Elvis Presley Ballads Songs: A Countdown of His Top 10 Sentimental Classics
While celebrated globally as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley possessed an equally masterful command over sentimental ballads. This ability to convey deep emotion through song was arguably a cornerstone of his enduring popularity. Unlike many contemporaries known primarily for high-energy rock ‘n’ roll, Presley’s Elvis Presley Ballads Songs offered a crucial contrast, showcasing his vocal versatility. This balance allowed him to transcend the initial rock ‘n’ roll wave and seamlessly transition into the broader pop music landscape of the early 1960s, solidifying his place as a versatile musical icon. His tender performances provided a counterpoint to his electrifying stage presence, proving he could soothe hearts just as effectively as he could shake hips.
This curated list explores the very best of Elvis Presley’s balladry, blending universally acclaimed classics with enduring fan favorites. We countdown from number 10 to reveal the ultimate Elvis ballad.
Countdown: Elvis Presley’s Finest Ballad Performances
10. “Tomorrow Night” (1954, Released 1965)
A unique entry, “Tomorrow Night” holds a special place for many fans. Originally encountered on the eclectic 1965 LP “Elvis for Everyone,” its mesmerizing quality and deeply echoed vocal harkened back to Presley’s Sun Records era. It was only later revealed that this captivating track was a heavily remixed version of a Sun master recorded eleven years prior, in September 1954.
The original 1954 master, vastly different from the 1965 release, remained unreleased until after Elvis’s death. Session expert Ernst Jorgensen notes that the 1965 version involved overdubbing the 1954 vocal with guitar, harmonica, and backing vocals. Presley’s voice itself appears to have been altered in this process. Despite the significant post-production, the 1965 remix achieved a memorability that the raw 1954 master arguably lacked, showcasing early potential in his ballad delivery.
9. “I Need Somebody to Lean On” (1963)
Described by Jorgensen as a “portrait of late-night desolation” and embodying “Sinatra-style balladry,” this Doc Pomus-Mort Shuman composition captured a profound sense of loneliness. Elvis performed the song, conveying a message of unrequited love, within a dimly lit nightclub scene in the film Viva Las Vegas. While the somber mood contrasted with the film’s generally lighthearted musical comedy tone, the scene powerfully highlighted Presley’s skill in delivering poignant, lonely Elvis Presley Ballads Songs.
Despite its quality, “I Need Somebody to Lean On” wasn’t chosen as the B-side for the “Viva Las Vegas” single; RCA opted for the rhythm number “What’d I Say” instead. The ballad first reached audiences as part of the movie’s four-track soundtrack EP.
8. “It’s Impossible” (1972)
Recorded live at the Las Vegas Hilton on February 16, 1972, Elvis’s rendition of “It’s Impossible” was termed a “grief-stricken ballad” by Ernst Jorgensen. It was among several songs Elvis chose during a period of personal turmoil following his marriage breakup, seemingly channeling his own “pain and heartache” into his performance. This raw emotion resulted in one of the most powerful live ballad performances of his career.
Originally a hit for Perry Como, Elvis never laid down a studio version. Its inclusion on the 1973 “Fool” album marked a high point on an otherwise uneven record, demonstrating his continued ability to interpret emotionally resonant material.
Elvis Presley singing tenderly into a microphone for the film Loving You
7. “Loving You” (1957)
Following the pattern of his first film, Paramount named Elvis’s second movie after a key ballad from its soundtrack. RCA planned to release the title track as a single. However, deeming the versions recorded during the January soundtrack sessions not quite strong enough for single release, Elvis returned to Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood on February 24, 1957, to cut a dedicated single version.
Penned by the legendary Leiber and Stoller, Elvis delivered “Loving You” with a traditional, deeply sentimental approach, distinct from the more dynamic vocal treatments of some earlier ballads. While its A-side counterpart, “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” raced to #1 on the Billboard charts, “Loving You” demonstrated remarkable chart longevity for a B-side. Peaking at #28 on the “Top 100,” it charted for an impressive 22 weeks, only three weeks shy of its hit flip side, proving the appeal of his softer side.
6. “Sentimental Me” (1961)
During a late-night recording session on March 12, 1961, stretching into the early hours of the next day, Elvis was clearly in a ballad-focused mood. He recorded three exceptional ballads consecutively: “There’s Always Me,” “Starting Today,” and “Sentimental Me.” The last, a cover of a 1949 hit by The Ames Brothers, was reportedly perfected in just two takes.
“Sentimental Me” featured on the “ballad” side of the 1961 LP “Something for Everybody.” The session musicians, including Hank Garland, Bob Moore, Buddy Harman, Floyd Cramer, and Boots Randolph, alongside regulars Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana, crafted a slow, steady rhythm section. The Jordanaires provided close harmony backing to Elvis’s confident vocal. The outcome was one of the most exquisitely beautiful elvis presley ballads songs in his entire discography.
5. “They Remind Me Too Much of You” (1962)
Songwriter Don Robertson, invited to play piano for the It Happened At the World’s Fair soundtrack session on September 22, 1962, recalled how his composition “They Remind Me Too Much of You” nearly didn’t make the cut. Concerns were raised in the control booth about its melodic similarity to “Chapel in the Moonlight.” Robertson quickly improvised a distinct piano phrase and demonstrated it to Elvis at the microphone while the debate continued. He believed the song was saved from rejection at the last moment due to his presence and quick thinking.
Thanks to this intervention, Elvis recorded one of his most touching and heartfelt ballads. It became a standout track on the World’s Fair soundtrack LP released in 1963 and remains a cherished favorite for many listeners.
Elvis Presley looking thoughtful during a recording session, highlighting the emotion in his ballads
4. “There’s Always Me” (1961)
“This is my song,” Elvis reportedly declared upon tackling Don Robertson’s “There’s Always Me” late on March 12, 1961, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. His enjoyment in recording the piece was evident, particularly with its strong, voiced ending – a contrast to the fade-outs common in many of his ballads. Jorgensen recounts that Elvis later played the finished recording for Robertson with visible pride.
Years later, in 1967, RCA released “There’s Always Me” as a single, compiled from older album cuts. It entered the “Hot 100,” charting for six weeks and reaching a peak position of #56. In 2004, the song’s enduring appeal was recognized when it was included in the Broadway musical All Shook Up, a testament to its status as a classic Elvis ballad.
3. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
On August 24, 1956, despite signs declaring Fox Stage 1 a closed set, the sound stage buzzed with anticipation. Colonel Parker’s secretary, Trude Forsher, noted that many studio personnel gathered, curious to hear Elvis Presley record a ballad for his debut film.
Forsher vividly described the moment: “The guitar around his broad shoulders, he leaned towards the mic and the words ‘Love Me Tender, love me sweet … ’ were picked up by the tremendous boom microphone facing him. He sang the music softly. Elvis finished, and he gave the sign for the playback. Suddenly, the bare studio was transformed into a romantic 19th century setting, as the gentle words interpreted so feelingly filled the air.” The public reaction mirrored the studio’s awe. “Love Me Tender” dominated the charts in late 1956, spending 14 weeks in the Billboard top 10, including three weeks at #1. This recording unequivocally proved that Presley’s ballads were commercially potent forces, equalling the success of his rock ‘n’ roll anthems.
2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
Recorded at Radio Recorders in Hollywood on March 23, 1961, this track became one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic elvis presley ballads songs. According to Jorgensen, the intense focus Elvis dedicated to the song over a “marathon twenty-nine takes” signaled its importance to him. “The ambition and concentration…suggested how seriously he took the beautiful, intimate ballad; when he finished, he seemed already aware that he’d created a classic.”
Immortalized at countless weddings, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” enjoyed significant chart success beginning in late 1961. It spent 14 weeks on Billboard’s “Hot 100,” with 8 weeks inside the top 10. Peaking at #2 on February 3, 1962, it stands as the third most successful ballad single of his career commercially, its gentle melody enduring through decades.
1. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960)
Though this song dates back to 1927 and had seen numerous interpretations, Elvis Presley’s 1960 recording became the definitive version, eclipsing all predecessors. Recorded in the predawn hours of April 4, 1960, at RCA’s Nashville Studio B, the session atmosphere contributed to the magic. Ernst Jorgensen described the scene: “With the studio lights turned down, Elvis gave the sentimental song the full theatrical treatment, creating a credible drama in which the singer is seduced, deceived, and finally abandoned.” Elvis personalized the track dramatically with his famous heartfelt spoken recitation mid-song.
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” stands as arguably Elvis’s most celebrated ballad. It reigned at #1 on the “Hot 100” for six consecutive weeks in late 1960. Its popularity inspired several “answer” songs and earned it two Grammy nominations, firmly cementing its place as the top entry among the many incredible elvis presley ballads songs.
The Enduring Legacy of Elvis’s Ballads
From early Sun recordings to his Las Vegas prime, Elvis Presley consistently demonstrated an extraordinary gift for interpreting ballads. These songs revealed a vulnerability and tenderness that complemented his rock ‘n’ roll persona, significantly broadening his appeal and contributing immensely to his status as a multifaceted musical legend. The elvis presley ballads songs listed here represent the pinnacle of this aspect of his artistry, showcasing his unique ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, a connection that continues to resonate with fans old and new.
