The Best Songs of 1958 - Nos. 5 to 1

5. La Bamba – Ritchie Valens



This one is a traditional song that’s over three hundred years old, but Ritchie Valens turned it into one hell of a great rock song. And it was only supposed to be a B-side. The record was very successful, it’s a shame that we’ll never know what else he might’ve done.

4. Carol – Chuck Berry



Another great rockin’ number from Chuck Berry. It contains that magnificent riff that Chuck used so many variations of throughout his career. I love this one. Besides, Carol is my wife’s middle name.

3. Good Golly, Miss Molly – Little Richard



Here’s another great joy-filled shouter from Little Richard. It made it to number ten on the pop charts and number four on the R&B charts. It’s been covered numerous times, including a strong version by Mitch Ryder.

2. Lonely Teardrops – Jackie Wilson



Damn! What a voice! This guy tears this song up. His vocal is phenomenal. It just works me up everytime I hear it. Great lyrics, too. I just can’t say enough good things about this song. It definitely would have been the best song of 1958 if it weren’t for….

1. Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry



This was the song chosen to represent rock and roll on the Golden Record aboard the Voyager spacecraft. Our planet could be in ruins, and ten million years from now, some little green dude may bop his head to Chuck Berry riffs. What else can I say? This song is legendary. It is the best song of 1958.


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