Roy Orbison was a musical legend whose unique voice, emotive lyrics, and unforgettable melodies continue to captivate audiences decades after his passing. A pioneer of rock and roll, Orbison’s influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. He was known for his powerful and soulful voice, as well as his ability to write and perform songs that were both romantic and heartbreaking. His music spanned multiple genres, from rock and roll to country and pop, and his distinctive style has inspired countless artists in the years since his untimely death.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time. From his early hits like “Ooby Dooby” and “Only the Lonely” to his later classics such as “You Got It” and “She’s a Mystery to Me,” we’ll take a closer look at the songs that defined Orbison’s career and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time. We’ll examine the stories behind the songs, the emotions they evoke, and the impact they had on the music industry and the fans who adore them. Whether you’re a longtime Roy Orbison fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we explore the timeless classics that have earned him a place in the pantheon of music greats.
1. “Pretty Woman”
“Pretty Woman” is a classic rock and roll song written and performed by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. It is one of Orbison’s most well-known and beloved songs, thanks to its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and memorable lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the street and is immediately smitten with her. Throughout the song, he expresses his admiration and desire for her, singing lines like “Pretty woman, walking down the street / Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet.” The song features Orbison’s signature soaring vocals, as well as a driving beat and catchy guitar riff. “Pretty Woman” became a massive hit for Orbison, reaching number one on the charts in both the US and the UK. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and references in popular culture, cementing its place as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
2. “Crying”
“Crying” is a timeless ballad written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson, first recorded by Orbison in 1961. The song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics tell the story of a man who is heartbroken over the loss of his love. Orbison’s powerful vocals, ranging from soft and tender to heart-wrenching wails, perfectly capture the pain and longing conveyed in the lyrics. The song is notable for its use of a string section, which adds a dramatic and cinematic quality to the music. “Crying” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the US charts and number one in the UK, and has since become one of Orbison’s most beloved and iconic songs. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Don McLean and k.d. lang, and has been featured in films, TV shows, and advertisements. “Crying” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, thanks to its powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and unforgettable melody.
3. “In Dreams”
“In Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad written and performed by Roy Orbison, released in 1963. The song is known for its dreamy, ethereal quality and its evocative lyrics, which paint a vivid picture of a world of love and fantasy. Orbison’s soaring vocals, backed by a lush orchestral arrangement, perfectly capture the sense of longing and desire conveyed in the lyrics. The song’s memorable melody and Orbison’s unique vocal style combine to create a haunting and unforgettable listening experience. “In Dreams” was a hit for Orbison, reaching number seven on the US charts, and has since become one of his most beloved and enduring songs. It has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Elvis Costello and Roy Buchanan, and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows. “In Dreams” is a testament to Orbison’s talent as a songwriter and performer, and remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners to this day.
4. “You Got It”
“You Got It” is an upbeat pop rock song written by Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty, released in 1989. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and optimistic lyrics make it one of Orbison’s most accessible and joyful songs. The song tells the story of a man who has finally found the love of his life, and he can’t believe his luck. Orbison’s vocals, backed by a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat, perfectly capture the sense of joy and excitement conveyed in the lyrics. “You Got It” was a hit for Orbison, reaching number nine on the US charts and number three in the UK, and has since become one of his most well-known and beloved songs. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Orbison’s ability to write catchy and memorable songs that appeal to a wide range of audiences. “You Got It” is a joyful celebration of love and happiness, and remains a timeless classic that continues to bring a smile to listeners’ faces.
5.“Handle With Care”
“Handle With Care” is a folk rock song performed by the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, consisting of Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Bob Dylan. Released in 1988, the song features each member sharing lead vocals, resulting in a harmonious and collaborative sound that showcases each artist’s unique style. The song’s lyrics caution against mistreating others, urging listeners to be kind and handle people with care. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, along with its message of compassion and empathy, make it an uplifting and inspiring listening experience. “Handle With Care” was a hit for the Traveling Wilburys, reaching number two on the US charts, and has since become one of their most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s timeless message of kindness and compassion continues to resonate with audiences today, and its legacy as a collaborative effort between some of the greatest musicians of all time cements its place as a true classic.
6. “Dream Baby”
“Dream Baby” is a classic rock and roll song written and performed by Roy Orbison, released in 1962. The song’s catchy melody, driving beat, and romantic lyrics make it a beloved classic of the genre. The song tells the story of a man who is dreaming of his perfect love, expressing his desire and longing for her throughout the song. Orbison’s powerful vocals, backed by a punchy guitar riff, perfectly capture the sense of urgency and passion conveyed in the lyrics. “Dream Baby” was a hit for Orbison, reaching number four on the US charts, and has since become one of his most well-known and beloved songs. Its timeless appeal and catchy melody have made it a popular choice for covers and references in popular culture, cementing its place as a true classic of rock and roll.
7. “Candyman”
“Candyman” is an upbeat rock and roll song written and performed by Roy Orbison, released in 1961. The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a fun and energetic addition to Orbison’s discography. The song tells the story of a man who is infatuated with a woman, comparing her to a “candyman” who can’t resist her sweet charm. Orbison’s vocals, backed by a bouncy guitar riff and a driving beat, perfectly capture the sense of lighthearted fun conveyed in the lyrics. “Candyman” was a hit for Orbison, reaching number 25 on the US charts, and remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll genre. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics have made it a popular choice for covers and references in popular culture, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
8. “Uptown”
“Uptown” is a rock and roll song written and performed by Roy Orbison, released in 1959. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and relatable lyrics make it a classic of the genre. The song tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman from a wealthy neighborhood, expressing his desire to be with her despite their different social backgrounds. Orbison’s vocals, backed by a punchy guitar riff and a driving beat, perfectly capture the sense of urgency and passion conveyed in the lyrics. “Uptown” was a hit for Orbison, reaching number 72 on the US charts, and remains a beloved classic of his early work. Its timeless appeal and catchy melody have made it a popular choice for covers and references in popular culture, cementing its place as a true classic of rock and roll.
9. “Only The Lonely”
“Only The Lonely” is a melancholic ballad written and performed by Roy Orbison, released in 1960. The song’s haunting melody, emotive lyrics, and Orbison’s powerful vocals make it one of his most well-known and beloved songs. The song tells the story of a man who is heartbroken over the loss of his love, expressing his feelings of loneliness and isolation throughout the song. Orbison’s soaring vocals, backed by a string section and a piano, perfectly capture the sense of sadness and despair conveyed in the lyrics. “Only The Lonely” was a massive hit for Orbison, reaching number two on the US charts, and has since become a timeless classic of the rock and roll genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Orbison’s ability to write and perform songs that touch the hearts of listeners and evoke powerful emotions.
10. “End Of The Line”
“End of the Line” is a folk rock song performed by the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, consisting of Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Bob Dylan. Released in 1988, the song features each member sharing lead vocals, resulting in a harmonious and collaborative sound that showcases each artist’s unique style. The song’s lyrics speak to the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death, urging listeners to live in the present and enjoy life while they can. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and positive message make it a joyful and uplifting listening experience. “End of the Line” was a hit for the Traveling Wilburys, reaching number two on the US charts, and has since become one of their most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s timeless message of living life to the fullest continues to resonate with audiences today, and its legacy as a collaborative effort between some of the greatest musicians of all time cements its place as a true classic.
Erica Henderson 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.
