Review: G.I. Blues CD


By: www.elvis.com.au
Source: www.elvis.com.au
July 6, 2008

G.I. Blues CD
G.I. Blues CD
G.I. Blues was the first Elvis movie released after his discharge from the army in 1960. It is not among my favorite three Elvis films but might make the top five or six. It sneaks up on you and provides some light and ultimately enjoyable entertainment. This romantic comedy co-starred Juliet Prowse of whom Elvis stated, 'She has a body that would make a bishop stomp his foot through a stained glass window'. Can you say attraction?

This movie and its resulting soundtrack album found Elvis leaving his rebel image behind and moving toward the mainstream. The soundtrack album, also entitled G.I. Blues, would spend two months at number one and remain on the charts for over two years. It resolved, once and for all, questions about Elvis' post military popularity. As with many of Elvis' soundtrack albums, you really need to watch the movie to understand many of the songs. G.I. Blues is a good example of this fact as many of the tracks are regulated to the category of filler when listened to out of context.

The performances from this album continued the trend toward a pure pop sound for Elvis. The title song, 'G.I. Blues' is a toe taper so to speak and finds a mature Elvis just giving a joyful performance. 'Pocketful Of Rainbows' is an upbeat song with a smooth vocal that shows off Elvis' new maturity. 'Wooden Heart' was a number one song in just about every country in the world except the United States where it was not released as a single at this time. 'Doin' The Best I Can' is a nice ballad that provides a good counterpoint to many of the up-tempo songs. Elvis records a new version of 'Blue Suede Shoes'. While I prefer the original, Elvis could not really give a bad performance of this classic rocker and it would remain a part of his live act until his death.

Elvis looks good in G.I. Blues. He is now an adult and has served his country.

He had, for better or worse, become an accepted part of the musical landscape and one of the most recognizable people in the country. G.I. Blues, the album and the film, were both solid performances by Elvis and helped him regain and continue his status as an American musical icon.

G.I. Blues - Tracklist:

Tonight Is So Right for Love
What's She Really Like
Frankfort Special
Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn)
G.I. Blues
Pocketful of Rainbows
Shoppin' Around
Big Boots
Didja' Ever
Blue Suede Shoes
Doin' the Best I Can
Tonight's All Right for Love
Big Boots (M10 take 7)
Shoppin' Around (BO take 11)
Frankfort Special (HO take 2)
Pocketful of Rainbows (MP take 27,2)
Didja' Ever (take 1)
Big Boots (M10X take 2)
What's She Really Like (GO take 7)
Doin' the Best I Can (DO take 9)

Buy Elvis Is Back CD
Buy G.I. Blues CD
Buy Elvis' Movies on DVD

Elvis Presley CD, Book and DVD Reviews Review : Roustabout Soundtrack CD - Sony Special Products 2010

© Copyright 2024 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au

This page. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/reviews/cd-review-gi-blues.shtml

No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission.


-
Elvis Presley Video Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD

Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.

This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.

The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.

Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.