Roy Orbison, the legendary American singer-songwriter, is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians in the history of rock and roll. With his distinctive operatic voice and heartfelt lyrics, Orbison captivated audiences around the world and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Throughout his illustrious career, he produced an impressive repertoire of timeless classics that continue to resonate with fans today. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time, celebrating his extraordinary talent and enduring legacy. From his early rockabilly hits to his later emotive ballads, Orbison’s songs are a testament to his exceptional songwriting prowess and ability to evoke deep emotions. Whether it’s the haunting melancholy of “Crying” or the soaring power of “Oh, Pretty Woman,” each track on this list showcases Orbison’s unmatched vocal range and his gift for crafting unforgettable melodies. So, join us as we embark on a musical journey through the remarkable discography of Roy Orbison, and discover the timeless songs that have solidified his status as an icon in the annals of music history.
1. You Got It
With his powerful and emotive voice, Roy Orbison created timeless classics that remain popular today. "You Got It" is a testament to Orbison's ability to blend rockabilly with pop sensibilities, making it one of his most memorable songs. Its upbeat tempo, catchy hook, and Orbison's signature vocal style make it an instant classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As the lead single from his 1989 album "Mystery Girl," "You Got It" was a massive hit for the late singer-songwriter. With its polished production and sophisticated songwriting, it showcased Orbison's versatility as an artist. The song's lyrics are simple yet effective, expressing a deep devotion to a loved one through heartfelt lines like "Anything you want / You got it."
What sets "You Got It" apart from other love songs is its infectious energy and irresistible charm. From the opening guitar riff to the soaring chorus, every element of the song works together seamlessly to create a moment of pure joy. Whether you're singing along in the car or dancing at a wedding reception, "You Got It" is sure to lift your spirits and brighten your day.
For fans of Roy Orbison who may be unfamiliar with this track, "You Got It" is an excellent introduction to his music. Its timeless quality and universal appeal ensure that it will be enjoyed for generations to come. So next time you need a pick-me-up or just want to feel good, put on "You Got It" by Roy Orbison – trust us, you won't regret it!
Ooby Dooby, more like Ooby Doo-be-gone from your head after hearing the other nine songs on this list.
2. Ooby Dooby
One of the top hits in Roy Orbison's career was his chart-topping song that goes, "Ooby Dooby". With its catchy and upbeat rhythm, it is considered one of his most fun and youthful songs. The lyrics are simple yet memorable, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys dancing or singing along to classic rock tunes.
Aside from Ooby Dooby, Orbison had other notable hits that showcased his incredible vocals, storytelling prowess, and unique sound. One such song is "Crying," which features a soaring chorus filled with raw emotion. Another hit is "Oh Pretty Woman," which became one of Orbison's signature songs due to its enchanting melody.
While Orbison may be gone, his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His contributions to rock and roll have cemented his place as one of the greatest singers of all time. Fans can also enjoy lesser-known gems such as "Blue Bayou" or the hauntingly beautiful "In Dreams."
To fully appreciate Roy Orbison's genius, listening to his entire discography is highly recommended. It will give fans a glimpse into the depth and range of his artistry while introducing new listeners to some of the best music ever made.
Trying to figure out the meaning behind 'She's A Mystery To Me' is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded – impossible, yet so intriguing.
3. She’s A Mystery To Me
The enigmatic charm of the woman in question is captured impeccably by Roy Orbison in 'She's A Mystery To Me'. His haunting voice and intricate lyrics complement each other beautifully, painting a vivid picture of someone who eludes understanding. The song was written by Bono and The Edge of U2 fame and produced by Electric Light Orchestra's leader, Jeff Lynne.
Orbison's melodic voice lingers on the mysterious woman whom he cannot comprehend – "With every step she takes, she draws a mystery closer." The drums are hypnotic, building up to an epic crescendo that matches the intensity of Orbison's desire to unravel the enigma. 'She's A Mystery To Me' was one of Roy Orbison's last recordings before his untimely death but will forever remain etched in our hearts.
It is noteworthy that decades after its release, 'She's A Mystery To Me' found new life when music supervisors had it feature on TV show episodes and films like Mysterious Skin and Blue Bloods. It speaks to the enduring quality of this soulful masterpiece that transcends generations.
Dream Baby, or how long must I dream of Roy Orbison serenading me with his velvet voice?
4. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
This Roy Orbison classic, often referred to as just "Dream Baby," features a catchy melody and Orbison's signature soaring vocals. The song was released in 1962 and quickly climbed the charts, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Dream Baby" showcases Orbison's ability to blend rock and roll with country influences, creating a unique sound that has stood the test of time. With its upbeat tempo and memorable chorus, this song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Orbison's extensive discography.
In addition to its catchy melody and energetic rhythm, "Dream Baby" also features some impressive guitar work from legendary musician James Burton. Burton's intricate solos perfectly complement Orbison's vocals, adding an extra layer of depth to the song. Furthermore, the lyrics themselves are romantic and sweet, describing a longing for someone special who seems just out of reach.
Overall, "Dream Baby" is a standout track from one of the most iconic musicians of all time. Its timeless sound has helped solidify Orbison's place in music history, while its catchy chorus ensures that it will remain a beloved classic for generations to come. For fans of Orbison or rock and roll in general, "Dream Baby" is an absolute must-listen.
Blue Bayou is the perfect song to listen to while crying in a dark room…or pretending like you're in a romantic movie montage.
5. Blue Bayou
This classic tune, famously covered by Linda Ronstadt, showcases the velvet voice of Roy Orbison in all its glory. "Blue Bayou" is a heartfelt ballad with soaring melodies that perfectly complement Orbison's emotive vocals. It was released in 1963 as the B-side to "Mean Woman Blues," but it quickly became popular and earned its place among his greatest hits. The song speaks of a longing for an idyllic paradise where one can escape from the world's troubles and find peace. Orbison's unique ability to convey complex emotions through his voice makes this song a timeless masterpiece.
One notable aspect of "Blue Bayou" is its lush instrumentation, which includes strings, horns, and a prominent backing choir. These elements add depth and grandeur to the already beautiful melody, creating an atmosphere of melancholic splendor. Besides its sonic appeal, the song's themes of escapism and romanticism resonate with listeners across generations.
Fun fact: Despite being a B-side track, "Blue Bayou" reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Orbison his first gold disc award for selling over one million copies.
Get ready to be swept away in a melodious dreamland with Roy Orbison's hauntingly beautiful 'In Dreams'.
6. In Dreams
This track from Roy Orbison's repertoire, characterized by its quintessential string arrangements and poignant lyrics, stands out due to its multi-layered emotional appeal. With the sweetness of the innocent love portrayed in the verses and the anguish of being haunted by loss yearnings in the chorus, In Dreams evokes a sense of otherworldly mystique – a signature hallmark of the singer's musical style. The song showcases his exceptional vocal range, which effortlessly reaches high notes with piercing clarity.
The musical arrangement with an orchestral sweep of rhythm section and percussion instruments effectively complements Roy Orbison's mellifluous voice, creating an ethereal aura that enraptures listeners.
The song has a unique characteristic in comparison to Orbison's other infamous ballads; it has no instrumental solos. Instead, it relies on his exquisite singing and captivating use of dynamics to paint a mental image that remains long after the song ends.
Orbison wrote In Dreams during his adolescent years; as per one account, he was daydreaming about another girl while driving around at night when inspiration arrived seemingly out of nowhere. This song has soundtracked many moments throughout music history where melancholy gives way to beauty through astounding musicianship.
If Roy Orbison's voice doesn't give you goosebumps during 'Running Scared', you might want to check if you're still alive.
7. Running Scared
This entry in the list showcases Orbison's ability to capture heartbreak with raw emotion. The song's tense buildup of percussion and orchestration adds to the feeling of desperation expressed in the lyrics. "Running Scared" was a commercial success, hitting number one on the charts in both the US and UK. Its impact has been felt through covers and samples by various artists.
Roy Orbison's 'Crying' is so powerful, it could make a statue weep.
8. Crying
The melancholic ballad, which is number eight on the list of the best Roy Orbison songs of all time, showcases his angelic voice and ability to evoke deep emotions through music. 'Crying' is a timeless classic that tells a story of heartbreak and sadness. The song reached international success upon its release in 1961 and has been covered by various artists over the years.
Orbison's emotional rendition of 'Crying' allows listeners to reminisce about lost loves and painful memories. The song features powerful lyrics, "I was alright for a while, I could smile for a while, But I saw you last night, you held my hand so tight". The unique combination of Orbison's powerful voice and poetic lyricism makes this track stand out from the rest.
One fascinating fact about 'Crying' is that Elvis Presley enjoyed listening to it while he served in the US army. He would often listen to it on repeat during breaks from training sessions. This just goes to show how influential this song was even during that era.
"Only the lonely know the way I feel" – and after listening to this Roy Orbison classic, everyone else will too.
9. Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)
This chart-topping hit is one of the most iconic songs by Roy Orbison. Its soulful lyrics and heartfelt melody convey a sense of loneliness and heartache that listeners can relate to. The song's production is also noteworthy with its prominent use of strings and piano adding depth to the overall composition. Orbison's powerful vocals bring the emotional resonance of the song to life, making it a timeless classic.
In addition to being a commercial sensation, "Only the Lonely" was also hailed by critics as an example of Orbison's talents as both a songwriter and vocalist. The song became an instant success upon its release in 1960, staying on the charts for weeks and inspiring numerous covers by other artists.
What sets "Only the Lonely" apart from other Orbison tracks is its evocative lyrics that touch on themes of loneliness and isolation. The somber notes and poignant delivery underscore a sense of longing that speaks to anyone who has ever felt alone. It is no surprise that this song resonates with audiences even after decades since its debut.
Interestingly, Roy Orbison originally wrote "Only the Lonely" as a country ballad but later revised it into its now-famous form with the help of his producer, Fred Foster. The result was a masterful blend of pop sensibility and emotional honesty that captured imaginations worldwide.
Even if she's walking down the street, you'll stop and stare at this pretty woman, thanks to Roy Orbison.
10. Oh, Pretty Woman
This iconic track, known by its catchy chorus, is one of Roy Orbison's timeless classics. With rich orchestration and rhythmic beats, it has consistently remained a fan favorite for decades. Its prominence in pop culture persists with appearances in numerous films and TV shows since its initial release in 1964. Its upbeat tone stands out from Orbison's melancholy ballads while still maintaining his trademark smooth vocals. It certainly deserves a top spot on any list of Roy Orbison's best songs.
In "Oh, Pretty Woman," Orbison sings about seeing a woman walking down the street and being immediately struck by her beauty. This narrative provides an entertaining storyline to the song filled with playful lyrics that hearken back to rock 'n' roll's early days. Built around a distinctive guitar riff and upbeat tempo, it remains one of the most recognizable hits in popular music history.
It's fascinating to note that the title may have been inspired by Orbison's wife at the time, Claudette, who walked into their house wearing curlers in her hair while he was writing this song. Her appearance prompted him to exclaim, "pretty woman" before adopting it as the title for one of his biggest hits.
Ultimately, 'Oh, Pretty Woman' serves as a testament to Roy Orbison's dazzling vocal abilities and creative lyrics that made him such an important figure in rock music history.
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.
