Introduction:
“Let Yourself Go” is a dynamic song performed by the legendary Elvis Presley, a track that stands out for its raw energy and its association with a pivotal moment in his career. The song was first recorded by Elvis on June 21, 1967, and saw its initial release in 1968.
The song was prominently featured as part of the soundtrack for Elvis’s 1968 motion picture “Speedway”. The “Speedway” soundtrack album was released in May 1968, and “Let Yourself Go” was included as one of its tracks. In June 1968, the song was also released as the B-side to the single “Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby”. While the “Speedway” film and its soundtrack were part of the string of musical comedies Elvis made in the 1960s, “Let Yourself Go” offered a glimpse of the musical power he would unleash later that year.
Genre-wise, “Let Yourself Go” fits squarely into the Rock and Roll genre, with strong undertones of Blues and Rhythm and Blues. It features a driving rhythm, a prominent horn section, and Elvis’s powerful, almost guttural vocal delivery, showcasing a grittier sound compared to some of his more pop-oriented material from the same period. This style foreshadowed his return to more roots-oriented music.
Although the “Speedway” soundtrack itself reached number 82 on the Billboard 200 chart, “Let Yourself Go” did not achieve significant chart success as a single upon its initial release. However, its true achievement lies in its scorching performance during the taping of the “Elvis” television special, famously known as the ’68 Comeback Special. Recorded in June 1968, the raw, stripped-down performances during the “sit-down” segments of this special, including a searing rendition of “Let Yourself Go,” are widely credited with revitalizing Elvis’s career and re-establishing his credibility as a potent live performer after years focused on films. While this iconic live version was not included in the original broadcast, it was later released on various albums compiled from the special’s recordings, such as “A Legendary Performer – Volume 3”. The ’68 Comeback Special version of “Let Yourself Go” is celebrated for its intensity and is considered a highlight by fans and critics alike, demonstrating Elvis’s enduring power as a rock and roll artist and serving as a defiant declaration of his return to form.