The 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time

Roy Orbison was a legendary American singer-songwriter and musician known for his powerful and soulful voice and his influential contributions to rock and roll, rockabilly, and country music. Born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, Orbison rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits such as “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”

Orbison’s distinctive three-octave vocal range, coupled with his soulful lyrics and melodramatic ballads, earned him the nickname “The Big O” and made him one of the most distinctive voices in pop music. His songs often dealt with themes such as love, heartbreak and longing and resonated with audiences around the world.

Throughout his career, Orbison received numerous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Despite personal tragedies and professional setbacks, Orbison’s lasting legacy continues to influence generations of musicians and fans alike. He died on December 6, 1988, but his music remains timeless and continues to captivate audiences around the world.

1. Oh, pretty lady

“Oh, Pretty Woman” is one of Roy Orbison’s most famous songs and was released in 1964. The song was written by Orbison and Bill Dees and features a distinctive guitar riff and Orbison’s typical operatic vocals. With its catchy melody and memorable chorus, “Oh, Pretty Woman” was a huge commercial success and topped the charts worldwide.

The lyrics tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman on the street and is instantly captivated by her. Despite the fast tempo and catchy rhythm, the lyrics convey a feeling of longing and desire.

“Oh, Pretty Woman” is influenced by rock and roll, mixing elements of pop, R&B and country music. The song’s success propelled Orbison to international fame and cemented his reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in rock music history. It remains a timeless classic and is often considered one of the best rock and roll songs of all time.

2. Crying

“Crying” is a song by Roy Orbison released in 1961. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s signature songs.

The song features Orbison’s powerful and soulful vocals, accompanied by a dramatic orchestral arrangement. “Crying” is a ballad about heartbreak and lost love, in which Orbison laments the end of a relationship.

“Crying” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by numerous artists and is considered one of Orbison’s best-known songs. The song’s haunting melody and Orbison’s vocal performance have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.

3. In dreams

“In Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Roy Orbison, released as a single in 1963 and later included on his album of the same name. Written by Orbison himself, the song is characterized by its dreamlike atmosphere, lush orchestration, and Orbison’s powerful and soulful vocals.

The lyrics of “In Dreams” deal with longing and desire. In his dreams, Orbison expresses his yearning to be reunited with a lost love. The song’s evocative imagery and poetic lyricism add to its emotional impact, creating a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.

“In Dreams” is characterized by its dramatic orchestral arrangement with sweeping strings and ethereal backing vocals. Orbison’s distinctive voice floats above the orchestration, conveying an emotional depth that resonates with listeners.

The song was widely praised for its beauty and emotional resonance and remains one of Orbison’s most beloved and enduring classics. “In Dreams” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece in the realm of popular music.

4. Only the lonely

“Only the Lonely” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1960. It was written by Orbison and Joe Melson and became one of Orbison’s first big hits.

“Only the Lonely” is a ballad about heartbreak and loneliness, with Orbison’s powerful vocals conveying the pain of lost love. The song has a haunting melody and dramatic arrangement, with strings and backing vocals enhancing its emotional impact.

“Only the Lonely” was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It helped Orbison establish his reputation as a major recording artist and is considered one of his best-known songs. The song’s timeless appeal and Orbison’s masterful vocal performance have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.

5. Fear of running

“Running Scared” is a timeless classic by Roy Orbison, released as a single in 1961 and later included on his album “Crying.” Co-written by Orbison and Joe Melson, the song is known for its powerful vocals, dramatic orchestration, and captivating storytelling.

“Running Scared” tells the story of a man who is afraid of losing his lover because he fears she might leave him for someone else. Orbison’s soulful delivery and soaring falsetto perfectly capture the desperation and vulnerability of the song’s protagonist.

Musically, “Running Scared” features a dynamic arrangement with lush orchestral accompaniment that builds to a dramatic crescendo. The song’s driving rhythm, punctuated by staccato strings and pounding drums, enhances its sense of urgency and tension.

“Running Scared” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts in several countries and earning Orbison widespread acclaim. It remains one of his most popular and enduring songs, admired for its timeless appeal and emotional depth.

6. You have it

“You Got It” is a song by Roy Orbison, released on his 1989 album *Mystery Girl*. The song was written by Orbison together with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, who also produced the track.

“You Got It” is an upbeat and catchy pop-rock song with a classic Orbison-style melody. The lyrics are about love and admiration, with Orbison singing about how his partner has everything he could ever want.

“You Got It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was Orbison’s first hit single in over 20 years and helped him reach a new generation of listeners. The song’s infectious melody and Orbison’s smooth vocals made it a standout track on *Mystery Girl* and a favorite among fans of Orbison’s music.

7. Dream baby

“Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)” is a classic song by Roy Orbison from 1962. Written by Cindy Walker, the song showcases Orbison’s distinctive voice and emotional delivery, as well as his talent for composing catchy melodies.

“Dream Baby” tells the story of a man who longs for his lost love and expresses his desire to be reunited with her in his dreams. Orbison’s soulful vocals, combined with the fast tempo and catchy rhythm of the song, create a feeling of longing and nostalgia.

Musically, “Dream Baby” features a driving rock’n’roll beat, complemented by twangy guitars and a lively piano accompaniment. The song’s infectious energy and infectious melody make it a standout track in Orbison’s discography.

“Dream Baby” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in both the US and UK. It remains a beloved classic, admired for its timeless appeal and Orbison’s remarkable vocal performance.

8. Blue Bayou

“Blue Bayou” is a song by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson. It was originally recorded by Orbison in 1963 and became one of his best known songs.

“Blue Bayou” is a ballad with a country feel, featuring Orbison’s distinctive vocals and a stirring orchestral arrangement. The lyrics are about longing and nostalgia, with Orbison singing about wanting to return to a place called Blue Bayou, where he can find peace and happiness.

“Blue Bayou” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by many artists and has become a classic in the country and pop genres. Orbison’s soulful delivery and the song’s timeless melody have made it a favorite among fans of his music.

9. The evil women’s blues

“Mean Woman Blues” is a classic rock’n’roll song by Roy Orbison from 1963. Written by Claude Demetrius, the song features Orbison’s signature vocals and a catchy, blues-inspired melody.

In “Mean Woman Blues,” Orbison sings about a woman who causes him trouble and grief, describing her as a “mean woman” who brings nothing but trouble. The song’s lyrics reflect the frustration and anxiety that comes with a difficult relationship, while the fast tempo and lively rhythm add to its energetic appeal.

Musically, “Mean Woman Blues” is characterized by its driving rockabilly beat, twangy guitar riffs, and honky-tonk piano. Orbison’s powerful vocals soar above the infectious groove, conveying a sense of urgency and emotion.

“Mean Woman Blues” was a commercial success, reaching the top five in both the US and UK. It remains a beloved classic in Orbison’s catalogue, admired for its catchy melody, spirited delivery and timeless rock ‘n’ roll vibe.

10. It’s over

“It’s Over” is a song by Roy Orbison, released in 1964. It was written by Orbison and Bill Dees and became one of Orbison’s most successful songs.

“It’s Over” is a dramatic ballad about the end of a relationship, with Orbison’s powerful vocals conveying heartbreak and sadness. The song features a lush orchestral arrangement, with strings and backing vocals adding to its emotional impact.

“It’s Over” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by many artists and is considered one of Orbison’s best-known songs. The song’s haunting melody and Orbison’s masterful vocal performance have made it a classic of the rock and roll era.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.