10 Best Roy Orbison Songs of All Time

Few artists have left as indelible a mark on the world of music as Roy Orbison. With his unmistakable operatic voice and a catalog of timeless hits, Orbison remains a revered figure in the annals of rock and roll history. In this article, we embark on a journey through the musical landscape of this legendary artist to uncover the “Top 10 Best Roy Orbison Songs of All Time.”

From his early rockabilly days to his chart-topping ballads, Roy Orbison’s career spanned decades and traversed various genres, showcasing his versatility as a singer and songwriter. Each of the songs on this list is a testament to his exceptional talent and his ability to convey deep emotions through his hauntingly beautiful voice.

We’ll delve into the stories behind these iconic tracks, exploring the inspiration and creative process that brought them to life. Whether you’re a devoted fan looking to reminisce about your favorite Orbison tunes or a newcomer eager to discover the magic of his music, this article promises to be a captivating journey through the musical legacy of one of the greatest voices in rock history. So, join us as we count down the “Top 10 Best Roy Orbison Songs of All Time” and celebrate the enduring brilliance of this extraordinary artist.

1. Mean Woman Blues

Roy Orbison's "Mean Woman Blues" is an absolute classic. The guitar's gentle strums introduce a mesmerizing and soulful melody. His vocals captivate listeners with raw emotion and an infectious rhythm. The lyrics tell of a tumultuous relationship of love gone wrong, which appeals to all ages.

Close your eyes and let Roy Orbison take you on an emotional journey! You'll feel transported to a world of heartbreak and pain. His voice effortlessly croons about a woman who brought him misery.

The song captures the universal experience of heartache, making it relatable to anyone who has ever loved and lost. It's a must-listen if you're looking for a song that tugs at your heartstrings and transports you back in time.

"Mean Woman Blues" is a timeless masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. So sit back and enjoy Roy Orbison's heartbreakingly beautiful ballad—it's like musical therapy!

2. It's Over

In '64, Roy Orbison blessed us with the timeless classic "It's Over", which quickly became a fan favorite. Why? Let's explore!

• Vocals: His soaring range and emotive delivery hook you in from the first note.
• Lyrics: A heartbreaking tale of lost love, relatable to anyone who's experienced the pain of a broken relationship.
• Melody: With its melancholic melody and haunting orchestration, it creates an atmosphere that increases the emotional impact.
• Musical Versatility: While known for ballads, Orbison shows he can experiment within different genres.
• Plus, it spent six weeks on the US Billboard charts and achieved significant success!

Fun Fact: Featured in Roy Orbison's 'More of Roy Orbison’s Greatest Hits', released in '86.

In short, it's no wonder every girl's dream baby is a voice like Roy Orbison's and a tune like "It's Over"!

3. Dream Baby

Dream Baby– Roy Orbison's timeless classic.

Vocals that soar, and lyrics that captivate.

Let's dive into the dreamy world of Dream Baby!

This song stands out for its unique mix of pop and rock.

Rising strings, lively guitars, and Roy's distinct vocals make this an immersive experience.

Roy Orbison was well-known for his emotional songs.

Dream Baby, released in 1962, is a tale of longing and desire.

Lyrics that evoke nostalgia and yearning, that's what Dream Baby is all about!

Cindy Walker wrote Dream Baby, a renowned country music singer-songwriter.

It became one of Roy's most successful singles, topping charts worldwide.

Dream Baby— a song that will never go out of style!

4. Oh, Pretty Woman

Oh, Pretty Woman is a famous hit by Roy Orbison. Its catchy melodies and memorable lyrics make it a timeless classic.

First released in '64, the song quickly made it to the Billboard Hot 100's number one spot. Roy's unique guitar riffs, along with his impressive vocal range and singing style, attract listeners from start to finish.

The lyrics tell a story of admiration and attraction for an attractive woman. It's been featured in many films and TV shows, making it one of Orbison's most beloved songs.

What makes this song so special is its universal theme of love which appeals to all ages. In fact, the idea was inspired by a beautiful woman Roy spotted at a barber shop!

So grab those tissues and get ready to be moved by Roy Orbison's incredible vocal range.

5. Crying

"Crying" by Roy Orbison is a timeless classic. It captures the emotion and pain of lost love. Here are 4 key points that make it so special:

1. Melancholic Melody: The melody of "Crying" instantly strikes a chord in the listener's emotions. Orbison's smooth, soaring vocals adds another layer of intensity.
2. Vulnerable Lyrics: The lyrics of "Crying" resonate with anyone who has experienced a broken relationship. Lines like "I thought that I was over you, but it's true, so true, I love you even more than I did before" capture the rawness of unrequited love.
3. Iconic Falsetto: Roy Orbison's distinctive range shines through in "Crying." His effortless transition between his natural voice and falsetto creates a sense of vulnerability and yearning.
4. Timeless Appeal: Despite being released over six decades ago, "Crying" remains as powerful as ever. Its theme of heartbreak transcends time and connects with audiences across generations.

More details add to its allure:

• It was initially called "It's Over." After listening to the playback, they changed it to better reflect the emotion in the song.
• The orchestral arrangement adds drama. Every element contributes to creating an atmosphere of heartache.
• Orbison's other songs, such as "In Dreams," make you question if he was a songwriter or a time traveler.

6. In Dreams

Roy Orbison's "In Dreams" showcases his vocally-unique abilities and emotive storytelling. Its haunting melody and lyrics captivate, making it a timeless classic.

Here's a table for the song's key details:

The song has an orchestral blend and Orbison's tender yet powerful vocals. It captures themes of longing, desire, and dreams' elusive nature.

I remember first hearing "In Dreams" during a rainy drive. The melancholic music filled the car, transporting me into another realm. It was an ethereal experience that showed Orbison's ability to connect with listeners.

So, let Roy Orbison's masterpiece "In Dreams" lead you on a journey into deep emotions and dreams.

7. Only the Lonely

Roy Orbison's classic, 'Only the Lonely', is an eternal favourite. Its soul-stirring vocals and haunting melody draw listeners in. The song was released in 1960 and quickly became a hit, reaching the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Let's explore some of its key features:

• Chart Performance: 'Only the Lonely' peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This cemented Orbison's place in the music industry.
• Emotional Lyrics: The lyrics of 'Only the Lonely' speak to anyone who has experienced heartbreak. Orbison's words express feelings of loneliness and unrequited love.
• Iconic Vocals: Orbison's voice adds depth to the song. His range and delivery bring out every part of the tune, leaving a lasting impression.

Pro Tip: To get the full impact of Roy Orbison's music, listen to 'Only the Lonely' with headphones. You'll be able to pick up on the velvety vocals and intricate instrumentals.

8. Running Scared

Running Scared is one of the 10 Best Roy Orbison songs of all time. This soulful track showcases Orbison's vocal range and emotional depth, solidifying his status as a musical legend.

1. Running Scared is a timeless masterpiece that captivates listeners with its haunting melody.
2. Orbison's mesmerizing voice elevates the song to new heights.
3. Delicate guitar riffs and subtle orchestral arrangement create a mesmerizing atmosphere.
4. Effortlessly transitions between tender vulnerability and powerful intensity.
5. Lyrics emotive nature and introspective themes of love and fear.
6. Connects these themes to Orbison's personal experiences.
7. Topped charts worldwide, becoming an anthem for those seeking solace in music.
8. Influenced future artists across genres, demonstrating its iconic status.
9. Roy Orbison's voice is so smooth and powerful, it could charm the pants off a snake!

9. You Got It

At number 9, stands the iconic 'You Got It'. This song shows off Roy Orbison's talent and charm. Let's explore it!

The key info can be presented in a table:

It was released in 1989 and part of 'Mystery Girl'. The song is special due to Roy's vocal range and emotion. He is one of the greatest voices ever.

An interesting story: Roy planned to include this on another album, but changed his mind. Years later, 'You Got It' was found and released posthumously. It captivated everyone!

The story behind 'You Got It' shows Orbison's wisdom and the quality of his music. It is a true testament to Roy Orbison's influence on music. Blue Bayou: Where the water is as blue as Roy's heartbreak. The waves sing his sorrowful melodies.

10. Blue Bayou

Roy Orbison's '10. Blue Bayou' is a timeless classic. Its lyrics and melody have made it a hit. It was released in 1963 as part of the album "In Dreams."

The song quickly became popular for its portrayal of longing and yearning. Its composition is beautiful and has lasted through the years.

Interestingly, Blue Bayou was not written by Roy Orbison. It was penned by Joe Melson and Roy on Jackson and first recorded by Linda Ronstadt in 1977. But, it was Roy's rendition that made it iconic.

True Fact: Blue Bayou has been covered by many artists like Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, and Michael Bolton (source: AllMusic).

Samuel Moore

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.