Elvis (NBC-TV Special)
Elvis Presley · 1968
63 min · 8 tracks · blues
A dynamic showcase of Elvis's versatility, blending rock and roll energy with soulful ballads and gospel fervor.
Top tracks — play these first
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Trouble / Guitar Man Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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If I Can Dream — This closing track reflects Elvis's desire for social change, showcasing his evolution into a more reflective artist during a turbulent time in America.
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Baby, What You Want Me to Do — A powerful blues rendition that highlights Elvis's vocal prowess and emotional depth, bridging traditional roots with contemporary sensibilities.
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Memories — The song encapsulates nostalgia and longing, serving as a poignant reflection on both personal and collective memories tied to Elvis's storied career.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Elvis's versatility through medleys and dynamic performances, marking a significant comeback.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a high-energy performance that sets a lively tone, while the final track closes with a reflective ballad, creating a dynamic emotional arc.
- Dialogue interludes between songs provide context and engage the audience, enhancing the live performance feel of the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic medleys with emotional peaks
- heartfelt ballads for reflective moments
- vibrant energy for lively gatherings
- nostalgic tunes for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer consistent pacing throughout
- seek standalone track variety
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked a pivotal comeback, renewing Elvis's popularity and establishing his live performance presence.
- Themes
- television revival· rock and roll nostalgia· gospel fervor
- Career context
- By 1968, Elvis Presley was transitioning from his film career back to live performance, marking this album as a significant moment following his last major film release in 1967. The NBC special revitalized his image and reignited public interest in his music just as the counterculture movement began to reshape the music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chuck Berry· Little Richard· Buddy Holly
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If I Can Dream
The narrative shifts from longing to hope as it envisions a world united in peace, embodying the cultural zeitgeist of the late 1960s.
This progression from despair to aspiration not only captures the essence of the era but also marks a significant thematic shift in Elvis's songwriting.
Tracklist
- 1 Trouble / Guitar Man Start here 3:28
- 2 Lawdy, Miss Clawdy / Baby, What You Want Me to Do 3:34
- 3 Dialogue – Medley: Heartbreak Hotel / Hound Dog / All Shook Up / Can’t Help Falling in Love / Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel / Blue Suede Shoes / Love Me Tender 14:14
- 4 Dialogue – Medley: Where Could I Go but to the Lord / Up Above My Head / Saved 7:31
- 5 Baby, What You Want Me to Do / That’s All Right / Blue Christmas / One Night / Tiger Man / Trying to Get to You 15:50
- 6 Memories 3:17
- 7 Medley: Nothingville / Big Boss Man / Let Yourself Go / It Hurts Me / Guitar Man / Little Egypt / Trouble / Guitar Man 11:46
- 8 If I Can Dream 3:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Shares raw energy and storytelling, blending rockabilly with gospel undertones in a live setting.
Live at the Apollo
James Brown
Captures vibrant live performance energy with soulful ballads and a strong connection to gospel roots.
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Features heartfelt ballads and gospel fervor, showcasing emotional depth and vocal power.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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