About the Song
Roy Orbison. That rich, powerful voice that could soar through a ballad or growl with soulful intensity. Even for folks who weren’t around for his rise to fame in the 50s and 60s, his music has a timeless quality. Today, we’re revisiting a song from his later years, a collaboration that might surprise some.
“She’s a Mystery to Me” was released in 1989, just a few months after Roy Orbison sadly passed away. It became the title track for his final album, Mystery Girl, and for good reason. The song perfectly captures that Orbison magic – the yearning vocals, the dramatic arrangement – all wrapped around a theme of love’s captivating puzzle.
This wasn’t just any song, though. “She’s a Mystery to Me” was written by none other than Bono and the Edge from U2. Now, some might think that pairing the Irish rockers with the balladeer Orbison would be an odd choice. But those who know their Orbison history remember his willingness to explore new sounds, even venturing into new wave territory in the 80s. This collaboration proved to be a beautiful meeting of musical minds.
So, if you’re looking for a classic Roy Orbison ballad with a touch of unexpected intrigue, then “She’s a Mystery to Me” is definitely worth a listen. It’s a song that showcases both Orbison’s enduring talent and his openness to fresh inspiration, making it a fitting end to a remarkable career.