Live at Austin City Limits August 5, 1982
Roy Orbison · 2000
64 min · 20 tracks · country music
A mesmerizing showcase of Orbison's soaring vocals and emotive storytelling, blending rockabilly with heartfelt ballads.
Top tracks — play these first
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Only the Lonely Start here — This track showcases Orbison's signature vocal style, conveying deep yearning and melancholy that resonates throughout the performance.
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Crying — With its dramatic build-up and emotional intensity, this song exemplifies Orbison's ability to evoke powerful feelings through his music.
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Oh, Pretty Woman — As one of Orbison's most iconic songs, its lively arrangement and catchy melody highlight his charismatic stage presence during the performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The live performance captures Orbison's vocal prowess and blends various tempos, though the cohesion is affected by the mix of hits and deeper cuts.
What we noticed
- Several songs are performed with extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and audience interaction.
- The running order alternates between upbeat rockabilly numbers and slower ballads, creating a dynamic flow throughout the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like emotional fluctuations
- haunting vocals for introspection
- nostalgic atmosphere for reflection
- engaging live performance energy
- timeless ballads for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hits only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Captures Orbison's performance at a pivotal moment, showcasing his influence on new artists.
- Themes
- Austin City Limits nostalgia· 1980s rockabilly revival· heartfelt balladry
- Career context
- By the time 'Live at Austin City Limits' was released in 2000, Roy Orbison was experiencing a resurgence in popularity after his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. This album captures a live performance from 1982, a period when he was reviving his career with successful collaborations and renewed audience interest following years of relative obscurity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chris Isaak· Gene Pitney· The Righteous Brothers
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Crying
The moment shifts from a reflective tone to an urgent plea for understanding and connection as the narrator reveals their pain.
This contrast amplifies the emotional stakes of the song, showcasing Orbison's skill in marrying lyrical depth with vocal delivery.
Tracklist
- 1 Only the Lonely Start here 3:01
- 2 Leah 3:00
- 3 Dream Baby (How long Must I Dream) 2:55
- 4 In Dreams 3:12
- 5 Mean Woman Blues 2:53
- 6 Blue Angel 3:11
- 7 Lana 2:40
- 8 Blue Bayou 3:04
- 9 Candy Man 3:17
- 10 Crying 3:15
- 11 Crying [reprise] 2:28
- 12 Ooby Dooby 2:40
- 13 Hound Dog Man 3:26
- 14 Working for the Man 3:02
- 15 That Lovin’ You Feelin’ Again 4:25
- 16 (Go, Go, Go) Down the Line 4:05
- 17 It’s Over 3:03
- 18 Oh, Pretty Woman 4:53
- 19 Running Scared 2:21
- 20 Running Scared [reprise] 3:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Shares emotive storytelling and a blend of country with rock influences, echoing Orbison's heartfelt ballads.
King of America
Elvis Costello
Combines rockabilly revival with introspective lyrics, mirroring Orbison's nostalgic vibe and emotional depth.
Heart Shaped World
Chris Isaak
Features soaring vocals and rich balladry, akin to Orbison's signature style and emotive performance.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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