Elvis Presley – Wild In The Country

This wasn’t just another rock and roll anthem with Presley swiveling his hips. “Wild In The Country” belonged to the burgeoning musical-drama genre. The film itself, based on the novel “The Lost Country” by Clifford Odets, explored themes of rebellion, small-town life, and artistic expression – a far cry from the lighthearted plots of Presley’s previous vehicles.

The music reflected this change. Sure, there was still that unmistakable Presley swagger in the vocals, but the instrumentation leaned more towards country and blues than the pure rock and roll of his early hits. This wasn’t a complete departure, mind you. Presley had always incorporated elements of these genres into his music, but “Wild In The Country” brought them to the forefront.

It’s important to acknowledge the creative team behind the song. The songwriting trio of Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss were no strangers to crafting pop hits. They had penned tunes for artists like Perry Como and The Platters, but “Wild In The Country” showcased their ability to adapt to a new style. The film’s producer, Hal B. Wallis, also deserves a mention. A Hollywood veteran, Wallis was known for his high-budget productions, but with “Wild In The Country” he took a chance on a more character-driven story, one that allowed Presley to stretch his acting muscles.

Now, “Wild In The Country” wasn’t a chart-topping smash. Rock and roll was still the dominant sound, and Elvis fans might have been surprised by this more introspective offering. However, the song’s influence shouldn’t be underestimated. It paved the way for Presley to explore more mature roles and showcase his acting chops in films like “Flaming Star” and “GI Blues.”

Musically, “Wild In The Country” blurred the lines between rock and roll and country. This experimentation would later be embraced by artists like Gram Parsons and Bruce Springsteen, who would create a genre known as country rock. So, while “Wild In The Country” itself might not be a household name, its legacy lives on in the evolution of American music. It’s a song that deserves a listen, not just for its connection to the King, but for its role in shaping the musical landscape of the decades that followed.