THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

202-The 5th Dimension-Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.

1969-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 0.39. The editor of the ‘New Musical Express (NME) from 1978-1985, and astrologer Neil Spencer, has said that this songs lyrics are ‘astrological gibberish,’ noting that Jupiter forms an astrological aspect with Mars several times a year, and the moon is in the 7th House for two hours every day. I say the lyrics should be treated as poetic licence, and perhaps not be taken two seriously.

‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ is a medley of two songs originally featured in the 1967 groundbreaking Rock Musical ‘Hair,’ which was written by Gerome Ragni, (1935-1991) and James Rado, with the music written by Galt MacDermot (1928-2018.) ‘Hair explores the many themes of the hippie movement of the 1960’s, and the decisions young people had to make at that time, such as with the war in Vietnam.

The veteran American record producer, and engineer Dayton Burr ‘Bones’ Howe (see also best songs 811 and 660) had been to see the show ‘Hair,’ and had come away wanting to record ‘Aquarius’ with his current project, the five piece vocal group the ‘5th Dimension.’ The only problem was that ‘Aquarius’ on it’s own was two short to be released as a single, so he got the idea to create a medley with another musical moment from the show, a few bars from the song “The Flesh Failures,” that consist of the repeated words “let the sunshine in.” Howe brought in the American composer Bill Holman to write new music, and he also got the session musicians ‘The Wrecking Crew’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-527-486-262-197-192-180-127 and 71) to play on the track. The instrumental was recorded separately in Hollywood, and the vocals were later added by the 5th Dimension in Las Vegas in between time while they were touring. ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine’ went on to spend six weeks at Number 1 on Billboard in 1969, ending the year as the second best selling song that year in America behind ‘Sugar Sugar’ from ‘The Archies.’

The 5th Dimension were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1965, they remain active with only founding member Florence LaRue being the groups one constant. The bands classic line up consisted of Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., (see also best songs 572) Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, and Ronald Townson (1933-2001.) After the departures of McCoo and Davis Jr. in 1975, there have been 25 further members come and go. The 5th Dimension have issued 13 studio Albums between 1967-1995, and 44 singles, of which 20 have reached the Billboard top 40, with two making the Number 1 spot. In the UK they have reached the top 40 twice, with ‘Wedding Bell Blues,’ which was their other American Number 1 single, reaching Number 16, also in 1969.

‘When the moon is in the Seventh House, and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then peace will guide the planets, and love will steer the stars. This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.’