Is Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake a good place to start with Elvis Presley?

Yes, Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake is recommended as a starting point for new Elvis Presley listeners. A blend of reflective ballads and upbeat rock tunes showcasing Presley's enduring charisma and vocal prowess. Released on October 1, 1973, 'Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake' came at a transitional period in Elvis Presley's career as he navigated the changing landscape of popular music. This album followed his successful 'Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite' concert and marked his continued efforts to adapt to contemporary trends while maintaining his signature style.

Who is Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake for?

Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake works well if you're into concise energetic flow throughout, nostalgic themes of love and sing-along moments with friends.

How many songs are on Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake?

Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake has 10 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake

Elvis Presley · 1973

27 min · 10 tracks · blues

A blend of reflective ballads and upbeat rock tunes showcasing Presley's enduring charisma and vocal prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Raised on Rock Start here — The title track encapsulates the spirit of the album, with its energetic tempo and nostalgic lyrics celebrating rock and roll's roots.
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For Ol’ Times Sake — This ballad highlights Presley's emotional depth, featuring poignant lyrics that reflect on past relationships and memories, showcasing his vocal sensitivity.
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I Miss You — A tender exploration of longing, this track combines heartfelt lyrics with a melodic structure that allows Presley’s voice to shine through.
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Find Out What’s Happening — This upbeat track features a catchy hook and playful lyrics, representing Presley’s ability to engage with contemporary sounds while delivering his unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features a mix of rock and ballads, showcasing Elvis's vocal range but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong rock track, followed by a ballad, alternating between upbeat and reflective songs throughout its ten tracks.
Several tracks feature prominent backing vocals and instrumentation that enhance Presley's lead, particularly in the choruses.
The final two tracks slow the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

concise energetic flow throughout
nostalgic themes of love
sing-along moments with friends
short bursts of emotion
playful rhythms for lively vibes

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive albums
seek deep introspective experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases a blend of styles without major recognition.
Themes: nostalgic reflections· southern rock roots· last studio recordings
Career context: Released on October 1, 1973, 'Raised on Rock / For Ol' Times Sake' came at a transitional period in Elvis Presley's career as he navigated the changing landscape of popular music. This album followed his successful 'Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite' concert and marked his continued efforts to adapt to contemporary trends while maintaining his signature style.
Stylistic neighbors: Chuck Berry· Little Richard· Buddy Holly