Ranking Elvis Presley’s Albums A Comprehensive Guide
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, left an indelible mark on the music world with his iconic voice, captivating stage presence, and timeless hits. His music continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of fans worldwide, and his albums remain a testament to his enduring legacy.
This comprehensive guide delves into the vast catalog of Elvis Presley albums, providing an in-depth exploration of his musical journey and offering insights into the significance and value of his recorded works.
The Chronological Order of Elvis Presley Albums
Elvis Presley’s recording career spanned over two decades, resulting in a prolific output of studio albums, live albums, compilation albums, and soundtrack albums. To fully appreciate his musical evolution, it’s essential to examine the chronology of his albums, which reflects the changing musical landscape and his personal growth as an artist.
Elvis with His Family A Look into the King of Rock and Roll’s Personal Life
Early Rock and Roll Era (1954-1958)
- Elvis Presley (1956): This landmark debut album introduced the world to Elvis Presley’s unique blend of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and country music, featuring hits like Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes.
- Elvis (1956): Also known as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this album solidified Elvis Presley’s status as a rock and roll icon, showcasing his energetic performances and chart-topping singles like I Want You, I Need You, I Love You and Don’t Be Cruel.
Military Service and Hollywood Years (1958-1960)
- Elvis’ Golden Records (1958): This compilation album featured some of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits from his early career, including Hound Dog and Love Me Tender, and served as a reminder of his enduring popularity during his military service.
- G.I. Blues (1960): This soundtrack album for the film of the same name marked Elvis Presley’s return from military service and featured upbeat and playful songs like Blue Moon and Pocketful of Rainbows.
Return to Chart Success (1960-1968)
- Elvis Is Back! (1960): This album signaled Elvis Presley’s return to rock and roll after his military service, featuring powerful performances and hit singles like It’s Now or Never and Stuck on You.
- From Elvis in Memphis (1969): This album marked a significant departure from Elvis Presley’s previous work, exploring soul, blues, and gospel influences and featuring standout tracks like In the Ghetto and Suspicious Minds.
The Vegas Years (1969-1977)
- Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1 (1974): This live album captured Elvis Presley’s electrifying performances in Las Vegas, featuring classic hits like Hound Dog and Can’t Help Falling in Love.
- Moody Blue (1977): This posthumous album was released shortly after Elvis Presley’s passing and featured a collection of soulful ballads and country songs, including the title track Moody Blue.
Elvis with His Family A Look into the King of Rock and Roll’s Personal Life
Posthumous Releases and Compilations (1977-Present)
- Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 2 (1977): This live album continued the legacy of Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas performances, featuring energetic renditions of his biggest hits.
- The Essential Elvis Presley (2007): This compilation album spanned Elvis Presley’s entire career, featuring his most iconic songs and providing a comprehensive overview of his musical journey.
Determining the Value of Elvis Presley Albums
The value of Elvis Presley albums varies widely depending on various factors, including rarity, condition, and historical significance. Here are some key elements that determine the value of his records:
Condition
The condition of an Elvis Presley album is a crucial factor in determining its value. A well-preserved record in mint condition will command a higher price than a worn or damaged copy. Collectors and enthusiasts place a premium on albums that have been properly stored and handled, with no scratches or skips.
Rarity
The rarity of an Elvis Presley album also plays a significant role in its value. Limited-edition pressings, promotional copies, and albums released in small quantities are highly sought-after by collectors, making them more valuable than widely distributed releases.
Historical Significance
The historical significance of an Elvis Presley album can also contribute to its value. Albums that marked milestones in his career, such as his debut album or the soundtrack to his first movie, are often more valuable than his regular studio albums.
Promotional Material
The presence of promotional material, such as posters, postcards, or lyric sheets, can also add value to an Elvis Presley album. These items are often rare and sought-after by collectors, especially if they are in mint condition.
Buying and Selling Elvis Presley Albums on eBay
eBay is a popular platform for buying and selling Elvis Presley albums. Here are some tips for navigating the marketplace:
Buying
- Do your research: Before making a purchase, take the time to research the album’s rarity, condition, and historical significance. This will help you determine its fair market value and avoid overpaying.
- Read the seller feedback: Pay attention to the seller’s feedback rating and read through the comments left by previous buyers. This will give you an idea of the seller’s trustworthiness and the quality of their products.
- Ask questions: If you have any questions about the album’s condition or other details, don’t hesitate to contact the seller. A responsive and informative seller is a good sign that the transaction will go smoothly.
Selling
- Price competitively: Set a competitive price for your album based on its rarity, condition, and historical significance. Research similar albums that have recently sold on eBay to get an idea of the current market value.
- Provide accurate descriptions: Write a detailed and accurate description of the album, including its condition, track listing, and any promotional material included. Be honest about any flaws or imperfections.
- Take high-quality photos: Include high-quality photos of the album cover, record label, and any promotional material. Good photos will help potential buyers see the condition of the album and make an informed decision.
Ranking the Top Elvis Presley Albums of All Time
Ranking the top Elvis Presley albums of all time is a subjective task, as everyone has their own personal favorites. However, based on critical acclaim, commercial success, and cultural impact, here are some of the most highly regarded Elvis Presley albums:
- Elvis Presley (1956): This debut album introduced the world to Elvis Presley’s unique sound and style, featuring hits like Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes.
- Elvis Is Back! (1960): This album marked Elvis Presley’s return to rock and roll after his military service and featured powerful performances and hit singles like It’s Now or Never and Stuck on You.
- From Elvis in Memphis (1969): This album marked a significant departure from Elvis Presley’s previous work, exploring soul, blues, and gospel influences and featuring standout tracks like In the Ghetto and Suspicious Minds.
- Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1 (1974): This live album captured Elvis Presley’s electrifying performances in Las Vegas, featuring classic hits like Hound Dog and Can’t Help Falling in Love.
- The Essential Elvis Presley (2007): This compilation album spanned Elvis Presley’s entire career, featuring his most iconic songs and providing a comprehensive overview of his musical journey.
The Best-Selling Elvis Presley Albums in History
Elvis Presley has sold over one billion records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Here are the top five best-selling Elvis Presley albums:
- Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957): This holiday album has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and features popular Christmas songs like Blue Christmas and Santa Claus Is Back in Town.
- Elvis’ Golden Records (1958): This compilation album has sold over 6 million copies and features some of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits from his early career, including Hound Dog and Love Me Tender.
- Blue Hawaii (1961): The soundtrack to the film of the same name has sold over 3 million copies and features upbeat and tropical songs like Can’t Help Falling in Love and Rock-A-Hula Baby.
- Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite (1973): This live album has sold over 2 million copies and captures Elvis Presley’s historic performance in Hawaii, featuring hits like Suspicious Minds and Burning Love.
- Elvis’ Christmas Peace (2003): This holiday compilation album has sold over 1 million copies and features a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, including Silent Night and Blue Christmas.
Where to Find Rare and Collectible Elvis Presley Albums
Rare and collectible Elvis Presley albums can be found at various places, including:
- Record stores: Local record stores may have a selection of rare and collectible Elvis Presley albums, especially if they specialize in vintage or rare records.
- Online marketplaces: Platforms like eBay, Discogs, and Etsy are popular places to find rare and collectible Elvis Presley albums. Just make sure to do your research and buy from reputable sellers.
- Collector conventions and fairs: Attend collector conventions and fairs in your area to browse through a wide selection of rare and collectible Elvis Presley albums.
- Auctions: Keep an eye out for auctions that feature rare and collectible Elvis Presley albums. These can be found online or in-person at auction houses.
Exploring Elvis Presley’s Music on YouTube
YouTube is a great resource for exploring Elvis Presley’s music. Here are some ways to discover and enjoy his music on the platform:
- Official channel: The official Elvis Presley YouTube channel features music videos, live performances, and rare footage of the King of Rock and Roll.
- Fan channels: There are many fan-run channels dedicated to Elvis Presley on YouTube, featuring rare recordings, interviews, and concert footage.
- Playlists: Search for playlists featuring Elvis Presley’s music, such as “Elvis Presley’s Greatest Hits” or “Elvis Presley Live Performances,” to easily access a curated selection of his songs.
- Live performances: Many of Elvis Presley’s iconic live performances can be found on YouTube, including his legendary 1968 Comeback Special and his Aloha from Hawaii concert.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems on Elvis Presley’s Albums
While Elvis Presley’s biggest hits are well-known and beloved by fans, there are also hidden gems on his albums that may not have received as much attention. Here are some underrated tracks to check out:
- I Got Stung (1958): This upbeat and catchy song was released as the B-side to One Night and showcases Elvis Presley’s playful side.
- Big Boss Man (1967): This bluesy track was originally recorded by Jimmy Reed and was covered by Elvis Presley on his album Clambake.
- If I Can Dream (1968): Written specifically for Elvis Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special, this powerful and emotional song became an anthem for hope and unity during a turbulent time in America.
- Burning Love (1972): This energetic and catchy song was one of Elvis Presley’s last big hits before his passing and is often overlooked in favor of his earlier work.
- Way Down (1977): Released shortly before Elvis Presley’s passing, this upbeat and funky song became a posthumous hit and is a testament to his enduring popularity.
The Evolution of Elvis Presley Album Covers
The album covers of Elvis Presley’s albums have evolved over the years, reflecting changes in his music and image. Here are some notable examples:
- Elvis Presley (1956): The cover of Elvis Presley’s debut album features a black-and-white photo of him playing guitar against a pink background, showcasing his youthful and rebellious image.
- Elvis’ Golden Records (1958): This compilation album’s cover features a close-up photo of Elvis Presley’s face with a gold border, emphasizing his status as a chart-topping artist.
- From Elvis in Memphis (1969): The cover of this album features a serious and contemplative photo of Elvis Presley, reflecting the more mature and introspective direction of his music.
- Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1 (1974): This live album’s cover features a dynamic photo of Elvis Presley performing on stage, capturing his electrifying energy and charisma.
- The Essential Elvis Presley (2007): This compilation album’s cover features a classic photo of Elvis Presley in his iconic gold suit, representing his enduring legacy and impact on music.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s albums have stood the test of time, captivating audiences for decades with his unique blend of rock and roll, soul, and country music. From his landmark debut album to his posthumous releases, each album tells a story of his evolution as an artist and showcases his unparalleled talent. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music, exploring Elvis Presley’s albums is a journey that will never get old.
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