“Elvis returns to the charts in 1974 with a single featuring two standout performances”
Introduction
In 1974, Elvis Presley was in a mature stage of his career. While his years of youthful impact were behind him, he remained one of the most influential and successful figures in popular music. Within his intense recording activity of the 1970s, one highlight was the release of the double single “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby” / “Take Good Care of Her”, issued in January of that year by RCA Records.
Recording of the single
Both tracks were recorded during the December 1973 sessions at Stax Studios in Memphis, a place rich in musical history. These sessions would provide material for several Elvis albums during the mid-seventies.
- “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby” was written by Tony Joe White, famous for his swamp rock style. Elvis gave it a rhythmic and sophisticated feel, leaning toward country soul.
- “Take Good Care of Her” is a ballad written by Arthur Kent and Ed Warren, previously recorded by artists such as Adam Wade and Sonny James. In Elvis’s voice, the song took on a deeply emotional quality, showcasing his most vulnerable side.
Release and reception
The single was released in January 1974 on RCA Victor (catalog number APBO-0196 in the United States).
- “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby”, the A-side, reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #4 on the Hot Country Singles chart, reflecting Elvis’s versatility across genres.
- “Take Good Care of Her”, although the B-side, also gained radio airplay, noted for its heartfelt vocal delivery.
In the United Kingdom, the single was released in April 1974, where it had modest success, but in the U.S. it proved to be a moderate hit that kept Elvis present on the charts.
Album inclusion
Both songs were later included in the album “Good Times”, released in March 1974. This record compiled several of the Stax recordings and is often regarded as one of the underrated gems of Elvis’s 1970s output, blending ballads with touches of soul, country, and pop.
Significance in Elvis’s discography
“I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby / Take Good Care of Her” represents the artistic duality of Elvis in the seventies: on one hand, his ability to reinterpret contemporary compositions with freshness, and on the other, his gift for moving audiences with intimate ballads.
The single demonstrates how Elvis, despite criticism from the era claiming he had moved away from rebellious rock, continued to showcase interpretive quality and maintained a strong bond with his audience.
Conclusion
The release of this single in 1974 was not an international smash hit, but it reinforced Elvis Presley’s status as an artist capable of adapting to the trends of the moment without losing his unique style. Both “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby” and “Take Good Care of Her” are essential parts of his 1970s catalog and stand as a testament to the King’s vocal and emotional maturity.
Limited Edition
Access the Complete Discography of Elvis Presley in the following link of Elvis Radio 24h: https://elvisradio24h.com/tag/discography/ TCB
