Search - Elvis Presley :: Promised Land

Great '70s Elvis!

David L. Backe | Chula Vista, CA | 04/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an extremely underrated album, as were many of The King's releases from this era. There's country, and rock and roll, and even a little funk with "Talk In Your Sleep." Elvis is in fine form vocally, and the album is pretty well produced as well. I hope that maybe someday there will be new releases of these albums that are remastered and maybe with some musical or other enhancements to bring it up a notch. Unfortunately, many of Elvis' albums from the '70s were shoddily produced and thrown together without much care or thought at all. This was the Colonel at his worst. Another complaint is the cover. Just about every cover from the '70s had some kind of concert photo, and they looked very generic. Another suggestion would be to re-release these albums with covers that have the quality and imagination that would make even Elvis proud. It could be a way of re-introducing The King to a whole new fan base. Either way, this is still a solid album and an excellent addition to anyone's Elvis collection. Buy it!"

Presley at his best, and never sang more sincerely

Christopher Hattaway | Columbus, GA USA | 07/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One writer wrote a negative review that was obviously just not an Elvis fan. This was about the time sadly things in Elvis' personal life was getting worse his Divorce, his health ect., listening to this record you can tell this by his choice of songs mostly sad ballads, he never sang with more heart and emotion or with a stronger voice and is probably one of Elvis' best release of the 70's. In the song Help Me you can feel him singing and pleading with god for guidance. If your an Elvis fan or just a fan of good music this is an essential for you to own. Also the Rocker Promised Land the first song on the CD is great to. This is a must Have."

Elvis at his 70's best

Ron | Tacoma, WA | 03/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite Elvis album of the 70's. It kicks off with a rockin' rendition of the Chuck Berry hit "Promised Land". Elvis is at his natural best here, with a song that speaks to his personal experience. James Burton contributes some smokin' guitar solos, while drummer Ronnie Tutt anchors the locomotive rhythm section. "There's a Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In)" is a country ballad, but Elvis sings it with the passion of a southern soul singer. "Help Me", written by country star Larry Gatlin, is contemporary gospel, and once again Elvis sings it with passion, the words obviously having special meaning for him at this time in his life. "Mr. Songman" follows at similar tempo, written by one of Elvis' backup singers, Donnie Sumner of Voice. "Love Song of the Year" is a sad, slow song, but once again Elvis is in excellent voice. "It's Midnight" is downright despondent, and Elvis' singing aches with the pain of his loneliness. The understated backing of his TCB band really enhances the performance. 'Your Love's Been a Long Time Coming" wipes away the gloom, with the glow of newfound love, another invigorated performance. The funky "If You Talk in Your Sleep" changes the mood once again, the TCB band is at their best here, and the string and horn arrangement adds to the feeling of danger and foreboding. "Thinking About You" is much lighter, Elvis finally putting some past memories behind him. The closing track, Waylon Jennings' "You Asked Me To", is carefree and fun, just a straight country tune, with some more nice picking from James Burton. These tracks represent the best of Elvis' '73 Stax sessions. He would only enter a studio proper once after this. "Promised Land" was one of his biggest selling singles of the 70's (#14 in winter 74/75), "If You Talk in Your Sleep" also made the top 20, and the album went all the way to #1 on the country albums chart. This CD is proof that Elvis still had "it" long after the critics had written him off."