2000 Great Songs #1378: Bus Stop

July 01, 2026

2000 Great Songs #1378: Bus Stop

It's one of the older tracks to make the list--my taste largely begins with the Beatles' Revolver and the ensuing psychedelic era, though a few other tunes from 1965/1966 rise above mere oldies from before I was born. But I've always had a sentimental love for this wonderful 1966 single. The Hollies would start getting more creative later in 1966 and thereafter, doing their own songwriting and engaging in some psych-era experimentation (while sticking fairly close to their pop roots), but this single from earlier that year is pretty much the perfect British Invasion pop song.

Written by ringer Graham Gouldman (who'd later help form 10cc), it's a whimsical little meet-cute but doesn't feel too tame for me. I remember it being one of the first songs that made an impression on me when I was listening to the radio as a kid and starting to move beyond the current Top 40 hits of the day. It was hearing bands like the Beatles and The Who on the local classic rock stations that really pulled me into my deep obsession with music, but this one thoroughly charmed me, assisted by "Norwegian Wood" like Eastern riffs and their delightful harmonies. Still ridiculously catchy (plus a fistful of fun cover versions).