The King of Rock: The Complete 50's Masters [Box] - Presley, Elvis (CD 1992)

In 1992, RCA released a five CD box set of Elvis Presley. It contained all of his masters from the 1950s, as well as some rare interviews, outtakes, live recordings, demos and acetates. With well over a hundred songs in the box set, I am writing a separate review for each CD.

The third CD covers 1957. By this time, Elvis was the king of Rock and Roll, and was consolidating his hold on the pop charts while building his film career.

'That's When Your Heartaches Begin' would become the weakest song on his 'Golden Records' greatest hits album. The impossibly melodramatic lyrics are combined with Elvis' swooping vocals. Elvis would do all this even better in 1960 with 'Are You Lonesome Tonight'. You can laugh at the song's dubious drama, but as always he sings extremely well.

'Take My Hand Precious Lord' is a beautiful, straightforward gospel song. Elvis did not always record with commercial interests at heart.

'It is No Secret' is another gospel song, a bit more awkward this time. The Jordanaires again give him excellent vocal support.

'Blueberry Hill' is one of Elvis' most disappointing R&B covers. The drumming is indifferent, and Elvis is too loose. Fats Domino still has this one. And Ricky Nelson has Elvis beat on 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You', which again is loose and sloppy. They're still good songs, but not nearly up to par for Elvis.

'Is It So Strange' is a return to form, with the dramatic romantic lyrics often associated with Elvis. His vocal range is always impressive.

'Party', 'Cowboy', and 'Hot Dog' are from the soundtrack to Elvis' second film, 'Loving You'. They seem to have been written in about ten minutes each, and have mediocre, dubbed backing vocals. 'Party' and 'Hot Dog' are passable rockers, but 'Cowboy' is really embarrassing. Elvis even whistles.

'One Night (of Sin)' was probably not intended for release. The lyrics are racy ("One night of sin, is what I'm now paying for"). The drumming is nearly burlesque. A version with cleaned-up lyrics would be recorded a few months later. While a little different, it was just as great, and became a top ten hit single.

'Teddy Bear' was another monster pop hit. One of his most famous songs, Elvis shows off his outrageous vocal talent and makes uses of his status as a sex symbol.

'I Beg of You' has a surprising tempo change in the middle. There's great use of the Jordanaires.

'True Love' is a cover of the Bing Crosby/Gracy Kelly hit duet. It's like a lullaby, but uninspired.

'I Need You So', however, is one of Elvis' greatest songs. Elvis fell under some jazz influence about this time, and it can be heard in his fantastic vocals.

'Loving You' was the title song from his second movie. Similar to 'Love Me Tender', it was a ballad of nearly the same quality.

'When It Rains, It Really Pours' is another attempt at his old Sun session. This version isn't finished either. Elvis has forgotten some lyrics and must improvise. Scotty then walks all over Elvis' vocal.

'Jailhouse Rock' was the big number from Elvis' third film, his best. One of his hardest rocking songs, and another big #1 single.

'Young and Beautiful' is a fine ballad, with the arrangement showing more jazz influence.

'I Want to Be Free', like most songs from the film, are by Leiber and Stoller, who were two young, Jewish songwriters from New York. They regarded Elvis as an 'idiot savant', but admired his vocal arrangements and singing talent.

'Baby I Don't Care' is the weakest song from 'Jailhouse Rock', but it's still a great song. Elvis plays the bass intro. It was his best film soundtrack.

'Don't Leave Me Now' is the second version of this pleasant ballad. Elvis again shows off his fabulous voice.

The remaining eight songs are from Elvis' first Christmas album. It had standard gospel ('Silent Night', 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'), reinvented the old country standard 'Blue Christmas' as a midtempo rocker, and covered the Drifters' cover of 'White Christmas', with Elvis imitating Clyde McPhatter's vocals.

The offhanded 'Here Comes Santa Claus' and 'Santa Bring My Baby Back' has Elvis relaxed and in great voice. But the big number is 'Santa Claus is Back in Town', a great, early career blues from Elvis. The piano playing in the middle is great. 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' is a Bing Crosby standard from World War II. It has a strong jazz feel. As with the other songs from the Christmas album, it's outstanding.

Here's the breakdown by song:

95 That's When Your Heartaches Begin
96 Take My Hand Precious Lord
95 It Is No Secret
73 Blueberry Hill
81 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
95 Is It So Strange
76 Party
48 Lonesome Cowboy
73 Hot Dog
95 One Night (of Sin)
99 Teddy Bear
95 Don't Leave Me Now
94 I Beg of You
95 One Night (with You)
65 True Love
100 I Need You So
99 Loving You
95 When It Rains, It Really Pours
99 Jailhouse Rock
94 Young and Beautiful
95 I Want to be Free
94 Baby I Don't Care
96 Don't Leave Me Now
98 Blue Christmas
98 White Christmas
97 Here Comes Santa Clause
97 Silent Night
97 O Little Town of Bethlehem
98 Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me
98 Santa Clause is Back in Town
97 I'll Be Home for Christmas

Overall, 93/100, or A