In memory of the King of Rock ‘n’ roll we have found the greatest Top 10 recordings of all time.
Don’t you think ‘recordings’ is more appropriate for an Elvis list than the term ‘songs’? We definitely think so, since many of Elvis biggest hits were technically ‘cover’ songs but… they’re the best songs to groove to!
#10 HOUND DOG & DON’T BE CRUEL
This was the most successful double sided hit on the Billboard’s top/Hot 100 chart in 1956. The term double-sided hit has no meaning in today’s current digital music age; it was a phenomenon a of the vinyl record era of the past century when an artist recorded both an A side and a B side for each single. No other artist in the rock era (not even the Beatles) had a double sided hit that would challenge the cumulative chart performance of Hound Dog and Don’t Be Cruel.
#9 ALL SHOOK UP
This song was released March 22, 1957. At 30 weeks, ‘All shook up’ rode Billboard’s pop chart longer than any other Elvis single. The single -written by Otis Blackwell- spent 8 weeks at #1. This record was an irresistible shuffle-rhythm tune whose negligible melody was less important than the style… and Elvis surely knew how to deliver it!
#8 ITS NOW OR NEVER
This song was released March 22, 1957. At 30 weeks, ‘All shook up’ rode Billboard’s pop chart longer than any other Elvis single. The single written by Otis Blackwell it spend 8 weeks at #1. This record was an irresistible shuffle-rhythm tune whose negligible melody was less important than the style… and Elvis surely knew how to deliver it!
#7 HEARTBREAK HOTEL
It’s probably overstating the case to suggest that ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ made Elvis Presley a star. Presley knew he had something special when writer Mae Axton handed him the words in late 1955. He later announced to an Arkansas crowd in December – ‘I’ve got this brand new song and its goanna be my first hit’. He then recorded it in Jan 10, 1956 and it changed his life forever.
#6 VIVA LAS VEGAS
One of Elvis’ most recognised recordings these days, ‘Viva Las Vegas’ was another of Presley’s songs to burst into the chart on 28 April 1964. This tune was a shimmering appraisal of the neon lit city as infectious as a quick stroll down the strip. The density of the band’s performance and the seemingly limitless excitement of Elvis’ own delivery matched the brilliant pop song. Decade’s late Presley’s recording has become the unofficial anthem of Las Vegas.
Yeeeaaaah Viva Las Vegas!!!
#5 JAILHOUSE ROCK
Alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the studio, Elvis produced his ‘hardest rocket yet’ in April, 30 1957. Elvis’ quick, sure grasp of the tune, and his instinct to sing the song with an urgency that transcended its satirical intent – rocked Jerry and Mike im their heels. The single became Presley’s third blockbuster hit of the year. “Jailhouse Rock” spent 27 weeks on the Top 100, 14 weeks in the top 10, and 6 at #1.
#4 IF I CAN DREAM
‘If I Can Dream’ caused the music industry to take another look at Elvis Presley. Even though this was not a huge chart hit – peaking at #12 on the Hot 100 – the recording’s energy gave Elvis the relevance he lacked for many years. Every time he sang it with passion and commitment, as if he was pleading for his very life. It was recorded by Presley in June 1968 with the intention to echo the song’s idealistic message that he wanted everyone to hear “I’m never going to sing another song I don’t believe in”. He stayed true to that commitment for two years, resulting in the last great renaissance of his musical career.
#3 SUSPISIOUS MINDS
Elvis’ comeback was complete when ‘Suspicious Minds’ reached number 1 on the Hot 100 in November 1, 1969. He hadn’t been in the charts for about 7 years and he never would be again. This recording was a group effort, producer Chips Momon worked with the band to get in in the right groove while Elvis worked on getting the lyrics and phrasing down. Elvis was impressed by Momon’s overdubbing when he listened to the recording over and over again in Graceland.
#2 ALWAYS ON MY MIND
Elvis Presley recorded his version of this song on 29 March 1972 after he split from his wife Priscilla. The song was written by Wayne Carson and had many recorded versions after. What makes it special is that Elvis version received immense fame and critical appreciation and is considered one of the standout songs of the 70’s for Elvis.
#1 CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE
Here it is #1 – perhaps the most recognised of Elvis’ handful of signature songs. This recording demonstrates his ability to deliver romantic ballads in the 60’s. The particularly slow melody challenged him in the studio but it certainly did not disappoint his fans. Even though it didn’t reach #1 on the charts surprisingly, it did reach ours as it always remains one of the most familiar tunes. Elvis used it as his closing number during his shows throughout the ’70’s.
