Roy Orbison is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential singers in the history of rock and roll. With his distinctive tenor voice, Orbison was able to convey a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability in his music that touched the hearts of listeners around the world. Over the course of his career, Orbison released a string of iconic hits, from the haunting “Only the Lonely” to the timeless “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
In this list of the top 10 best Roy Orbison songs of all time, we will explore the breadth and depth of Orbison’s incredible discography. From his early hits as a rockabilly artist to his later work as a pop and country crooner, these songs represent some of the finest examples of Orbison’s songwriting, musicianship, and vocal talent. Each track is a testament to Orbison’s enduring legacy as a masterful storyteller and one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Orbison’s music, these songs are sure to captivate and inspire.
1. “Pretty Woman”
“Pretty Woman” is a timeless classic and one of the most recognizable songs in music history. The song was originally released in 1964 by Roy Orbison and quickly became a chart-topping hit. The opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire song.The lyrics of “Pretty Woman” tell the story of a man who is entranced by a beautiful woman he sees walking down the street. He is so taken with her that he can’t help but stop and stare, and he imagines what it would be like to be with her. The chorus is simple but catchy, with Orbison’s soaring vocals proclaiming that the woman is indeed a “pretty woman.”
2. “Crying”
“Crying” is a classic ballad that was released by Roy Orbison in 1961. The song is a heart-wrenching tale of lost love, with Orbison’s vocals conveying a deep sense of pain and longing. The opening piano riff sets the melancholic tone for the song, and the orchestral arrangement adds to the emotional impact.The lyrics of “Crying” tell the story of a man who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship. He can’t help but cry when he thinks of his former lover and wishes that she would return to him. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Orbison’s voice soaring as he sings “I was crying when I met you / Now I’m trying to forget you / Love is sweet misery.”
3. “In Dreams”
“In Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful song that was released by Roy Orbison in 1963. The song is a powerful example of Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The opening melody is instantly recognizable, with a slow and steady beat that builds to a crescendo.The lyrics of “In Dreams” tell the story of a man who is haunted by his dreams of a former lover. He longs to be with her again, but knows that it can never be. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Orbison’s voice rising to a powerful falsetto as he sings “In dreams I walk with you / In dreams I talk to you / In dreams you’re mine all of the time.”
4. “Blue Bayou”
“Blue Bayou” is a beautiful song that was released by Roy Orbison in 1963. The song is a classic example of Orbison’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire song.
The lyrics of “Blue Bayou” tell the story of a person who is longing for a simpler time in their life. They dream of returning to the place where they grew up, where the water is cool and clear and the skies are blue. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Orbison’s voice rising to a powerful falsetto as he sings “I’m going back someday / Come what may / To Blue Bayou.”
What makes “Blue Bayou” such a standout song is the way that Orbison’s voice effortlessly moves between registers. He starts off with a low, almost mournful sound and gradually builds to a powerful climax. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with the guitar and strings providing a lush and evocative backdrop for Orbison’s vocals.
“Blue Bayou” is a true classic that has stood the test of time. It’s a song that captures the universal experience of longing for a simpler time, and Orbison’s voice brings that emotion to life in a way that is both haunting and unforgettable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Orbison’s music or discovering it for the first time, “Blue Bayou” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
5. “Handle With Care”
“Handle With Care” is a classic song that was released by the supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys, in 1988. The song features Roy Orbison on lead vocals, along with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne. The song is an upbeat and catchy tune that combines elements of rock, folk, and country music.The lyrics of “Handle With Care” tell the story of a person who is struggling to make their way in the world. They ask for others to handle them with care, knowing that they are fragile and vulnerable. The chorus is a standout feature of the song, with the harmonies of the Wilburys creating a rich and textured sound.
6. “Dream Baby”
“Dream Baby” is a classic song that was released by Roy Orbison in 1962. The song is a mid-tempo rock and roll tune that showcases Orbison’s distinctive voice and songwriting skills. The opening guitar riff is catchy and sets the tone for the entire song.The lyrics of “Dream Baby” tell the story of a person who is hopelessly in love with someone who may not feel the same way. The singer implores the object of their affection to give them a chance and make their dreams come true. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Orbison’s voice soaring as he sings “Dream baby, got me dreaming sweet dreams / Night time, and I’m as blue as I can be.”
7. “Candyman”
“Candyman” is a classic song that was released by Roy Orbison in 1961. The song is an up-tempo rock and roll tune that features Orbison’s signature falsetto vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The opening lines are instantly recognizable, with Orbison singing “Candyman, candyman / Sweet sugar candyman.”The lyrics of “Candyman” tell the story of a person who is enamored with someone who is as sweet as candy. The singer is drawn to this person’s charm and charisma and is willing to do whatever it takes to win their heart. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Orbison’s voice rising to a crescendo as he sings “He’s a one-stop shop, makes my cherry pop / He’s a sweet-talkin’, sugar-coated candyman.”
8. “Uptown”
“Uptown” is a classic song that was released by Roy Orbison in 1960. The song is an up-tempo rock and roll tune that showcases Orbison’s powerful vocals and a driving beat. The opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, setting the stage for the energetic and dynamic song that follows.The lyrics of “Uptown” tell the story of a person who has found success and prosperity after leaving their humble beginnings behind. The singer proudly proclaims their newfound status, singing “Now I’m living in a world that’s all my own / Uptown, uptown.” The chorus is particularly memorable, with Orbison’s voice soaring as he sings “Uptown, where the folks are broke / Uptown, where your life’s a joke.”
9 “Only The Lonely”
“Only the Lonely” is a classic song that was released by Roy Orbison in 1960. The song is a haunting ballad that showcases Orbison’s signature vocals and melancholic lyrics. The opening lines are instantly recognizable, with Orbison singing “Only the lonely / Know the way I feel tonight.”The lyrics of “Only the Lonely” tell the story of a person who is consumed by loneliness and heartbreak. The singer feels isolated and disconnected from the world around them, singing “Each place I go, only the lonely go / Some little small café / The songs I know, only the lonely know.” The chorus is particularly powerful, with Orbison’s voice reaching an emotional climax as he sings “Only the lonely / Only the lonely / Can play.”
10. “End Of The Line”
“End of the Line” is a song released by the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, which included Roy Orbison among its members. The song is a catchy and upbeat tune that features Orbison’s signature vocals alongside those of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne.The lyrics of “End of the Line” celebrate the idea of moving forward in life and embracing change. The song acknowledges the inevitability of death and the passing of time, but also encourages listeners to make the most of the time they have, singing “It’s the end of the line / For the rest of our time / We’ll travel through life / With our heads held high.”