Elvis Presley was a legend in the music industry, with a career that spanned various genres and themes. However, his legacy was particularly evident in the realm of love songs. Presley’s unique ability to evoke deep emotions through his heartfelt performances made his love songs an unforgettable part of his discography.
Top 10 Elvis Presley Love Songs
In this article, we will delve into some of the most famous Elvis Presley love songs that continue to touch hearts decades after their release. Whether you are looking for a romantic song for your wedding, a Valentine’s day playlist, or just a dose of nostalgia, these are the 10 best Elvis Presley love songs to check out.
10. Burning Love
Burning Love was written by Dennis Linde and originally recorded by country-soul artist Arthur Alexander in early 1972. It failed to go anywhere that time around, but later that summer, Elvis Presley came and turned it into a huge hit with his harder rocking version. It became his biggest hit since Suspicious Minds three years earlier, reaching number 7 in the UK and number 2 on the US Billboard Top 100 chart – his last ever entry on the top ten of the chart
The song is about a man who is consumed by a passionate love for his woman, comparing it to a fire that burns in his soul. Presley delivers the lyrics with his trademark charisma and energy, making it one of his most memorable songs.
9. Are You Lonesome Tonight
Are You Lonesome Tonight was written in 1927 and first recorded by Charles Hart the following year. After that, numerous artists tried their hand at it, but it took Elvis to turn it into an international sensation. Recorded in 1960 at the behest of his manager Colonel Tom Parker (or rather, the insistence of Parker’s wife, Marie Mott, who thought Elvis would do a fine job of reworking her favorite song), its release was delayed by Presley’s record label who wasn’t sure the song was a good fit for Presley’s image. As it turned out, Marie was right and the record label was wrong – the song topped the pop charts in both the UK and US and was eventually certified 2 x Platinum.
The song is a tender ballad that features Presley asking his lover if she misses him as much as he misses her. He also wonders if she regrets their breakup and if she is faithful to him. The song is notable for its spoken word section, where Presley recites a monologue inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
8. Stuck on You
Presley’s first new song after the end of his two years of military service was Stuck on You. Clearly, his stint in the army had done nothing to diminish his fans appetite for new material – released in March 1960, the song soared to number 1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart to become his thirteenth chart-topping hit. It also reached number 1 in Belgium and the Netherlands, and the top 5 in the UK.
The song is a catchy pop tune that expresses Presley’s joy at being reunited with his lover after a long absence. He compares himself to a stamp on a letter or a fish on a hook, saying that he is stuck on her and nothing can tear them apart.
7. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
Written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe and recorded by Presley for the soundtrack of his second movie “Loving You,” (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear became the singer’s third number one pop hit of 1957, topping the Billboard Top 100 chart for seven weeks. It also managed to reach the top spot on the country chart and R&B Best Sellers List – his first-ever number one on the chart.
The song is a playful and innocent song that features Presley offering to be his girl’s teddy bear – a cuddly toy that she can hug and kiss whenever she wants. He also promises to be gentle and sweet with her, unlike other guys who might treat her mean.
6. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
Named one of the best Elvis Presley love songs by yourtango.com. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You came directly after the blockbusting Heartbreak Hotel and directly before the equally massive Hound Dog. Even so, it managed to hold its own against both, becoming Presley’s second number one on the country music charts and reaching number 3 on the Billboard Top 100 chart.
The song is a passionate declaration of love that features Presley telling his lover how much he wants, needs, and loves her. He also admits that he made mistakes in the past, but he is willing to change for her sake.
5. The Wonder of You
The Wonder of You was first released by Ray Peterson, who earned a top 40 hit with it in 1959. However, it was Presley who made it a worldwide smash with his live version recorded in Las Vegas in 1970. It became his sixteenth and last number one hit in the UK, as well as a top 10 hit in several other countries.
The song is a heartfelt tribute to Presley’s lover, who always supports him and makes him feel special. He praises her for being there to lend a hand, to make him smile, and to love him unconditionally. He also wonders how she can be so wonderful and what he did to deserve her.
4. Love Me Tender
Love Me Tender was written by Vera Matson and Elvis Presley, based on the melody of the Civil War ballad “Aura Lee.” It was recorded by Presley for his debut movie of the same name, which was originally titled “The Reno Brothers” but was changed to capitalize on the popularity of the song. The song was released as a single in September 1956 and became Presley’s first number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart, as well as his first gold record.
The song is a romantic and gentle song that features Presley asking his lover to love him tenderly, truly, and forever. He also vows to love her with all his heart and soul, and to never let her go.
3. Suspicious Minds
Suspicious Minds was written by Mark James and originally recorded by him in 1968, but it failed to chart. The following year, Presley heard the song and decided to record his own version, with producer Chips Moman at the American Sound Studio in Memphis. The result was a masterpiece that became Presley’s last number one hit in the US, as well as a top 10 hit in several other countries.
The song is a dramatic and soulful song that depicts a troubled relationship plagued by mistrust and jealousy. Presley sings from the perspective of a man who begs his lover to stop doubting his love and fidelity, saying that they can’t go on together with suspicious minds. The song features a distinctive fade-out and fade-in near the end, which was originally a mistake but was kept in the final version.
2. Always On My Mind
Always On My Mind was written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, and first recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972. However, it was Presley who made it famous with his version recorded later that year, shortly after his separation from his wife Priscilla. The song was released as the B-side of Separate Ways in 1972, but it became more popular than the A-side and reached number 16 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. It also won Presley a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1973.
The song is a poignant and regretful song that features Presley apologizing to his lover for not being there for her or treating her right. He admits that he made her feel second best and that he was blind to her needs. He also confesses that she is always on his mind and that he still loves her.
1. Can’t Help Falling in Love
Can’t Help Falling in Love was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, based on the melody of the French song “Plaisir d’amour.” It was recorded by Presley for the soundtrack of his movie “Blue Hawaii” in 1961. The song was released as a single in October 1961 and became one of Presley’s most iconic songs, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Top 100 chart and number 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is a beautiful and timeless song that features Presley expressing his deep and unconditional love for his lover. He compares himself to a river that flows to the sea or a fool who rushes in, saying that he can’t help falling in love with her. He also asks her to take his hand and his whole life too, saying that he can’t help falling in love with her.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley was not only the King of Rock and Roll, but also the King of Love Songs. His voice, charisma, and emotion made his love songs stand out among the rest. Whether you are looking for a song to dance with your partner, to serenade your crush, or to reminisce about your past love, you can’t go wrong with these 10 best Elvis Presley love songs.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about Elvis Presley love songs.
Q: What was Elvis Presley’s first love song?
A: Elvis Presley’s first love song was “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,” which he recorded in 1956. It was his second number one hit on the country music charts and his third number one hit on the pop charts
Q: What was Elvis Presley’s last love song?
A: Elvis Presley’s last love song was “Always On My Mind,” which he recorded in 1972, shortly after his separation from his wife Priscilla. It was released as the B-side of “Separate Ways” in 1972, but it became more popular than the A-side and reached number 16 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. It also won Presley a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1973.
Q: What was Elvis Presley’s most successful love song?
A: Elvis Presley’s most successful love song was “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which he recorded in 1961 for the soundtrack of his movie “Blue Hawaii.” It was released as a single in October 1961 and became one of Presley’s most iconic songs, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Top 100 chart and number 1 on the UK Singles Chart. It also sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been covered by numerous artists.
Q: What was Elvis Presley’s favorite love song?
A: According to some sources, Elvis Presley’s favorite love song was “Love Me Tender,” which he recorded in 1956 for his debut movie of the same name. It was his first number one hit on the Billboard Top 100 chart, as well as his first gold record. He also sang it to his wife Priscilla at their wedding in 1967
Q: What was Priscilla Presley’s favorite love song by Elvis?
A: According to Priscilla Presley, her favorite love song by Elvis was “Just Pretend,” which he recorded in 1970 for his album “That’s The Way It Is.” She said that it reminded her of their relationship and that it made her cry every time she heard it.
Q: How many love songs did Elvis Presley record?
A: It is hard to give an exact number, as different sources may have different criteria for what counts as a love song. However, according to one compilation album, Elvis Presley recorded at least 50 love songs throughout his career.
Q: How many love songs did Elvis Presley write?
A: Elvis Presley did not write many of his own songs, as he preferred to focus on his singing and performing skills. However, he did co-write some of his songs, including some of his love songs. Some examples are “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t,” “Loving You,” and “I Was The One”.
Q: Which Elvis Presley love song has the most views on YouTube?
A: As of January 2022, the Elvis Presley love song with the most views on YouTube is “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” with over 1.1 billion views. The second most viewed is “Suspicious Minds,” with over 300 million views.
Q: Which Elvis Presley love song has the most covers by other artists?
A: According to SecondHandSongs.com, a website that tracks cover versions of songs, the Elvis Presley love song with the most covers by other artists is “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” with over 900 recorded versions by artists such as UB40, Andrea Bocelli, Haley Reinhart, and Twenty One Pilots. The second most covered is “Love Me Tender,” with over 600 recorded versions by artists such as Norah Jones, Percy Sledge, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Cash.
Q: Which Elvis Presley love song is the best for a wedding?
A: This is a matter of personal preference and taste, but some of the most popular and suitable Elvis Presley love songs for a wedding are:
- Can’t Help Falling in Love
- Love Me Tender
- Hawaiian Wedding Song
- The Wonder of You
- Always On My Mind
References
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-50-greatest-love-songs-mw0000005790
https://www.yourtango.com/2019329226/best-elvis-presley-love-songs-all-time
https://www.elvispresleynews.com/elvis-presleys-favorite-song/
: https://www.elvispresleynews.com/priscilla-presleys-favorite-elvis-song/
: https://www.elvisthemusic.com/music/the-50-greatest-love-songs/
: https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis-presley-song-writer.shtml
: https://www.youtube.com/c/ElvisPresley/videos?view=0&sort=p&flow=grid
: https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/1/works
