Elvis Presley – Let Yourself Go

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Let Yourself Go”. Released in 1968, this track serves as a fascinating window into a particular era of Presley’s career. While the King of Rock and Roll had established himself a decade prior, the late 60s presented a unique set of circumstances. The musical landscape was undergoing a seismic shift, with the rise of psychedelic rock, soul, and a newfound focus on artistic expression.

Presley, however, found himself tethered to a different path. His management, shrewd yet perhaps a touch out of touch with the evolving scene, steered him towards a string of Hollywood films. These movies, while commercially successful, often featured formulaic plots and forgettable music. This period, often referred to as the “soundtrack era,” left many fans yearning for the raw energy and soulful vocals that had defined Presley’s earlier work.

“Let Yourself Go” emerges from this context, a song brimming with a potent energy that seems almost defiant. Produced by veteran Felton Jarvis, the track throws off the shackles of the typical soundtrack fare. The driving rhythm section, courtesy of Presley’s longtime bandmates Scotty Moore on bass and D.J. Fontana on drums, lays down a solid foundation. Al Casey’s stinging guitar work adds a layer of grit, while the backing vocals, often a hallmark of Presley’s recordings, are surprisingly restrained here.

This stripped-down approach allows “Let Yourself Go” to become a showcase for Presley’s own vocal prowess. There’s a palpable sense of frustration and yearning in his delivery, a hint of the caged tiger finally finding its voice. The opening line, a growled “C’mon baby, let yourself go,” sets the tone for the entire song. It’s an invitation, a plea to shed inhibitions and embrace the raw emotion of the music.

“Let Yourself Go” wasn’t a chart-topping smash, but for dedicated Elvis fans, it became an anthem. It represented a spark of the old fire, a reminder of the electrifying performer who had once ignited the world. The song holds historical significance, too, marking a subtle shift within Presley’s career. While he would continue to make soundtracks, there’s a newfound urgency and intensity in his vocals that suggests a growing dissatisfaction with the status quo. “Let Yourself Go” became a bridge between the youthful swagger of the early years and the soulful explorations of the 1970s. It’s a song that pulsates with a restless energy, a testament to the enduring power of the King.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Let Yourself Go”
(from “Speedway” soundtrack)