Ever since I watched the “Elvis” film last summer, Elvis Presley’s music has consumed my life. I’ve listened to his entire discography since then, and I can say with pride that Presley is my favorite artist of all time. Presley released such a wide variety of music throughout his 23-year career, and I wanted to give my personal favorites.
10. Heartbreak Hotel
One of Presley’s first singles, released in 1956. This song was pivotal for starting his career, as it was one of his first opportunities to give his unique spin on the then-brand new rock ‘n’ roll genre. “Heartbreak Hotel” was his first big success that helped launch his unforgettable concert legacy.
9. In the Ghetto
Released in 1969, “In the Ghetto” remains one of Elvis’ most powerful songs. The song serves as a reminder that all criminals in the world were once innocent children at one point. This is one of his slower songs, but that is only so he can emphasize his influential message.
8. Burning Love
First introduced in his album “Fool” in 1972, “Burning Love” jump started his wild 1970’s concert era. Although this song wasn’t one of Elvis’ personal favorites to perform, his infectious energy can be felt throughout. Seriously, he performed this song hundreds of times, and each performance is just as unpredictable as the last.
7. The Wonder of You
This was one of Elvis’ first songs to not debut on an album, rather exclusively performing it live starting in 1970. Although it wasn’t written by Elvis and his team, the song is still very in line with his other concert tracks at the time. Many believe Elvis put this in his concert rotation as a special shoutout to Priscilla, his wife at the time.
6. Moody Blue
“Moody Blue” was the opening track to his final studio album of the same name, released only one month before his untimely death in August 1977. It features lyrics discussing the stress felt when trying to make a connection with someone early on in a relationship. The song is also significant because it was his last song to become a #1 hit.
5. Trouble / Guitar Man – Melody
The iconic opening to Elvis’ “1968 Comeback Special.” After countless years of releasing low-budget, cash-grab films, this was Elvis’ big return to stage performance. Both songs featured are some of the highlights from his film career, and the music video also features dozens of Elvis lookalikes as background dancers, which I highly recommend giving a watch.
4. Can’t Help Falling in Love
Originally from the film “Blue Hawaii,” released in 1961, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is widely regarded as one of the most iconic love ballads of all time. Elvis began to sing this song live starting in the “1968 Comeback Special,” and it became his closing song for hundreds of concerts, also making it the final song he ever performed.
3. Suspicious Minds
Although it was never confirmed by anyone on Elvis’ team, “Suspicious Minds” is thought by many to be a song about his concern about being a bad husband to Priscilla, and his repetition of mistakes throughout their marriage. One of the main indicators of this theory is the phrase, “We’re caught in a trap” which is repeated many times. This song also comes from one of Elvis’ most well-known albums, “From Elvis in Memphis,” released in 1969.
2. Kentucky Rain
I feel that “Kentucky Rain” may be Elvis’ most underrated song. Originating from the same album as “Suspicious Minds,” this song is one of his most relaxing songs, telling the story of a man on a long hitchhiking journey to find his lover. This is the first song I go to when introducing my friends to Elvis; they have all enjoyed it, so I think this is the perfect song to go to when getting into his music.
1. If I Can Dream
This is my favorite song of all time. The first time I heard this song was in the “Elvis” film, and I had goosebumps for the entire song. Everything in this song is perfect to me, the lyrics about his desire for everyone to come together to make the world a better place, the instrumentation, and especially the music video from the “1968 Comeback Special.” You’ll never hear Elvis sing a more powerful and moving song.
I know Elvis isn’t the most relevant artist today, but I highly recommend listening to some of these songs. Elvis’ style is just so unique, and it doesn’t compare to any artists, past and present in my opinion. After reading to this point, I hope that you learned one thing about me. I like Elvis.