31 Best Songs From 1958

“Ten Commandments of Love” by Moonglows

Song Year: 1958

If you’re looking for a little bit of easy listening, look no further than the Moonglows.

In “Ten Commandments of Love,” the band gives you everything you need to know about being in love with someone.

They tell you what to do, what not to do, how to treat your partner right, and how to keep each other happy.

“It’s So Easy” by Buddy Holly & The Crickets

Song Year: 1958

“It’s So Easy” wasn’t much of a hit when Buddy Holly & The Crickets released it in 1958. People didn't take to it, despite it being a great rock and roll song.

It wasn’t until Linda Rondstadt recorded her version in the 1970s that it became a chart-topping hit.

“Drip Drop” by Drifters

Song Year: 1958

The Drifters had a timeless crooning sound that made them a popular doo-wop band in the R&B industry.

With songs like “Drip Drop,” they fit right into the music culture milieu of sad songs that are more upbeat than melancholy.

“Over and Over” by Bobby Day

Song Year: 1958

Bobby Day attends a dance alone in “Over and Over.” He’s relieved to find that most people are there alone.

Across the room, he sees the girl of his dreams. He knows that she’s the one for him. He screws up his courage and asks her to dance.

But alas, she’s waiting for her date. She’s a faithful woman who won’t be seen dancing with anyone else.

“The Twist” by Hank Ballard & the Midnighters

Song Year: 1958

If you’ve never heard “The Twist,” then your life is missing a critical source of fun times and laughter.

It’s a ridiculous dancing song that was remarkably popular in the 1950s. It led to a new dancing style that took young people by storm.

Hank Ballard & The Midnighters changed the culture when they released “The Twist” in 1958.

“Try Me (I Need You)” by James Brown & the Famous Flames

Song Year: 1958

James Brown led a hard life; sometimes, the consequences were evident in his music. “Try Me (I Need You)” came around when Brown’s career was fading, and his band was walking out on him.

It’s a beautiful song about loneliness and hurting people that we love. It topped the R&B charts when it first appeared in 1958. It became Brown’s first hit in a few years.

“Volare” by Dean Martin

Song Year: 1958

Dean Martin had to make it on the list at least once more. “Volare” is another great song about love and happiness found by a couple strolling through Rome on a beautiful evening.

Dino transitions beautifully into an Italian verse in the middle of the tune, paying tribute to the original Italian ballad on which the song is based.

“Young and Warm and Wonderful” by Tony Bennett

Song Year: 1958

Tony Bennett started performing sometime in the 1930s. He stopped recently, in 2021, with a catalog of music and accolades that could put most modern artists to shame. 

“Young and Warm and Wonderful” showcases Bennett’s beautiful voice and soulful style. In this song, he’s thrilled at the arrival of true love. He almost can’t believe that such a glorious thing is finally happening to him.

“All I Do is Dream of You” by Frank Sinatra

Song Year: 1958

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a Sinatra song is supposed to be sweet or heartbreaking. Many in his repertoire seem to be both simultaneously.

“All I Do is Dream of You” is a little vague in that it never reveals to the listener whether or not Sinatra’s love interest is in his life.

He seems perfectly happy as he sings about how she occupies his mind. So even if she’s not in the picture, he might be content with his memories of her.

“Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1958

With chart-topping hits throughout the majority of his career, Johnny Cash had a way of delivering simple wisdom through folk songs.

“Don’t Take Your Guns to Town” is the wise advice that a mother gives her boy before he goes off on his own. She’s worried that his temper and naivety will get him into trouble.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t heed his mother’s warnings, and tragedy ensues.

Top Songs From 1958, Final Thoughts

1958 was a fantastic year for music. Big names in the industry were putting out fresh hits or re-releasing old ones. People were happy and dancing along to the songs on their radios.

There’s no doubt the best songs from 1958 are still some of the best out there today.

What are your favorite songs from 1958? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.