Roy Orbison, an iconic figure in the realm of rock and roll, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his distinctive voice and timeless ballads. From his hauntingly beautiful falsetto to his emotionally charged lyrics, Orbison’s songs continue to resonate with audiences decades after their release. With a career spanning over four decades, it is no easy task to narrow down his extensive discography to just ten songs. Nevertheless, this article aims to delve into the depths of Orbison’s musical genius and present a carefully curated list of the “10 Best Roy Orbison Songs of All Time.” These selections were chosen based on their impact on popular culture, critical acclaim, chart success, and their ability to encapsulate Orbison’s signature style. Join us on this musical journey as we revisit the highlights of Orbison’s illustrious career, relishing in his melancholic ballads, soaring vocal performances, and unparalleled storytelling abilities. From his early hits to his later triumphs, this compilation will not only celebrate Orbison’s immense talent but also showcase the enduring power of his music that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
1. You Got It
Roy Orbison's timeless classic, "You Got It", is truly one of his finest works. It showcases his unparalleled vocal range and emotive delivery. The song was released in 1989 and is of the Pop Rock genre. It was co-written by Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty and featured on the album Mystery Girl.
This song marked a triumphant return for the singer after a period of silence. Its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody captivated audiences around the world, securing its place as one of his signature songs.
For a truly special experience, listen to Roy Orbison's live performance of "You Got It" at his iconic Black & White Night concert. The energy and passion he exudes will add an extra layer of magic to this already phenomenal track.
2. She’s A Mystery To Me
Roy Orbison's enigmatic masterpiece, "She's A Mystery To Me," captivates with haunting melodies and poetic lyrics exploring love and intrigue. It features lush orchestration and showcases Orbison's incredible vocal range. Its timeless appeal continues to inspire artists across genres, leaving an indelible mark on music history. Legend has it that Orbison was so moved by the composition, he couldn't hold back tears during recording, adding to the song's emotional power.
3. Blue Bayou
Roy Orbison's timeless classic, Blue Bayou, will never go out of style. His voice is hauntingly beautiful and conveys a feeling of nostalgia and longing.
This masterpiece has the following:
- Song: Blue Bayou
- Album: In Dreams
- Release Year: 1963
- Genre: Pop, Rock, Country
- Songwriter(s): Roy Orbison, Joe Melson
It's special because it blends different musical styles. Listeners from various genres can appreciate this unique sound.
Don't miss out! Let Orbison's soulful voice transport you to the mysterious Blue Bayou. Experience the heartbreak in 'Running Scared' and feel as if you just got dumped via carrier pigeon.
4. Running Scared
Roy Orbison's "Running Scared" is iconic. Released in '61, it quickly topped the charts. Its melody is haunting, dramatic and matches the heartbreaking lyrics.
Orbison's vocal range is on display, from falsetto to deep resonance. Themes of love and vulnerability are explored as Orbison sings of fear of losing someone dear. His vocals, lyrics and lush orchestration make this track a masterpiece.
This song is unique with its unconventional chord progressions. Instead of following a traditional structure, unexpected key changes add depth and complexity. This showcases Orbison's musical genius and sets "Running Scared" apart.
To fully experience this brilliance, listen with headphones. Then you can immerse yourself in the instrumentation and Orbison's extraordinary vocals.
5. Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)
Text: Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel) – what a timeless classic! Roy Orbison's masterpiece has a melody and lyrics that make a lasting impact. Let's discover what makes this song so special.
- It's emotionally intense: The lyrics capture loneliness and heartache. Anyone who has felt this way can relate.
- Voice of an angel: Orbison's iconic voice conveys pain and vulnerability. It leaves a lasting impression.
- Unique instrumentation: The haunting strings, dreamy guitars and Orbison's soaring vocals create a unique soundscape.
- Eternal appeal: Despite being released in 1960, "Only the Lonely" is still popular today!
Some lesser-known details also set it apart. It was co-written by Joe Melson. It marked a turning point in Orbison's career.
To appreciate "Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)," try these tips:
- Explore Orbison's discography – find other gems that showcase his vocal range and songwriting.
- Watch live performances – see it for yourself to feel the song's emotional impact.
- Listen with an open heart – allow yourself to connect with the lyrics and melody.
Follow these suggestions and you'll understand why "Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)" is an everlasting masterpiece. Plus, check out 'Oh, Pretty Woman' – proof that Roy Orbison knew not to judge a book by its sunglasses!
6. Oh, Pretty Woman
Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" has a special place in the hearts of music fans. His excellent singing and melodic tunes create a captivating mix. Let's examine this classic.
| Artist | Year | Genre | |
| Oh, Pretty Woman | Roy Orbison | 1964 | Rock and Roll |
This song is a blend of rock and roll and Roy's signature voice. Its catchy guitar and lyrics make it instantly recognizable.
Fun Fact: It was featured in the movie "Pretty Woman" starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
"Crying" shows off Roy's talent to keep his voice dry even when tears are streaming down his face.
7. Crying
Crying – Roy Orbison's captivating emotion in his music. We uncover this touching song and its importance in Orbison's remarkable career.
- Strong Feeling: "Crying" is a sorrowful tune that highlights Orbison's aptitude for stirring strong emotions with his special vocal range.
- Poetic Genius: The words in "Crying" create a vivid scene of lost love, allowing listeners to identify with the sadness and longing expressed in the song.
- Orchestral Melody: The grandiose orchestral sound adds an extra layer of intensity to the already powerful vocals and lyrics.
- Vocal Talent: Orbison's haunting singing on "Crying" is renowned as one of his finest works, showcasing his tremendous control and expressiveness.
- Impact on Music: This symbolical tune has affected countless musicians from varying genres, establishing Orbison's status as one of the greatest vocalists ever.
- Enduring Quality: Despite being released many years ago, "Crying" still moves listeners today, proving its enduring quality.
In addition, "Crying" was not only acclaimed by critics but also sold well. It climbed to high positions on charts worldwide, further solidifying Roy Orbison's reputation as a music icon.
Pro Tip: To truly comprehend the emotional depth of "Crying," listen to it in a quiet room where you can fully absorb Orbison's soul-stirring performance.
Ready to be taken to a bewitchingly gorgeous wonderland with Orbison's 'In Dreams,' or, as I call it, the sleep song for insomniacs who like good music.
8. In Dreams
'In Dreams', the eighth song on Roy Orbison's best songs list, is a timeless classic. It captivates with its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. Let's explore this masterpiece!
The song:
- "In Dreams"
- Released in 1963
This song has a special place in Roy Orbison's discography. His powerful vocals combined with the ethereal orchestration creates an atmosphere that lingers after it ends.
To get the most out of this song, here are some suggestions:
- Close your eyes and let the music transport you. Let Roy Orbison's voice take you on a journey through love and longing.
- Listen to the lyrical depth. Appreciate Orbison's storytelling prowess as the poetic lyrics evoke profound emotions.
- Check out other Roy Orbison classics. After 'In Dreams', explore his other masterpieces that showcase his incredible talent.
By following these suggestions, you can fully appreciate the magic of 'In Dreams'. Enjoy this enchanting musical gem from one of history's greatest voices.
9. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream): Orbison's plea for a good night's sleep got us all wondering – how long must we dream of fluffy pillows before we buy new ones?
9. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
Roy Orbison's 'Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)' is a timeless classic. Released in 1962, it blends rock and pop elements. Its melody and heartfelt lyrics captivate listeners. Orbison's signature falsetto soars over dreamy instrumentation. The catchy chorus and memorable hooks stay in the mind long after the song ends.
The song evokes yearning for true love. Its lyrics explore unrequited love, expressing the narrator's desire for his beloved to reciprocate. This resonates across generations, showing Orbison's ability to touch on universal emotions.
To truly appreciate this song, it should be listened to in a peaceful setting. It can transport listeners to another world during a calm evening drive or a moment alone at home.
Exploring other Orbison songs like 'In Dreams', 'Crying', and 'Only the Lonely' reveals his immense talent as a songwriter and performer.
10. Ooby Dooby
Roy Orbison's "Ooby Dooby" is a classic! It has a catchy melody and rockabilly style. It was released in 1956 and quickly became a hit. It peaked at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song has a unique sound, with Orbison's signature voice and energetic guitar riffs. It was originally recorded by the Teen Kings, Orbison's first band. But, only after he signed with Sun Records and re-recorded it did it gain popularity.
When you listen to "Ooby Dooby", it takes you back to the early days of rock and roll. The irresistible rhythm and Orbison's amazing vocal performance make it stand out!
So, if you want some timeless rockabilly goodness, don't forget to give "Ooby Dooby" a spin. It's a great reminder of Roy Orbison's talent and lasting influence!
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
