7 Songs Like Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland: Must Hear

Hey there, music enthusiasts! It’s your friend, TBone, spinning records and delivering quality content from the heart of music city. As a fervent Judy Garland devotee, “Over the Rainbow” has always captivated me with its charm and emotive power.

This got me thinking, why not share a slice of this magic with you all? I’ve compiled a list of seven songs that, just like “Over the Rainbow,” offer an escape into the realm of dreams and evoke a profound sense of emotion.

They’re timeless tunes that have touched hearts across generations.

So, buckle up, dear friends, as we journey down the melodic memory lane!

Here are the songs like Over the Rainbow that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Over the Rainbow

Songs like Over the Rainbow in a list format:

1. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

From the album “What a Wonderful World”, released in 1968 under the ABC Records label, “What a Wonderful World” by the incredible Louis Armstrong is an undeniably uplifting tune. With Armstrong’s uniquely raspy voice, it celebrates life’s everyday beauty. With lyrics like “I see skies of blue, and clouds of white…,” it captures the same positive outlook and whimsical atmosphere as “Over the Rainbow”. The musical arrangement, featuring Armstrong’s distinct trumpet and a lush orchestra, adds to its enchanting feel. It’s a warm, optimistic song that reminds us of the goodness in the world, just as Garland’s iconic track does.

2. “Imagine” by John Lennon

John Lennon needs no introduction. From his 1971 album “Imagine” released under the Apple Records label, the title track carries an impactful message of peace and unity. Much like “Over the Rainbow”, it’s a heartfelt plea for a better world. Lennon’s piano skills, coupled with his emotive vocal delivery, contribute to the song’s timeless charm. With backing musicians like Klaus Voormann and Alan White, the song captures the idealistic spirit that echoes Garland’s timeless classic.

3. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

Released in 1970 under Columbia Records, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” from the duo’s fifth and final studio album of the same name is a masterpiece of hope. The song, featuring Art Garfunkel’s high, clear vocals over Paul Simon’s piano composition, shares a theme of comfort and assurance in troubled times. This sentiment resonates deeply with the dreamy escapism invoked by “Over the Rainbow”. The song’s arrangement, enriched by Larry Knechtel’s piano, turns it into a comforting musical journey.

4. “Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn

“Moon River” was performed by Audrey Hepburn in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), subsequently released on the film’s soundtrack under the RCA Victor label. Composed by Henry Mancini and penned by Johnny Mercer, this song shares a dreamy, hopeful tone with “Over the Rainbow”. Hepburn’s gentle, expressive voice and the simple guitar accompaniment transport the listener to a serene world of dreams and longing.

5. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind”, from the 1962 album “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” released under Columbia Records, shares a longing for change and understanding similar to “Over the Rainbow”. With Dylan’s raw harmonica and acoustic guitar playing, it delivers a powerful message within a beautiful melody. Dylan’s passionate vocals make it an enduring classic that continues to inspire listeners, much like Garland’s gem.

6. “Yesterday” by The Beatles

From their 1965 album “Help!” released under Parlophone Records, “Yesterday” by The Beatles is a song that resonates emotionally with listeners, much like “Over the Rainbow”. With McCartney’s plaintive vocals and an acoustic guitar backed by a string quartet, it evokes a sense of nostalgia. The song’s melancholy yet beautiful nature makes it a timeless tune, echoing the emotional depth of Garland’s masterpiece.

7. “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” was released posthumously on the 1964 album “Ain’t That Good News” under the RCA Victor label. The song, written as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, shares the hope and longing for a better world as conveyed in

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar Over the Rainbow

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Fun fact: Although it’s now considered a classic, “What a Wonderful World” did not initially do well in the United States upon its release. It was actually a bigger hit in the UK, where it reached No. 1 on the charts! The song gained a resurgence in popularity in the US after it was used in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam”.

“Imagine” by John Lennon

Fun fact: Did you know that Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, was officially recognized as a co-writer of “Imagine” in 2017, decades after the song’s original release? John had once said that the song “should be credited as a Lennon-Ono song because a lot of it — the lyric and the concept — came from Yoko.”

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

Fun fact: The recording of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” required 13 takes to get it right! Art Garfunkel reportedly wasn’t confident singing it as he felt that Paul Simon should sing the song, but Simon insisted that Garfunkel’s voice was better suited.

“Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn

Fun fact: The song was nearly cut from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”! After a lukewarm reaction at a screening, a Paramount executive suggested the song be cut from the film. Audrey Hepburn reportedly responded: “Over my dead body!”

“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

Fun fact: The question-laden song is said to have taken only 10 minutes to write. The number of questions in the song has been interpreted as a protest against the lack of progress in the civil rights movement during the time of its writing.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles

Fun fact: “Yesterday” is one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music with over 2200 versions in existence! It’s also the first Beatles song to feature only one member of the band — in this case, Paul McCartney.

“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

Fun fact: “A Change Is Gonna Come” was inspired by Cooke and his entourage being turned away at a whites-only motel in Louisiana. However, the song was not performed live by Cooke during his lifetime due to its complexity.

And that’s a wrap, my fellow music lovers! Each song, filled with melody, history, and hope, has etched its name into the annals of music legacy, akin to Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow”. Until next time, keep those turntables spinning and your spirits high. This is TBone, signing off!

Thanks for reading.

TBone