Introduction:
Not all of Elvis Presley’s music was about energetic rock and roll beats and shaking hips. While those elements certainly fueled his meteoric rise to fame, Presley also possessed a remarkable ability to deliver soulful ballads. “Reconsider Baby”, released in 1960 on the album “Elvis Is Back”, exemplifies this talent.
The song itself wasn’t a Presley original. Lowell Fulson, a blues singer and songwriter, penned “Reconsider Baby” in 1954. Fulson’s version, a West Coast blues with a driving rhythm and memorable lyrics, became his first hit for Chess Records. However, Presley’s rendition took the song in a new direction.
Producer Steve Sholes oversaw the recording session on April 3, 1960. Presley was backed by his usual bandmates: Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums. The Jordanaires provided backing vocals, adding a layer of sophistication to the performance.
While Presley’s version of “Reconsider Baby” retains the bluesy feel of the original, it leans more towards a rock and roll ballad. The tempo is slower, allowing Presley’s vocals to take center stage. He delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of longing and vulnerability, portraying a man desperate to win back a lost love.
“Reconsider Baby” was a commercial success. It reached number two on the Billboard Pop Chart, making it one of Presley’s most successful singles on that chart. However, it found even greater favor on the Country charts, becoming Presley’s ninth number-one hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. This dual success reflected Presley’s ability to bridge genres and connect with a wide range of audiences.
The enduring legacy of “Reconsider Baby” lies in its emotional honesty. The song’s themes of heartbreak, regret, and the desperate hope for reconciliation resonate with listeners even today. Presley’s heartfelt performance cements the song’s place as a gem within his vast catalog, showcasing a side of the King of Rock and Roll that was both powerful and poignant.
Video:
Lyrics:
Well, so longOh, how I hate to see you goYes, so longOh, how I hate to see you goWell, the way that I will miss youWell, I guess you’ll never know
We’ve been together so longTo have to separate this wayWe’ve been together so longTo have to separate this wayWell, I’m gonna let you go ahead on, babyBut let you come back home some day
Play the blues boys, play the blues
Yeah, one more time
You say you once had loved meBut now I guess you’ve changed your mindYou said you once had loved meBut now I guess you’ve changed your mindWhy don’t you reconsider, baby?Give yourself just a little more time, oh yeah