“How Elvis transformed Jerry Reed’s country tune into a spiritual gem that defined his mature artistic stage”
Introduction
A Thing Called Love stands out in Elvis Presley’s catalog as a song of deep emotion and spiritual resonance. It isn’t a high-energy rock’n’roll number but rather a heartfelt reflection on love as a divine force. Though not one of his biggest chart hits, it represents a turning point of artistic maturity in his career. Here’s a complete exploration of its background, recording, lyrics, meaning, release, and legacy.
Context and Origins
The song was written by Jerry Reed, originally as a country piece, and had been recorded by several artists before Elvis made it his own. For Elvis, it became part of his third gospel-themed studio album, He Touched Me, released in April 1972.
By this point, Elvis had already established himself as a music legend, and he was increasingly drawn to material with spiritual and emotional depth, showing a more reflective side of his artistry.
Recording: When, Where, and Who
- Recorded at RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Exact recording date: May 19, 1971.
- The He Touched Me sessions took place between March and June 1971.
- Musicians included James Burton and Chip Young on guitar, Norbert Putnam on bass, Jerry Carrigan and Kenneth Buttrey on drums.
- Background vocals were provided by The Imperials, who added a gospel depth and warmth to the recording.
The result was a polished yet intimate sound, letting Elvis’s voice shine clearly without excessive production — a hallmark of his Nashville sessions.
The Song and Its Lyrics: Analysis
The lyrics of A Thing Called Love speak of love as a transcendent, transformative power — not just romantic affection but an elemental force capable of lifting, humbling, and saving humanity.
Lines such as:
“It can lift you up, it can put you down / Take your world and turn it all around”
and
“Thank God this world will win with the thing called love”
emphasize both the fragility and the strength of love as an energy that unites all people.
Musically, the song flows at a moderate tempo, with clean guitars, warm organ tones, piano, and layered backing vocals that evoke a sense of choir and community. Elvis’s vocal delivery is restrained yet deeply emotional, reflecting his gospel roots and personal conviction.
Album Placement and Release
- A Thing Called Love was included on He Touched Me, Elvis’s 17th studio album and his third full gospel release.
- Although recorded in May 1971, it was officially released in 1972 as part of that album.
- The record earned Elvis a Grammy Award, solidifying his standing as a credible gospel performer and not just the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
This period demonstrated Elvis’s artistic versatility and his sincere connection to sacred and spiritual music.
Importance in Elvis’s Career
A Thing Called Love represents several key elements in Elvis’s later career:
- A reaffirmation of his commitment to meaningful, personal music rather than purely commercial hits.
- A showcase of his vocal maturity and emotional control.
- A bridge between popular and sacred traditions, merging country, gospel, and pop influences.
- A reminder that Elvis’s greatness extended beyond his early rock years — into realms of profound faith and feeling.
Though not as globally famous as Can’t Help Falling in Love or Suspicious Minds, this song captures his introspective side and demonstrates his unique ability to bring warmth and soul to every genre he touched.
Curiosities and Background Notes
- Elvis recorded A Thing Called Love during the same Nashville sessions that produced other spiritual tracks such as Seeing Is Believing and It’s Still Here.
- His vocal tone in this era had matured — deeper, richer, and more resonant — a sign of emotional growth and artistic refinement.
- For dedicated fans, the song remains a hidden gem within his catalog, often celebrated for its sincerity and heartfelt delivery rather than chart success.
Conclusion
A Thing Called Love is far more than a gospel track; it’s a testament to Elvis Presley’s depth as an interpreter and his ability to give a universal message of hope and compassion through music. Recorded on May 19, 1971, it encapsulates a moment of calm faith in the King’s stormy, legendary career.
For any Elvis Presley fan site, this song deserves recognition not just as a part of his discography but as a reflection of his soul — the voice of a man who truly understood that love, in all its forms, is the greatest power of all.
Access all of Elvis Presley’s songs at the following link: https://elvisradio24h.com/category/elvis-songs/
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