Best Elvis Presley Songs: Elvis Presley‘s musical legacy is defined by an incredible repertoire of songs that have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Among the vast collection of his recordings, there are 30 songs that stand out as some of the best examples of his talent, versatility, and lasting influence. From the raw energy of “Jailhouse Rock” and the heartfelt balladry of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to the iconic swagger of “Hound Dog” and the soulful depth of “Suspicious Minds,” each of these songs encapsulates a different facet of Elvis’ artistry. These 30 tracks not only represent the King of Rock and Roll’s chart-topping hits but also showcase his ability to transcend genres, evoke emotions, and connect with audiences across generations. Elvis’ voice, charisma, and musical innovation continue to shine through these timeless classics, solidifying his status as one of the greatest and most enduring performers in the history of music.
Best Elvis Presley Songs
30. “Way Down” (1977)
Just a few months before he died, Elvis dragged himself into the studio for what would prove to be his final recording session. When the King died, this song was climbing the charts. His tragic death undoubtedly gave it a boost.
29. “Burning Love” (1972)
“Burning Love” emerged during a very difficult period in Elvis’s life. He lacked motivation, and his producer had to work hard to get him to record it. When he did record, he put the full measure of his angst into his music.
28. “The Wonder of You” (1970)
By April 1970, Elvis was performing in Las Vegas, and “The Wonder of You” was the first hit to emerge from that phase of his career. After 14 years of number ones, he continued to push his vocal range, revealing new facets of his amazing gift.
27. “Suspicious Minds” (1969)
Released on August 26, 1969, this song has a similar feel to “In the Ghetto,” which was recorded during the same session in Memphis. Both songs highlighted the now well-established maturity and emotional control that Elvis brought to his work.
26. “In the Ghetto” (1969)
After a four-year drought without a number-one hit, Elvis was back with “In the Ghetto,” his most socially responsible song. The haunting lyrics come together with Elvis’s passionate expression to create an experience that will move the coldest of hearts
25. “Crying in the Chapel” (1965)
Elvis was passionate about singing gospel, and in 1960 he got the opportunity to record an entire gospel album. “Crying in the Chapel” was recorded during that session but would not be released for another five years. A huge hit, it was definitely worth the wait
24. “Wooden Heart” (1964)
Directly inspired by Elvis’s army stint in Germany, this tune was adapted from a German children’s song and was featured in Elvis’s first post-army movie, G.I. Blues.
23. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” (1963)
After venturing into lightweight pop tunes, Elvis returned to his rock ‘n’ roll roots with this one — giving an intense, emotional performance.
22. “Return to Sender” (1962)
Not intended for a movie soundtrack, “Return to Sender” was so well received following its October 2, 1962, release that it soon found its way into Girls! Girls! Girls!. Elvis sings with great intensity and enthusiasm, making for a very catchy three minutes.
21. “She’s Not You” (1962)
A beautiful ballad that Elvis sang with deep conviction, this song has the power to move and inspire.
20. “Good Luck Charm” (1962)
A lightweight, feel-good song that struck a chord, this tune epitomized the sound popular with teens of the early 1960s.
19. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
This much-loved tune, which appeared in the movie Blue Hawaii, was actually based on an 18th-century French ballad. In the 1970s, Elvis often used the song as the closing number for his shows, including his final concert in June 1977
18. “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” (1961)
Released on August 8, 1961, this fun tune came from the writing team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The single was paired with “Little Sister,” its mirror opposite in terms of style and mood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NupAWDO6axE
17. “Surrender” (1961)
This hit was an adaptation of the Italian-Neapolitan ballad “Torna a Surriento,” a hit song for Dean Martin, one of Elvis’s inspirations.
16. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960)
This old Al Jolson hit from 1927 just happened to be a favorite of the wife of Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. In fact, it was the only song that Parker specifically asked Elvis to sing.
15. “It’s Now or Never” (1960)
Elvis’s musical maturity is fully showcased in this ballad. Elvis had worked on developing his vocal range while in the army, and the operatic notes in this song demonstrate this new ability.
14. “Stuck on You” (1960)
Fans wondering if a post-army Elvis still had it could rest assured with the release of this easy-listening track. Yet, this Elvis was different — more mature and sophisticated.
13. “A Big Hunk o’ Love” (1959)
This song came from the only recording session that Elvis made while in the army. That session was also his first without his original backing band.
12. “(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I” (1959)
Elvis liked this Hank Snow song so much that he covered it, adding his own special flavor. In fact, many people regard it as their favorite Elvis tune.
11. “One Night” (1958)
“One Night” was a hit for New Orleans blues musician Smiley Lewis just two years before Elvis covered it. The lyrics and overall sound were softened to appeal to a white teen audience.
10. “Hard Headed Woman” (1958)
Released on June 10, 1958, this hit came out of the movie King Creole, which would be the last movie for Elvis until 1960, after his discharge from the army.
9. “Don’t” (1958)
This ballad, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, brilliantly conveyed the teen angst felt by the majority of Elvis’s fan base. Elvis put his heart and soul into the lyrics, connecting on a personal level with listeners, and it was one of his personal favorites.
8. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
“Jailhouse Rock” marked Elvis’s third foray into film and gave him another number-one song. Even if the song hadn’t been a hit, the movie’s dance sequence alone would have made it memorable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj0Rz-uP4Mk
7. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
Teddy bear sales went through the roof with this June 1957 hit. The song’s popularity also helped get people into theaters to see Elvis’s second movie, Loving You.
6. “All Shook Up” (1957)
You can’t help but dance to this great tune. Released in March 1957, it epitomizes the rock ‘n’ roll sound that energized teens all over the world. Listen for the sound of Elvis slapping his guitar.
5. “Too Much” (1957)
Released on January 4, 1957, “Too Much” brought to the forefront the talents of Elvis’s supporting players, especially guitarist Scotty Moore. And, of course, the King sounds great, too!
4. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
This song’s tune came from a Civil War ballad called “Aura Lee.” The lyrics were written for Elvis’s first movie, also called Love Me Tender. The movie — a depiction of the notorious Reno Brothers Gang — was forgettable; the song was anything but!
3. “Hound Dog” (1956)
This song was a blues classic long before anyone had heard of Elvis Presley. But it was the King’s July 1956 TV appearances, in which he crooned to a real pup, that propelled it to the top of the pop charts. The machine-gun-like drumming of D. J. Fontana perfectly complemented Elvis’s edgy vocals.
2. “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
This was the first song that Elvis self-produced. And what a job he did! Not only did he rack up his second number one in three months, he also created a whole new style for himself — one characterized by a free, casual sound.
1. “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
Released on January 27, 1956, this heart-wrenching tune was inspired by a suicide note printed in The Miami Herald. The tune didn’t catch the public’s attention until Elvis started appearing on television in the months following its release.
June 14 Today in Elvis Presley History
I agree with most although not all the songs. For instance I would have included It Hurts Me, Hurt, Always on My Mind at the expense of several songs covered in the list.
The photo taken from Loving You at the bar shows Elvis singing Mean Woman Blues not Hard Headed Woman from King Creole.
Anyway it is a great list showing Elvis inimitable singing skills.
“30. “Way Down” (1977)
Just a few months before he died, Elvis dragged himself into the studio for what would prove to be his final recording session. When the King died, this song was climbing the charts. His tragic death undoubtedly gave it a boost.”
Elvis didn’t drag himself into a studio, because the recording session that included the song ‘Way Down’ was recorded in the Jungle Room at Graceland
I too felt the comment “Dragged himself” insulting to Elvis’ memory
I agree with the other comments that using the term “dragged himself” was unecessary and was a prejudiced insult. So was the comment that his death “undoubtedly gave it a boost”. Your comments are not coming from a good place and you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.