1955 Top Ten Songs: The Great Pretender (#1)
By Four Walls
@FourWalls (73047)
United States
March 31, 2025 11:19am CST
For the last time this month I go back to my 100 favorites list for a song that’s now 70 years old. I promise it’s the last time this month…because this is the end of the countdown! 
Tomorrow we start celebrating my birthday in style…with songs that’ll be as old as I’ll be next month. Meanwhile, here’s the song that’s won the coin toss to top the list from 1955.
#1: The Great Pretender - the Platters
Yeah, if you want me to follow you down a sewer, play this song. 
And with all respect to Freddie Mercury, who was without question one of the greatest singers in rock and roll…NO. This is the version I go to.
The absolute perfect blend of R&B, pop, and doo-wop, harmonies, and gorgeous lyrics. I don’t know what exactly would constitute a “perfect song,” but this is pretty darn close.
Thanks for reading.
The Great Pretender
Written by Buck Ram
Recorded by the Platters
Released as a single, 1955
My need is such:
Tomorrow we start celebrating my birthday in style…with songs that’ll be as old as I’ll be next month. Meanwhile, here’s the song that’s won the coin toss to top the list from 1955.
#1: The Great Pretender - the Platters
Yeah, if you want me to follow you down a sewer, play this song. And with all respect to Freddie Mercury, who was without question one of the greatest singers in rock and roll…NO. This is the version I go to.
The absolute perfect blend of R&B, pop, and doo-wop, harmonies, and gorgeous lyrics. I don’t know what exactly would constitute a “perfect song,” but this is pretty darn close.
Thanks for reading.
The Great Pretender
Written by Buck Ram
Recorded by the Platters
Released as a single, 1955
My need is such:Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
11 people like this
10 responses
@FourWalls (73047)
• United States
1 Apr
I appreciate music from multiple genres and eras, as you know, but if you’re going to give me one era to take to a deserted island, it has to be the 50s, especially for songs like this.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73047)
• United States
31 Mar
My parents had a Platters greatest hits album, that’s where I first heard it as a child.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73047)
• United States
31 Mar
Closing on a high note! Now, get your nopes ready for the 60s!!!!! 
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73047)
• United States
1 Apr
They were so great! My dad was pretty exclusively country music (Carl Smith, Hank Williams country), but we had a Platters greatest hits when I was a kid. That tells me a lot about their greatness.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (73047)
• United States
31 Mar
I think this one has seen worldwide popularity at some point.
1 person likes this
