8 must-listen Elvis Presley songs of all time

Years since his death, Elvis Presley's impact still towers above the music scene. Universally recognized by only his given name, Presley has crossed generations, with people from all corners of the earth taking the pilgrimage to Graceland and Elvis Presley's final resting ground, his legendary Memphis mansion.

Though numerous artists have risen and fallen, Elvis Presley's body of work continues to reign supreme, with digital downloads of his old hits steadily climbing into the hundreds of millions. His legacy has not faded; if anything, the age of the digital download has breathed new life into his rock 'n' roll dominance, showing that his cultural influence remains unrivaled.

Elvis Presley promoting the movie King Creole - Source: Getty

His records, played on jukeboxes and AM radio decades ago, now discover new life in playlists and algorithmic suggestions, and such songs as Jailhouse Rock, Can't Help Falling in Love, Hound Dog, Suspicious Minds, and Heartbreak Hotel tally millions of streams.

These aren't artifacts from the past, but cultural landmarks that persist thanks to the raw emotion, catchy beat, and distinctive vocals of Presley. His face, voice, and tale are forever imprinted in the shared memory of popular culture, and every new discovery only fuels further mystery about the man who revolutionized the history of music.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

8 must-listen Elvis Presley songs of all time

Elvis Presley's record collection is full of old standards, but there are a few that are pure necessities for anyone looking to comprehend his genius and influence. Here's a list of the legend's songs of all time:

1) Always On My Mind

Over the years, numerous artists — legends Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee among them — have rendered their own interpretations of this song, but Elvis Presley's 1972 rendition stands out for its raw emotion. Captured at a time of chaos shortly after he had broken up with Priscilla Presley, his version is rawly vulnerable and evokes a strong response from listeners on a visceral level.

Later, the song showed up on his Separate Ways album, a product characterized by breakdowns and breakups. Over the decades, his performance continued to move people to make one of the most played versions, showing how he turned suffering on a personal level into eternal musical strength.

Also Read: 10 iconic The Weeknd songs that defined a generation

2) Amazing Grace

When Elvis Presley was in Nashville in the 1960s recording his sessions, he consistently gravitated toward gospel music—not just at the microphone, but also backstage. His fellow musicians remember how, after working late into the night in the studio, he would relax by getting everyone together and having unscheduled gospel sing-alongs that sometimes lasted till the early morning hours.

His strong affinity for the genre wasn't only personal, it was religious. This faith eventually came to fruition with his 1971 version of Amazing Grace recorded for the He Touched Me album, one that still resonates today. Years later, the song remains a highlight in Presley's discography, its continued popularity on streaming sites reflecting the heartache he invested in music of faith.

Also Read: Top 12 Metallica songs that defined heavy metal

3) Blue Christmas

While Blue Christmas was previously sung by other vocalists like country music icon Ernest Tubb, Elvis Presley's cut established the tune as an annual Christmas staple. His version, with its blue-infused feel and rich Jordanaires' harmonies, created a different emotional note not previously attained in the previous versions.

Rather than swiping the coveted festive happy state of affairs, Presley guided the recording of the disc with pain and yearning that cried out in identification with listeners. Decades on, nonetheless, his take on Blue Christmas shows up for a standard guest appearance on festive holiday airplay music polls worldwide, becoming one of the all-time greatest and most emotionally charged Christmas chops of all time.

Also Read: 10 Jay-Z songs that changed the rap game

4) Kentucky Rain

Unlike most of Elvis's immediate chart-toppers, Kentucky Rain made a slower climb to success. It didn't make a splashy entrance on release, but its consistent chart presence eventually led to gold certification. Instead of pursuing chart supremacy, the song derived its power from endurance and from his personal attachment to it.

On the set of Loving You - Source: Getty

He had a special liking for the song, commonly bringing it into his live performances where its narrative and emotional depth resonated well with people. It matured over time from a humble single to a beloved gem in his live set list.

Also Read: 10 Harry Styles songs every true fan knows by heart

5) All Shook Up

Written by Otis Blackwell in the first place, All Shook Up was made into a signature Elvis Presley tune when Elvis recorded it in 1957 and topped the charts shortly thereafter. With its light beat and quotably iconic lines, the spirit of early rock 'n' roll was encapsulated. Elvis's smooth voice and suave phrasing cemented it as a classic instantaneously.

Elvis Presley during the making of King Creole - Source: Getty

More than a decade later, he repeated the song during his classic 1968 NBC Comeback Special, blending it into a medley tribute to the raw strength of his earlier years. Doing so, he reminded everyone not only of his earlier successes but of the enduring popularity and power of the music that carried him to superstardom.

Also Read: 12 Linkin Park songs every fan remembers

6) Blue Suede Shoes

Though Blue Suede Shoes had been penned and originally performed by Carl Perkins, his version was overshadowed by Elvis Presley’s, which sent shock waves throughout the country when it was released in 1956.

Elvis's version was a record-breaking seller, particularly following Elvis performing the song using traditional high-energy performances on national TV, bringing the excitement to the attention of an increasingly large body of fans.

On the Set of 'King Creole' - Source: Getty

His energetic stage performance and singing power made the song a pop phenomenon instead of a mere recording. Later, Elvis revived it on screen in G.I. Blues, reviving the song and confirming its status as one of the eternal early hits.

Also Read: 12 most popular BTS songs that took the world by storm

7) Burning Love

In 1972, during his private crisis after he broke up with Priscilla, Elvis was emotionally estranged from the energetic rock hits that had earlier characterized him. Led by a penchant for sad ballads and reflective songs, he lacked initial enthusiasm for taping the aggressive, fast-paced song, Burning Love, at RCA's Hollywood studios.

It was out of his mood, and he reportedly opposed it. But the people around him, believing in the song's potential, urged him to try it. That choice would turn out to be decisive: Burning Love not only revitalized his chart position but also became one of the highlights of his concert performances, and in the process, solidified its status as the last big hit of his iconic career.

Also Read: 6 best Rihanna Met Gala looks of all time

8) In the Ghetto

Before 1969, Elvis Presley had dabbled in socially conscious material only occasionally, but the dynamics changed when he found himself drawn to a strong song written by songwriter Mac Davis. Drawn to its emotional pull and storyline, Presley decided to record the song during a Memphis recording studio session — a move that brought a new dynamic to his body of work.

Elvis Presley singing in G.I. Blues - Source: Getty

The song quickly gained popularity, resonating with fans and being an awe-inspiring concert highlight for much of his tour. Decades later, its depth was again brought forth when his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, sang over the song herself for a poignant posthumous duet.

Released in 2007, the song allowed for a haunting musical reunion, uniting father and daughter in an act that spanned generations.

Elvis's songs were more than hits, they were profound expressions of emotion that connected with people deeply. His vulnerability and raw performance made his music ageless, leaving a lasting impact on the world.