Roy Orbison: A life in black and white — George Waffles

About the Song

Roy Orbison, the man with the velvet voice. We all know him for those powerful ballads that could bring a tear to your eye and make your heart ache in the best way possible. But Orbison wasn’t afraid to mix things up a bit, and that’s exactly what he did with his 1959 hit, “Uptown”.

This song takes a bit of a detour from his usual heartbreak anthems. Instead, it injects a shot of pure rock and roll energy into his signature sound. The opening guitar riff grabs your attention right away, letting you know you’re in for something a little different. Orbison’s voice, though, remains that smooth, soulful instrument we all adore. He doesn’t yell or strain here; instead, he infuses the lyrics with a cool confidence that perfectly complements the upbeat tempo.

“Uptown” might not be your typical Roy Orbison ballad, but that’s part of what makes it so much fun. It’s a reminder of the artist’s versatility and his ability to deliver a powerful song, even when it’s not drenched in heartbreak. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and get ready to take a trip “Uptown” with the legendary Roy Orbison.

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