Daniel Reviews...
From Elvis In Memphis
Released: 1969
Rating: 9/10
Track listing: 1. Wearin’ That Loved On Look/ 2. Only The Strong Survive/ 3. I’ll Hold You In My Heart/ 4. Long Black Limousine/ 5. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’/ 6. I’m Movin’ On/ 7. Power of My Love/ 8. Gentle On My Mind/ 9. After Loving You/ 10. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road/ 11. Any Day Now/ 12. In The Ghetto/ BONUS TRACKS: 13. The Fair Is Moving On/ 14. Suspicious Minds/ 15. You’ll Think of Me/ 16. Don’t Cry Daddy/ 17. Kentucky Rain/ 18. Mama Liked The Roses
In 1968 Presley decided it was time to do live shows again and return to that old fashion rock and roll. Of course it was a success before it happened. Anyway, with new found energy and inspiration, Elvis ensemble a kick-ass band that managed to fuse all the traditional American musical styles into one great interesting mix. You got a little bit of blues, a little bit of country and some popular music. There are also obvious soul influences spiced up with some gospel that blends into something very unique. The production and arrangements are just perfect and the song collection might just be the best Elvis ever got to work with.
Naturally, a great band, an interesting approach, great songs and arguably the greatest voice ever in top form, makes From Elvis In Memphis an album very difficult to ignore.
You see, this is probably the only album where Elvis manages to combine both the huge Las Vegas-sound with his early rock and roll-roots. Most of the stuff here is stunning. The opening “Wearin’ That Loved On Look” implies that this is something different than before. That something big is about to happen. And something big happens indeed. You can tell that Elvis is inspired. Just listen to “Long Black Limousine” that starts off slowly and gentle and is gradually built up with key changes and a band that cooks. A band that pushed Elvis to sing his heart out. And he actually rocks for real during the ill-titled blues number “Power of My Love”. “True Love Travels On A Gravel Road” is a beautiful ballad that will surely move you.
And if you find the re-issued American CD-version you’ll get a bunch of bonus tracks as well. Bonus tracks that are made up of the singles he released at the time for this comeback-album. I mean, just thinking about the absolutely fantastic, mind blowing “Suspicious Minds” will make you want to listen to this album right away. It’s a cornerstone in his career, but is far from the only great bonus track. A return to form, indeed.