In some ways, it was an unlikely partnership. The songwriter who worked in production with Phil Spector and a backing singer who was too shy to go on the stage on her own.
Furthermore, in the early days, the only reason it was “Sonny and Cher” was that he was up there to keep her company and support her. She seemed to think that she wasn’t capable, despite singing backup on The Ronettes’ and Righteous Brothers’ biggest hits.
They weren’t together as a duo for too long. Nevertheless, they still left us with enough material to allow me to choose the top 50 Sonny & Cher songs.
Over The Water
When they came to England, rebellion against what kids saw as the “establishment” was in full flow. Sonny and Cher were kicked out of their posh hotel in London’s Hyde Park because of their clothes. Overnight, they became cult heroes.
They were seen as a couple of naughty “hippies” who weren’t going to be told what to do. Even though, in reality, they weren’t members of the “counterculture” developing in California.
Somehow, it all went wrong for them…
…as husband and wife, and as a duo. Cher went solo, having now got enough courage, and Sonny went into politics. But they are still remembered as one of the most memorable duos ever. And, whilst they recorded some good songs, it was all down to one song. We will look at that a bit later. Yet, before we get there, we need to look at some of the other Top Sonny and Cher songs.
Top 50 Sonny & Cher Songs
1 Mama Was A Rock And Roll Singer Papa Used To Write All Her Songs (Pt. 1 & 2)
Quite a mouthful for a song title. The single was released in 1974. It is from an album of the same name that was released in 1973. Neither the single nor the album proved to be particularly successful. The single only reached #77 on the American chart. And the album was a rather strange affair. It feels like they were under contract to produce it, and Bono wasn’t writing, or Cher wasn’t interested.
The album was full of some strange covers, and “Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs” was the only song Sonny wrote. The album only reached #132 in America.
This was their last single together, which is why it is here and is a rather strange affair. The beginning sounds like it should be the end. Eventually, the song moves into a slow, easy Rock song, totally out of context with the chaos of the beginning.
2 Just You
This single was first released in 1965 before they had caused a sensation with “I Got You, Babe.” Effectively they were still unknown, and the single did nothing. After “I Got You, Babe” brought them instant stardom, this track was released again. This time it reached #20 0n the American chart. The song was taken from their album, Look At Us, and was written by Sonny Bono.
It is an interesting composition. Is there anyone else who thinks it has the same feel and even sounds a bit like “Baby, I Love You” by The Ronettes? That was a song that Cher sang backing vocals on, and Sonny Bono worked with Spector during that time. Similarities or not, it is a very typical Sonny and Cher song from their early days.
3 But You’re Mine
A song that was written by Sonny Bono and may well be autobiographical in that it was written about how Sonny and Cher saw themselves. That view wasn’t wholly accurate as things transpired.
The song is about two people who are together and believe they don’t fit into society. As I said, a little of how they viewed themselves. “When people say you’re not my kind – And that your clothes are out of line – And that your hair isn’t combed all the time – You’re not real pretty, but you’re mine.” The same message and ideas as ‘I’ve Got You, Babe, a few months before?
The song was taken from the album Wondrous World Of Sonny & Cher. If one inspired the other, then you can’t blame them for making the most of it. You don’t have to listen too hard to know who is singing it. And that’s one of the things about them. They had a good 60s sound and stuck with it most of the time. Chart-wise, it did quite well, reaching #17 in the UK and #15 in America.
4 It’s the Little Things
We all make mistakes sometimes; it can’t be helped. This song came from their movie Good Times, which was rather a disappointment, to say the least. It dented their reputation with some poor reviews. Maybe they saw The Beatles make their films and thought they could do it as well. Not a good idea.
The movie was released in 1967, and from it, came this song, which was probably the only good thing that came from the venture. It reached #50 on the UK chart but did well in Canada, peaking at #3. Cher sings the song very well, which is about how the small things we do in a relationship can mean so much.
5 A Cowboy’s Work Is Never Done
This is a song taken from their All I Ever Need is You album. It was their last Top 10 record as a duo. The song was written by Sonny and reached #8 in America and #3 in Canada. So, it ranks among the most successful Sonny and Cher songs.
It’s difficult to know whether the album title was an attempt to keep up the pretense that all was rosy in the garden between them. At the time, it was quite clear it wasn’t. They had built their careers on this “loving hippie-type couple” who only lived for each other.
Now, it was all over and plain to see. Cher’s star was rising, his fading, and not long after, they split and finally divorced. It was a strange song in sound and arrangement. And, on their TV performances, the hippie clothes were long gone and replaced by dinner jackets and chic dresses. The “real” Sonny and Cher were now just a memory.
6 Baby Don’t Go
Let’s go back to happier times with this song from 1964. This is another song that was released before “I Got You, Babe.” It was written by Sonny Bono, and on its original release, it was only a regional success. After “I Got You, Babe,” it was released again as a follow-up. But, this time, it reached #11 in the UK, #8 in America, and hit the top spot in Canada.
More Nerves To Overcome…
This was one of those songs that were supposed to be a solo for Cher, but she became overly nervous when recording it. Sonny stepped in and helped her, and it became one of their duets. As well as one of the Top 50 Sonny & Cher songs.
The song is about a poor girl who wants to better herself by moving to the city. Her boyfriend isn’t keen and doesn’t want her to go. Another of the best songs by Sonny and Cher, with an interesting opening passage.
7 All I Ever Need Is You
This is a cover of a song first recorded by Ray Charles in 1971. Sonny and Cher’s version came out in the same year and was taken from the album of the same name. It was written by Eddie Reeves and Jimmy Holiday.
Their version became a big hit reaching #8 in the UK, #7 in America, and #5 in Canada. Additionally, it sold over two million copies around the world. On the B-side of the single was a live version of “I Got You, Babe.”
8 Little Man
This is a track taken from their third album, In Case You’re In Love, released in 1966. A simple little song very much representative of the Pop music of the time. It could almost be an entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in its style and arrangement.
“Little Man” proved to be a big success for them, reaching #4 in the UK but only #21 in America. Also, it reached #1 in Holland, Belgium, and Sweden. As I said, very much a European Pop song of the time.
By 1966, despite their appearance, it was clear they weren’t going to become part of the counterculture movement that was spreading across America. It seems they preferred to play it safe musically with songs like this. However, you can’t argue with success, and it became Sonny and Cher’s most popular song since “I Got You, Babe.”
9 The Beat Goes On
Staying with the In Case You’re In Love album, this track was released in 1967. It became a bit of a hippy anthem in some ways. And Cher included it in her stage shows for many years after.
“The Beat Goes On” was one of their most respected tracks and reached #29 in the UK and #6 in America. The backing band had something to do with its success.
Bring On The Syncopated Bass
One of those musicians was legendary session bass player Carol Kaye. She changed the original walking bass and added a syncopated bass line. That became the signature sound of the song.
It was a song that had some political references to the time and what was going on. “And men still keep on marching off to war.” Sonny entered politics, of course, and represented California. The song was sung at his funeral, and “The Beat Goes On” is inscribed upon his tombstone.
10 I Got You, Babe
Nowhere else to finish, is there? A song that encapsulated young, and in some cases, disapproved of young love. In some circles, when this song came out, parents needed to “approve” of a potential partner. Even today, that is the case in some parts of the world.
This song was, in part, a rebellion against that. It was released in 1965, and Sonny and Cher instantly became a part of our culture for the next five or six years. In turn, it is regarded as the greatest Sonny and Cher song of all time.
The song was #1 in the UK, America, and Canada and Top 10 elsewhere. It was a song that captured the imagination and still does today. Sonny wrote it for Cher while he was still working for Spector. Not just a song for the 60s but a song that will always resonate. If this is all they had ever done, then it would have been worth it.
11Laugh At Me
12Sing C’est La Vie
13Love Don’t Come
14Living For You
15The Revolution Kind
16Have I Stayed Too Long
17United We Stand
18Crystal Clear/Muddy Waters
19I Believe in You
20Don’t Talk To Strangers
21Leave Me Be
22You’re a Friend of Mine
23But I Ain’t Got You
24I’m Gonna Love You
25You’d Better Sit Down Kids
26The Way of Love
27Living In A House Divided
28Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves
29The Greatest Song I Ever Heard
30Cherish
31Our Good Thing (Is About To Come To An End)
32It’s The Little Things
33Don’t Hide Your Love
34Reason To Believe
35I Want You
36Train of Thought
37I Got A Woman
38The Times They Are A-Changin’
39You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me
40I Got You Babe (live version)
41Take Me for a Little While
42What’ll I Do
43One Step Closer To You
44Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
45You Better Sit Down Kids (live version)
46Can’t Help Falling in Love
47What Now My Love (live version)
48It’s Too Late To Love Me Now
49Good Combination
50I Look for You
Want More Great Music That Stays With You?
If so, check out our thoughts on the Best Running Songs, the Best Songs About Crushes, the Top Songs About the Future, the Top 10 Todd Rundgren Songs, and the Best Cat Stevens Songs of All Time for more incredible song selections.
Top 50 Sonny & Cher Songs – Final Thoughts
The beat still goes on. And, so it will, if only because of “I Got You, Babe.” It is not possible to over-emphasize the importance of the song, not only for them but for music and the social norms of the time.
They recorded other great music, of course. Some are on this list, but other tracks can be found on the album, The Beat Goes On: The Best Of Sonny & Cher.
Their music, except for “I Got You, Babe,” was never particularly radical or over-political. As a result, Sonny and Cher contributed to a period of change. And, for those around at the time, just hearing them sing these songs today brings it all back.
Until next time, happy listening.
