Search - Elvis Presley :: Blue Hawaii

More than a Guilty Pleasure

Paul D. Langley | Northern Virginia | 07/16/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I expected listening to this CD to be similar to reading Playboy, slightly entertaining but something to put out of sight when parents and friends come over. I was wrong. This is a first rate work.



It is not "authentic hawain music", but who cares? It is entertaining, the songs are good, and Elvis turns in good performances. Blue Hawaii, Can't Help Falling in Love with you, and Rock-a-Hula baby are great songs worth repeated listening. Ito Eats is enough fun to rise above its throw away status. Several other songs have at least some staying power.



I am taking away 1 star because there are several weaker songs that you can do without. However, at the time it was accepted practice to get 2 hits on an album and fill out the rest of the album with whatever dreck you could find. It is hard to slam Elvis for following that practice.



This is not the southern ground breaking, hip shaking, fusion of rock/r&b/gospel Elvis. But it shows a maturing performer, turning in a decent set and having fun with the rest. In this over thought/all performance are political world, take a break. Pour yourself a frou-frou drink and have some fun with this CD."