Andy Williams' 10 greatest songs ever, ranked

16 March 2021, 17:09 | Updated: 23 March 2021, 12:40

Andy Williams was one of the greatest all-round entertainers of the 20th century.

While many of his contemporaries may have struggled to sustain success after the vocal jazz peak of the 1950s, Andy Williams' career kept blossoming for decades to come.

We've picked just a handful of his very best songs that are guaranteed to put you in an awesome mood.

1. Solitaire

   

   Andy Williams - Solitaire

   Co-written by Neil Sedaka and later a hit for the Carpenters, Andy Williams scored a UK top 5 hit with this ballad in 1973.

2. Days of Wine and Roses

   

   Andy Williams - Days of Wine and Roses(Year 1963) 酒とバラの日々

   Like 'Moon River', this song was written by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini. It was taken from the 1962 movie of the same name.

   Also like 'Moon River', Andy took it as a sign and made the song his own, and scored a huge hit with it in 1963.

3. (Where Do I Begin?) Love Story

   

   Andy Williams -(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story (1971) ある愛の詩

   This ballaad was first released as an instrumental theme in the 1970 film Love Story, after Paramount Pictures rejected the first set of lyrics that were written.

   Andy Williams later recorded new lyrics for the song, and scored a big international hit a year later.

4. Almost There

   

   Andy Williams - Almost There .1966 . Live

   This was one of Andy's biggest UK hits, reaching number two in 1965 for three weeks.

   It was a double A-side with his version of 'On the Street Where You Live', which had been a hit for both Nat King Cole and Vic Damone.

5. The Impossible Dream

   

   Andy Williams - The Impossible Dream(The Quest) (Year 1971) 見果てぬ夢

   This is the most well known song from the 1965 Broadway musical Man of La Mancha, and is also featured in the 1972 film of the same name starring Peter O'Toole.

   Andy Williams recorded arguably the most famous 'pop' version of the song in 1968. It was also covered by the likes of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Glen Campbell among many others.

6. Can't Get Used to Losing You

   

   Andy Williams........Can't Get Used To Losing You.

   Andy scored a number two smash with this ballad in both the UK and US in 1963.

   Many other artists released cover versions over the years, including The Beat with a reggae version in 1983.

7. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

   

   Andy Williams - The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (From The Andy Williams Show)

   Andy Williams was known for his variety TV show in the States, and particularly his amazing Christmas specials every year for decades.

   He recorded many festive tracks over the years, but his biggest and best has to be this Christmas anthem, which finally reached the UK top 20 in 2017.

8. Moon River

   

   Andy Williams - Moon River (Year 1961)

   Audrey Hepburn first sang this ballad in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany's, but we'd argue that Andy ended up recording the most famous version.

   He sang at the Oscars the following year, and at the start of his self-titled TV show for many years, helping it become his signature tune.

9. Music to Watch Girls By

   

   Andy Williams - Music To Watch Girls By (Year 1967)

   Bob Crewe first released this song as an instrumental in 1966, and later Andy recorded a version with lyrics by Tony Velona.

   In 1999, it had a new lease of life after it was used in a car advert, taking Andy back in the UK top ten.

10. Can't Take My Eyes Off You

    

    Andy Williams - Can t Take My Eyes Off You Live 1967

    It is impossible not to sing along to the 'bah-bah-bah's of this tune whenever it comes on.

    Frankie Valli actually recorded it first, but Andy scored a bigger hit with in the UK. It was later used in Bridget Jones's Diary, and he ended up re-recording it with Denise Van Outen in 2002.