Artist: Elvis Presley Album: Elvis Is Back!

Year: 1960
Duration: 0:0-1

Elvis Is Back!: A Critical Review of the Album That Revived Elvis Presley's Career

Elvis Presley is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His contribution to popular music can be felt to this day, over 40 years since his untimely death. And yet, there was a time when Elvis' career was in decline. In 1960, the singer was drafted into the army and his movies were poorly received by critics and fans alike. But when he returned to music in 1960, Elvis released an album that would change everything. That album is Elvis is Back!.

The album Elvis is Back! was released in April 1960, following Elvis' two-year-long hiatus from music. The album was recorded in Nashville and showcases Elvis' vocal range like never before. The album is a mixture of ballads, blues, and rock 'n' roll, all with a touch of the southern twang that defined early rock music. The album marked a departure from Elvis' previous work, which had been primarily aimed at teenagers. Elvis is Back! was a more mature and sophisticated album, showcasing Elvis as a versatile artist with a keen sense of musicality.



The album opens with Make Me Know It - a lively, upbeat rock 'n' roll number that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other notable tracks on the album include Fever (originally a Little Willie John song), Reconsider Baby (a blues number), and The Girl of My Best Friend (a ballad that became one of Elvis' most popular tracks). There was also a cover of Ray Charles' What'd I Say that featured Elvis' signature vocal style and the distinctive organ playing from Floyd Cramer.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way that Elvis' voice is used. At times it is soft and crooning, at others it is powerful and uninhibited. The album's vocals are often emotionally driven, and Elvis demonstrates a vocal range that is impressive. It's Now or Never is one of the best examples of this. The track is a reworking of O Sole Mio, set to the tune of There's No Tomorrow. It's a powerful ballad that perfectly showcases Elvis' range.

As innovative as the album is, it is not without its flaws. Dirty, Dirty Feeling and Like A Baby are two tracks that feel out of place. They're not bad songs, but compared to the rest of the album, they sound like filler.

Elvis is Back! was an album that revived Elvis Presley's career and reminded everyone that he was much more than just a good-looking teenager with a hip-shaking pelvis. The album showcased Elvis as a versatile artist with a keen sense of musicality. While not without its flaws, Elvis is Back! remains a classic album that every music lover should have in their collection. It's an album that perfectly captures the essence of early rock 'n' roll, with the added bonus of vocals that are emotionally rich and powerful. For those who want to experience Elvis at his very best, Elvis is Back! is a must-listen.