The Most Successful Doo-wop Song, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the doo-wop song you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:58

Doo-wop music, with its rich harmonies and smooth melodies, holds a special place in the history of American music. Fans often debate which song best captures the essence of this genre, which rose to prominence in the 1950s. Having a clear ranking of the top doo-wop songs can be a helpful reference for both new listeners wanting to delve into the genre and long-time enthusiasts seeking to revisit these classic tunes. This list offers you the opportunity to cast your vote and see how your preferences compare with those of other fans. Each vote can shift the dynamics of the ranking, bringing a continually refreshing perspective on what makes a doo-wop song truly great. Your participation helps ensure that the list remains a current and accurate reflection of popular opinion.

What Is the Most Successful Doo-wop Song?

1

78
votes
"Stand by Me" by Ben E. King

Bassist Lloyd Trotman

This song has been covered by countless artists and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. It's a timeless classic that continues to be loved by generations.
The bass line for 'Stand by Me' by Ben E. King is a simple yet iconic groove that serves as the foundation for the song. It is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most popular bass lines in music history.

Song: 'Stand by Me'

Artist: Ben E. King

Key: A Major

Time Signature: 4/4

Tempo: 120 beats per minute
2

29
votes
"Earth Angel" by The Penguins

The Penguins

This song was one of the first doo-wop hits and has been covered by many artists since its release in 1954. It's a beautiful ballad with a memorable melody.
Earth Angel is a classic doo-wop song that was recorded by the American vocal group The Penguins. Released in 1954, it became one of the most successful and enduring songs of the genre. Earth Angel is known for its soulful harmonies and romantic lyrics, making it a timeless love ballad that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Release Date: 1954

Genre: Doo-wop

Length: 2:57

Label: Dootone Records

Songwriter: Curtis Williams
3

27
votes

"In the Still of the Night" by The Five Satins

This song is a slow, romantic ballad that has become a classic of the doo-wop genre. Its beautiful harmonies and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless favorite.
4

18
votes

"Blue Moon" by The Marcels

This song is a doo-wop classic that has been covered by many artists since its release in 1961. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a favorite among fans of the genre.
5

9
votes

"The Great Pretender" by The Platters

This song was a huge hit for The Platters and has become a classic of the doo-wop genre. Its lyrics about pretending to be happy when you're really sad struck a chord with many listeners.
6

15
votes
"Only You (And You Alone)" by The Platters

The Platters

This song is another classic from The Platters that has stood the test of time. Its romantic lyrics and beautiful harmonies make it a favorite among fans of the doo-wop genre.
Only You (And You Alone) is a classic doo-wop song performed by the American vocal group The Platters. It was released in 1955 as a single and quickly became a major hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is characterized by its smooth and romantic melody, heartfelt lyrics, and beautiful vocal harmonies.

Year of Release: 1955

Genre: Doo-wop

Chart Performance: Reached number 1 on R&B charts, peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100

Songwriting Credits: Written by Buck Ram

Vocal Group: The Platters
7

8
votes

"Sh-Boom" by The Chords

This song is an upbeat, fun doo-wop tune that has become a classic of the genre. Its catchy chorus and fun lyrics make it a favorite among fans of oldies music.
8

5
votes

"Why Do Fools Fall in Love" by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers

This song was a huge hit for Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers and has become a classic of the doo-wop genre. Its catchy melody and lyrics about falling in love have made it a favorite for generations.
9

8
votes
"Little Star" by The Elegants

The Elegants

This song is a beautiful ballad that has become a classic of the doo-wop genre. Its lyrics about a girl who shines like a star and its beautiful harmonies make it a favorite among fans of oldies music.
"Little Star" is a classic doo-wop song by The Elegants. It was released in 1958 and became one of the most successful songs of the genre. The song features a romantic and heartfelt melody combined with smooth harmonies, typical of the doo-wop sound. Its infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics have made it a timeless favorite.

Genre: Doo-wop

Release Year: 1958

Success: One of the most successful doo-wop songs

Melody: Romantic and heartfelt

Harmonies: Smooth
10

2
votes

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens

This song is a fun, upbeat tune that has become a classic of the doo-wop genre. Its catchy chorus and fun lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of oldies music.

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Ranking factors for successful doo-wop song

Chart success

How well did the song perform on the charts? Did it reach the top of the charts or stay on them for a long time?
Cultural impact

How much did the song impact popular culture of its time? Did it become a part of the public consciousness and remembered for years afterward?
Critical acclaim

How well did the song fare with critics? Did it receive positive reviews and accolades?
Legacy

How influential and memorable is the song in terms of enduring popularity and continued references and covers in media and other genres?
Creativity and style

How unique is the song in terms of its musical structure, harmony, rhythm, and vocal delivery? Was it groundbreaking and innovative for its time?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful doo-wop song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or doo-wop is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1761 views
197 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

"Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
"Earth Angel" by The Penguins
"Only You (And You Alone)" by The Platters
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each doo-wop once every 24 hours. The rank of each doo-wop is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful doo-wop song

Doo-wop music emerged in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity among young audiences. The genre is characterized by its catchy melodies and harmonies, often featuring a lead singer accompanied by a group of vocalists. Doo-wop songs typically touch upon themes of love and relationships, and many of them have become timeless classics that continue to be enjoyed by music lovers of all ages. In this article, we'll explore the most successful doo-wop songs of all time and take a closer look at what makes them so memorable.