Introduction:
“Almost” is a poignant ballad performed by Elvis Presley for his 1969 film The Trouble with Girls (and How to Get Into It). The song was penned by the prolific songwriting duo Buddy Kaye and Ben Weisman, both of whom had extensive collaborations with Presley. Weisman, notably, holds the distinction of having written more songs for Elvis than any other composer, contributing to numerous tracks throughout Presley’s career.
The recording session for “Almost” took place on October 23, 1968, at United Artists Recorders in Hollywood. The session featured a lineup of accomplished musicians, including guitarists Jerry McGee, Morton Marker, and Robert Gibbons; bass player Max Bennett; drummers Frank Carlson and John Guerin; pianist Don Randi; clarinetist Buddy Collette; trumpeter Roy Caton; trombonist Lew McCreary; and vocalists from The Mello Men, Jack Halloran, Ronald Hicklin, and Marilyn Mason.
In the context of The Trouble with Girls, “Almost” serves as a reflective piece that underscores the film’s themes of missed opportunities and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled dreams. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and contemplation, with lines such as “We almost touched the stars, and there stood heaven, almost ours,” encapsulating the essence of the narrative.
Following its feature in the film, “Almost” was later included in the compilation album Let’s Be Friends, released in 1970. This album was part of RCA’s Camden budget series, which aimed to make Elvis’s music more accessible to a broader audience by offering previously unreleased tracks and songs that had not been widely available.
While “Almost” may not be as universally recognized as some of Presley’s other hits, it remains a testament to his versatility as an artist and his ability to convey deep emotion through his performances. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, reflecting the timeless appeal of Elvis Presley’s musical legacy.