Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “Reconsider Baby”. Now that’s a song that takes you back. Released in 1960 on the album “Elvis is Back”, it marked a turning point for the young King of Rock and Roll. While Elvis had been captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and rockabilly swagger since the mid-fifties, “Reconsider Baby” showcased a different side of the artist.
This wasn’t a song meant to incite teenage rebellion. No, “Reconsider Baby” belonged to the realm of R&B, a genre that deeply influenced Elvis from the very beginning. Here, we hear a more mature Elvis, his voice a touch deeper, delivering a heartfelt plea to a lost love. The song, originally written and performed by Lowell Fulson in 1954, became a staple in Elvis’s repertoire, both in the studio and on stage.
The story behind the recording itself is quite fascinating. “Elvis is Back” was a collection of songs recorded after Elvis’s two-year stint in the US Army. Many speculated that the time away from music, coupled with the rigid structure of military life, might have dulled his shine. “Reconsider Baby” served as a powerful rebuttal. Elvis stepped back into the studio, reunited with his longtime producer Steve Sholes, and delivered a set of electrifying performances that proved his talent remained undimmed.
The song itself is a masterclass in emotional delivery. The stripped-down instrumentation, featuring a prominent piano and a subtle percussion section, creates a space for Elvis’s vocals to truly shine. He inhabits the lyrics completely, conveying a vulnerability and longing that resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced heartache. There’s a rawness to his voice, a hint of desperation as he pleads with his lover to “Reconsider Baby”.
“Reconsider Baby” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit, but its influence on Elvis’s career and the broader landscape of American music is undeniable. It cemented his reputation as a versatile performer, capable of not just rock and roll but also soulful ballads. The song continues to be a favorite among fans and musicians alike, a testament to its timeless quality. So, if you’re looking for a glimpse of a more introspective Elvis, a side that maybe gets overshadowed by his flashier performances, then put on “Reconsider Baby” and let the King serenade you with his soulful plea for a second chance.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Reconsider Baby”
Well so long
Oh how I hate to see you go
Yes so long
Oh how I hate to see you go
Well the way that I will miss you
I guess you’ll never knowWe’ve been together so long
To have to separate this way
We’ve been together so long
To have to separate this way
Well I’m gonna let you go ahead on baby
But let you come back home some dayPlay the blues boys, play the blues
One more timeYou said you once had loved me
But now I guess you’ve changed your mind
You said you once had loved me
But now I guess you’ve changed your mind
Why don’t you reconsider baby
Give yourself just a little more time