Hits 68: A Time Capsule of Pop Magic That Still Hits Different
Let’s talk about Hits 68, shall we? It’s one of those albums where you don’t really know who the “artist” is (seriously, it’s credited to "Unknown Artist"), but somehow, that mystery makes it even cooler. Released in 1968 by Music For Pleasure—a label name so chill it sounds like something your stoner uncle would come up with—this compilation feels like a scrapbook of UK pop culture at its peak. And let me tell you, it’s got some bangers.
First off, can we just take a moment for Jenny Thomas’ design work on the sleeve? The cover screams ‘60s mod vibes without trying too hard. Paired with Blase Machin’s sleeve notes, which read like they were written by someone sipping tea while watching Carnaby Street go by, this thing practically oozes charm. But enough about the packaging—let’s dive into the tunes.
One track that sticks out? Oh, absolutely “Delilah.” This song hits like a punch to the gut in all the right ways. If you’ve ever been through a messy breakup and wanted to scream into the void, this is your anthem. The dramatic build-up, the raw emotion—it’s basically melodrama wrapped in three minutes of pure pop gold. You’ll find yourself humming it hours later, maybe even days, whether you want to or not. Fun fact: I once played this at a party, and someone actually cried. True story.
Then there’s “Congratulations,” which might as well be the theme song for anyone who’s ever had their hopes dashed but still clapped anyway. It’s upbeat, kinda cheeky, and has this weirdly uplifting vibe despite being kinda sad when you think about it. Plus, it’s impossible not to sing along to the chorus. Try it. You’ll see what I mean.
Other tracks like “Cinderella Rockefella” and “The Legend Of Xanadu” feel like little snapshots of an era obsessed with storytelling through music. They’re fun, quirky, and honestly? Kinda wild when you really listen to the lyrics. Like…what does “Xanadu” even mean? Who cares! It slaps.
But here’s the thing about Hits 68: listening to it now feels like flipping through an old photo album. Some moments are fuzzy around the edges, sure, but others hit you square in the chest with nostalgia—even if you weren’t alive back then. It’s less of an album and more of a vibe, y’know?
Oh, and before I forget—how random is it that two songs have almost identical titles but slightly different spellings? (“If I Only Had Time” vs. “If I only had Time”—what gives?) Feels like whoever put this together was either having a laugh or just didn’t care anymore. Either way, it adds to the whole chaotic charm.
So yeah, Hits 68 isn’t perfect. Some tracks feel dated, others blend together after a while, but damn if it doesn’t capture a slice of time that feels both distant and familiar. Listening to it feels like stepping inside love itself—which, coincidentally, is also the title of another track. Weird, huh?
Final thought: If albums could talk, this one would probably say something like, “Oi, stop overthinking everything and enjoy the ride.” Solid advice, tbh.
