Essential Listening #94: Crying

My Comments

The man with a golden voice. Everyone loved Roy Orbison. This is the greatest heartbreak song of all time!

Details

“Crying” by Roy Orbison is one of the most iconic and emotionally powerful songs in the history of popular music. Here is a detailed overview of the song, including its background, composition, impact, and legacy:

Background

• Release Date: “Crying” was released as a single in July 1961.
• Album: The song is also the title track of Orbison’s 1962 album, Crying.
• Label: Monument Records
• Writers: Roy Orbison and Joe Melson collaborated on writing the song.
• Producer: Fred Foster

Composition and Themes

• Genre: The song is often classified as a pop ballad with elements of rock and roll.
• Structure: “Crying” is known for its dramatic and operatic structure, featuring a buildup to a powerful crescendo.
• Lyrics: The song’s lyrics express deep emotional pain and heartache, focusing on the feeling of crying over lost love. It captures the profound sorrow and vulnerability of someone heartbroken.
• Vocal Performance: Orbison’s vocal delivery is one of the highlights of the song, showcasing his remarkable range and ability to convey intense emotion. His use of falsetto and dynamic control adds to the song’s emotional depth.
• Instrumentation: The orchestration includes strings and a rhythm section, contributing to the song’s lush and dramatic sound. The arrangement enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics and Orbison’s vocals.

Impact and Reception

• Chart Performance: “Crying” was a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also performed well internationally.
• Critical Acclaim: The song received widespread acclaim for its composition, vocal performance, and emotional resonance. It is often regarded as one of Orbison’s greatest recordings and a classic of its era.
• Awards and Honors: “Crying” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing its enduring significance and influence in music history.

Legacy

• Covers and Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Don McLean, who had a hit with his version in 1980, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 5 in the US. Other notable covers include those by k.d. lang, who performed a duet with Orbison in 1987, and artists like Rebekka Bakken and Jay and the Americans.
• Cultural Influence: “Crying” has appeared in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture. Its emotional depth and timeless quality continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
• Roy Orbison’s Legacy: As one of Roy Orbison’s signature songs, “Crying” contributes significantly to his legacy as a pioneer of rock and pop music. Orbison’s unique voice and style influenced countless musicians and helped shape the landscape of modern music.

Notable Performances

• Live Performances: Orbison’s live performances of “Crying” were often met with critical acclaim, as he consistently delivered the song with the same emotional intensity and vocal prowess as the recorded version.
• Collaborations: The 1987 duet version with k.d. lang brought the song to a new generation, showcasing the timelessness of Orbison’s work and his ability to collaborate with contemporary artists.

Songwriting Process

• Inspiration: The song was inspired by a personal experience of Orbison’s, drawing on feelings of heartache and longing. The collaboration with Joe Melson brought out the raw emotion that defines the track.
• Creative Process: Orbison and Melson worked together to craft the melody and lyrics, aiming to create a song that captured the universal experience of lost love. The meticulous attention to detail in the songwriting is evident in the song’s lasting impact.

Overall, “Crying” by Roy Orbison is a masterpiece of emotional expression and musical craftsmanship. Its combination of heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocal performance, and rich orchestration has ensured its place as a timeless classic in the annals of music history.