From Elvis in Memphis

I understand Elvis's inclusion on the 1001 list. Even as a self-professed Elvis-hater, I can at least see the merit in his inclusion. But why this album? Surely there were other musicians doing far more interesting projects in 1969 no?

As for this album, it's bland and inoffensive; the best I can really say for Elvis. Not something I would ever revisit in full. Gentle On My Mind is the only song I honestly enjoyed.

Several tunes. True Love, Suspicious, Ghetto, Gentle.

Leave it on the list.

Highly recommend a trip to Graceland for the pure American-ness of it.

definitely better than his debut, elvis evolved throughout the years apparently yay

A very nice collection of Elvis tunes. I've always enjoyed In the Ghetto although I am not exactly sure why.

oof.

virtually unlistenable; not a single good track on the album.

Great album, never knew this existed. Elvis brings the country soul that was so popular at the time. And as always, that guy could sing like no other. His appeal, needless to say. This is all about Entertainment, and it does entertain. Doesn't try to get too profound, while at the same time, does give you stuff to think about, but only if you want. Consistently good. A great variety of songwriters here but cohesive nonetheless. Looks like this is where Elvis gets off the rockin' train and takes a stop at country town, with a soul twist. Well executed, very fun. Not quite 4 stars for being a little over-produced and loungey and not as heartfelt as some of his earlier stuff. "Ghetto" and (on the re-release) "Suspicious Minds" are standards now and for good reason.

Elvis feels like a character. The music is fine, but so ubiquitous and foundational it functions more as a period peice and cultural touchstone than listening material.

The post movies Elvis comeback was in full swing and, thankfully, he's not entirely cribbing on black artists music here. Some genuine good songs like "Suspicious Minds" and "In The Ghetto" but don't sleep on songs like "Only The Strong Survive", the backing band as tight as hell throughout.

My mom's favorite song by Elvis is in the ghetto, so I heard it a lot growing up, so there's a certain nostalgia to that, otherwise, its just a sort of middle of the road album? I don't hate it.

Cartman's In the Ghetto will always be the cannonical one, but its cool Elvis did a version too. This must've sounded very backwards looking in 1969, but in retrospect has that timeless classic feel to it. The band sounds great - a lively bass that keeps everything ticking along, some gentle soulful twang on the guitar, gorgeous backing vocals, surprisingly tasteful arrangements for the horns and strings that are lush but not (too) schmaltzy, and a crisp clear recording give this that essential soul sound for these pretty straightforward country and blues songs. Polished and slowed down compared to the raw energy of his early career, Elvis is in emerging as a full blown crooner here, demonstrating an impressive low range, that signature warble, and a flair for phrasing.

I'm an Elvis fan, but this era isn't my favorite. It's better than so many other albums on this list though. Suspicious Minds is a classic.

It’s Elvis. What more is there to say.

Not too bad

Elvis made great music in his time. I still find some of his songs outstanding today. That's how I feel about "In the Gettho" and "Suspicious Minds" on this album. I found the rest of the album rather meaningless to corny. Maybe that's my problem with Elvis. I never really liked him, so although I really like 2 tracks on the album, I probably won't listen to it again.
3/5

This was a real mixed bag. None of it was all that good though. The musicianship is top notch, but it felt like Elvis was just given a bunch of random songs to sing. Is it a country album? Is it gospel? Is it soul? Nobody knows. Also most of the songs were boring, suspicious minds was good. He butchered Gentle on my mind.

I was a little nervous going into this. I like Elvis, but late era Elvis combined with a renowned country western backing band was something that didn't appeal to me on paper. You know what? I was wrong. This is a solid album full of well played, memorable tunes. Despite their penchant for honky tonk, the backing bad is incredible, and absolutely MAKE this release. Vocals sound great, better than I expected from this era. All in all, it wasn't a style I really enjoy, but is a true testament to how well a live studio album can sound when everything comes together properly.

It’s Elvis. I don’t know how to fairly rate this. I’ve heard so many Elvis impersonators in my life that it’s impossible to take him seriously. At this point, Elvis just sounds like another Elvis impersonator.

Frankly, it’s just not for me, man. It sounds so old and outdated, I just can’t connect with it in the least little bit. And all of the organs and slide guitars put it veeeery close to being country, which I cannot abide.

I thought about giving it 2 stars, just because it’s Elvis, and regardless of whether I like him, his music and legacy has, for reasons I cannot fathom, continued to endure. Then I remembered that he’s a child predator, so fuck him. 1 star.

Still just not an Elvis fan. I would never choose to put this on.

This just is not for me.

I know From Elvis in Memphis is often regarded as one of his strongest later records, and I can hear the quality in the production and musicianship. The performances are polished and the vocals are powerful. But it simply does not connect with me.

Later era Elvis has never really been my thing. It feels smoother and more restrained, and I miss some of the raw energy that made his earlier work so exciting. As a full album, it drifts rather than grabs me.

I can appreciate why people love it, but it is not one I will be revisiting.

Favourite song: None that truly stood out for me
Least favourite: The overall tone just does not land
Album artwork: A classic live style image, but nothing that elevates the record for me