The Top Ten Songs by Roy Orbison

One of the all- time most popular and iconic American rock and roll artists is the late Roy Orbison. From the 1950's through the late 1980's, Roy Orbison was a chart- topping music pioneer who maintained an instantly- recognizable sound and persona. With his trademark dark glasses and unique, incredible voice, Roy Orbison will always be regarded as one of the top American rock and roll artists to ever grace a stage. Presented here, is one music fan's personal determination of the top ten songs by Roy Orbison.

Only The Lonely

With its dreamy background vocals and lush orchestration, this Roy Orbison song evokes a sense of melancholy longing and resignation. Released in 1960, Only The Lonely is one of Roy Orbison's best- known songs.

Mean Woman Blues

Like a steady- rolling freight train, Roy Orbison steams into Coolsville with this chart- topper from 1962. Even though Roy Orbison states in this song that he has a woman mean as she can be and that she's almost as mean as himself, it's hard to believe that he ever had a mean bone in his body. This song features a great rythym section, with top- flight drumming and driving guitar and bass work.

Go, Go, Go (Down the Line)

One of this reviewer's personal favorite songs by Roy Orbison, Go, Go, Go (Down the Line) is a driving rocker that epitomizes the cool and restrained energy that only this singer could display. With a rockin' backbeat, sinewy guitars and upbeat lyrics, this 1956 song is almost impossible to listen to without tapping one's feet and shaking one's body. When Roy Orbison sings " We're gonna do right, do right all the time", you know he really means it.

Ooby Dooby

A rollicking, upbeat song that features a wealth of tasty guitar work, Ooby Dooby is another Roy Orbison song that is practically impossible to hear without tapping, shimmying and rocking- out all over the place. This song is fun, joyous and always a pleasure to listen to. As always, Roy Orbison's band is incredibly tight and masterful. Released in 1956, this song was also covered by Credence Clearwater Revival.

Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)

The chorus of "Sweet dreams, baby, Sweet dreams, baby" in this song is wonderfully- accentuated by excellent "Sha- la- la- la" background vocals. Aptly demonstrating Roy Orbison's one- of- a- kind laid back, yet cool and rocking approach, Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) is a tour de force that sounds as fresh and vital in the 2000's as it did when it was released in 1962.

Crying

This tender and melodic song maintains a tic- toc beat and beautiful, vibratic vocals by Roy Orbison. It's easy to visualize Mr Orbison standing all alone and crying after his love says "So long" while listening to this 1961 song. This song displays that even while being sorrowful, Roy Orbison is still low- key and ultra- cool.

Blue Bayou

With its spellbinding Hawaiian- like guitars and lazy summer day approach, Blue Bayou offers a delightful slice of Roy Orbison at his relaxed best. A very visual song, Blue Bayou speaks of fishing boats and sleeping all day, while offering an immensely- hummable melody and top- rate musicianship. This 1963 song was also covered by Linda Ronstadt in the 1970's.

Running Scared

This somewhat haunting Roy Orbison song features an intense and building instrumental landscape. The orchestrated background in this 1961 offers a sense of urgency and emotion that grips the listener like few songs can do. One of this reviewer's personal favorite Roy Orbison songs, Running Scared could easily be a theme- song of sorts for all couples newly- in love.

Oh Pretty Woman

Quite possibly Roy Orbison's most popular and well- known song, Oh Pretty Woman features a driving and pounding backbeat and an instantly- recognizable guitar- hook. When Roy Orbison does his trademark vibrato- like growl in this song, he sounds like a passionate tiger ready to pounce on his lover.

Candyman

This jaunty, rockin' and rollin' song from features Roy Orbison expressing his affection for his signifcant other in only the way he could do. Great instrumental work and excellent background vocals make this song a toe- tapping, fun declaration of easy- going passion.

Sources :

Personal opinion and preference

www.orbison.de

www.cduniverse.com