The Best Songs of 1957 - Nos. 5 to 1

5. Keep A Knockin’ – Little Richard



This one has some of the best sax work of any of Little Richard’s songs. With an insistent beat, Richard sings about, well, rejection, I guess. This one only made it to number 21 on the pop charts, but was a number two hit on the R&B charts.

4. Walkin’ After Midnight – Patsy Cline



This was Patsy’s first hit. It made it to number 12 on the pop charts and number 3 on the country charts. It was the introduction to Patsy’s smooth and soulful vocal style for most of America. It was almost four years before she scored a follow-up hit, but this first one is still a popular and often covered song all these years later.

3. Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley



This is a great party song, even if it is a jailhouse party. It was the lead song of one of Elvis’s most popular movies. It spent seven weeks at number one on the pop charts. Scotty Moore’s guitar work, as always, was fantastic and Elvis sang the hell out of this number.

2. Mystery Train – Elvis Presley



This fantastic rockabilly number is one of Elvis’s greatest songs. It has an air of mystery about it that gives it the feel of a classic blues tune. Scotty Moore’s rolling guitar work perfectly complements Elvis soulful vocals. I just plain love this song.

1. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly



Jerry Allison’s paradiddles on the drums kick off this classic love song. Buddy’s originality shined in this arrangement. His guitar work, in particular, was truly outstanding. I have no problem declaring this to be the best song of 1957.