“I sure lost my musical direction in Hollywood. My songs were the same conveyer belt mass production, just like most of my movies were.”
Some Elvis fans will sit there and argue that every Elvis movie is a good movie. I am completely obsessed with Elvis, but will not be saying anything near that. Hollywood really did him dirty. It does make me a little sad learning how Elvis felt toward his many films and music that had come from them.
When Elvis performed in what is known today as the “68 Comeback Special,” he truly found his sound. There is no denying that the music that transpired following would inspire Elvis fans across the globe for generations. Now, that being said, some straight bangers came out of his time in Hollywood. Even though Elvis might not have been a fan of many of them, let us celebrate for him.
With [almost] every Elvis movie comes a title track and they were, quite honestly, hit or miss. No wonder Elvis compared his time in Hollywood as a conveyer belt… But I would like to list a few songs as major bops that keep me dancing!
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? Okay maybe not the first two films, though the title songs were hits, I would not describe them as bops. Jailhouse Rock is not only a great film but a great song! For any person familiar with Elvis, they are familiar with this song. Even though I love spouting out off-the-wall Elvis songs, I love being able to connect with non-Elvis fans through mainstream. I would definitely consider Jailhouse Rock mainstream.
King Creole (1958)
Another wordy tune for the King, but man is it a good one. I can recall attempting to sing this as a child and just mumbling words. It didn’t matter what he was singing, it sure sounded good. Don’t worry, I know all the words now! Much like Jailhouse Rock, King Creole is one of Presley’s best films and this title song isn’t half bad either.
G.I. Blues (1960)
Elvis’s first film back after the army, about the army and it did not disappoint! The title song showcases Elvis’s vocal range and even if you have never served in the military, you can certainly understand his blues.
Follow That Dream (1962)
Can I be honest with you all… I cannot recall a time where I did not fall asleep watching this movie. The last time I did attempt to watch it I probably had too much wine, but still. I love Elvis and think he is wonderful, but this is not my favorite of his films. Now, that being said, the title songs is quite honestly one of my favorite Elvis songs ever! It inspired me to get through college, pursue new careers, and truly believe in myself. The movie might be a flop to me but the title song is a sure hit!
Girls Girls Girls (1962)
As a feminist, I should probably not like this song, but I cannot help myself. I will jam out loud with Elvis singing, “I’m just a red-blooded boy and I can’t stop thinking about girls.” And I am very much none of those things. If someone wanted to get me up and energized, this is definitely the one to do it! Oh, also this movie is great! (Not to mention Return to Sender is featured in this film as well and that’s a total jam!)
Viva Las Vegas (1964)
If I made this list and it did not include this song, I would have been distraught with myself. My sister bought me this movie for my birthday one year on VHS, and the tape was nearly worn down. It’s not only a great film, but the music is just top-notch. That includes the song title. I’ve only been to Vegas twice (trust me when I say that number disappoints me too) and this song never stopped playing on repeat. If this song is every playing with me around and I am not dancing, please check my temp.
Girl Happy (1965)
Quite possibly in the running to be my favorite Elvis movie, the title song brings that happiness to me each time I hear it. I have watched this movie so many times that when I hear the track alone I can pinpoint exactly where Elvis lipsynced to no words, sorry E. He’s human and another reason I love that man. When he sings, “Mama keep your daughters out of sight…” yeah this song is a true hit.
Spinout (1966)
One of my favorite moments at Disneyland was walking through Carsland with my husband and this song starts playing. I straight up lost my mind and would not stop dancing. That happens anytime I hear this song no matter where I am. It also took me probably way too long to learn this song was not about a car…
Change of Habit (1969)
This is more of a groovy jam, but it gets me dancing nonetheless. It is definitely a song that holds true today and should be shared widely with others – even with the heavy 60s tones (which I love by the way.) We could all use a change of habit at times.
This blog post did not go how I thought it would as I originally intended to write about Elvis’s struggle in Hollywood and his fight to get back into music. That being said, I think this was a much more positive twist to Elvis’s quote. Elvis was a bit of a perfectionist when it came to his music and performances so I can understand his disappointment in Hollywood. That being said, Elvis was never a disappointment to me!
Do you agree with Elvis that he lost his musical direction in Hollywood? Or was it a way for him to appreciate why he got into the business to begin with? Let us know!
Until we meet again,
TCB and TCE,
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