Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is one of the most legendary and influential musicians in history. His unique style and electrifying performances captivated audiences around the world, and his music continues to inspire and entertain fans today. With countless hits and iconic performances, it’s difficult to narrow down the best Elvis Presley songs of all time. From his early rockabilly tracks to his later ballads, Presley’s music spanned a range of genres and emotions, making it accessible to fans of all ages and backgrounds.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Elvis Presley songs of all time. We’ll take a look at the stories behind the songs, examine their impact on popular culture, and explore what makes them enduring classics. From the infectious rhythm of “Hound Dog” to the heartfelt ballad “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” we’ll dive into the music that has made Elvis Presley an enduring icon. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we celebrate the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.
1. “Hound Dog”
Elvis Presley's iconic track, famous for its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, "Hound Dog" remains a crowd favorite more than six decades after its release. The song's energy and Elvis's dynamic performance have made it a fixture in popular culture. Its lyrics center on a man warning his ladylove to behave or face the consequences. With its unique blend of rock 'n' roll and rhythm-and-blues, "Hound Dog" is one of the most significant contributions to American music history.
Elvis may have sent it back, but this catchy tune will keep coming back to your head.
2. “Return to Sender”
This popular song by Elvis Presley known as the 'Rejection Return Song' expresses the frustration and disappointment of a man whose letters are continuously sent back to him by an unsympathetic ex-partner. The catchy tune, accompanied by vibrant background music, makes this song a great addition to any playlist.
The lyrics of “Return to Sender” include Elvis singing about returning letters and gifts with a humorous approach, which adds to its appeal. The protagonist in the song tries everything he can think of, from using different addresses to sending them registered mail, but nothing works. Despite this fun approach, the song highlights a real-life issue that many people can relate to.
Interestingly enough, the melody for “Return to Sender” was first composed for a children's film. Still, it ended up being converted into an actual hit single by Elvis Presley. The backstory only adds further intrigue and interest in the already famous track.
For fans of Elvis Presley’s music or those discovering it anew, we recommend listening to “Return to Sender.” Its relatable subject matter and familiar sound make it an excellent choice for fans of pop music from that era. You can also consider adding it to your karaoke repertoire as the catchy chorus will have everyone singing along in no time!
Elvis might have left the building, but his tender love song remains as timeless as his hairdo.
3. “Love Me Tender”
This timeless ballad, originally titled “Aura Lee,” was adapted and re-recorded by Presley in 1956. “Love Me Tender” showcases the King’s tender vocals as he sings about his unending love for his partner. His voice is soothing and reassuring, making it one of his most romantic tracks. The song became an instant hit upon release, and its popularity has only grown over the years.
In addition to its success as a single, “Love Me Tender” was also featured in Presley’s first on-screen appearance in the film of the same title. The song’s inclusion in this movie cemented its place in pop culture history and helped to launch Elvis’ acting career. Furthermore, it has been covered by countless artists over the years, demonstrating its lasting influence.
Pro Tip: For a deeper appreciation of this classic tune, listen to Elvis’ live performances of “Love Me Tender” from his concerts throughout the years. Even if you don't have a hound dog, this song will have you shaking like one.
4. “Don’t Be Cruel”
Elvis Presley holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. "Don't Be Cruel", one of his most memorable songs, debuted in 1956 and was an instant hit. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics resonated with a broad audience and became an enduring classic. Elvis's nuanced vocal delivery, backed by tight instrumentation, amplified the song's emotional impact and made it accessible to generations of music lovers. Even now, more than six decades later, "Don't Be Cruel" continues to captivate and inspire.
The song stands out for its cleverly constructed chorus that repeats the line "don't be cruel" before segueing into a verse about forgiveness and redemption. The contrast between the gentle admonition of the chorus and the underlying message about human frailty is a testament to Elvis's ability to convey complex emotions through his singing.
What sets "Don't Be Cruel" apart from other pop hits is the fact that it strikes a universal chord even today. Perhaps it's because we all have moments when we need someone else's kindness and compassion. Or maybe it's because there is something timeless about Elvis's voice, which can still move listeners with equal parts nostalgia and joy.
If you're an appreciator of Elvis or a fan of great music in general, "Don't Be Cruel" is definitely a must-listen track on your playlist. You cannot afford to miss out on this masterpiece!
Why take a regular train when you can ride the 'Mystery Train' with Elvis and his hauntingly good vocals?
5. “Mystery Train”
This selection brings us to the captivating piece by Elvis, portraying a sense of urgency with its rhythmic cadence and characteristic country-infused blues. This tune embarks on a soulful voyage of sound depicting the struggles of life's journey. The harmonica solo evokes strong emotions, coupled with poignant lyrics, conveying an intricate web of thoughts and emotions. "Mystery Train" is regarded as one of Elvis Presley's crucial tunes impacting his music career significantly.
Elvis sure knew how to heat things up with 'Burning Love', proving once again that he was not just the King of rock and roll, but also the King of setting hearts ablaze.
6. “Burning Love”
Elvis Presley's unforgettable tune about fiery passion, also known as “Burning Love”, is a timeless classic that showcases his unique and versatile style. This song takes listeners on a thrilling journey of love, excitement, and desire. With its catchy beats and electrifying energy, it is no surprise that it has remained a fan favorite for decades.
While many of Elvis's songs focus on love and romance, “Burning Love” stands out with its unapologetic intensity. The powerful vocals, driving rhythm section, and harmonizing backup singers all work together to create an unforgettable experience. At its core, this song celebrates the power and thrill of falling in love.
Listeners will be delighted to know that “Burning Love” also features some impressive guitar riffs from James Burton, one of the most renowned guitarists in music history. This iconic solo adds another layer of depth to the song's already dynamic sound.
Interestingly enough, Elvis was not initially enthusiastic about recording “Burning Love”. However, once he heard the demo tape, he knew he had to record it himself. He ended up loving the final product so much that he used it as his opening tune during his 1972 tour.
Elvis had us all shook up with this one, proving that even the slightest hip swivel can cause a musical earthquake.
7. “All Shook Up”
Elvis Presley's iconic hit, which is ranked seventh on the list of "10 Best Elvis Presley Songs of All Time," still has a significant place in rock-and-roll history. Its catchy melody and unforgettable chorus made it an instant fan favorite, providing Presley with another chart-topping hit.
The lyrics of this track display Presley's unique style, showcasing his talent for blending rhythm and blues with pop music to create a sound no one else could replicate. The song’s opening lines "a-well-a bless my soul what’s wrong with me?" immediately catch the attention of the listener and set the tone for more energetic verses to come.
As one of Presley's most recognizable tracks, “All Shook Up” explores the themes of love, desire, and longing that speak directly to fans’ hearts. This tune’s impressive musical composition is evidence of why it continues to be such a beloved addition to fandom playlists decades later.
Listeners who have not yet experienced this classic keepsake should give it a listen right away!
Elvis may have sung about a hard headed woman, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't talking about his hair gel.
8. “Hard Headed Woman”
Elvis Presley's "Hard Headed Woman" is an electrifying song that showcases his impeccable range and powerful vocals. With its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, it became an instant hit among fans worldwide. The song stands out from others due to the unique combination of rockabilly and blues influences, making it a classic in its own right.
As Elvis's voice adds color to the lively instrumentation, "Hard Headed Woman" stands as one of his most memorable performances. The way he delivers each verse with a sense of urgency and desperation justifies its place on the list of best Elvis songs ever recorded.
The single's original release sold over a million copies in its first week, cementing its popularity among listeners across all ages and backgrounds. Its staying power remains evident in popular culture references today, appearing in films and TV shows as nostalgia continues to appeal to audiences worldwide.
Elvis Presley was known for his unpredictability when it came to performances; he often went off-script without warning. One time while performing "Hard Headed Woman," he took the song's title too literally and smacked himself in the head with the microphone stand mid-song! Despite these antics or perhaps because of them this classic tune has endured through time.
Elvis may have been locked up in Jailhouse Rock, but his music broke free and rocked the world.
9. “Jailhouse Rock”
This iconic song, known as a rock and roll classic, finds its place at number nine on the list of "10 Best Elvis Presley Songs of All Time". "Jailhouse Rock" has become synonymous with the King of Rock and Roll’s style. With its catchy beat, clever lyrics, and energizing tempo, this hit song is a testament to Elvis’s enduring popularity. It remains one of his most beloved tracks today.
As one of his most famous performances, "Jailhouse Rock" showcases Elvis’s unmistakable voice and stage presence. The track tells the story of a prisoner dancing in jail as an expression of joy in spite of his current circumstances. Its upbeat rhythm makes it impossible to sit still while listening to it. This song became an instant classic upon release in 1957 and continues to excite listeners across generations even today.
This song marked a significant cultural moment during its time as it helped revolutionize music as we know it. Its impact on popular culture can still be seen today in numerous references made to it in movies such as Dirty Dancing. To miss out on this influential and memorable song would be a true shame for any fan of music history.
Don't miss out on experiencing the electrifying energy that made "Jailhouse Rock" one of Elvis’s best hits! If you're checking into Heartbreak Hotel, make sure to pack your tissues and a broken heart.
10. “Heartbreak Hotel”
The song's powerful lyrics and haunting melody conveyed the message of isolation and despair to the listeners. With his melodramatic yet emotive voice, Elvis breathed life into this masterpiece.
The song’s composition is pretty unique; it was written by Tommy Durden and Mae Boren Axton after they read about a suicide note from someone who had stayed at a hotel named The Gunter Hotel. The combination of the captivating storyline along with Elvis’ added flair made this an instant hit for fans worldwide, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list.
In addition to topping charts across the globe over 60 years ago, "Heartbreak Hotel" has since become synonymous with Elvis Presley's talent and influence in shaping American music history. It remains a fan-favorite today and serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists worldwide.
If you haven't experienced the magic of "Heartbreak Hotel" yet, you're missing out on something legendary! We highly recommend giving it a listen – Heartbreakl Hotel might just become your new favorite tune!
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.
