In 1966, the Vogues released one of the best songs of the ’60s, “Five O’Clock World”. The song, which peaked at #3 on the US Cash Box Top 100, #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the Canadian Top Singles, and #2 on the New Zealand Charts, is a classic example of Sixties rock music. As the Vogues were a vocal-only group from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, their best-known record was a standout. The song tells the story of a man who doesn’t enjoy his job, but when five o’clock comes around, he is happy to go home to his wife, and life looks much better.
The melody of “Five O’Clock World” lifts when the group sings about quitting time. The song opens with a twelve-string riff and is punctuated with work-song shouts of “hey.” The tune signals the monotony of a day at work. The musicians on the session were transplants from FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which was just becoming a musical mecca. David Briggs (keyboards), Jerry Carrigan (drums), and Norbert Putnam (bass) were some of the musicians in the session. Allen Reynolds, who later became Garth Brooks’ record producer, wrote the song. The Vogues were Bill Burkette (lead baritone), Don Miller (baritone), Hugh Geyer (first tenor), and Chuck Blasko (second tenor).
The performance is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The performance mesmerizes the audience, and their positive reactions are audible through their applause and cheers. In high school, the Vogues and the Tokens had some of the greatest hits on the charts, with people almost wearing out the 45s playing them repeatedly.
The performance captured on video is incredible and was filmed on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. The clip is a fantastic example of the live audience/TV shows people used to enjoy, which brought them so much joy. “Five O’Clock World” was just as famous then as it is today. The opening of the Drew Carey Show used this whole song for a well-choreographed dance routine on the show’s set, which was just one example of how the song continued to remain popular even after so many years.
The Vogues transitioned well from early ’60s folk to rock, one reason they were so successful. The song is an excellent example of the music people listened to back in the day. It is a classic song that will continue to be a generation’s favorite.
Watch the video of “Five O’Clock World” by the Vogues and share it with your friends because this timeless classic is a must-watch.
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