day. The vulnerability expressed in the lyrics made the record particularly relatable.
The song’s continued success confirmed the group’s versatility and growing popularity.
5. Expressway (To Your Heart) – Soul Survivors
Holding at #5, “Expressway (To Your Heart)” continued to bring Philadelphia soul into the national spotlight. Its driving rhythm and energetic horn arrangement made it one of the most exciting records on radio.
The record’s momentum reflected the growing influence of soul music across the country. Audiences responded to its energy, groove, and unmistakable personality.
Its place in the Top 5 demonstrated that soul was becoming an increasingly dominant force on the Hot 100.
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 October 28, 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
- The Letter – The Box Tops
- Never My Love – The Association
- How Can I Be Sure – The Young Rascals
- Expressway (To Your Heart) – Soul Survivors
- It Must Be Him – Vikki Carr
- Soul Man – Sam & Dave
- Your Precious Love – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin
- Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at October 1967
The October 28, 1967 chart highlights the remarkable diversity of popular music during the late 1960s. Pop ballads, soul music, soundtrack hits, and psychedelic rock all found places within the Top 10, giving listeners an unusually wide variety of sounds.
The week also reflected the growing strength of soul. Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, and Soul Survivors all occupied significant chart positions, helping define the musical direction of the era.
Looking back today, this chart captures a period when popular music was expanding in every direction. The result was a Hot 100 filled with songs that would remain familiar and influential decades later.
