The Best Songs of 1957 - Nos. 23 to 16

23. Searchin’ – The Coasters



A story of a guy looking all over town for his girl, invoking names like Charlie Chan, Sam Spade and Bulldog Drummond to help enhance his detecting skills. It made it to number three on the pop charts and spent twelve weeks atop the R&B charts.

22. I’m Walkin’ – Fats Domino



Another wonderful track from Fats with good piano and great sax work. It epitomizes his New Orleans based sound more than most of his songs. This one made it to number four on the pop charts and number one on the R&B charts.

21. Everyday – Buddy Holly



This is a beautifully arranged song. Who else but Buddy Holly would have thought to use a celesta in a rock song in 1957? The drummer is just slapping his hands on his knees. Buddy Holly was certainly the most creative of all the 50’s rock pioneers.

20. Oh, Boy – Buddy Holly



This one only made it to number ten on the pop charts, but it was one of Buddy’s finest vocal performances. He lets loose one hell of a growl in this song and the Crickets rocked the house behind him.

19. Come Go With Me – The Del-Vikings



This one made it to number 18 on the pop charts and is one of the most fondly remembered doo-wop songs. The Del-Vikings were one of the few racially integrated groups to find success in the 1950s. Interestingly, all the members were in the US Air Force, so there was a constant concern that the group could be broken up by members being stationed in far-flung locations.

18. That’ll Be The Day – Buddy Holly



The inspiration for this song was one of John Wayne’s lines from The Searchers. It became one of Buddy’s most famous and popular songs making it to number one on the pop charts.

17. Rock And Roll Music – Chuck Berry



Yet another Chuck Berry song that became a rock anthem. This song speaks to the virtues of rock and roll as opposed to numerous other genres. The bass on the track was played by blues legend Willie Dixon. It was also famously covered by both The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

16. (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care – Elvis Presley



This is a great little Elvis number from Jailhouse Rock. The girl is square and he doesn’t care. I can totally respect that. I’ve always had a thing for nerdy chicks. What a fun song.