27 Best Songs From 1952
Contents
“Trying” by the Hilltoppers
Song year: 1952
The Hilltopper’s hit song “Trying” hit number seven on the Billboard charts in 1952 and with good reason. The multi-talented Richard Smith “Billy” Vaughn wrote the lyrics about a person trying to move on from an ex-lover when they still have strong feelings.
Popular artists would cover the vocal pop group’s biggest hit for decades to follow, including a 2001 cover by the Texas Tornados.
“Half as Much” by Rosemary Clooney
Song year: 1952
American singer and actor Rosemary Clooney’s career was soaring in the early 1950s, and her hit recording of “Half as Much” is more evidence of her impact on music in 1952.
The jazzy, easy-listening tune took the top spot on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, beating out Hank Williams, who recorded his version earlier in the year.
The lyrics, written by Curley Williams, describe a woman who loves her partner more than he loves her and the pain that comes with an emotionally distant lover.
“Why Don’t You Believe In Me?” by Joni James
Song year: 1952
Joni James released “Why Don’t You Believe In Me” in 1952 to kick off her traditional pop discography. It became her first big hit, selling over two million copies and throwing her into a successful career of seven top-ten hits.
This single’s success meant a lot to Joni James, as she grew up in South Chicago as one of six children, with only her widowed mother for support. She had been working toward a career in entertainment since her youth, and this song under MGM records helped fulfill her dreams.
“Homing Waltz” by Vera Lynn
Song year: 1952
Vera Lynn’s “Homing Waltz” peaked at number nine on the United Kingdom Billboard singles chart. The song contributed to her notoriety as a recording artist, as well as the songwriting abilities of Johnny Reine and Tommie Connor.
Al Martino’s “Here in My Heart” stole the top spot from Vera Lynn after nine weeks, but the song is still popular among traditional pop lovers.
“The Loveliest Night of the Year” by Anne Shelton
Song year: 1952
“The Loveliest Night of the Year” by Anne Shelton shows the composition’s versatility–It was originally a waltz, but Irving Aaronson adapted it as a pop song, and Anne Shelton sang the most popular version in 1952.
Circus performers and magic acts commonly use this tune to accompany their show.
“Singin’ in the Rain” by Gene Kelly
Song year: 1952
Gene Kelly’s “Singin in the Rain” came out with the romantic comedy musical film in 1952, and it lives in infamy as the best and most well-known version of the song.
The original song came out in 1929 in The Hollywood Revue of 1929 and has since appeared in many films, but Gene Kelly’s version supersedes them all in popularity. Arthur Freed is responsible for the notorious lyrics, and Nacio Herb Brown takes the credit for the danceable tune.
“There’s a Pawnshop on a Corner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania” by Guy Mitchell
Song year: 1952
Guy Mitchell’s 1952 song, shortened to “Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” is a Columbia Records pop song that peaked at number six on the Billboard charts. It has become a staple of pop culture, with works like Robert A. Heinlein’s Time Enough for Love featuring characters that sing the lyrics.
The song tells a story about a poor man that convinces a beautiful woman he’s rich by spending everything he owns on her.
Top Songs From 1952, Final Thoughts
1952 was a productive year for music, and many wonderful songs came from it. Some well-known musicians were at their peak, while others were just beginning their careers and producing their first works of art.
Music lovers in the market for nostalgic releases and pivotal tunes should take a look at the top songs of 1952.
