Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” was a musical phenomenon whose impact on popular culture remains unparalleled. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935, Presley rose to prominence in the 1950s and became a global sensation with his powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and innovative fusion of rock, country, and rhythm and blues.
Presley’s early recordings, including hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” revolutionized the music scene and ignited a cultural shift. With his smooth vocals, energetic performances, and provocative hip-shaking, Presley captivated audiences and challenged societal norms.
Beyond his musical talent, Elvis Presley became an icon of style and charisma, embodying the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. His trademark pompadour hairstyle, flashy outfits, and dynamic stage presence made him a symbol of youthful rebellion and a cultural phenomenon.
Presley’s impact extended beyond music, as he successfully transitioned into film and starred in numerous movies, such as “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock,” solidifying his status as a multi-talented entertainer.
Despite his untimely death in 1977, Elvis Presley’s legacy endures. His contributions to popular music, his unmatched influence on subsequent generations of musicians, and his enduring popularity make him an immortal figure in the annals of music history. Elvis Presley’s music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, ensuring that the King’s reign over rock ‘n’ roll will never fade away.
1. “Jailhouse Rock”
One of the most popular songs of Elvis Presley is about a man behind bars. “Jailhouse Rock” resonated with audiences for its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics. The song was released in 1957, and it quickly became a classic among fans of rockabilly music. Its rhythm has become iconic, and it has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Not only did the song showcase Elvis's vocal range, but it also solidified his position as one of the ultimate King of Rock 'n' Roll. The guitar solo in this song often made people dance on their feet while the infectious melody stayed with them for days to come.
The record-breaking hit "Jailhouse Rock" stands out from other songs not only because it features the legendary rock icon, but also because of its impressive production value that threw open doors for future sound engineering techniques employed in recording studios.
Pro Tip: Play "Jailhouse Rock" when you want to lift your mood and remember why Elvis remains one of the greatest artists of all time.
Check-in to Heartbreak Hotel where the room service includes a broken heart and a side of loneliness.
2. “Heartbreak Hotel”
This iconic track, known as the “Hotel Where You Break Your Heart,” showcases Elvis’ prowess in blues and rock genres. Its haunting melody, coupled with lyrics describing a lonely stay at a bleak motel, still resonates with listeners today.
With its driving beat and emotive vocals, “Heartbreak Hotel” remains one of Elvis Presley’s most memorable hits.
The song was released in 1956 and became an overnight sensation. It marks an important turning point in Elvis’ musical career and elevated him to new heights of fame. The eerie, almost gothic atmosphere that permeates the track is a reflection of its origins – it was inspired by real-life suicide notes left behind by people staying at hotels.
This song cemented Elvis’ status as both a musical genius and cultural icon.
Fans continue to adore “Heartbreak Hotel” for its musical significance and emotional resonance. The electrifying performance that defines this track has never lost its power or appeal over time.
Whether heard on the radio or seen in one of his films, audiences are always transported to another world by Elvis Presley’s "Hotel Where You Break Your Heart."
Elvis may have been the King of Rock and Roll, but “Burning Love” proves he was also the master of setting your heart on fire.
3. “Burning Love”
One of the most beloved songs by Elvis Presley is a tune that is often listed as the third best on the list – "Burning Love". This track truly showcases his rock-and-roll roots and was one of his last major hits. With its driving beat, infectious melodies, and powerful vocals, "Burning Love" remains a classic example of Elvis at his very best.
What sets this song apart from many of Elvis's other hits is its energetic feel. From the opening guitar riff to the soaring chorus, this song grabs hold of listeners and never lets go. It also features some of his most impressive vocal performances, with Elvis effortlessly switching between powerful belting and smooth crooning. The overall effect is a song that perfectly captures the spirit and energy of rock-and-roll.
What many people don't realize about "Burning Love" is that it was originally written for another artist before Elvis decided to record it himself. Over time, however, it became synonymous with The King's distinctive sound and style, proving once again why he remains one of the all-time greats in music history.
For anyone looking to get into Elvis or simply enjoy some great rock-and-roll music, "Burning Love" is an absolute must-listen. And for longtime fans who already know and love this classic track, revisiting it will only serve as a reminder of just how incredible The King truly was.
Elvis had everyone 'all shook up' with this hit, except for maybe his hips which were always perfectly in place.
4. “All Shook Up”
This song, ranked fourth in the list of "10 Best Elvis Presley Songs of All Time," was released in 1957 and became an instant hit. Its unique blend of rockabilly and rhythm & blues made it a crowd favorite. The lyrics talk about being so in love that one can't control their physical reactions. It's a classic example of Elvis' talent for capturing youthful excitement and energy in his music.
What sets "All Shook Up" apart from other songs is Elvis' distinctive voice with its signature swoops and slides, combined with the lively music that gets toes tapping even today. The song also marked a major shift in Elvis' career as he moved away from country music towards rock and roll.
It's interesting to note that "All Shook Up" spent eight weeks at number one on the US Billboard charts, making it one of Presley's most successful songs.
Source: Rolling Stone Magazine.
Elvis knew better than anyone, dating a hard headed woman was a recipe for heartbreak – but a perfect recipe for a catchy song.
5. “Hard Headed Woman”
Elvis Presley's hit song 'Hard Headed Woman' is an energetic rock and roll number that showcases his dynamic vocals backed by a fiery beat. The lyrics depict the protagonist's struggle with a stubborn woman who refuses to change her ways, and Elvis' intense delivery adds to the urgency of the situation. This song was one of his biggest hits and solidified his status as the 'King of Rock and Roll'.
The instrumentation of this song is notable for its heavy use of drums, electric guitar, and piano, which creates a driving rhythm that perfectly complements Elvis' passionate singing style. His ability to switch between soft crooning and powerful wailing is showcased in this song, making it a must-listen for all fans of rock and roll.
Interestingly, 'Hard Headed Woman' was written specifically for Elvis by songwriter Claude DeMetrius after he watched him perform in concert. And it's clear that the song suits Elvis like a glove- with his electrifying stage presence and undeniable talent on full display here.
Don't miss out on listening to one of Elvis Presley's most iconic songs – add 'Hard Headed Woman' to your playlist today! Board the 'Mystery Train' and take a ride with the King – it's a journey you won't forget, unless you're suffering from short-term memory loss.
6. “Mystery Train”
Elvis Presley's hit track, known as the "Mystery Train," is a crowd favorite that showcases the King's fine vocals and impressive guitar skills. This classic rock and roll song was released in 1955 and has since become a timeless masterpiece. The lyrics ooze mystery, while the catchy melody and foot-tapping rhythm are hard to forget.
Presley's "Mystery Train" stands out from his other hits due to its distinct theme of love lost. The song tells the story of a man who loses his lover but decides to take a ride on the Mystery Train anyway, hoping to find solace. The train symbolizes a journey into the unknown that he embarks upon without an end goal. This artistic portrayal of heartache is what makes this song so intriguing.
Interestingly enough, this hit track wasn't written by Presley – it was composed by Junior Parker and Sam Phillips but became famous due to Elvis' soulful rendition. With its raw appeal, spirited guitar solo, and captivating lyrics, "Mystery Train" earns its spot as one of Presley's best songs.
Pro Tip: If you're new to Elvis' music, "Mystery Train" is an excellent place to start your journey into the King's vast discography. If you're feeling cruel, just remember that even Elvis warned us not to be.
7. “Don’t Be Cruel”
This song, which was released in 1956 and written by Otis Blackwell, was one of Elvis Presley's biggest hits. With its catchy rockabilly beat and memorable lyrics, “Don’t Be Cruel” became an instant classic and one of the most iconic songs of the King's career.
The track is heavily influenced by rhythm and blues, a popular genre at the time. It features Presley’s trademark voice backed up by the Jordanaires’ vocal harmonies. The song starts off with a simple guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track.
In addition to reaching number one on several charts, “Don’t Be Cruel” has been covered numerous times by other artists. Notably, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 in recognition of its cultural significance.
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Don't Be Cruel” showcases his unique ability to blend different musical genres while still staying true to his rock-and-roll roots. Don’t miss out on this timeless classic.
Elvis had the hounds of popularity howlin' with this rockin' classic.
8. “Hound Dog”
Elvis Presley's hit song about a wayward pup, frequently misunderstood in its initial release, is our eighth pick. It features a driving rhythm and clever wordplay that add to its timeless appeal. The tune became one of his signature performances, with Presley donning his trademark jumpsuit and shaking his hips, leaving audiences swooning over his enigmatic voice.
The song was originally written in 1952 for rhythm and blues artist Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton. She recorded it first but didn't achieve the commercial success it deserved. However, when Elvis covered the track in 1956, it shot up the charts and became one of his biggest hits—illustrating how even lesser-known tracks can become iconic under the right circumstances.
What's interesting about "Hound Dog" is that some people viewed its lyrics as derogatory towards women, leading to criticism from various quarters. However, this interpretation fails to consider the context of 1950s America when social norms were rapidly evolving. Nonetheless, Elvis' performance captured an undeniable energy that has spanned generations.
The song's enduring popularity even led to an appearance on NBC's popular Steve Allen Show in 1956 where the King delighted audiences with his now-famous sway and hip-shaking moves while performing "Hound Dog." It remains one of Elvis Presley's most beloved tracks today.
Elvis may have returned to sender, but this song will never be returned from your playlist.
9. “Return to Sender”
Elvis Presley's "Return to Sender" is a classic hit known for its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics. It follows a man who receives a letter from an ex-lover that he promptly sends back, refusing to read it. The song's popularity is due in part to Elvis's energetic delivery and the memorable chorus that has become synonymous with the track.
The lyrics of "Return to Sender" offer a relatable tale of heartbreak and closure, which many listeners have connected with over the years. The song's danceable beat makes it a popular choice for parties and social gatherings, often triggering spontaneous singalongs and dances.
Apart from Elvis Presley's passionate vocals, the song also features memorable horn arrangements and percussion lines that add to its overall pop appeal. Interestingly, while several songs by Elvis were hits in his lifetime, "Return to Sender" became even more famous after his death in 1977 as nostalgia increased for golden-era Rock 'n' Roll.
To enjoy this legendary tune fully, one can listen to it on high-quality audio systems or watch its music video featuring Elvis's iconic stage presence. Additionally, fans can delve deeper into Presley's extensive discography or explore other influential works from the Rock 'n' Roll era.
Even if you don't initially love it tender, this classic Elvis tune will win your heart by the end of the song.
10. “Love Me Tender”
This entry features one of the most iconic tracks in Elvis Presley's repertoire. The song's name, written by him alongside Ken Darby and Vera Matson, is a tribute to the 1956 movie where he played his first leading role. It's slow, melodic tune coupled with Elvis' velvety voice created an instant classic that continues to stand the test of time. Its bridge showcases some of the finest guitar solos in music history, perfectly complementing his melancholic lyrics about love lost and found again.
Edward Tomlin 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.
