Had he lived, Elvis Presley would have turned 80 on January 8, 2015. Hearing “Heartbreak Hotel” for the first time at nine years old in 1956 left a lasting impression. While some, like John Lennon, felt Elvis changed fundamentally after his military service, the reality of his extensive post-army catalog suggests otherwise. Many standout tracks came after this period, showcasing his evolving artistry. This exploration delves into some of these later works, focusing on the period when songs like elvis it’s only love were released, presenting a list of ten personal favorites from his post-army career.
Exploring Post-Army Masterpieces
Elvis found unique spaces between musical genres throughout his career, a characteristic evident in many post-1960 recordings. This ability to blend styles resulted in a rich and varied discography that continued to produce compelling music. For fans exploring the breadth of his work, tracks from this era offer deep insights into his artistry beyond the initial rock and roll explosion. Investigating elvis presley the best of elvis presley songs reveals the significant impact of these later recordings on his overall legacy.
1. “Beyond the Reef”
Written by Canadian Jack Pitman, “Beyond the Reef” was covered by several artists before Elvis recorded it on May 27, 1966, at RCA Studios in Nashville. These sessions also yielded tracks for the sacred album How Great Thou Art. “Beyond the Reef” remained unreleased until 1971, surfacing as the B-side to elvis presley it’s only love. It later appeared on the 1980 four-CD set Elvis Aron Presley. Elvis’s performance sees him joining the Jordanaires for the verses before taking the lead on the bridge. Though seemingly Polynesian kitsch, it’s a remarkably beautiful recording, potentially appreciated even by artists like Ry Cooder.
2. “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame”
This fantastic UK No. 1 hit from 1961 expertly transforms the Bo Diddley beat into pure pop, much like Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away.” Featuring acoustic rhythm guitars, a potential stand-up bass, and drums played with brushes, the track cleverly switches to a fast shuffle in the bridge, accented by Floyd Cramer’s distinctive eight-to-the-bar piano figure. The song by Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus tells a poignant story of heartbreak. It shares a historic double A-side status with its flip, “Little Sister.”
3. “(You’re So Square) Baby, I Don’t Care”
Penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for the 1957 film Jailhouse Rock, the title might echo a line from the classic 1947 film noir Out of the Past. In Elvis’s interpretation, however, it depicts a teenage dynamic: “You don’t like crazy music, you don’t like rockin’ bands / You just want to go to a picture show and sit there holding hands…” Despite the simple, soap-opera lyrics, the backing track powerfully embodies the “crazy music,” featuring an intensely throbbing intro and an unusually abrupt conclusion.
4. “The Promised Land”
This Chuck Berry song, written in 1964, was recorded by Presley at the Stax studio in Memphis in 1973. Elvis’s version is often cited as potentially one of the last truly creative outputs of his life. It features exceptional backing musicianship from artists like James Burton and Johnny Christopher on guitars, David Briggs on piano, Per Erik Hallin on electric keyboard, Norbert Putnam on bass guitar, and Ronnie Tutt on drums, contributing significantly to its impact.
5. “Sweet Angeline”
Also emerging from the Stax sessions, “Sweet Angeline” is a ballad written by British songwriters Chris Arnold, David Martin, and Geoff Morrow. It benefits from a slightly different lineup including Duck Dunn on bass guitar and Al Jackson Jr on drums. The song is notable for bringing out the best in Elvis’s vocal performance and for a distinct bass fill near the end of the second bar, providing a memorable hook that encourages repeat listening.
6. “The Girl of My Best Friend”
Another example of pure pop craftsmanship, this track from 1960 was written by Sam Bobrick and Beverley Ross. While Ral Donner had the US hit, Elvis’s version wasn’t released as a single until 1976 in the UK, where it reached the top 10. It represents the polished sound Elvis cultivated in the early 1960s.
7. “Reconsider, Baby”
From the 1960 album Elvis is Back!, this is a very fine rendition of Lowell Fulson’s classic blues track. Elvis himself played rhythm guitar on the recording, adding a personal touch to the performance. The album marked a significant return to form after his military service, showcasing his versatility. Exploring elvis presley rock songs from this period highlights how he integrated his blues roots into his evolving sound.
8. “Dark Moon”
Included on the 1999 RCA CD Elvis: The Home Recordings, “Dark Moon” was written in 1957 by Ned Miller. It had previously been recorded by Bonnie Guitar (country) and Gale Storm (pop). Elvis’s version, reportedly recorded at his LA home in Bel Air around 1966 or ’67 with friends and his own guitar accompaniment, captures an undeniable, irresistible groove that showcases a more relaxed, informal side of his musicality.
Classic portrait of Elvis Presley
9. “It’s Now or Never”
This massive hit from 1960 is a dramatic adaptation of Eduardo di Capua’s “O Sole Mio,” with new English lyrics by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold. Recorded just a day before “The Girl of My Best Friend” on April 3, 1960, it represented a bold step into incorporating operatic and traditional Italian melodies into his repertoire. For some, this marked a departure, but its global success is undeniable. This era saw Elvis exploring various musical avenues, expanding his appeal beyond just early rock and roll. Delving into his history, including tracks like blue moon of kentucky elvis, provides context for the diverse influences present in his later work.
10. “A Mess of Blues”
From the same recording session as “It’s Now or Never,” “A Mess of Blues” reached No. 2 in the UK in 1960. Another classic written by Pomus and Shuman, this track served as an early reminder, even with his military-style haircut, that the King maintained his powerful musical presence and mastery of the blues genre immediately after his return.
These selections represent just a fraction of Elvis Presley’s extensive post-army work, including notable tracks like good luck charm song which also achieved significant popularity. They showcase his continued ability to produce diverse, high-quality music well into the later stages of his career, challenging the notion that his creative peak was limited solely to the 1950s.
