Search - Elvis Presley :: Gi Blues

More Great Vocals From Early '60

plsilverman | USA | 04/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although the movie title suggests some blues tracks - FORGET IT - the soundtrack is all made-to order plot songs with occasionally ludicrous lyrics (dig the "Ya Ya Ya"s and "Ha Ha Ha"s). But the inspired SINGING on the two blues numbers on "Elvis Is Back" is revisited on this album, and in more than two places: from the Classical music rewrite opener "Tonight Is So Right For Love", surely one of Elvis' finest operatic vocals to the slow, romantic ballad "Pocketful Of Rainbows", Elvis shows off his range, power, and control. The fast "Frankfurt Special", which features a cool Rockabilly solo as per. Mr.Scotty Moore, has a remarkable finish which Presley delivers in Cantorial style. "Shoppin' Around" recalls the '50s in approach. Speaking of the '50s, his first "remake" of an already released number, "Blue Suede Shoes", isn't bad despite what critics have said over the years, although it is disconcerting to hear such a laid-back rendition of a number he consistently knocked out of the park back in '56. With regard to the prev. unrel. extra tracks, the uptempo "Big Boots" with just guitar is kind of fun, somewhat reminiscent of the '58 "Lover Doll" sans Jordanaires. So concentrate on Elvis' VOICE, on his final album after the '50s to recapture that certain sound and feel which by '62, '63 would be brought out only on rare occasions."