Spinout cover

Released 60 years ago this October

Spinout

Elvis Presley · 1966

28 min · 12 tracks · blues

A breezy blend of upbeat rock and melodic pop, capturing the carefree spirit of the mid-60s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Stop Look and Listen Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Spinout — The title track encapsulates the album’s playful vibe with its catchy chorus and energetic instrumentation, embodying the lighthearted spirit of the film.
  • →
    Tomorrow Is a Long Time — This poignant ballad highlights Presley's vocal range and emotional depth, contrasting with the album's generally upbeat tone and showcasing his artistic versatility.
  • →
    All That I Am — With its romantic lyrics and smooth melody, this track illustrates Presley's ability to convey deep emotion, adding a layer of complexity to the overall album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

38 /100
Lowland
Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The album balances upbeat tracks with slower ones, showcasing Presley's pop sensibilities but lacking depth.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the mood.
  • Several tracks incorporate playful lyrics and lighthearted themes, such as 'Beach Shack' and 'Smorgasbord', which contribute to the album's carefree vibe.
  • The instrumentation often includes prominent guitar riffs and brass sections, creating a lively sound that complements the pop-rock style.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
4/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • short bursts of energetic fun
  • playful melodies for sunny days
  • quick tracks for lively gatherings
  • nostalgic vibes with charismatic charm

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • seek deep emotional narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in Presley's discography but isn't widely recognized.
Themes
playful romance· nostalgic charm
Career context
Released on October 31, 1966, Spinout was Elvis Presley's 24th studio album, coinciding with his role in the film of the same name. At this point in his career, Presley was transitioning from a major cultural icon to a more formulaic pop star, producing soundtracks for films that often prioritized commercial appeal over artistic innovation.
Stylistic neighbors
Chuck Berry· Little Richard· Buddy Holly

Tracklist

  • 1 Stop Look and Listen Start here 1:30
  • 2 Adam and Evil 1:52
  • 3 All That I Am 2:15
  • 4 Never Say Yes 1:50
  • 5 Am I Ready 2:24
  • 6 Beach Shack 1:45
  • 7 Spinout 2:32
  • 8 Smorgasbord 1:56
  • 9 I’ll Be Back 2:02
  • 10 Tomorrow Is a Long Time 5:19
  • 11 Down in the Alley 2:49
  • 12 I’ll Remember You 2:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata