Spinner

IFLTS: 'The Next Step Is Love,' Elvis Presley

'The Next Step Is Love,' Elvis Presley
From 1970's 'That's the Way It Is'

The tiresome Young Elvis vs. Old Elvis argument rarely elicits serious debate -- it's just a cheap way to make fun of a fat guy.

Well you can wipe that smug smile off of your face, because I'll take the pudgy guy in rhinestones every time. In fact, dismissing the King's later works in the name of fashion is a good way to miss some of the finest singing ever filed under "rock 'n' roll."

Exhibit A: 'The Next Step Is Love,' a bouncy, elegant ballad that plays like Elvis' own 'Pet Sounds': soaring strings and a choir here, a trumpet and some chimes there. But unlike Brian Wilson's concoctions -- where the vocals are but one of the many flavors -- there is no doubt where to focus your senses. Elvis' crooning is equally uplifting and heartbreaking as it drifts from playful images of walking "barefoot through the misty meadows" to the ominous desire to escape the world "they've willed to you and me."

And befitting of Vegas-era Elvis, his performance is something of a trapeze act: He dreamily holds a note for an eternity, and then somersaults over a few syllables to catch up. His voice cracks, but, just when you think the King may fall, he bounces back and bangs the next line home with his resonant Elvisness. And all that's just the opening verse.

Buy it on iTunes

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Gotye in Traffic, Skrillex the Board…

Spinner

David Wolff-Patrick, Redferns Check out Jeff the Brotherhood's new Dan…

Janet Jackson Birthday: Singer Turns 46…

AOL Music Blog

Fox/X17online.com | Getty Images After admitting to a lifetime of body image…

Big Sean Says New Single Will Be…

The Boombox

Getty Images Big Sean isn't the wide-eyed, earnest MC that he was a few short…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

6 Comments

Filter by:
David

One of the worst Elvis-songs.

"But we've yet to taste the icing on the cake
That we've been baking with the past"

Dreadful!

Even worse than the famous lines from the song "McArthur Park"...

"Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again
Oh, no!"

February 01 2010 at 4:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
carla

I agree so musch with what they have all said. I was raised on Elvis, and now at 45, my children can sing his songs too. Even over weight, and on his drugs, his voice was as strong as ever. He is one of my all time favorite entertainers.

April 01 2007 at 10:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Katie

Last year on American Idol, Elliott Yamin sang "If I Can Dream" and "Trouble". He absolutely knocked me off of my feet and made me want to hear more of Elvis Presley. I immediately ordered CDs by Elvis Presley. What brilliance!

March 25 2007 at 2:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kenny s.

Alot of people knock (the king)Elvis but if you look at it his music, can still be heard today compared to todays music (if thats what its called) hands down he's still the King.His songs had meaning,feeling good music.what can you make of the songs of today?nothing,its noise and these untalented cockbites are making Alot more money than the guys that made REAL music.its really ashame.

March 25 2007 at 12:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Richard Yannotti

Happy to read your comments. Soooo many great Elvis songs have gone unnoticed. The man could certainly rock but he has to be one of if "The Greatest" soulful ballad singers of all time. "I'm Leavin" is just one of the gems that somehow got lost. From the quiet soulful verses to the souring bridge it is a masterpiece. Great arrangement!!

March 17 2007 at 9:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jim sonneborn

There are alot of songs Elvis did during this era, that show off his great vocals. I think if you like that song you would also enjoy a song called just pretend its great

March 17 2007 at 8:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply