Elvis Presley, known as “The King of Rock and Roll,” left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to captivate audiences even decades after his passing. With his electrifying voice, charismatic stage presence, and pioneering blend of rock, blues, and gospel, Elvis revolutionized popular music and became a cultural icon. His vast discography includes numerous hits that have stood the test of time, each showcasing his unparalleled talent and ability to evoke emotions in listeners. In this article, we embark on a nostalgic journey to uncover the top 10 best Elvis Presley songs of all time.
From his early Sun Records days to his legendary Las Vegas residencies, Elvis produced an extraordinary repertoire that defined an era and influenced generations of musicians. Each of the chosen tracks represents a distinct facet of his artistry, displaying the range and versatility that made him a musical legend. We will delve into the emotional ballads that tugged at hearts, the energetic rock anthems that made audiences jump to their feet, and the soulful performances that showcased his gospel roots.
Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis enthusiast or someone new to his unparalleled legacy, this curated selection of his greatest hits will serve as a reminder of the timeless brilliance that made Elvis Presley an icon of popular music. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported by the timeless magic of the King’s definitive catalog.
1. “Heartbreak Hotel”
Elvis Presley's iconic hit, which topped the charts in 1956, "The King" pioneered a new genre that shaped rock and roll music. The captivating intro followed by his deep voice declaring, "Well, since my baby left me…" instantly became a classic heartbreak anthem that every broken-hearted person could relate to. The melancholic song about loneliness and misery continued to make hearts ache even today.
Moving on to the next track in our list, Elvis Presley's legendary songwriting abilities shone through his performance in "Can't Help Falling in Love." This classic ballad represents the tender side of Elvis's personality. With its gentle melody and poetic love lyrics such as "Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can't help falling in love with you," it captures the essence of falling in love like no other song.
As we delve deeper into Elvis Presley's discography, we cannot ignore the hard-rocking hit “Jailhouse Rock.” With an electrifying guitar riff and a catchy chorus-like refrain of 'let's rock,' the King had effortlessly fused elements of blues and rock 'n' roll into one groovy tune that inspired many dance crazes worldwide.
To truly appreciate Elvis's contribution to music history, you must listen to his iconic rendition of “Hound Dog.” This upbeat number features soulful vocals backed by infectious rhythm and blues beats that will get your feet tapping and body moving. Elvis's exuberance breathed new life into this now evergreen hit record.
If you don't already know this next track on our list- “Suspicious Minds,” then it is time to give it a spin right now! The way he sings those lines "We're caught up in a trap/I can't walk out/ Because I love you too much" shows how perfectly he could capture emotions on-screen with his angelic voice. Listening to this epic track is a rock and roll lover's dream.
Don't miss our next classic "In the Ghetto," which shook America in 1969, highlighting the social issues faced by African Americans. This somber yet soulful ballad features Elvis showcasing his range of emotions that many fans haven't seen before. The song's message continues to be relevant today as it was when it was released during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
Elvis Presley's songbook is synonymous with energetic dance numbers, but “All Shook Up” takes the cake as one of his most catchy tunes ever recorded. With its peppy rhythm and enthusiastic vocals, it became an instant hit among young people and made history as one of his renowned pieces.
"Wonder Of You" 's feel-good vibes make us groove every time we hear this masterpiece! The crooner's distinguished vibrato echoes yesteryear romance superbly. It proved that even in later years, The King continued to churn out an extraordinary ensemble of songs.
We wind up our list with another heartbreak classic hit "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" The acoustic guitar melody nourishes their voice as they sing about missing someone dear. This composition portrays the emotional side of Elvis Presley like no other song he sang during his heydays.
With such a rich catalog to choose from, choosing ten tracks was much harder than making it sound. Nevertheless, give these ten songs a chance to witness how The King dominated music throughout his career- A true music legend that will remain timeless forever!
Even if you've never been to jail, you can still rock out to 'Jailhouse Rock' like a convict on the loose.
2. “Jailhouse Rock”
Elvis Presley's iconic hit, previously introduced as song number two on the list, was "Jailhouse Rock." The song was released in 1957 and its lyrics revolved around a man teaching prisoners how to dance. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics have made it one of Elvis Presley's most beloved songs. In fact, it was also one of his standout performances in his film with the same title.
Given its popularity, Jailhouse Rock has been covered by numerous artists and featured in several films and television shows over time. What sets this song apart is that it showcases a unique combination of rock and roll along with a touch of blues that had not previously been seen in music.
A fun fact – this song holds the record for being the first ever music video ever screened on national TV! So the next time you listen to Jailhouse Rock or watch the music video, remember that you're witnessing history.
Pro Tip: Listening to Elvis's entire discography can give you an insight into what inspired him as an artist such as gospel singing or soft ballads that were popular during his time.
Elvis's fiery passion in 'Burning Love' must have been contagious, because this song still sets hearts ablaze.
3. “Burning Love”
This Elvis Presley classic, known for its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics, is a testament to his versatility as an artist. "Burning Love" was released in 1972 and became a massive hit for the King of Rock and Roll. It showcases Presley's ability to blend rockabilly with pop sensibilities to create a unique sound that is still relevant today. The uptempo beat and undeniably catchy chorus make it a fan favorite and earned it a spot on our list of the top 10 best Elvis songs.
One of the standout features of "Burning Love" is the energy that Presley brings to his performance. He delivers every word with passion and conviction, which adds to the song's sense of urgency. It's also worth noting that this song came at a crucial time in Presley's career, as it helped re-establish him as a force in the music industry after years of lukewarm sales.
Interestingly, "Burning Love" almost didn't happen. The song was originally written for another artist, but Presley heard it and immediately knew he wanted to record it himself. He put his own spin on the track, adding his trademark vocals and guitar work to make it truly his own.
Elvis had us all shook up with this classic tune, proving once again that he's the king of rock and roll (and hip gyrations).
4. “All Shook Up”
This timeless classic, Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up", brings a lively beat and intriguing lyrics that have captivated audiences for decades. The song conveys a sense of overwhelming love and a desire to be physically close to the one who causes this feeling. With its infectious rhythm and catchy melody, "All Shook Up" takes listeners on a journey through the exhilaration of falling head over heels in love.
Elvis's signature vocals showcase his impressive range while the guitar and drums create an electrifying sound that is both danceable and captivating. This classic hit was so popular that it topped the charts for eight weeks in 1957, solidifying its place as one of Presley’s most beloved songs.
What sets "All Shook Up" apart from other love songs is its upbeat tempo that seamlessly blends with romantic words. The creative metaphors in the lyrics add to the imaginative representation of love called forth by Elvis's crooning.
The exciting mix of music and emotions is sure to make anyone feel all shook up inside. So, if you haven't heard this iconic tune yet, don't miss out on the experience – give it a listen today!
If you're looking for a song about a woman who won't take no for an answer, 'Hard Headed Woman' is your anthem…or your warning.
5. “Hard Headed Woman”
The iconic track, known for its classic rock n' roll sound, is one of Elvis Presley's best recordings. With fiery electric guitar riffs and dynamic vocals, "Hard Headed Woman" showcases the King's immense musical talent and charisma. It was written by Claude DeMetrius and released in 1958 as a single from the King Creole soundtrack album. The song topped the Billboard charts, becoming one of Elvis' biggest hits.
In addition to embodying the essence of rock n' roll, "Hard Headed Woman" also reflects the cultural shift towards women's empowerment during that time period. The lyrics depict a confident and assertive female character who refuses to conform to societal expectations or male authority figures. This theme of female individualism was groundbreaking for its time and helped establish Elvis as a pop culture icon.
Moreover, "Hard Headed Woman" has since been covered by countless artists and remains a beloved classic to this day. Its lasting impact on popular music reinforces Elvis Presley's status as one of the most significant musicians of all time.
Elvis may have left the building, but his train keeps chugging along with the enigmatic 'Mystery Train'.
6. “Mystery Train”
This track explores the themes of escapism, deception and transience. It follows the journey of a protagonist attempting to leave their troubles behind on board a 'mystery train'.
"Mystery Train", with its combination of Presley's signature vocals and Scotty Moore's guitar work, has become one of his most revered recordings. The song showcases Presley's ability to blend rockabilly with blues, whilst maintaining his own unique style.
Interestingly, this track was originally recorded by blues musician Junior Parker in 1953. Yet, when Presley recorded it in 1955, his added rockabilly elements incorporated an entirely new sound that differentiated it from Parker's original version. As such, it paved the way for subsequent musicians to transform existing tracks into their own unique creations.
Elvis may have said 'don't be cruel', but his music sure knows how to make our hearts ache in a good way.
7. “Don’t Be Cruel”
Elvis Presley's smash hit, a track that's widely considered one of the greatest songs he ever recorded, ranks seventh on our list. The song that made history and broke records has undoubtedly stood the test of time. Its simple yet catchy lyrics are backed by an exceptional arrangement that includes steel guitar, a prominent bassline, and handclaps. The resulting blend catapulted "Don’t Be Cruel" into an instant classic.
Listeners cannot help but feel Elvis' charisma in this enduring number. Apart from its impressive chart success, "Don’t Be Cruel" helped break down racial barriers within music by crossing over onto R&B Charts and becoming multi-format hits. This groundbreaking move did not go unnoticed as Elvis became recognized for being a critical figure in lessening the divide between black and white audiences.
It's worth noting that this iconic single was actually released alongside another hit record, "Hound Dog." These were combined into one seven-song EP that sold millions of copies worldwide! Elvis performed the tune regularly throughout his career, ensuring it survived through generations as one of his most celebrated works.
Elvis may have been the king, but this song proves he was just a mere pup when it came to love.
8. “Hound Dog”
This iconic rock and roll song, sung by Elvis Presley, is an exemplary creation of catchy blues lyrics backed by strong electric guitar riffs. 'Hound Dog' marked a shift in Elvis's musical style to a more upbeat and energetic sound. Its popularity lies in its perfect combination of simple yet electrifying composition that makes you want to dance. The song has crossed generations and remained evergreen since its release in 1956.
Elvis makes sure his ex knows he's no longer interested with the charmingly blunt 'Return to Sender' – a move that may or may not work in real life.
9. “Return to Sender”
This song was written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell, two famous American songwriters. "Return to Sender" was released in 1962, and it quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics of this upbeat rock 'n' roll tune tell the story of a man trying to win back his former lover after their relationship ends. Elvis Presley's charismatic vocals and the catchy melody make this song a classic hit that still resonates with fans today.
In addition to its chart success, "Return to Sender" has been featured prominently in several movies and TV shows over the years. It is often used as a nostalgic throwback to the early 1960s and is indelibly linked with the era.
Overall, "Return to Sender" is an iconic Elvis Presley track that showcases his unique talents as a performer and musician. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Presley's lasting impact on popular culture.
Don't miss out on experiencing one of Elvis' most beloved classics – give "Return to Sender" a listen today!
Love Me Tender may have been written for a film, but it's the only song guaranteed to make Elvis fans swoon harder than his hips.
10. “Love Me Tender”
Elvis Presley's iconic song that holds a place in American culture is an epitome of timeless classic – resonating with his southern charm, impeccable vocals and raw emotions. The 10th track in the list of '10 Best Elvis Presley Songs of All Time' showcases "Love Me Tender" as one of his most famous hits from the golden era of rock and roll.
This romantic ballad was originally recorded for the movie 'Love Me Tender', starring Presley himself. The song became a chart-topper within days of its release in 1956 and has since been covered numerous times by artists around the world.
What sets this song apart is Elvis's ability to captivate his audience with his soulful crooning. The emotional hook coupled with poignant lyrics, "Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill," make this track an eternal favorite amongst music lovers.
Interestingly, the melody for "Love Me Tender" is based on a Civil War-era folk tune called "Aura Lee." This revelation adds another layer to the already rich history behind the original song.
According to Rolling Stone's rankings, this classic is among one of Presley's top fifty songs.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
