31 Best Songs From 1958
Looking for the best songs from 1958? Well, there was a lot of good music that year!
From soul and R&B to timeless country hits, 1958 saw some truly memorable songs come over the radio speakers.
You’ll recognize artists like Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Frank Sinatra as we walk through some of the best hits from the year.
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“Catch a Falling Star” by Perry Como
Song Year: 1958
If you need something to cheer you up, you need a little Perry Como in your life. “Catch a Falling Star” is a sweet, upbeat tune perfect for any dreary day.
“Catch a Falling Star” encourages the listener to hold on to all the wishes they might get in this life. You don’t want to use them too soon; otherwise, you might miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Return To Me (Ritorna-Me)” by Dean Martin
Song Year: 1958
Dean Martin was famous for his easy-listening, crooning style. He’s been called many things, including the King of Cool. Listening to his Italian crossover songs makes it evident why.
“Return To Me” is sweet enough as it is; a young man pleads for his lover to come back to his arms because he’s so lonely without her. But when Dino starts begging in Italian halfway through the song, the listener can’t help but melt.
Check out these other love songs, guaranteed to make you feel all the feelings.
“Waitin’ In School” by Ricky Nelson
Song Year: 1958
Ricky Nelson went from television star to music sensation. The height of his popularity came in the 1950s with peppy country songs like “Waitin’ In School.”
The character in the song is waiting for a good time. As soon as school dismisses, he’s out the door and looking for his sweetheart. They’re going out on the town, and they’re staying out all night long.
“Secretly” by Jimmie Rogers
Song Year: 1958
What happens if the people in your life don’t approve of the person you love and adore? Are you supposed to stop loving that person? Should you give them up to please others?
In “Secretly,” Jimmie Rogers explains that no one should have that kind of control over someone else’s relationship. Even if the two lovers have to be together in secret, that’s still better than not being together.
“Sail Along, Silv’ry Moon” by Bill Vaughn
Song Year: 1958
The opening saxophone makes this song instantly recognizable. It’s a fantastic two-stepping tune if you’re in a dancing mood.
Following the light of the moon in this song means that two broken-hearted people find each other and finally start to heal.
Past mistakes and heartaches don’t matter so much when you’ve finally found that one special person.
“Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day
Song Year: 1958
Is Bobby Day singing about a bunch of birds in a tree? Surely the song has some hidden meaning that makes it more profound than naming random bird breeds.
Whatever the song's point, it’s the sort of tune that makes you want to fly out of your seat and hit the ground running. It epitomizes rock and roll from the 1950s with an upbeat sound, happy lyrics, and a great driving groove.
Check out these other great rock and roll songs from the 1950s.
“Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” by Elvis Presley
Song Year: 1958
Elvis Presley has been called the King of Rock and Roll. Songs like “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” show why his popularity skyrocketed in the 1950s.
In this song, he begs his lady always to have a keepsake of their love in plain sight. It’s the one thing that will tell everyone that she’s taken and that their love is true.
Even though people think they’re too young to understand love.
“Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
Song Year: 1958
Jerry Lee Lewis's signature twangy style mimicked many other country and rock and roll artists from the 1950s. But he wasn’t afraid to bang out a few riffs on the keys while he sang, showing off his musical talent every time he took the stage.
“Great Balls of Fire” is one of his most beloved songs. It’s a classic song about the kind of power that a woman can have over a man in love.
“Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin
Song Year: 1958
The 1950s was a great decade for music. Songs were easy to listen to, fun to dance to, and all about having a good time.
“Splish Splash” reveals a man stepping out of his tub to find a party around him. Everyone’s there, in his house, without his permission.
It’s a wild song, a little ridiculous, but a lot of fun.
“April Love” by Pat Boone
Song Year: 1958
Featured in a movie of the same name, “April Love” was a number-one hit for Pat Boone for at least six weeks. It topped the charts when it was released and made Pat Boone a household name.
The song is about the excitement of young love, despite its fleeting nature. It can change as quickly as the seasons, leaving broken expectations in its wake.
“Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly
Song Year: 1958
“Peggy Sue” is the song that made Buddy Holly famous. It got within the top 10 on the billboard the year it was released and has repeatedly shown up on lists about the most important or best songs.
The song's subject was a real woman who had just broken up with Buddy Holly’s drummer. Whether inspired by the serenade or not, Peggy Sue and the drummer would eventually get back together and tie the knot.
