Elvis Presley – I Just Can’t Help Believin’ (1970)

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “I Just Can’t Help Believin'”. Now that’s a song that evokes a very specific time and place in American music history. Released in 1970, nestled within the album That’s the Way It Is, it stands as a testament to Presley’s enduring charisma and his ability to adapt to the ever-evolving musical landscape.

While Presley rose to fame in the 1950s with his electrifying brand of rock and roll, the late 1960s saw a shift in popular music. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were pushing the boundaries of rock, incorporating elements of blues, psychedelia, and social commentary. Presley, ever the shrewd performer, recognized this changing tide.

Enter “I Just Can’t Help Believin'”, a song written by the husband-and-wife songwriting duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Though not originally intended for Presley, the track perfectly captured a sentimentality that resonated with the King’s then-mature audience. The genre? Well, that’s a subject of some debate. Country influences weave through the melody, Presley’s signature baritone delivering the lyrics with a heartfelt conviction. But there’s an undeniable pop sensibility too, a lightness in the arrangement that keeps the song accessible to a broad range of listeners.

The production, overseen by the legendary Chips Moman, is understated yet effective. Lush strings swell behind Presley’s vocals, building to a powerful crescendo in the chorus. Yet, the arrangement never overpowers the emotional core of the song. It’s all about Presley’s voice, that instrument that could soothe or snarl with equal effectiveness. In “I Just Can’t Help Believin'”, it leans towards the soulful, conveying a powerful optimism about love and its enduring power.

The song wasn’t Presley’s biggest hit, but it proved to be a sleeper success. It became a staple of his live shows, often generating thunderous applause from the audience. Notably, a live version released as a single in the UK in 1971 climbed the charts, a testament to the song’s enduring appeal.

“I Just Can’t Help Believin'” stands as a fascinating moment in Presley’s career. It showcases his ability to adapt to changing musical tastes while staying true to his own artistic vision. It’s a song that’s both timeless and rooted in a specific era, a testament to the King’s enduring legacy and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and prepare to be swept away by the power of Presley’s belief in love and the human spirit.

Video:

Lyrics:

“I Just Can’t Help Believin'”
(from “That’s The Way It Is” soundtrack)