Roy Orbison was an American singer-songwriter who was known for his distinctive voice, emotional ballads, and classic rock and roll hits. Born in 1936 in Vernon, Texas, Orbison began his music career in the 1950s and rose to fame in the 1960s with hits such as “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
Orbison’s music was characterized by its romantic themes, lush arrangements, and Orbison’s powerful, operatic voice. His influence can be heard in the music of countless artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, and Chris Isaak.
In addition to his music career, Orbison also acted in films, including “The Fastest Guitar Alive” and “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.”
Orbison’s life was marked by personal tragedy, including the loss of his wife and two of his children in a house fire in 1968. However, he continued to create music until his death in 1988 at the age of 52.
Orbison’s impact on rock and roll and his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation are undisputed, and his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
1. “Crying”
The poignant and soulful “Crying” is one of Roy Orbison’s most cherished tunes. This song, with its haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, has been covered by numerous artists since its release in 1961. With a powerful vocal range and evocative instrumentation, “Crying” continues to capture the emotions of listeners worldwide.
Roy Orbison's 'Pretty Woman' is like the Mona Lisa of songs; everyone knows it, everyone loves it, and it's got a killer smile.
2. “Pretty Woman”
This classic track from the legendary artist's extensive catalog is one of his most iconic hits. The upbeat and catchy tune combines Orbison's trademark crooning vocals with a toe-tapping melody that has stood the test of time. "Pretty Woman" tells the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman walking down the street, and can't help but marvel at her beauty. With its memorable guitar riffs and infectious chorus, this timeless tune continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release.
In addition to its musical charm, "Pretty Woman" has also been featured in countless films and TV shows over the years, cementing its place in popular culture history. Its catchy hooks and memorable lyrics have made it a fan favorite for generations, proving once again that great music truly knows no boundaries.
What's more, Orbison's heartfelt delivery lends an added layer of emotional resonance to the song, capturing the longing and desire that comes with love at first sight. Its universal appeal allows listeners of all ages to identify with its themes, making it a standout track in Orbison's illustrious career.
Don't miss out on hearing this classic hit from one of music's most beloved artists. From its irresistible melody to its iconic lyrics, "Pretty Woman" will have you humming along in no time. So turn up the volume and let Roy Orbison serenade you with this timeless gem that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Listening to "In Dreams" is like being transported to a hauntingly beautiful world where only Roy Orbison can reign supreme.
3. “In Dreams”
This song encapsulates Roy Orbison's musical genius in 1963. The emotional turmoil conveyed through his operatic voice and lyrics like "That hurts so bad, yeah / When I know you're not the one" are immensely powerful. The haunting arrangements and melodrama helped it stand out as one of the greatest songs in music history.
Orbison's use of falsetto, rich strings, and dramatic dynamics is unique. He was inspired by a dream he had about his wife Claudette which ended abruptly but allowed him to remember her once again. This song became one of Orbison's most recognizable tracks, landing on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
"In Dreams" has notably been used in movies like Blue Velvet (1986) and Inception (2010). Bowie also famously covered this classic track back in 2007.
Overall, “In Dreams” remains a timeless masterpiece that showcases Orbison’s signature style and talent for conveying raw emotion through music.
With a voice like honey and moves like Jagger, Roy Orbison proves he's got It…whatever that may be.
4. “You Got It”
This chart-topping hit by Roy Orbison, the legendary singer and composer, is an all-time classic. With its dreamy melody and catchy chorus, “You Got It” is a perfect example of Orbison's unique talent for blending rock and roll with emotional depth and sincerity. This song showcases his vocal range and versatility as well as his gift for writing lyrics that resonate with audiences of all ages. With its upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm, it's hard not to sing along when you hear “You Got It” playing on the radio.
Moreover, critics have hailed “You Got It” as one of Orbison's finest songs, ranking it among his top ten greatest hits. The song was released in 1989, shortly before his untimely death at the age of 52. Despite its somewhat melancholy backstory, “You Got It” has remained a staple on the soft rock airwaves to this day.
Pro Tip: For fans looking to appreciate Roy Orbison’s music beyond just mainstream hits like “You Got It,” dive into some of his lesser-known tracks like “Crying,” “In Dreams,” or the epic ballad “Running Scared.”
Handle With Care – a cautionary tale about both packages and relationships.
5.“Handle With Care”
One of the best songs by Roy Orbison is a significant track called 'Handle With Care'. This masterpiece was produced as a collaboration between music legends such as George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty. With its dynamic harmonies, upbeat melodies and lyrics that speak to the heart, this song takes you on a musical journey like no other. The song is an ode to perseverance and optimism even in the face of adversity. It reminds us all that life may be tough sometimes but with resilience and care, we can weather any storm.
The exceptional composition of 'Handle With Care' combined with the unmatched talent of each artist involved made for an unforgettable listening experience. Every moment of this track is packed with rhythmic intrigue and melodious flavor that will keep listeners coming back for more. Roy Orbison's use of his powerful voice adds to the masterful execution of this song bringing an unmatched depth and richness to every line.
This track stands out among numerous Roy Orbison hits due to its unique instrumentation that blends various genres into an irresistible sound. Through this incredible song, listeners are able to immerse themselves in a musical adventure that captures both joyous highs and somber lows.
When recording "Handle With Care," Jeff Lynne gave the paper with completed lyrics to each member of The Traveling Wilburys with instructions to write their own verse–Bob Dylan's were already written–and then they recorded it immediately without rehearsing together or creating any kind of road map which made the result worth capturing forever.
If you're looking for a lullaby to soothe your restless dreams, 'Dream Baby' by Roy Orbison is not it. This song has enough energy to power a caffeinated toddler for days.
6. “Dream Baby”
This song, known as “Dream Baby,” is a track on the list of 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time. It is an upbeat rockabilly tune with a catchy melody, addictive lyrics, and Orbison’s signature falsetto vocals. The song features the use of multiple instruments that blend together perfectly to create a unique sound that embodies the energy and charm of early rock and roll. Its popularity has transcended generations, making it a timeless classic that is loved by music enthusiasts worldwide.
One notable aspect of “Dream Baby” is how it showcases Orbison's vocal range. In addition to his smooth baritone performances, he also sings in falsetto to convey the dreamy quality of the lyrics. This gave him an edge over other performers at the time and helped to popularize his unique style within mainstream audiences.
Overall, "Dream baby" remains one of Roy Orbison's most memorable hits due to its infectious beat and quirky but endearing quality. If you have not listened to this classic tune yet, be sure not to miss out on one of the best songs in rock and roll history!
Get your sugar fix with Roy Orbison's 'Candyman', but don't blame him for any post-song cavities.
7. “Candyman”
This iconic track showcases Roy Orbison’s distinctive vocal range and storytelling abilities. The song’s catchy melody and clever lyrics make it a timeless classic that is still loved today. Its upbeat tempo and playful tone are in contrast to the often melancholic themes of Orbison’s music, making it a standout hit in his career.
Written by Beck Hansen, “Candyman” tells the story of a character who finds himself dealing with the aftermath of a messy divorce. He turns to candy making as a way to distract himself from his problems, but discovers that he is truly passionate about creating sweets. The song’s mix of lightheartedness and poignancy make it an emotional rollercoaster for listeners.
One interesting fact about “Candyman” is that its success was not immediate. Despite being released in 1961, it only became a hit in Europe when it was re-released five years later. Nevertheless, it has become one of Orbison’s most enduring songs thanks to its catchy tune and memorable storyline.
Legend has it that the inspiration for “Candyman” came from Orbison’s own love of sweets. It is said that he would often keep jars of candy backstage during his performances as a way to satisfy his sweet tooth between sets. Whether this tale is true or not, there is no denying the lasting impact that “Candyman” has had on music lovers around the world.
Orbison proves that even a song about going uptown can sound like a hauntingly beautiful lament.
8. “Uptown”
With a soulful and elegant sound, the song that ranks at number eight on the list of '10 Best Roy Orbison Songs of All Time' is a real gem. One of his most popular tracks, this song, "Uptown," showcases Orbison's ability to deliver emotive ballads with incredible precision. With its jazz-influenced rhythm, "Uptown" tells the story of a man's devotion to his lover despite the judgmental scrutiny they face from their community. It's a masterpiece of yearning and heartbreak that draws you in with its exquisite melodies.
As you listen to the song, "Uptown," you'll be struck by how effortlessly Orbison portrays emotions using his signature operatic vocal style. The lush instrumentation and stirring lyrics combine perfectly to create an uplifting and magical listening experience. The upbeat tempo sets it apart from many other songs in Orbison's catalogue.
Interestingly, "Uptown" was never intended to be a single but rather an album track. However, its chart success in 1960 led Monument Records' team to release it as a single after all. It went on to reach #72 on the Hot 100 charts and become one of Orbison's best-loved tunes for generations to come.
Whether you're crying over a recent breakup or just lamenting the fact that you've eaten an entire tub of ice cream, 'Only The Lonely' is the perfect soundtrack to your misery.
9. “Only The Lonely”
Orbison impresses once again with his widely beloved hit, telling the poetic tale of heartbreak in "The Solely Unaccompanied". This melancholic ballad takes listeners on a journey through raw emotion and despair. Orbison's legendary vocal range stands out as he croons over a sparse yet powerful orchestration. The song's relatability and unforgettable melody make it an instant classic, still cherished by fans decades later.
Continuing to display his unmatched talent for crafting emotive ballads, "The Solely Unaccompanied" explores themes of loneliness and rejection in a sincere yet cutting way. Orbison's voice carries the weight of the lyrics, drawing listeners deep into its world. The stripped-back instrumentation emphasizes his vocals' power while adding an ethereal quality to the song.
A timeless piece of music history, "The Solely Unaccompanied" showcases Orbison at his finest. From every note to every lyric, this track is a masterclass in soulful simplicity that transports us to another time and place.
Don't miss out on experiencing one of contemporary music's greatest hits- give "The Solely Unaccompanied" another listen today and fall under its spell once more.
Roy Orbison's 'End of the Line' makes death seem like a catchy sing-along tune, giving a whole new meaning to 'Dying to hear it again!'
10. “End Of The Line”
This song is one of Roy Orbison's finest pieces, showcasing his mastery of the rock and roll genre. The composition strikes a balance between simple yet harmonious beats with strong, relatable lyrics. It captures the essence of human struggles and celebrates the inevitability of change.
Well-known for its unique instrumentation and stirring chorus, “End Of The Line” is a potent reminder of Roy Orbison's place in music history. As one of his last recordings before passing away in 1988, this song stands as a testament to his creative genius and enduring legacy.
Despite its sombre tone, "End Of The Line" continues to be an inspiration for many aspiring artists and everyday people alike. Its timeless message transcends time and space; encapsulating the joys and struggles that come with life's journey.
It isn't hard to understand why "End Of The Line" has become a beloved classic among Roy Orbison fans. From its melancholic melody to the soulful performances showcased by both Roy Orbison and fellow Traveling Wilburys members (Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison), this song's staying power cannot be denied.
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.
