"Younger Girl" is a song written by John Sebastian and originally recorded by his band, the Lovin' Spoonful, for their 1965 debut album Do You Believe in Magic.[ Allmusic] album info The tune and lyric are based upon "Prison Wall Blues" (1930) by Cannon's Jug Stompers.
Two versions charted in the U.S., both released in 1966. The American pop group the Critters' version (Kapp 752), the title track from their debut LP, reached number 42 on Billboard's Hot 100 and number 21 on the Cash Box Top 100,Cash Box Top 100 Singles, July 9, 1966 peaking on both charts on July 9. On the UK Singles Chart, it reached number 38. The song was also covered by the West Coast studio group and surf act The Hondells (Mercury 72563), peaking July 2, at number 52 Billboard and number 38 Cash Box.Cash Box Top 100 Singles, July 9, 1966
Swedish pop group the Jackpots released "Younger Girl" as their debut single in 1966. Backed by "Dancing In the Street", this version competed with the Critters rendition on the Swedish record charts in December 1966. The Jackpots version was outperformed, and peaked at number 13 on Tio i Topp.
Chart performance The Critters version Chart (1966)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)18Sweden (Tio i Topp)10UK38U.S. Billboard Hot 100Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-200242U.S. Cash Box Top 10021 The Hondells version Chart (1966)PeakpositionCanada RPM 10011U.S. Billboard Hot 10052U.S. Cash Box Top 10038 The Jackpots version Chart (1966)PeakpositionSweden (Tio i Topp)13
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