Other songs such as “Reddy Teddy,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Paralyzed” are all solid. “Paralyzed” gives the writing credit to Otis Blackwell and Elvis. Elvis would only take a writing credit on a small number of songs during his career. It is a testament to his integrity that he would never force this issue.
Elvis has a good feel to it and shows some musical movement and an increasing maturity. This second excellent album by Presley is another critical stop in his musical journey and a fine example of '50’s rock ‘n’ roll.
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Article comments
1 - Maurice Colgan
Thanks David, a very nice overview of the Album. Hearing Elvis Presley's beautiful soulful recording of "I'm Playing for Keeps" on a jukebox back in 1957 changed the course of my life!
Raised listening to the great vocalists of the 20th Century like Caruso, John McCormack, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Mario Lanza and Frankie Laine etc had not prepared me for the impact of Elvis's extraordinary voice. I stood transfixed listening to the song on the jukebox and knew I was suddenly a committed fan of the "Stand Alone Icon of the 20th Century".
A life-sized bronze statue of the great Irish tenor John McCormack was unveiled recently here in Dublin Ireland.
Large bronze Statues of Elvis are located in America,Japan, Israel,Cyprus, Hawaii, the UK and just about everywhere else. :-)
2 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yea, David..Excellent review and not just because you praised Elvis (this time) but because you really understand what is so great about this brilliant singer!
I would have to agree with Maurice but my experience was 30 some odd years later when my father used to play his records,religious like!
You could all go on all day about his charisma,looks & stage presence and you'd be right. BUT, Ultimately it was his voice & passion for music that punched through all the mediocrity of the day. He didn't have to write music because he could have redefined the dictionary with that brilliant soulful choir of vocal chords!
3 - Brad Laidman
I don't think Elvis ever really wrote anything, but I think Tom Parker forced his name on a few of them - this happened a lot in the '50's which is why Alan Freed and other DJ's have some writing credits
He did arguably arrange them to his liking though - so I'm not putting him down
A lot of times he was also prevented from recording songs that Hill and Range or Tom Parker weren't allowed to get the songwriter to cough up some part of the royalties for.
I don't think Elvis was ever happy about this but it hurt his ability to find good material later in his career.
Agreed though that Elvis - greatest singer ever, which is why my site is called Elvis Needs Boats
:)