Roy Orbison (1936-1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his distinctive voice and emotional ballads. Born in Texas, Orbison began his music career in the 1950s and rose to fame in the early 1960s with songs like “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
Orbison’s music was characterized by his powerful voice, soaring melodies, and dramatic arrangements. His songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and loneliness, and he became known for his operatic vocal style and dark, brooding lyrics.
Orbison’s influence on popular music has been significant, with many artists citing him as an inspiration. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, and his distinctive voice and style have made him a legend in the world of rock and roll. Orbison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, a year before his untimely death at the age of 52.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a rock and roll classic by Roy Orbison, released in 1964 as a single from his album of the same name. The song features Orbison’s distinctive and emotive vocals, backed by a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm section. “Oh, Pretty Woman” tells the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the street and is immediately captivated by her. Despite its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, the song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire, as the protagonist tries to catch the attention of the woman he admires. With its memorable hook and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance, “Oh, Pretty Woman” became one of his most iconic hits and remains a beloved favorite among fans of rock and roll music.
2. Crying
“Crying” is a classic rock ballad by Roy Orbison, released in 1961 as a single. The song features Orbison’s signature soaring vocals, accompanied by lush orchestration and a memorable melody. Lyrically, “Crying” explores themes of heartbreak and longing, as the protagonist reflects on the pain of lost love and the tears that accompany it. Orbison’s emotive delivery and powerful vocal range convey a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, making “Crying” one of his most beloved and enduring songs. With its timeless appeal and universal message, “Crying” has become a classic in the realm of rock and roll ballads, cherished by listeners for its haunting beauty and poignant lyrics.
3. In Dreams
“In Dreams” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1963 as a single and later included on his album “In Dreams.” The song is known for its haunting melody and Orbison’s powerful vocals.
“In Dreams” features Orbison’s signature style, with its dramatic lyrics and lush orchestration. The song’s lyrics describe a dream world where the singer can be with the person he loves, despite the reality of being apart.
“In Dreams” became one of Orbison’s most iconic songs and is often regarded as one of the greatest vocal performances in rock history. The song’s emotional depth and Orbison’s vocal range have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
“In Dreams” has been covered by many artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its status as a classic of popular music.
4. Only the Lonely
“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960 as a single and later included on his album “Lonely and Blue.” The song is one of Orbison’s most famous and enduring hits, known for its melancholic melody and Orbison’s emotive vocals.
“Only the Lonely” features Orbison’s distinctive falsetto voice and a lush orchestral arrangement. The lyrics describe the loneliness and heartache of unrequited love, with Orbison singing about being alone and longing for the one he loves.
“Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Orbison his first top-ten hit. The song’s emotional resonance and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance have made it a classic of rock and roll music.
“Only the Lonely” has been covered by many artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows. It remains one of Orbison’s most beloved songs and a highlight of his career.
5. Running Scared
“Running Scared” is a classic rock and roll song by Roy Orbison, released in 1961 as a single. The song features Orbison’s distinctive and powerful vocals, backed by a dramatic orchestral arrangement. Lyrically, “Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid to face the truth about his failing relationship and chooses to run away instead. Orbison’s emotive delivery conveys the protagonist’s sense of desperation and fear, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. With its haunting melody and intense vocal performance, “Running Scared” became one of Orbison’s most successful songs, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest vocalists in rock and roll history.
6. You Got It
“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1989 as a single from his album “Mystery Girl,” which was released posthumously. The song was written by Orbison, along with his Traveling Wilburys bandmates Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty.
“You Got It” is a catchy pop-rock song with a classic Orbison sound. The song’s lyrics express admiration and affection, with Orbison singing about how the person he loves has “got it all” and is everything he could ever want.
“You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries and becoming one of Orbison’s most popular songs. The song’s upbeat tempo, memorable melody, and Orbison’s iconic voice made it a hit with fans and helped solidify Orbison’s legacy as one of the greatest vocalists in rock history.
“You Got It” has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a favorite among fans of Orbison’s music.
7. Dream Baby
“Dream Baby” is a rock and roll song by Roy Orbison, released in 1962 as a single. The song features Orbison’s trademark emotive vocals, backed by a catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation. Lyrically, “Dream Baby” tells the story of a man who dreams of reuniting with his lost love, expressing his longing and desire for her return. Orbison’s impassioned delivery captures the protagonist’s sense of yearning and hopefulness, as he holds onto the dream of being reunited with the one he loves. With its infectious energy and memorable hook, “Dream Baby” became a hit for Orbison, earning praise for its catchy melody and Orbison’s powerful vocal performance.
8. Blue Bayou
“Blue Bayou” is a song written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was originally recorded by Orbison in 1963 and later became a hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1977. Orbison’s version was included on his album “In Dreams,” while Ronstadt’s version appeared on her album “Simple Dreams.”
“Blue Bayou” is a ballad with a nostalgic and melancholic feel. The lyrics describe a longing to return to a place of happiness and peace, represented by the “Blue Bayou.” The song’s melody is haunting and beautiful, with Orbison and Ronstadt’s vocal performances adding to its emotional impact.
Linda Ronstadt’s version of “Blue Bayou” was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became one of Ronstadt’s signature songs and is considered one of the greatest covers of all time. Orbison’s original version also received critical acclaim and has remained a fan favorite over the years.
9. Mean Woman Blues
“Mean Woman Blues” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by Roy Orbison in 1963. It features a lively rhythm, a catchy melody, and Orbison’s signature powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song depicts the protagonist’s struggles with a troublesome woman who brings chaos and heartache into his life. Despite her actions, he finds himself unable to resist her charms. “Mean Woman Blues” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and energetic delivery, making it a staple of Orbison’s repertoire and a favorite among fans of rock and roll music. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, further solidifying its status as a classic in the genre.
10. It’s Over
“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison from his album “Orbisongs,” released in 1964. The song is a dramatic ballad with a powerful orchestral arrangement, featuring Orbison’s distinctive vocals.
In “It’s Over,” Orbison sings about the end of a relationship, expressing heartache and resignation. The song’s lyrics describe the finality of a breakup, with Orbison lamenting that “it’s over, it’s over, it’s over.”
“It’s Over” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is considered one of Orbison’s greatest achievements, showcasing his vocal range and emotive delivery.
“It’s Over” has been covered by various artists over the years and is often cited as one of Orbison’s most powerful and poignant songs. It remains a classic of Orbison’s catalog and a testament to his talent as a singer and songwriter.
Edward Tomlin 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.
