Roy Orbison, with his unmistakable voice and unparalleled ability to convey raw emotions, cemented himself as one of the greatest pioneers in the realm of popular music. Throughout his illustrious career spanning several decades, the Texan-born singer-songwriter left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll, enchanting audiences with his haunting ballads and soaring vocal range. With timeless hits that continue to captivate listeners to this day, we embark on a nostalgic journey through the top 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time.
From the early days of his career in the 1950s to his triumphant resurgence in the 1980s, Orbison’s discography boasts a treasure trove of musical gems. His songs are marked by introspective lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and a distinct fusion of rock, pop, and country elements. With a voice that effortlessly transitioned from gentle and vulnerable to powerful and commanding, Orbison’s vocal prowess remains unmatched, making him a true icon of the industry.
In this article, we delve into the diverse collection of Roy Orbison’s musical masterpieces, carefully curating a list of the top 10 songs that showcase his immense talent and enduring legacy. From chart-topping classics to hidden gems, we celebrate the range and depth of his artistry, shedding light on the tracks that continue to resonate with fans around the globe.
Join us as we reminisce on the remarkable career of Roy Orbison, revisiting the timeless classics that have solidified his status as one of the most influential and beloved musicians of all time.
1. Crying
Roy Orbison is legendary in the music world for his song "Crying." This emotional ballad takes listeners on an unforgettable journey with Orbison's powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics. It was released in '61 and still thrills fans now.
Orbison also wrote "Only the Lonely," "It's Over," and "In Dreams." These timeless tunes display his unique voice and ability to capture feelings through music.
Tragically, Orbison experienced personal tragedies that inspired these sorrowful songs. In '66, he lost his wife and two sons in a house fire. He remarried and found joy, but he passed away due to a heart attack in '88 at age 52. Yet, his legacy lives on in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
"You Got It" is further proof that Orbison's talent was limitless.
2. You Got It
Roy Orbison's 'You Got It' is a standout hit with an unassuming style. Its captivating rhythm draws you in, while its melancholic lyrics bring love and happiness. Roy's smooth delivery makes it an enjoyable tune for any age or music taste.
The piano melody in 'You Got It' perfectly accompanies the vocals. The romantic lyrics tell a story of admiration and warmth. Jeff Lynne wrote the song and produced it for Roy's final album.
The chorus is what makes 'You Got It' so special. As it winds up, Roy emphasises the word 'love' with excellent choir harmonies. It's a timeless classic that anyone will love!
If you're looking for a classic song, 'You Got It' is perfect. Stream it today and see why it's still popular years later! Don't miss out – you won't regret it!
3. In Dreams
Roy Orbison's 'In Dreams' has won the hearts of many music lovers. Its lyrics tell of daydreams that take you to a different world. Orbison's mellow voice, with guitar strings and orchestral music, creates a captivating atmosphere. The lyrics show his skill at describing a longing for an unattainable love.
This song's one-of-a-kind feature is the backing vocals, which make the melody more intense. It has become timeless and has been a major influence for many artists.
If you haven't heard it, you're missing out on Roy Orbison's best work. Listen and be taken away by its ethereal charm! You'll be swept away to Blue Bayou and feel like you're stuck in a metaphorical puddle of tears.
4. Blue Bayou
Roy Orbison's 'Blue Bayou' is one of his best tracks ever. His gentle vocals, combined with the perfect balance of instrumentation, captivates the listener. It's a breeze of memories, transporting anyone in love to a utopian island. His melodic voice draws us in, conveying an image of the picturesque bayou and stirring up tender feelings.
This song has become popular amongst younger generations, with thousands of covers on TikTok. At one of his concerts in '79, a fan thanked Orbison for creating this masterpiece, saying it helped him through difficult times. He invested money so he could thank Orbison personally, calling it a "lyrical panacea".
Enjoy Roy Orbison's 'Pretty Paper' like wrapping paper – rip it open and enjoy!
5. Pretty Paper
Roy Orbison's 'Oh, Pretty Paper' has charmed many. He wrote it with Willie Nelson. A man is selling paper in the snow during Christmas.
The voice, melody, and catchy chorus make it a heartfelt performance. It's simple yet profound. It speaks of human kindness in the holiday season.
Take out some time during the holidays, sit down, and enjoy the song. Sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace will help you appreciate the warmth and love it radiates. It helps you understand Christmas – spreading happiness and joy.
6. Oh, Pretty Woman
Roy Orbison's iconic hit, "Oh, Pretty Woman," was released in 1964 and gained great success worldwide. It has a catchy melody and distinct sound due to the use of falsetto in the chorus. The lyrics are about admiring a woman's beauty and her unique attributes. The music video features Roy Orbison with his famous black sunglasses and three beautiful women.
Interestingly, the song was initially titled "Oh, Pretty Woman (Say You Love Me)," but Roy Orbison and Bill Dees shortened it for radio performances. They had worked together on many other popular songs.
Pro Tip: To enjoy music without losing focus, try instrumental covers of popular songs like "Oh, Pretty Woman." These can help maintain good mood and productivity. Even without heartbreak, Roy Orbison's 'Only the Lonely' will make you feel like you've experienced it.
7. Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)
Only the Lonely. A classic Roy Orbison song. It captures emotions of loneliness and heartache. Slow tempo music and heartfelt lyrics connect with listeners. It's one of his best songs.
Orbison sings about feeling alone and lost after a relationship ends. The melancholic melody and piercing vocals create an atmosphere of despair. Relatable even today.
What makes this song stand out is Orbison's complete story told through lyrics. Metaphors like "a dog without a bone" and "a tree without a limb" portray feelings of emptiness that come with loneliness.
Billy Sanford's guitar work adds emotion and depth. Subtle yet significant. Enhances listening experience.
Overall, Only the Lonely in Roy Orbison's catalog showcases his ability to deliver raw emotional content. Deeply resonates with hearts.
8. It’s Over
"It's Over" is one of Roy Orbison's best songs. His trademark soaring vocals define it. Its powerful and emotional lyrics give a sense of finality to a relationship that has ended. It captures the heartache and pain of letting go, resonating with anyone who has gone through a hard breakup.
Orbison's voice rises throughout the song while a full orchestration complements his vocals. The strings add an extra layer of emotion, highlighting the melancholic nature of the song.
The beauty of "It's Over" is its ability to express complex emotions with simplicity, making it accessible to all. Roy Orbison's storytelling shines in this song, as he paints a picture of loss and heartbreak in his lyrics.
Interestingly, the melody for "It's Over" originated from an ice cream truck outside Orbison's hotel room window in England!
"It's Over" is a timeless classic that will continue to touch listeners for generations. If you haven't listened to it yet, you'll feel like you're Running Scared!
9. Running Scared
Roy Orbison's 'Running Scared' perfectly captures the feeling of being afraid of losing someone special. Its mournful melody and delicate backup vocals make it one of his best ballads. It displays his extraordinary vocal range, with amazing orchestration.
Recorded in June 1961 at RCA Studio B Nashville, Tennessee, with Fred Foster's Monument Records label presence. Running Scared returned Orbison to #1 in the UK Singles Chart after four weeks on June 7, 1961. Over one million copies were sold. This song truly demonstrates Roy Orbison's skill to mix captivating lyrics with beautiful tunes to create timeless pieces.
Elvis Presley even said Roy Orbison had the best voice in music – introducing "Running Scared" onstage as "a masterpiece." Listening to this song is like riding in a '57 Chevy with Roy Orbison at the wheel, like a dream journey, instead of a unicorn.
10. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) is a classic by Roy Orbison. It captures his ethereal soundscapes. Its melody and lyrics are wistful, about yearning for a lost love. Dream Baby is often covered by other artists, but none have made it as special as Orbison.
His voice takes center stage in this beautiful song. It has strings and gentle percussion. The instrumentation creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The simple yet profound lyrics express heartbreak.
One fun fact is that Dream Baby was written on Orbison's tour bus in Australia. He woke up from a nap with the melody in his head. He quickly penned the lyrics before they were forgotten. This moment of inspiration created one of his greatest hits. Roy Orbison is truly one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
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.
