ELVIS - Moody Blue

A look back at Elvis' Last album, released on this day, July 19th in 1977.

In 1976 Elvis conducted several recording sessions at his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee (in the famous Jungle Room).

Some of these recordings would become the 1976 album ''From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee'' which would go Gold and hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Country Chart.

Other cuts from the sessions (along with some live recordings) would eventually become the ''Moody Blue'' album, which would become notable for being the very last album that Elvis would release during his lifetime.

The Moody Blue album campaign started at the end of 1976, when the title track was released as a single.

The song Moody Blue is in upbeat number, with a lavish big chorus, catchy melody, and even a hint of disco mixed in with Elvis' late 70's countrypolitan sound. It sounds both contemporary but still ''very much Elvis.''

This is key when considering the artistic success of the song, as it would be easy for Elvis -- or any artist -- to try and chase the latest trends to try and seem relevant. Instead though, Elvis puts out a brilliant single that is ''very'' much him.

The Moody Blue single would go on to become a #1 hit on the Billboard Country Chart and a Top 40 hit on the Pop charts.

The album's second single ''Way Down'' is another album highlight. Taken from the 1976 sessions, the fast-paced rocker skyrockets as Elvis commanding voice belts out ''Way down where the music plays, Way down like a tidal wave, Way down where the fires blaze.'' The song has a great hook and a funky vibe. A definite focal point.

Released in June 1977, ''Way Down'' became another #1 hit on Billboard Country Charts and a Top 40 hit on the Pop Charts.

The rest of the album is made up of mostly grandiose maudlin ballads, such as the emotionally driven "It's Easy For You'' and the slightly cynical but brilliant ''She Thinks I Still Care.''

On tracks such as these Elvis demonstrates his greatest talent, the ability to make the listener really believe (and feel) the sentiment of the songs. His voice is full of depth, warmth, and charisma.

The stand-out ballad though is a live recording of ''Unchained Melody'', which would be a concert highlight during the 1977 tours. It is a riveting affair. Elvis' amazing performance of the song would later be praised by the BBC and included on Elvis: The Greatest Performances.

Aside from the powerful ballads, Moody Blue also offers a number of infectious pop/up-beat numbers such as ''Little Darlin'' and ''Let Me Be There'' (both recorded live).

Upon it's release, ''Moody Blue'' was selling-well and fans reception was positive. During a concert that was filmed by CBS (for an upcoming television special), one of the fans yells out a request for ''Moody Blue''... a clear sign that fans wanted to hear the new songs.

Aside from the album's success, Elvis was playing to legions of fans during his 1977 tours at sold-out arenas across the United States. Billboard Magazine would go on to rate Elvis the year's Top Grossing Concert Act.

However, the latest chart and stage success was about to be eclipsed by tragic news. On August 16th 1977, Elvis died. The news of his passing sent ''Way Down'' racing back up the charts, hitting the U.S Top 20 and #1 in the UK. Moody Blue album sales also soared, and it eventually went double-platinum in both the US and Canada.

However, despite the interest due to Elvis' death, Moody Blue represents a solid record full of catchy tracks with Elvis' unique charm and powerful ballads. It is well worth a listen beyond the morbid curiosity.