In the vast landscape of timeless music, few voices have resonated as powerfully as that of Roy Orbison. With his smooth and soaring tenor, Orbison captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. From his early days in the 1950s to his chart-topping success in the 1960s and beyond, Orbison’s evocative lyrics and unmatched vocal range have earned him a revered place in music history. In this article, we delve into the treasure trove of Orbison’s discography and present to you the top 10 best songs of his illustrious career. These tracks encapsulate the essence of his distinctive style, blending elements of rock, pop, and country to create a sound that remains unmatched. Each song on this list showcases Orbison’s ability to convey heartfelt emotions, painting vivid pictures of love, loss, and longing. From the hauntingly beautiful “Crying” to the timeless ballad “Oh, Pretty Woman,” these songs have left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of listeners across generations. So join us as we embark on a journey through the greatest hits of Roy Orbison, celebrating the musical genius of an artist who continues to captivate and inspire to this day.
1. Oh, Pretty Woman
Roy Orbison's iconic hit, recognized by its opening riff and upbeat tempo, needs no introduction. 'Oh, Pretty Woman' dominated the charts in 1964, reaching number one on numerous occasions globally. It was also later featured in the classic film Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts, solidifying its place within popular culture.
Orbison's impressive vocal range is showcased throughout the track with swooping highs and lows matched by ringing chords of a twelve-string guitar. The infectious melody and lyrics are a nostalgic window into the swinging sixties, just as relevant today as they were back then.
It's impossible to talk about Roy Orbison without discussing his contribution to rock music and its influence on future generations. His style has secured him a place in history as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Don't miss out on experiencing this timeless classic that defined an era in music history. Give 'Oh, Pretty Woman' a spin and appreciate why it's considered one of Roy Orbison’s best songs ever.
He may have sung about being lonely, but with this classic hit, Roy Orbison proved he had millions of fans who felt his pain.
2. Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)
This track, often called "Only the Lonely," is one of Roy Orbison's all-time greats. This song expresses intense feelings of loneliness through his signature soaring vocal delivery and heartbreaking lyrics. Orbison powerfully captures what it feels like to be lost in heartache and emotional turmoil, making it a staple in his catalog.
The song features an iconic intro with strings that sets the mood for the rest of the track. The instrumentation is kept simple to let Orbison's voice take center stage. The mournful lyrics give insight into how it feels to long for someone who seems out of reach or has left you behind.
What makes this track so timeless is its universal theme that everyone can relate to at some point in their life. It has resonated with audiences since its release in 1960 and continues to do so today.
Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of "Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel)." Add it to your playlist and let Roy Orbison's emotive vocals transport you to a place where heartache reigns supreme. Listening to 'Crying' is like experiencing an emotional rollercoaster, and just like a rollercoaster, you'll want to ride it over and over again.
3. Crying
The emotional ballad, which has been deemed as one of the most iconic and memorable tracks in Orbison's oeuvre, is none other than the heart-wrenching tune commonly referred to as 'Tears on My Pillow'. With its crooning and emotive lyrics that evokes feelings of tremendous loss and grief, it's no wonder why this particular song resonates so well with audiences globally. Additionally, 'Tears on My Pillow' showcases an unparalleled range of vocal abilities that truly cements Orbison's legendary status.
Running Scared? More like Running My Emotions through a Meat Grinder.
4. Running Scared
With an emotive tenor voice as captivating as ever, Roy Orbison's "Fearful Runaway" was a 1961 hit. The song about the lingering anguish of a failed relationship became one of his signature songs that exemplified his heartrending style. Orbison's lyrics, melody, and vocal range captured the raw emotions of a broken-hearted man trying to escape from painful memories from the past. He used impeccable backing vocals to drive home the power of the story, which quickly established it as one of his most successful hits. Orbison's performance on "Fearful Runaway" cemented his place in music history by proving that he is not only an exceptionally talented singer but also a gifted songwriter and arranger.
Roy Orbison's 'In Dreams' will have you dreaming of a world where heartbreak is just a figment of our imaginations.
5. In Dreams
With its haunting melody and Orbison's soaring vocals, the timeless classic 'In Dreams' ranks among his top 10 songs of all time. Its dreamlike quality, accentuated by swirling strings and echoing percussion, evokes a sense of magic that transports listeners to a different world. Whether discussing fate or daydreams, the lyrics are poetic and profound, making it one of Orbison's most iconic works.
The lush orchestration, combined with Orbison's emotive delivery, creates an atmosphere that is both romantic and melancholic. The song's cinematic scope has made it a popular choice for movies and TV shows throughout the years, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Unsurprisingly, 'In Dreams' has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Roy Orbison himself on multiple occasions. It remains an enduring masterpiece that showcases Roy Orbison's incredible vocal range and songwriting abilities in equal measure.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate 'In Dreams', listen to it with headphones on to immerse yourself in its ethereal soundscapes.
Blue Bayou, where Roy Orbison's hauntingly beautiful voice takes us on a journey to a place where heartbreak and longing meet under a canopy of stars.
6. Blue Bayou
This song portrays the artist's emotions of longing and desire to be in a serene place with the one they love. The timeless classic, 'Blue Bayou', showcases Roy Orbison's magical ability to tug at our hearts through his music. The soothing voice of the singer goes hand in hand with the calmness that the bayou offers. The lyrics express how he wishes to be washed away to the blue bayou and hopes to find peace there.
The song was initially written by Joe Melson and Roy Orbison, but their version couldn't become a hit until Linda Ronstadt covered it many years later. This interpretation dominated charts worldwide and became part of one of the best covers ever made.
Listening to 'Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)' is like being transported to a dream world where Roy Orbison's voice reigns supreme.
7. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
This soulful ballad, which is also known as 'Dream Baby,' is another song that showcases Roy Orbison's unique vocal style. The song was released in 1962 and quickly became a hit, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the song, Orbison sings about his desire for a perfect woman to enter his life and stay with him forever. The use of a steel guitar in the background adds to the dream-like quality of the song and enhances its emotional impact.
'Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)' is an emotionally resonant song that perfectly captures Roy Orbison's distinctive sound. Orbison's voice soars over the dreamy instrumentation, creating a haunting yet beautiful atmosphere. The lyrics are simple but effective, conveying a deep longing for love and companionship. The use of repetition in the chorus also adds to the hypnotic quality of the song.
Interestingly, 'Dream Baby' was not originally written for Roy Orbison; it was actually intended for Johnny Burnette. However, when Burnette passed away tragically in a boating accident before he could record it, Orbison was given the opportunity to record it himself. This turned out to be a stroke of luck for both Orbison and music fans everywhere – 'Dream Baby' has become one of his most beloved songs and continues to enchant listeners today with its timeless beauty.
Even Roy Orbison couldn't figure her out, but 'She's A Mystery To Me' still makes it to the top 10 list.
8. She’s A Mystery To Me
This song on the list explores the enigmatic persona of a woman and her captivating nature. The lyrics and melody perfectly depict her essence, leaving listeners entranced by her allure. With Roy Orbison's signature smooth vocals, 'She’s A Mystery To Me' elevates the power of romantic mystery. Its memorable guitar riff and emotionally charged chorus make it a timeless classic that deserves recognition among the singer's best works.
As one of Roy Orbison's final recordings before his death, 'She’s A Mystery To Me' holds a special place in his oeuvre. Co-written by Bono and crafted with care, it stands as an homage to Orbison's music legacy and greatness. Even though its initial commercial success was limited, it has since become a fan-favorite and acquired a cult following worldwide. As an ode to female enigma, this song uniquely captures the essence of its subject without demystification or simplification.
On top of its intricate musical arrangement and poetic lyrics, 'She’s A Mystery To Me' features excellent vocal control from Orbison. His ability to convey heartfelt emotions with precision elevates this track beyond a simple love ballad. It is arguably one of his most profound songs that showcase his range as a singer-songwriter.
For those interested in Roy Orbison's discography or just great music overall, 'She’s A Mystery To Me' should not be overlooked. Its masterful execution captures the essence of romantic mystique all while maintaining an air of timelessness that makes it continuously relevant even today. Don't miss out on experiencing this standout track!
Listening to Ooby Dooby makes me want to rockabilly my way into a 1950s jukebox and never come back.
9. Ooby Dooby
This classic rock and roll song, which was the debut single by Roy Orbison, is a must-listen for anyone who loves the genre. It features upbeat guitar riffs and Orbison's signature smooth vocals, making it an instant hit upon its release in 1956. The song has since become a timeless classic and has been covered by multiple artists over the years.
Not only did "Ooby Dooby" mark the beginning of Orbison's successful career, but it also contributed to the development of rock and roll as a genre. The catchy lyrics and melody served as inspiration for many other songs of that era.
It's worth noting that while "Ooby Dooby" may not be as technically impressive as some of Orbison's later hits, such as "Only the Lonely" or "Crying," its significance cannot be understated. It remains a beloved track that continues to captivate audiences around the globe even after all these years.
If you haven't already had the pleasure of listening to "Ooby Dooby," now is the perfect time to add it to your playlist. You don't want to miss out on this iconic piece of music history.
Listening to 'You Got It' is like getting a warm embrace from Roy Orbison himself, which is impressive considering he passed away in 1988.
10. You Got It
The song that secured a spot on our list at number ten is a masterpiece by the legendary Roy Orbison. This timeless classic, brimming with Orbison's signature falsetto vocals and unforgettable melodies, goes beyond its catchy chorus to showcase his exceptional songwriting abilities. With a feel-good vibe, "You Got It" has been loved by audiences for decades and is unquestionably one of the most popular songs by this iconic artist.
Continuing with our list, we delve deeper into Roy Orbison's extensive repertoire. The infectious beat of "You Got It" merges perfectly with Orbison's stunning voice, delivering a beautiful and uplifting tune that manages to capture the essence of love effortlessly. The melody is incredibly balanced with an upbeat rhythm that will have you swaying along in no time.
A lesser-known fact about "You Got It" is that it served as a comeback anthem for Roy Orbison after many years away from the music scene due to devastating personal losses. The song proved to be the perfect choice for revival and sparked renewed interest in Orbison's musical legacy.
Roy Orbison's contribution to music remains unparalleled, and it is no surprise that his excellent work continues to resonate with fans worldwide. With its infectious beat, memorable hook, and heartfelt lyrics, "You Got It" stands as one of his best works yet – a true testament to his immense talent and unwavering dedication to music.
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.
