Introduction:
In 1968, the cultural landscape of music was undergoing a seismic shift. Rock and roll, the genre that Elvis Presley had helped to ignite a decade earlier, was facing a new generation of artists and sounds. While still a massive star, Presley’s career trajectory had taken a turn towards commercially-focused Hollywood films and soundtrack releases. This trend, while financially successful, had distanced him from the raw energy and innovation that initially propelled him to stardom.
Enter “Let Yourself Go,” a song featured in Presley’s 1968 film “Speedway.” Though not written by Presley himself (the credit goes to Joy Byers), the track served as a pivotal moment in his career, marking a return to his musical roots and a conscious effort to re-engage with the evolving sounds of the late 1960s.
Produced by Felton Jarvis, a close collaborator of Presley’s throughout his career, “Let Yourself Go” sheds the saccharine pop veneer of many of his previous film soundtracks. Instead, it embraces a more soulful and bluesy groove, driven by a pulsating rhythm section and punctuated by the iconic backing vocals of The Jordanaires. Presley’s vocal delivery is electrifying, showcasing a newfound grit and urgency that had been absent from much of his recent work.
While not a chart-topping smash hit, “Let Yourself Go” was met with positive reception from critics, who noted its return to the raw power and emotion that characterized Presley’s early career. It also resonated with a portion of his fanbase who had felt disconnected from his recent musical direction. Notably, “Let Yourself Go” served as a stepping stone for Presley’s legendary “’68 Comeback Special” later that year, a landmark television event that marked his triumphant return to live performance and a renewed commitment to his musical legacy.
Therefore, analyzing “Let Yourself Go” goes beyond simply understanding its position as a film soundtrack song. It represents a crucial turning point in Presley’s career, a conscious effort to shed the constraints of commercial expectations and reconnect with his musical identity in the face of a rapidly changing musical landscape. It is a testament to his enduring talent and adaptability, and a reminder of the electrifying power he possessed as a performer.