An article for American Songwriter highlights four standout songs by Gene Pitney, the American pop singer and songwriter who died in 2006, arguing his talent remains under-appreciated by modern audiences. Pitney built a run of hits through the 1960s, both as a performer of others' compositions and as a vocalist who could survive the shift towards rock bands that ended many solo careers of the era.

The selection spans his career: "Town Without Pity" (1961), a dramatic movie theme that only narrowly reached the Top 40 despite showcasing his emotive range; "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance" (1962), a Burt Bacharach and Hal David composition tied to the John Wayne Western, which gave Pitney his first US Top 10 hit at No. 4; "It Hurts To Be In Love" (1964), originally intended for Neil Sedaka before contractual issues let Pitney record it instead, reaching No. 6; and the Barry Mann–Cynthia Weil ballad "I'm Gonna Be Strong", praised for its slow-build emotional delivery reminiscent of Roy Orbison.