Elliot James Reay took on Roy Orbison’s “Crying” and what a job he did. The song itself is no small feat. Orbison first let it loose in 1961, and it quickly climbed its way up to number two on the Billboard charts. There’s a quality in the original that grips you, and boy, does Elliot manage to grab hold of that too.
Elliot’s got a handle on those high notes, the ones that really make “Crying” stand out. You know the part in the bridge where Orbison’s voice climbs higher and higher? That’s where many covers can fall flat, but not Elliot’s. He hits those notes with a clarity and power that’s both refreshing and deeply respectful to the original.
It’s not just about hitting the right notes though. There’s an emotional depth in his delivery. He sings with a kind of earnestness that brings new life to the lyrics, a reminder of why this song has stayed in the hearts of so many for so long.
Fans across the board seem to agree. Scroll through comments on social media, and you’ll see nothing but praise. They talk about the soul he brings to the performance, how he stays true to the spirit of Orbison’s original while making it his own.
Orbison’s iconic ballad “Crying” swept the charts in 1961, hitting number 2 in the US. It was only held back from the top spot by Ray Charles’ powerhouse hit “Hit the Road Jack.” But “Crying” has stood the test of time – it earned a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2002 and even landed at #69 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Even the album itself gets love, with Pitchfork ranking it among the best of the 1960s.
This cover does more than just revisit a classic. It bridges generations, connecting those who grew up spinning Orbison on vinyl with those hearing him for the first time through Elliot’s voice. It’s a reminder of the timeless nature of truly great music.
And let me tell you, listening to Elliot’s “Crying,” you can’t help but feel he’s done something special. He’s paid tribute to a legend while securing his own place in the hearts of music lovers, young and old. That’s no easy task, but Elliot makes it look effortless.
Discover why Elliot James Reay’s cover of “Crying” is capturing hearts everywhere.
